Dooley Noted: 12/8/2015
I remember when a single pull-up took every ounce of intensity I could muster.
Now, pull-ups are so wired that my intensity is not dialed up until the later rep range.
I get the question often: “How do I know how much intensity to use?”
If intensity is a mixture of tension generation and velocity, then acceleration must exist on two axes. And that means there’s a dial for it.
Some of my best training sessions have been at a moderate intensity, where I was able to feel myself move and know that I only needed to generate the intensity that was needed at that moment.
Once does not have to hardstyle her life.
One can utilize her intensity dial.
Maybe you’re trying to achieve a skill, so the intensity dial must go up at that moment.
Maybe you’ve already achieved a skill, so the intensity dial can come down.
This is true for lifting kettlebells to barbells.to your own bodyweight.
This is also true about relationships, from romantic to work to family.
As a naturally intense individual, I have absolutely blown relationships due to my high level of intensity. I just couldn’t dial it down and tune in to the need at hand.
As an athlete, I’ve seen myself injured by putting forth too much intensity when it wasn’t needed, or not enough intensity when and where I needed it the most.
The key is to learn how to dial the intensity for the task at hand,
understanding that your efforts must be modulated.
Perhaps getting off the ground from a half kneeling position is intense for you. You may have to dial it up.
For some people, a 500-pound deadlift might be easy. They’re only going to use the amount of the intensity they need to exhibit the task. But for another person, they may need maximal intensity to be able to lift the weight from the ground.
Learning how to dial intensity unlocks intrinsic strength in every aspect of life.
As you start to feel its efficacy, you can dial up and down the intensity of every approach you take in life.
And that’s when you get really strong in body and in mind.
I hope you dial in – and dial the intensity accordingly.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley
