The person in the mirror knows we have dealt with both.

Let’s look at fear first since it is so prevalent in our culture, unfortunately.

So, what are people afraid of?

Some we are born with like fear of falling and fear of loud noises.

The rest are shackles we put on ourselves, like the fear of looking bad in front of others.

How about fear of failure, even if no one sees us?

You see, fear and pride are closely intertwined.

How does that apply to training?

Some are too scared to get under a heavy barbell.

Others are afraid to push for a PR they have never been able to hit.

Another fear is of trying something different.

People are often prisoners of their past.

They only do what they have always done.

For example, even though mace and club training are very effective, many are too scared to try it.

That is to their own detriment.

Now let’s look at pride.

This is the one that gets people hurt.

Some will skip their warmup and just grab a heavy barbell or mace and attack it.

That can easily cost your 12 weeks of recovering from a torn tendon or muscle.

Others have terrible technique and just use brute force to move the poundage.

Fear and pride have consequences most of us do not want.

Remember, smart athletes live better and longer.

Coach D