As my workout extends itself, a visible measure of intensity and effort is the sweat on my shirt. If it is light with almost visible sweat, one knows the workout was casual. On the other hand, if the shirt is wet and dark then the workout was intense. In the extreme, if sweat is dripping with wet and dark shorts, there is no question that the time spent was hard, intense, and consistent.
There is no automatic, easy way to push up the intensity. Looking back over the past few months, there are two recurring themes. Both are rallying cries that remind me of my aspirations. I aspire to be more flexible and fit. In working with others to ensure that I am making progress on this, I have listened to a repeating question. Do you want to take it to the next level or are you satisfied.
Being satisfied feels great. Emotional tags with this include being comfortable, relaxed, and peace. My aspirations mean that I should not be satisfied with what is. I want more. When I am tired, am I willing to take things to the next level? As pain creeps into the moves, good pain not bad, am I willing to take things to the next level? In every moment, in a whisper and at times a scream, am I willing to take my workout to a higher, more intense, level?
The second theme lies in answering the question. It is hard to keep saying yes. A large part of me wants to be satisfied. I want to reach my goals and relax. There is a natural drive within me that is goal centric.
The rallying cry reminds me that my goal of goals is the process of working out, not the destination. It is never about the numbers, it is about the effort. To reach my goal, every part of me needs to be involved. I need to model the psalmist’s cry, “You heavens, praise him; praise him, earth; also ocean and all things that swim in it.” (Psalm 69.34)
