First off, no I am not talking about being rude or loud in the gym. Please respect the fact that there are other people trying to workout. This might be their one hour a day that they get the opportunity to workout out. It goes without saying, no profanity. Swearing does not lead to acceptance, but only makes you look arrogant. If a swear word does slip, be an adult and apologize. If you are someone who got angry by me saying that, good, now listen to how you can use it towards an epic training session.
The anger I am talking about is silent, and leads to heightened focus and intensity. You might have used this freak force of nature at one point or another and didn’t even realize it. Your mouth is shut, eyes are wide open, and your mental chatter is calmed down to a single train of thought “intensity.” If you are gripping a weight, you swear the bar will melt in your hand if you squeeze any harder. You breathing is completely under control and timed to perfection on every rep. For you, time is starting to slow down, as you invite your inner animal out of its cage.
Anger, when used correctly, will push you through barriers. Specificly the pain barrierer and your self sabatoging talk. During these moments you not only accept discomfort, but actually seek it, as if you feel you deserve it. You will get out of your own way, and lift in the present moment. Getting past these two limiting factors is truly something I believe unlocks peoples full potential.
With such a powerful emotion, the most important task is controling it. Anger can get the best of you and cause and outword expression unfavorable to you and those around you. Again, there is no need to yell, scream, or tell the weights how much you “F@*King rule” them. Put your headphones on, focus on the subtle details of each exercise, and let lose the wrath of _____ on your training. In my opinion, the most important peice of controling this emotion is actually after your done using it. Once the sweat has hit the floor and your muscles torched, have some form of an “off switch.” For me, I will find a quite space and do some stretching along with meditation. I will remind myself that whatever just happened is no longer around, and now is the time to be the kind and compassionate person that I am.
In closing, would I recommend using anger for every lift? No, not every lift, but if the right time arises, give it a try. Remember, and be aware of the need to control this powerful emotion. Focus with the utmost intensity, seek those barriers, and punch them square in the nose (not literally).
HoWEtrain 