Strength to me means the ability to maneuver your body under stress in a controlled fashion.

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I train to improve my overall athleticism. I want to be mobile, agile, hostile. I train to become stronger, more explosive, faster and lean

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Strength, of body, mind and will. The ability and the fortitude to engage, compete and prevail, with a mindset of honour and of service.

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What I hope to accomplish with strength training: My main objective is to delay the onset of old, old age. I’m already 71 and ‘holding my own’, but I’m not as strong as I used to be.

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Great post!

Myself, I’m just training to be completely prepared physically for the upcoming zombie apocalypse. (o:

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There is nothing more embarrassing than being big and lean, but without any real world strength. To me, I like to be able to use the strength I build in the gym in real life because them my training tales on a whole new purpose.

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I want to accomplish getting the technique down an perfect and my goal to be in good health and shape

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I have Crohn’s disease. A decade ago I was bedridden most of the time and went through a bunch of hospitalizations. When they finally found a drug that helped with keeping the Crohn’s under control, I started lifting weights to rebuild myself. Giving myself physical progress goals (double bodyweight deadlift and bodyweight overhead press) has given me a positive direction to keep moving towards and helps keep me on track for taking care of my body (training, eating better, and sleeping enough).
I’ve gone from my initial deadlifts with two empty dumbbell handles to being able to pull a double-bodyweight deadlift. I’ve found that the stronger I’ve gotten, the better I’m able to deal with whatever weaknesses come up. That extra margin of strength makes it so that on a strong day, I’d be able to pick up and carry the old bedridden me — and even on a day I feel really sick and weak, I’m still strong enough to walk around. That’s what strength means to me.

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I want it all, but I guess in this order –
First, lose 100 lbs of fat,
Second – have good halth – cardiovascular, etc.
Third – be able to lift things – for an extended time.
Fourth – have the muscles look good.

I just had a theory – maybe a good approach is to make big muscles, then make them strong.

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I’ve been lifting weights for a couple of years after a lifetime of near-zero exercise. It really has made me a better person. We all want bigger “guns” and such – and that’s definitely happening. But it’s my attitude and outlook on life that have really improved. Someone said, considering all the benefits involved one would have to be stupid not to lift weights. I totally agree.

TRM

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Strength to me means the ability to over come any obstacle wether physical or mental

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Real strength comes from the instestinal fortitude to build a training program based on sound lifting moves, lifting progressively heavier, eat right, think right and become both metnally and physically stronger as time goes on. Following this way of life builds real muscle, real inner and outer strength needed to be successful in life and feel succesful as well.
Mike

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real strength it’s all about us and all people to sometimes we also look good.

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I been pumping iron so long ,I can’t quit.It’s like a runner once it get in your system,you can’t stop..I never got
running in my system,but the iron a whole different thing.I played football since I was 6 years old,and my dad said you should lift weights to be strong as the bigger players.I started at 8 and by the time I got in junior high,it took the whole football team to stop me with the ball.That motovated me even more,In high school I got in a auto wreck,should have killed me.The doctors couldn’t believe I just had head injury.I think that I was in such good shape,and strong what saved me.When I came back I was the strongest man on the team,and 100 pounds lighter,than most,but I got respect.You don’t know how pumped up I would get when in the weight room,I just stop doing bench press weighing 170,and a 6 foot 4 250 pound man would see me work out,and I would ask you need more weight,no I’ll warm up with that.Then they couldn’t even clear the bar.First their face gets red,then they leave the gym.I had a gift and didn’t even know it.I was strong ,but not ripped.I motovated a friend of mine to lift,he won several body contest,and now Iam asking him what to do.He said diet is the main thing,after bulking up.I was 4 years older and married when he won those contest,but he was a little hulk.20 in arms 48in chest,and 31 waist.The best I got was bench 2 times my weight 360,and press 60 more than my weight.You know you hit a plato,and that’s all folks.Now Iam not in a gym just my house with no spotters.Iam on the sideline now do to a
back injury 3 fail surgerys,and on the 29th,Iam schedule for a pain stimulater inplant.I hope I can get back to the iron.

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Train for strength and the rest will follow!!!!!

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admin Reply:
November 18th, 2011 at 8:05 am

Amen

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I train to get lean , build muscle. Have cut over 150 pounds with diet and exercise. Avoiding injury is top priority

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Hi

It sounds very promising for the results that a person can get. Because as a woman you need to be strong as well if you need to defend yourself in dangerous times. But just overall you will have much more confidence in yourself.

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I find that as I training my muscle, I have increasing energy to accomplish my work effectively. And my perseverance also been trained too. What’s more, I have plenty of confidence to face everything.
Thanks for your Email, which give me a chance to think about it.

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i really think that Mike is pretty Strong by the right training and No drugsbeing used.

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Strength training to me means been able to lift bigger in the compound lifts, to lift heavier atlas stones etc.

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I agree totally with your definition. As a cop, I believe in survival strength. There are no second chances when the s…t hits the fan. No rewind buttons. weightlifting is a time honored method of achieving these ends, but not the only way. Mastering your own bodyweight can also build tremendous strength and athleticism, so I believe in this method also. It’s what you are able to do that really counts, because when someone needs help, I don’t think they care much what you look like!

