We all have those days when the weights feel extra heavy. When the body aches and the mind doesn't feel like the fight necessary to get it done. So what do you do? Do you pack it up? Lighten the workload? Or do you reach down, grip the bar a little tighter, and get it done? I don't think much of the instinctive training principle of doing whatever you feel like in the gym. I imagine that the guys standing by the water cooler, talking non-sense, and staring at the pretty ladies are doing exactly what most would do if they only did what they feel. I go to the gym with a plan and my mission to get it done regardless of how I feel. 

Don't take this too far. Of course you still need to listen to your body. It is better to skip a workout than to injure yourself. Knowing when to push forward and when to pull back is an invaluable skill that can be learned. Back to the original question. I noticed too things that I do that has helped me get through these types of workouts. First, I stop myself from thinking about what I still have to do. When the last set pretty much wiped you out, the last thing you want to do is to start thinking about the four remaining sets on your agenda. Focus on the one set you are doing only. Don't suffer the others before their time.

The second thing I noticed with my daily grind today, is that I get louder. I'm naturally a grunt and growlier. I try to be considerate, and keep it to a minimum. When the workout is busting my butt though, I get louder. I really do think it helps. I know that it may be annoying to everyone else. Sorry. I hope you brought your headphones.

Next time you find you need a little extra...grunt it out! I'm real curious if this works for anyone else.

Daily Grind Thursday February 21, 2013

My morning ritual made me tired this morning. That's not a good sign. Usually my morning ritual leaves me energized and ready to get my daily grind on. When it doesn't...I get loud.

Warm-up

--Standing Drills #2

--Ropa Dope 10 Spot

--Indian Club 10 Spot

Superset

--Squats 165 pounds for 5 sets of 10 reps

--Cross bench dumbbell pullover 50 pounds for 5 sets of 10 reps

Concept 2 Rowing Machine, goal was to do 7,000 meters in 30 minutes. Took all I had to get the 7K in 31 minutes.

Tai Chi for about 10 minutes

Workout Quality: A2. It hurt just to walk out to the car, but I got it done.