Attempting to be great at all things physical, most participants fail. Only those with the greatest genetic potential and tolerance for such intensity prevail. The trickle-down effect from this attitude is a change in perspective. Instead of exercising to improve health and fitness, merely completing an impossibly difficult workout is the goal.

However, if we face a stressful situation, your brain may think it needs to protect itself from danger. It will simplify all systems. All nonessential systems will turn off to conserve resources as the body readies for defense against the perceived threat.

Our brains are a gift from your primitive ancestors. Our ancestors experienced a variety of environments, and as they adapted to them, their brains changed too. The newest part of your brain, the cortex, makes us human and puts us at the top of Earth’s hierarchy. Instead of discarding older parts, the newest parts are merely stacked on top of what

You only have control over you. No one thinks like you do, and no one has the experiences that you do. How you got to where you are now is different from everyone else. You will progress at your own rate, and in that regard, we are all different. Comparisons to others are unnecessary and unproductive. Keep the focus on what you can control…

We still have the same caveman brain of your primitive ancestors. Our caveman brain protects us against threats and assures our survival. Primitive stressors were distinct and overt followed by periods of rest and recovery. Modern lifestyles exist in a world of chronic stress that promotes a perpetual state of “flight or fight.” This chronic

Whereas in the past the goal was “more muscle is better,” now the goal has become more “intensity is better.” This evolution has not demonstrated an enhancement of long-term health, and the expectations of the naïve fitness public’s expectations remain based on unrealistic expectations.

Working to our daily maximum, whether it be with our job or your workouts, results in wear and tear on your internal systems, joints, and muscles. Learn how manage intensity. Use it to your advantage. You will eventually reduce or even alleviate painful conditions and have greater success in achieving a healthy and better body.

As I write this I have just passed my 51st birthday. I’m also in the second-best shape of my life (it’s hard to beat my early 20’s). This is after multiple joint surgeries and periods of discomfort associated with the remnants of a misspent youth of collegiate sports and 30 years of heavy strength training. That gives you, the 40-something, as much

Healthy bodies alternate and shift resources Stress simplifies the body for safety Stress can reduce our ability to move well We have common human stress patterns