After I went to put the weights back, I noticed that I had grabbed two different sized weights! The number of the weight had fallen off and they had been put back in the wrong place. Because I didn’t realize, I didn’t think anything about it, my body compensated and I lifted both as if they were the same size. I got lucky, but it just goes to show you how important “mind over matter” truly is.

@ Richard – that’s a great movie, and a fantastic scene. I love how his kid backs up further and further away with each rep.

@Jeffrey interesting idea. I know this is an extreme case, but a friend of mine had a seizure a few years back, and it took something like 6 or 7 EMTs and Firefighters to hold him down. He woke up the next day wondering why all of his muscles were so sore, not realizing what he had gone through or how much strength he had produced. Eventually some Buddhist monk or mad scientist will find a way to safely tap into this hidden strength within us and then we’re all screwed! (not really, but gives you something to think about).

Thanks for the post Chris!

-Steve

Regarding the weight, when I started that regimen, I began working with 20lb dumbbells. By the time I was lifting the 35′s I was about 60 days in. But I was also working several other freeweight moves and intense calisthenics in the routine. So I definitely worked up to it.

I am still impressed by anybody who does curls with ~15KG bells.

To be honest, I have a new set of roadblocks to deal with not related to sport, but I’m crafting a post for Josh, so I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag.
The main point is that when people are healthy, working through roadblocks makes for good training when other ‘stuff’ comes our way. It builds our ‘toolbox’, per se.

What you are doing is a very valuable thing; don’t stop. Keep going! And, keep up the great work spreading your ideals. You are a gift to others.

You pegged it. Our mental roadblocks actually flat out keep us from doing certain things altogether. They can be absolute holdbacks. Thanks for pointing that out.

I enjoyed this post. I am not all that experienced with the KBs, but for a couple of workouts. They are awesome!

My experience with self-imposed limitations come from competing in 1/2 Ironman triathlons, marathons, distance road biking, open water swimming, and other endurance sports.

It constantly amazes me how much of what we don’t do (both physically and mentally/emotionally) is because of mental roadblocks. I enjoyed hearing about this same experience of yours via KBs. Thanks for spreading the word with your post.

…you’ll probably surprise the hell out of yourself like I did.
Amen to that, brother.

Thanks for sharing that!

@Matt
An excellent point about true ability becoming apparent when the brain is working in concert with the rest of the physical body.

Then we go and get in our own way!