Mental Fortitude

We often say that intensity is the independent variable most associated with optimized results - meaning, if you really want the maximum benefits from CrossFit, you have to keep the intensity high. In doing so, you pass well beyond your comfort level into the realm of pain. Pushing yourself time and again into this realm develops that intangible facet of fitness know as mental hardening or mental fortitude.

Freddy C. from CrossFit One world http://crossfitoneworld.com/ had a great post on this subject the other day and I thought I would share it with you here.

Lastly.... a comment about mental fortitude. I have commented about mental fortitude numerous times over the last 2 years. What is it? It’s the ability of certain folks to push themselves past the point of quitting. Some got it and do it regularly. Others have it, but they don’t know it. Tons of others just don’t have it. It is what is. Can you get fit without strong mental fortitude? HELL YES!!! What we do is hard, but if you do it regularly and train with passion, you will get stronger, faster, leaner.....fitter!

I am not sure that mental fortitude can be the “11th” general aspect of fitness. Cardio/Respiratory Endurance, Stamina, Strength and Flexibility are organic. Muscle tissue and how it works within the machine that is the body is measurable. These four aspects of fitness are the hardware. With training, the four will show improvement. Bulk up the hardware and you got a better machine. On the other hand, coordination, accuracy, agility, and balance are neurological. You need to practice them to improve them. Think of them as the software. Use your software efficiently, and you will be more productive.

It is generally accepted that power and speed the last two of the ten aspects of fitness are best improved with both training and practice.

How does mental fortitude fit into the big picture under the terms of neurological or organic. Can you train it or practice it? Can I make someone tougher mentally? Is mental fortitude important... HELL YES! Strong will can push mediocre athletes to places other athletes can not go.