What results do you demand of your physical training?

A friend broke up his physical training regime with play in the local kickball league and scored a wife. We have expectations for anything we invest our lives into, and our training is no exception. Be it general fitness to stave off a heart attack, fit into the wedding tux or have broad shoulders for the girlfriend to rest her head upon, these are the motivations that get our butts off the couch.

Your training plan is not a one-way transaction. Articulating what expectations you have of your training is necessary; otherwise, you won't know if you are getting proper results. A lovely bonus to physical training is that as you pursue one benefit, hard work delivers many other perks for free.

The Mayo Clinic outlines seven benefits of regular physical activity, and two include performance in bed, both sex, and sleep. It is a safe bet that most readers would enjoy a performance boost in both categories.

Tony Robbins recently mentioned during a Tim Ferriss podcast that he would use exercise to reset his mind and jumpstart his creativity when he is mentally stuck.

The community that emerges from any particular activity adds to the joy of doing the activity. The camaraderie and encouragement are a huge help to both you and the tribe.

I am playing the long game. The lifestyle disparity between those who have had an active life and those that haven't is significant. Given the option, I choose to be healthy enough to do full squats and move how I desire until I am dead. 

The inquiry comes back to a proper definition of requirements. What do you want in return for your effort? If the training does not deliver, change. 

Going Further: How did you decide on your current training routine? Is it getting the results you expected and if not, is it you or the routine that is falling short? Do you like the principles and people that make up the community? What training result surprised you? Where have you seen the greatest gains? What training do you want to try? What question was missed?

Who's physical prowess inspires you?

Their posters covered your bedroom walls, and you would snap up any magazine that had an article. The time spent replaying the YouTube clips, and a quick check of your phone background is further evidence that these people inspire you. The first guy to catch my imagination was Lou Ferrigno as the Incredible Hulk; I couldn't imagine that a real man was that size.

Jordan's dunks, Pele's footwork, Tiger's golf, Ali's blurring speed, Tony's skateboarding, Venus and Serena's tennis, Babe's home runs, or Jerry's gridiron speed. These are many of the first faces that come to mind as we reflect on those that have spent the required thousands of hours to become experts in their craft and hone their bodies to achieve astounding results.

Much closer to home people that are doing amazing physical feats each day, much closer to home. Ask, the marathon running co-worker how training is progressing toward her next race, the wounded warrior about his next Crossfit Fran PR, or the neighbor about her yoga pose proficiency. Check with the guy at church, about his next Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belt test, or the beast with python arms buying baby diapers in the checkout line ahead of you.

Sports Illustrated covers and Wheaties boxes are great places to start looking for inspiration, but don't limit your sources. The face time with these local examples will give your physical preparations a shot of inspiration, and besides, they probably won't charge for an autograph. Ask questions, deliver encouragement, and always bring a Sharpie.

Going Further: What are the world famous names that have had an impact on your physical training? Who are the locals that have inspired your training? Have you ever interacted with them and expressed your admiration? How did that come about? Who can you learn from locally?

Writing soundtrack: crickets, not the band. You know, the chirpy critters that come out at night.

What is your physical training practice?

I shudder to imagine the physical issues today's children will have when they are aged. At increasingly younger ages, youth spends their time with chins pressed to chests, heads hanging forward staring into a glowing smartphone screen. Text neck and eye strain will be a sad legacy to pass on to the next generation.

Those beyond college, think they are better off since they don't spend as many minutes staring at the phone. However, living in a cubicle, hunched over a laptop, commutes, chores, and finishing the day on the couch, doesn't set us up any better.

My physical training practice leaves room for improvement, but I shout an internal "kudos" anytime I see someone running, playing a sport or just moving with intention. In Becoming a Supple Leopard, Dr. Kelly Starrett describes the physical capability goal as "having the motor-control and the range-of-motion to perform any physical feat at any time." Our modern lifestyle seeks to make life easier, and as a result, conspires to cripple the human body.

As living beings, activity and movement are part of our DNA and contributes to overall health. What is your practice to achieve Dr. Starrett's definition of physical capability? What benefits do you realize as a result of your investment of time and energy? How has this changed over the years?

Writing soundtrack: @amandapalmer @respektor