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admin Reply:
November 18th, 2011 at 5:46 pm

Survival strength, I like the sound of that!

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Strength is the ability to protect the one’s you love, stand-up for what’s rigtht (even if it makes you unpopular) and show mercy and compassion for those who require it most. And all the while expecting nothing in return. Weight training with unrelentless effort is the thread of continuity that runs through all those things.

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Morning Mike,

Awesome article. the line ( For me becoming stronger physically, mentally and emotionally are all connected. Acquiring real strength makes me a better father, husband, friend and athlete.). Hits it on the head with me. I grew up in the 60′s in NYC were the streets was our play ground and the East River was our swimming pool. You had to stay strong, live strong and grow strong. so at 57 years old today I still breath and eat physical fitness. My father is WW II Vet, my older Bro. is NYPD retired and I am a Marine Corps Vietnam Vet… I Bleed Fitness…Stay Strong Herc…

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admin Reply:
November 18th, 2011 at 5:45 pm

Thanks Herc!

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True strength is the centre of a venn diagram, with the three circles of mind, body and spirit

strength of mind is not just being focused, but being intelligent and knowledgable, having the ability to solve problems and the desire to constantly learn new things about all aspects of your own life and that of others

strength of body is being able to lift heavy objects – not machines or barbells, but pushing a car out of the mud, pulling yourself up over a cliff edge with one hand or carrying your friends – or your enemies – to safety. also being fast – to run away from or towards something successfully. to have complete control over your own physical self

strength of spirit is that of character – being a morally good person, fulfilling your duties as a husband/father/role model and being interesting – making good conversation, being a person people enjoy being around and who will turn to you for advice.

those who have all three of the above characteristics, but without becoming arrogant or complacent, are truly ‘strong’.

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I train my body so that one day I can protect the ones I love, especially my little sister and maybe my parents when they get a little older. I also don’t like the feeling of going out in public and feeling embarrassed about my body, instead I would like to be proud of my body. On another note, my friends are all stronger than me, I think its time to level out the playing field.

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For me strength is everything from deep inside, it’s not something that comes naturally ! You have to dig deep to be able to get the best out of your self as a person! Mental and physically to be able to face life head on and to be able to go over them hurdles or smash your challenges that not only happen in the gym, life in general! You can not be weak you have to be strong, you have to be the core of your future for your family friends whatever your goals are.

YOUR BODY IS STRONG BUT YOUR MIND IS STRONGER USE THEM TO THERE POTENTIAL AND WELL THE RESULTS ARE ENDLESS!!

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Real stength means becoming a “strong” person in every aspect of the word: physically, mentally/emotionally, and social. These 3 components contribute to the way ones lives thier life. By having real strength, you are able to live and enjoy your life to the fullest while continuing to enjoy and improve the three components listed above.

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REAL Strength to me means feeling the freedom of having total control of your movements, both mentally and physically. Feeling the energy your body has every morning when it´s time to get the day started, Feeling healthy and powerful. Having the strength to go on, and being able to do so even if your mind is hesitant.

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What drives me?! GLORY! Not money or fame, but glory of the warrior. Death in combat! Each training session is a battle. Strength and endurance! Pushing your mind and body to the point of failure. At the moment when you feel going on will destroy you-digging inside for one more, one more, one more……
Fighting going to your knees in exhaustion, looking up and screaming, “Is that all you have?! One more rep!”
“I’d rather die on my feet, than live life on my knees”-Hatebreed

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admin Reply:
November 18th, 2011 at 5:44 pm

Sounds like a speech by Leonitis

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Dustin W Reply:
November 18th, 2011 at 7:43 pm

Funny thing is I liked the story before the movie, and found the movie to be alright. Sure the fight scenes and one liners were great, but if you read the historical account of 300 then watch the movie it is night and day difference.
That’s the movie bizz!
You have to take on the mentality of a warrior. Spartan or Barbarian. If you doubt yourself for one second you will fail. The great Hannibal destroyed the Greeks on numerous occasions and died never taking Rome. Many believe he wanted nothing to do with the riches, but instead would rather fight.
Either you are, or you are not!

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As a Colonel in our Army Special Forces and avid Critical Bench follower I would like to add the Army’s idea of strength that we call “Army Strong”. The Army used to focus on physical fitness to bolster phycial courage (a warrior ethos) and moral fitness to build courage in one’s ability to adhere to a set of shared values often at the sarifice of personal welfare. The new Army Strong idea recognizes the need for Physical, Mental, and Spiritual strength. Physical strength encompasses the ability to operate while carrying heavy loads of equipment and ammunition, having the stamina to continue operating under load for long periods of time, and that physically fit bodies tend to resist and recover from damage better. Mental strength encompasses both the old warrior ethos and moral fitness ideas and adds the idea of building a resiliant force of will. Spiritual strength is building your resilience by strengthening a support system around whatever faith you choose so that you have a safety net when the physical or mental strengths are tested.

