Epic Bravery

I think all guys tend to like movies that show a character in an epic struggle and displaying radical courage. I think man is called to it. I think that's why movies like "Braveheart," and its like are so popular.

It strikes a deep chord in man, deeper than just entertainment. Real-life requires courage, although if you live in America it is rarely tested on that life-and-death dramatic scale. For those serving in our military and our brothers in some other countries they can and do find themselves in these situations - having to face real issues of war, mettle and courage.

I think that courage is one of the reasons men are drawn to hard strength training. The courage to push harder or heavier than before, to push through the pain and build yourself into something that has the physical ability to do something with that mental strength and courage. It's why Pavel talks about the old Red Army having kettlebell gyms on bases and calling them "Courage Corners."

Not every training session needs to be a lesson in bravado, but take advantage occasionally of the iron's ability to enliven your courage. Push the limits of your endurance, your totals, you goals. Understand that for the most part when we think we're at our breaking points - there's actually another level of tough just beyond that. We rarely push ourselves to it, but it's there and I encourage you to step up to it.