Sometimes your body doesn't need to push harder

Most of us have been taught that when a movement feels difficult, we need to try harder.

Push more. Stretch more. Strengthen more.

But sometimes your body isn’t asking for more effort.

Sometimes your brain needs different information.

Your Brain Is Part of Every Movement

Your brain uses information from your eyes, inner ear, joints, muscles and feet to decide whether a movement feels safe.

When that information isn’t clear, your brain may limit your strength, mobility or stability.

That doesn’t necessarily mean anything is wrong. It may simply mean your nervous system needs a different input before you ask your body to perform the movement again.

The squat is a great example.

We need the ability to squat to sit down, stand up, get closer to the floor and lift things safely. It is one of the most practical movements we can train.

But if squatting feels tight or unstable, pushing harder may not be the best first step.

Try This Test and Retest

Begin with one comfortable squat.

Notice:

• How low can you go?

• Do you feel balanced?

• Does the movement feel smooth or restricted?

  
  

Then try these two drills:

Saccule bouncing: Hold a sturdy chair or counter if needed. Gently bounce through your heels 10–15 times, keeping the movement small and comfortable.

Ankle tilts: Slowly shift forward and backward at your ankles, followed by a few gentle shifts from side to side.

Now repeat your squat.

Does it feel deeper, smoother or more stable?

It may—or it may not. Every nervous system is different, which is why I test and retest instead of assuming that the same drill will work for everyone.

Train for the Life You Want to Live

This is what I mean by Train & Transfer.

We aren’t practicing squats just to become better at squats.

We’re training so we can get out of a chair, lift a grandchild, work in the yard and get down on the floor—and confidently stand back up.

The purpose of training isn’t simply to finish a workout.

It’s to build a body that supports the life you want to live.

If a movement is difficult, you may not need to push harder.

Your brain may simply need better information.

What we train today transfers into how we live tomorrow.

And you don’t need to wait until January 1 to begin.

Finish Strong is coming soon—a personalized coaching experience for women ready to take care of themselves through the busyness of real life and finish the year stronger than they started.