I read a great book on body weight strength training this week called “Convict Conditioning.” Yes, that’s right, the routines were developed in prison where, contrary to popular belief, there isn’t that much access to weight equipment and none at all in the 1970′s when the author was first incarcerated.  I’m all about learning from wherever I can and I’ve been on a big body weight training only kick lately, so I didn’t let the title dissuade me.

There is an interesting section where the author observes that in his experience with training lots of people, he thinks training with body weight is helpful for fat loss because the mind and body know that in order to improve on the exercises, you need to be lighter.  This is especially true for pull-ups and handstand push ups, but also very helpful for simpler exercises like bodyweight only squats.  He thinks the subconscious helps to limit appetite and control weight in order to improve performance.

Of course, there are no studies backing this up, but it makes sense to me. The mind is very powerful and sets out to accomplish whatever goals we set for it.  If we tell ourselves we are losers…we will be.  If we think we are worth about $50K a year that is pretty much what we’ll make.  If we set out to improve our body weight only strength, our mind will help us accomplish that goal.  Things aren’t that simple of course…but I do know you will never accomplish anything you don’t believe in!

I’ll end with a great quote from “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill, though it is a poem more about finance and life in general, I think it fits nicely:

I bargained with life for a penny

And life would pay no more,

However I begged at evening

When I counted my scanty store.

For Life is a just employer,

He gives you what you ask,

But once you have set the wages,

Why, you must bear the task.

I worked for a menial’s hire,

Only to learn, dismayed,

That any wage I had asked of Life,

Life would have willingly paid.

What have you asked of Life?

-Brian