You CAN do it... Mind vs Body?

[Anonymous]

I've been working on my front splits on both sides lately and was surprised to actually get it after relaxing into it! Day after, I was sore but persistent to keep going. After a full weeks work, left hamstring and right hamstring tendon were sore whenever I stretched, so I rested it for 4 days to heal.

Today it's slightly a bit sore (nothing extreme) so I went back into my routine and after convincing myself that I could, I did! It wasn't as good as the first time but I managed to do it after relaxing even though it wasn't all smooth sailing.

Prior to resuming, I was in conflict with whether I should continue so I wouldn't lose it (and risk injuries) or to rest so it would heal (and risk losing it).

Part of the pain was from mental fear and caused my body to tense up even more. So when I thought positively, it allowed my body to ease and relax. The other part possibly could've been from stretching often, getting used to it since I've never accomplished stretching as far as I have today.

My question is: How do you know when it's your MIND telling you that you can't/shouldn't do it versus your PHYSICAL BODY warning you that you've reached your limit?

Whether it's that mental block preventing you from improving or a physical one protecting you from injury? Is it just intuitive or can you really know?

[Anonymous]

I always keep my mind beyond my body but if you're not experienced you could ended with serious injury. Example lets say you will do 5 sets of squat after 2set your knee staring to pain in the third set the pain increase your body telling you stop bc something worst could happen but your mind may say you can make it and achive what you want here's danger spot if you don know who to follow I think you can't tell until you have more experience in that field. in general if you're beggnier listen to your body

[Asker]

Yeah, that makes sense

[MyNameIsJonas]

You're right that attitude and persistence plays a big part in doing anything physical.

With your case in particular; You need to think outside the box. Stretching and flexibility is a big part of front splits and other movements... I would suggest you invest in Myofascial Release along with stretching to help reach your goal safely.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZe9Iw2HwgQ

Check this out.

[ThatSpecialPerson]

Mental preventing wouldn't give you soreness or any physical feelings, and you will know it's your physical body when you actually is feeling it in your body.

[Rahdle]

Your mind will always give up much before your body does. You just gotta push limits cuz when your body can't, it won't. Pain means little to nothing

[Marstalk]

Navy SEALs say it is 80-90% mental when comes to passing the training.