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admin Reply:
November 18th, 2011 at 5:43 pm

Now that is a solid definition! Thank you for sharing Kevin. Mike

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Hi,

My goal is without question – to become a POWERBUILDER

All look and no functionality is no good (to me)

All power and no “appeal” is also no good to me

However… the hardest thing is finding a routine to become a POWERBUILDER!

It seems that everyone lifts CRAZY poundage… and also eats a lot to recover and
make gains.

Well… I want to being a low carb, calorie restriced diet to cut bodyfat… but I want
to follow a LOW REP Powerlifting program.

Is that crazy?

Do those 2 thigns go together?

Thanks Guy & Gals,

Jeremy

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Being strong is a life style. Has anyone seen the “live strong” wrist bands?
For me, that just about sums it up. If you want to be strong and be respected
you should live strong and show others how to do the same and respect
EVERYONE you come in contact with, weather that’s in the gym at church
or on the street. People should be able to know how strong you are with out
seeing you. I started off wanting to be the biggest and the strongest at the
gym which turned into being the hardest worker at work, the most honest guy
on the block, the best neighbor to those around me. Like I said you have to
“live strong” to be viewed as ”strong.” So next time your in the gym flexing in
the mirror look behind you and seek someone out and show them what it
means to really be strong!! Keep lifting hard and be a strong person for those
you know and dont be afraid to help those you dont!!

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to be strong, agile and flexible. to enjoy optimum health. to be jack la lanne-esq. to participate in activities of my liking until the day i die. too many have gone before us living this type of life style, it’s possible, it’s there for the choosing.

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Strength, to me, means being able to push and finesse my way through whatever obstacles life throws my way. I want to be physically active well into old age, and unlike so many of my male relatives, I want old age to be over the age of 65! Very few of my relatives have seen 70, so I try to stay healthy and strong.

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I train to improve my overall performance in both sports, and in the gym. Reall strenght to me means being able to lift heavy things in a completely controled manner with the strictest form ever.

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I like what you have to say about strength.

I think of strength as performance based and fitness as goal based.

If you have a goal defined then you can know if you are or are not fit to achieve that goal.

If you are strong you can perform and thus improve your ability to achieve that goal.

So strength and the achievement of one’s purposes are inextricably linked. That can mean ethical character, integrity of opinion or physical performance, each their own strength but probably more related than people would at first think.

I think that the pure pursuit of a physically attractive body is vain but a nice side effect to the acquisition of strength.

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Strength to me is a better quality of life. I feel good, think clearer, improved mobility and power … the list goes on.

train smart, live long
~Tom~

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I, like many who train, have always really wanted the combination of classic physique and bull strength, but so many training philosophies are only geared one way.

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Strength is an integral part of being a real man. That means having the courage and ability to do what’s right, making sacrifices for others, and training yourself to help others.

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Beacon.

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Strength to me has always been to be able to lift and work with more weight than I look like I should be able to handle. I decided thirty-three years ago, when I started lifting, that is was more important to me to be strong, than to look strong. I am still surprised, when I see someone who looks strong, working with light or medium weights. Symmetry in form and strength is also important to me. Working my entire body, to ensure strength throughout, is a constant goal.

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Hey gents… I believe that this workout regimen would be great for me, as I am an aspiring special forces operator in the military and mixed martial artist. Seeking the precise balance of strength/stamina/endurance for such tasks is always incredibly difficult. Despite what some might say, strength is still incredibly important to perform these jobs. running and calisthenics just won’t cut it… i don’t care how many pull-ups and push-ups i do. I’ve done x-fit and this is great for maintaining strength to a certain degree and reaching superb levels of conditioning. however, there is simply not enough emphasis on strength-training. I’m pretty strong for my size, but i’m still only 5’4”, weighing in at about 150lbs. I’m simply not as strong as i feel I should be, considering my goals and duties. The battle continues to find a regimen that truly works for me. Maybe you all are up to the challenge of providing me with something that works… something that gives me the whole package… strength, stamina, endurance, and durability. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Take care.

Phil

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At 50 years of age I thought that I was able to face any trial or problem in my life. Wrong. I have been a born again Christian for 30 years but several family deaths & a failed business venture has inflicted me with depression, yes DEPRESSION!! I was advised by my specialist to begin exercise to help repair my mental health & what a turn around. Each day I ask God for enough energy & strength to tackle each day & by his grace he has helped me to complete a 1.5 hr training routine each evening if I dont have other activities. I started cycling in April this year & by the end of summer was completing some 150 miles per week, over 3 trips, approx 50 miles each time. When the autumn approached, cycling became too dangerous on rural roads & I joined a gym on 30/9/11. In 8 weeks my strength has increased some 40%, and with the proper intake of food I have put on some 10/11 lbs in weight (I know this is muscle as I can see the results). Just today I had a medical & the result was that I had the body of someone 13 years youger, Praise God!! I know that I will not live for ever but I have a responsibility foremost to God, my family & myself to look after the body he has given me. Being a Christian doesn’t solve every problem but it just makes it more worthwhile to know that I am giving God the glory for how he has turned my health & yes MY MENTAL HEALTH around as well. Blessings to all

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I’ve been lifting for about a decade now and I’ve come to define real strength as having the ability to overcome anything that might stand in your way.

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