Practice

I really like words.  Not 'word of the day' stuff where you try to wow your friends with obscure vocabulary.  More like asking why we use certain words to describe particular things.  Or why one person uses one word for an action and another uses something entirely different.  As an aside, a great recent movie about language (and aliens) is Arrival.  Go watch it.  Now.  This post will be here when you get back.

Practice vs. Working Out

Yoga folks sometimes say they have a practice.  Musicians and actors rehearse. When it comes to fitness, the term gets a little strange and we typically say we are 'working out.'  The term working out lends itself to the idea that we are attempting to make ourselves tired.  That is the main goal:  fatigue. Throw in soreness, sweat, maybe a little vomit if you are a CrossFitter and voila-mission accomplished.

The word practice, on the other hand, is defined by Merriam Webster as "to perform or work at repeatedly so as to become proficient."  The goal is proficiency.  Not a feeling of fatigue.  The idea is to become just a bit better or, as the Japanese say, kaizen.  Other characteristics of practice include:

• It is intentional.  
• It is focused.
• It is process oriented (as opposed to focused on "getting it over with").
• It values quality over quantity.
• It is not hurried (which is not to say it is not fast if you are attempting to improve speed).  

What would happen if we started to see activities normally relegated to the 'working out' category as movements we can practice?  Maybe we no longer run or do burpees or lift weights to acquire a certain level of fatigue or to assuage our guilt for eating a cookie but, instead, use these movements and tools as elements of a broader physical practice that seeks to improve our level of proficiency in moving our bodies?  My contention is we would be no less strong, mobile, fast or enduring.  All this just from changing the word and the accompanying mindset.

This change of perspective represents a shift we made at TPG a few years ago and one that teachers like Pavel Tsatsouline have long recommended.  For our school, it has resulted in fitter, more competent people than the working out approach.  There is simply no contest.

Here are a few ways to begin to shift to the practice mindset:

• Create a line of demarcation between the outside world and what you are about to do at the beginning of the session.  Sit or lie down on the floor for a few minutes and assess how your body feels that day.  Go through a joint mobility routine.  Do something slow and maybe repetitive to simply let your mind know you are out of traffic, the office, etc. and this time is devoted to your physical practice.  This is one of the reasons we do a breathing exercise before the prep movements in a session at TPG. 
• Carefully prepare your space and equipment.  Set your barbell up with awareness of who and what is around you.  Double knot your shoes.  Create a habit of attention to detail in every aspect of your preparation.
• Focus on quality.  If your position or technical execution begins to fall apart, take a step back and regain technical control.  This could mean stopping for a few moments.  It could mean taking weight off the bar or reducing reps.  Re-establish control and then continue your practice session.
• Bring awareness to the experience.  Observe your breathing, how your muscles feel, the feeling of the barbell in your hand, your foot on the ground or your body flying through the air. Simply be present with your experience.  
• Enjoy it!  Sure, some practice sessions will induce discomfort.  That's ok and sometimes part of the process.  Just be grateful God gave you the ability to move and enjoy the practice. 

For your viewing pleasure, here are TPG students Fr. Brad and Drake practicing thrusters and pull-ups.  Speed with control and intention in every movement and a great example of practice.