It’s easy to say “not for me” to performance. Unless you’re a competitive athlete by trade, performance might seem irrelevant or even indulgent. After all, a 200lb deadlift is probably good enough, right? You’re not a great mover, but you’re a pretty good mover, and that’s probably good enough, right?

On the one hand, yes, in practical application, a 200lb deadlift is little different than a 210lb deadlift for most of us. On the other hand, that’s a limited view of why performance matters. Let’s be clear: performance is just a flashy word for developing yourself. The practice can be whatever: lifting a barbell, running a marathon, running a business, or running a household. That barely matters. Each of these is a practice that affects every other practice and you in every way. Find me someone who pursues performance in their running and I will put money on the likelihood that they pursue performance in their other endeavors, too. Adding that extra 10lbs to your deadlift is as much about developing your actual deadlift as it is about developing your character as a human.

Recognize this: performance matters for everyone. Not because what you do in the gym will pay your bills, but because what you do in the gym (or wherever else) is who you are. It just so happens that improving performance is one of the best ways to improve your health, physique, and cognitive function, too. Who says you can’t have it all?

- PS

6/19/19

• EMOM 12

• Min 1) 16 goblet cossack squats (8/leg) (AHAP)

• Min 2) 60s side plank (30s/side)

• Min 3) Rest

Then...

• AMRAP 12

• 200m run

• 10 deadlifts (185/125)

• 10 toes to bar