The Concept of “Hard Work”

I often browse strength and conditioning videos from universities, not because of the program design or exercise selection (lots of these programs are lacking in these departments).  I watch the videos because of how hard the athletes work.  With very few exceptions, these athletes desire improvement and are put in the correct enviroment to suceed.

I was watching this video about Penn State’s strength and conditioning.  Now I’m not a big fan of Penn State, however I like their strength coaches attitude.  JT mentions that he has an introduction program for new athletes to get them into the gym and teach them one important concept “Hard Work” and then it is all easy from there. 

I couldn’t be simpler.  Sometimes the easiest solutions are right in front of you.  He teaches these kids hard work, and everything else falls in place. 

So how can you measure hard work?  I’ll resort to the most classic half time or pregame speech of all times, and not the “our house” speech.  I’m talking about the man in the mirror. 

Can you look yourself in the mirror at the end of a competition and know that you did your best?  AND are you man or woman enough to realize if you haven’t? 

That’s how you begin to establish hard work.  Next time you look into the mirror, do you have enough character to not want to let yourself down?

Penn State Strength and Conditioning

- Joe Hashey, CSCS -