On a mentorship call last week, one of my peers, a physical therapist overseas, asked the group: “What does strength actually mean to you? How do you each define it in each of your environments?”
For him and the patients he treats, many of whom have experienced significant injuries and trauma, strength is the ability to have control over your body.
That got me thinking…
When most people say they want to get stronger, they usually mean they want to lift more weight.
That’s certainly part of it.
At ELEVATE, strength is about much more than lifting heavier weights.
It’s building the physical capacity to handle life.
It’s being strong enough to produce force, powerful enough to move quickly, capable of controlling your body, resilient enough to keep going, and skilled enough to use all of it well.
It’s carrying your kids, groceries, luggage, or something heavy around the house.
It’s hiking the mountain, skiing a challenging trail, competing in a basketball or soccer league, or playing with your kids without your body being the limiting factor.
It’s being able to slow yourself down when you lose your balance, react when something unexpected happens, and keep going when an activity takes longer than planned.
Strength means having options.
It means being more capable.
That’s why we call it “Useful Strength.”
Of course, we want to see the numbers on your training card or strength journal increase. That’s part of the fun of training.
But we’re interested in more than what looks good in the gym.
We want to build strength that travels with you.
Strength that helps you lead at work, show up for your family, and continue doing the activities you enjoy for decades.
With strength comes confidence – the confidence that comes from knowing your body can handle what you encounter and that you’re ready for the challenge.
Strength isn’t the destination.
Strength is what gives you the capacity to live your life.