Tag Archive for: physical challenge

Specificity of Training

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The concept of training to attain specific performance is called specificity of training. The simplest example is that if you want to run a marathon, you run long distances for training, not 10-yard sprints. I think it’s more than that: the objective is to train the body to use physical activity, food, and rest in a way that creates better performance during specific tasks. Remember prepping for surgery or taking kids to the amusement park? It doesn’t have to be just an athletic event. You also have to be mentally ready for the task as well.

I define energy as the mental clarity to focus on any given task along with the physical energy to complete it. On Tuesday, I talked about a marathon speech that made it. Here’s an example of an effort that didn’t succeed.

Amazing Misses

Paula and I were watching The Amazing Race, which combines travel with completing tasks requiring focus as well as endurance. On top of that, this episode took place in a climate that was extremely warm. When one competitor who looked very fit was asked why he had to stop and rest while completing the tasks and was barely able to stay in the competition, he said he misjudged what would be required physically and mentally.

I don’t agree. I’d say he didn’t train properly to make sure he had enough energy to complete the tasks by manipulating exercise, diet, mental challenges, and physical challenges in his training. He had to know what it would be like; there are dozens of prior seasons he could have watched. Even though he said he was especially sensitive to heat, there are ways to prepare for that. He and his partner could have trained, anticipated the worst, and designed the training to sustain the ability to perform. That would include eating and sleeping during the competition.

The Bottom Line

Two extraordinary performances, one successful and one not so much. If you want to perform at a high level, regardless of the task, you have to train specifically for that task—an important speech, a road trip, even a vacation. If you want some help figuring that out, review your copy of the Optimal Performance program or purchase yours today.

What are you prepared to do today?

        Dr. Chet

An Amazing Performance

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This week, I’m going to talk about a couple of amazing examples of physical feats; it all comes down to training to perform. I’m telling you in advance that the Optimal Performance training program provides the why and the how. When I’m done with the Memos, decide if you want to revisit it if you have it or buy it if you don’t.

A week ago, Senator Cory Booker of NJ spoke on the Senate floor for over 25 hours without taking a bathroom break or eating anything. I don’t care what your political persuasion may be, that’s an extraordinary physical task. According to reports, he prepared by not eating solid food after the Friday before he began speaking and limiting his water intake starting Sunday. What he probably did not train for was staying on his feet for that amount of time, but we know he wore his most comfortable shoes. That aside, this was the absolute correct way to prepare for this kind of effort.

This applies to you as well. If you’re going to have a shoulder or a knee replaced, how are you getting ready? If you’re not doing rehab exercises and building the supporting muscle a couple of months before—if you’re not preparing—it’s going to take longer in rehab to get back to full function.

How about those of you taking kids or grandkids to a giant theme park? You don’t want to disappoint the kids by wimping out halfway through!

What if you know your business is going to be exceptionally busy on a certain date? How about going on a week-long business trip? What if you’re getting ready to take the LSATs or MCATs or any other seven-and-a-half-hour test? There are also ways to manipulate what you eat and when you eat that can lead to maximal energy levels when you need it most; and if you have the energy to do whatever it is, you’re likely to perform better and enjoy it more.

We typically think of athletes when we think of serious preparation for physical challenges, but we all need it at some time. I’ll give you the scientific principle behind this in Saturday’s Memo. Until then, remember to check out the Optimal Performance program.

What are you prepared to do today?

        Dr. Chet