"Strong is why we are here." This is what Coach Mark Rippetoe said
to a group at the Basic Barbell Certification. I assumed that was
obvious to the room of 30 people that shelled out $600 to learn how to
lift barbells. Obviously, we are here to get stronger. However, upon
further reflection I uncovered a deeper, more profound meaning to what
Rip had said. If you believe the Theory of Evolution,
then you must believe that our ancestors were the strongest and fittest
among their peers. Thus each successive generation inherits the good,
strong genes from the previous generation as the weak ones are weeded
out. The phrases "only the strong survive" and "survival of the
fittest" simplify this concept nicely.

I know from riding the subways here in New York City, it is near impossible to believe that this is
the genetic cream of the crop. However, let us assume that the Theory
of Evolution is true and that deep within each of us lies
potential--great genetic potential. Realizing potential is a concept
that most people do not appreciate. Scientists have supposedly
discovered genes for lots of traits but they also tell us these genes
may or may not be expressed due to environmental stimuli. This is
referred to as the Genotype-Phenotype Distinction.
For example, we may have a gene that pre-disposes us for alcoholism but
it will never express itself if we never take a drink. Our strength
genes often work the same way: they need some environmental stimuli in
the form of hard work to get them going.

I,
personally, have only recently come to understand the importance of
strength. For years, I never considered it and then when I did consider
it I fell into the misconceptions that many people have about strength.
It was not until recently that I really started to understand and
appreciate the value of strength. In every situation I can think of,
being strong is better than being weak. This will always be true.

My
athletic journey began in my late twenties after my intellectual
training was completed at law school. I found Brazilian jiu-jitsu and
yoga: two physical practices that place a premium on technique over
brute strength. These practices use colorful euphemisms like "flow" and
"balance" to discourage people from muscling their way through. Then I
found CrossFit and then I found Coach Rip and the importance of
strength was brought to my attention and many of the myths about
strength were discredited. Any reason that you can give for not wanting
(or needing) to be strong can be dismissed as an excuse for not wanting
to do the hard work. Period.

Getting
strong is simple. "Simple" meaning the idea of progressive overload is
a concept that can be understood by a second grader. However, "simple"
does not mean "easy." It takes hard work to become strong. Fortunately,
we do not desire to be people that shy away from hard work nor do we
care to associate with those people. My friend recently said to me
"what intimidates some inspires others." I seek the company of those
that seek inspiration and choose to inspire others. Those of us that
seek to improve ourselves and our lives, revel in challenges and the
rewards that come from overcoming those challenges. Strength is the
jewel of our genetic inheritance. Every minute that we spend trying to
get stronger brings us closer to our birthright--to realizing our
potential. Hard work turns on the good genes that our ancestors passed
along to us. People that choose to make themselves stronger witness
changes that transcend the mere physical. Watching people grow in
confidence as they grow stronger is one of the great rewards of being a
coach. Many people wax philosophic about why they were put on this
Earth. The answer might be as simple as "strong is why we are here."

What do you think about strength? Please leave a comment.