Strong bodies, open minds

Jon Carlock

My wife calls them mini obsessions. I’m always diving into some new pursuit, developing as much learning and understanding as I can. Then something else will capture me, and I will explore something new. In John Popper’s song Growing in Dirt, he sings the lyrics “I can master most any simple game,” and I can relate to that sentiment. This thirst for knowledge has brought me much happiness and passion over the years, and has informed the way I view the training process. As I experiment with this or that, I’m constantly faced with all that I don’t know.

The heart of a learner

My father always said that being humble means being as great as you are but recognizing that there’s always something better out there. When it comes to training, maintaining a learner’s stance is as important as proper physical form. I gained a vital scientific understanding of the body through my Masters in exercise physiology, and Graduate Assistant (GA) position in a biomechanics lab. But the true development in my profession came from the hands-on experiences I sought out on my own.

I’ve been fortunate to have had exposure to a broad spectrum of high-level educators and coaches from diverse backgrounds over the years. Some had a broad understanding of many things, others specialized in a specific skill. Yet they all taught me about the importance of maintaining a discerning eye and an open mind when it comes to honing my craft as a coach and athlete.

Think like a warrior, train like a warrior

Open any fitness magazine today and you’ll be met with an array of options for exercise ideas. Some of theses programs are indeed founded on scientific validity, but it can be difficult to discern fact from fiction in the realm of fitness today. But this is hardly a new problem, and I’m reminded of a lesson I learned from The Book of 5 Rings, Samurai warrior Miyamoto Musashi’s book about developing the mindset of a warrior. Walking the streets of Japan in the 1600s, he noticed countless dojos promising secret techniques for winning duels that weren’t accessible anywhere else. His story serves as a cautionary tale, warning us against these kinds of empty promises.

While most of us aren’t looking to boost our battle skills, what Musashi observed in the seventeenth century still applies today — the truth isn’t for sale. When it comes to training, there’s no substitute for commitment and hardwork. These things can’t be bought or sold, or boiled down into a simple plan. It is the mindset of a warrior we must strive for before our body can evolve.  Like Musashi observed, there isn’t a singular path to greatness; fitness is a state of mind, not a technique.