What Does Not Kill You

WHAT DOES NOT KILL YOU

by Seth Grennell aka "Septimus Prime", FSS Alumnus

They ask, "Why do you constantly work out?

Afta yuh nah nuh body fat! you can tek couple days off yuh nuh?!” I guess I could simplify my response and say: "I really exercise often because I don’t want to get fat" *joke*. Apart from that being a small part of the reason and especially during Covid times, wanting to be toned and strong, does not even capture the essence of the motivation that keeps me going. Firstly, I’m a firm believer in the benefits of working out and being physically fit and in shape. This positively impacts my mental and physiological state. Additionally, one cannot discount the raw feel-good factor that comes from the gains and benefits of putting in the work. It’s nice to look in the mirror and believe that the image reflected ain’t bad looking at all *wink*.

I’m sexy and I know it.

I have been midway in my exercise routine and wondered how much more of this can really take?

Can my body really manage 10 more minutes of this workout? And then I will hear the lyrics of Kanye’s song ringing in my head, …N-now th-that don’t kill me, can only make me stronger.

That coupled with the Spartan mindsight is all the drive I need to push through the pain, the lactic acid build-up, the soreness and discomfort, the sudden and temporary onset of asthma, or just the desire to stop and rest for a while. As an avid competitor, I don’t just compete with others, I also compete with myself, pushing the envelope of my physical boundaries, accepting that once again Mr. West lyrics: “Harder! Better! Faster! Stronger!” hit the nail on the head. This is definitely a mantra that I silently repeat all day, every day when working out. I may be done growing vertically (believe it or not, I’m still holding out for one final growth spurt), but the growth of strength and endurance knows no bounds, as long as I remain motivated to keep pushing, sweating, and fighting to improve.

Burpees- arguably, and yet to be honest I have never met anyone who would argue this, is one of the most disliked exercise routine known to man and woman alike. For some reason, I decided to attempt 100 burpees for thirty (30) days straight. The burpees had to be done consecutively; not one half in the morning and the other half in the evening. Not taking one hour to finish them either, unless it really takes you that long. The pace has to be as quick as possible. Thirty (30) days isn’t a short amount of time, after all, it's 2 days more than a regular February, and 100 though a big number should be manageable. While doing the 30-day challenge, I was asked what was the hardest part? I’ve always had several answers: Firstly, the HARD part is doing the 100 burpees; it makes you wonder if your counting is accurate.

The number seems to become a much larger figure when the burpees are involved.

Secondly, the HARDER part is realizing how exhausted you feel after only attempting 40, 30, or even 20 burpees and coming to grips with the fact that you are not halfway there and you have a long way to go. But for me the HARDEST part is doing it every day; Monday to Sunday for 30 days without a day off. You come to grips with how every morning or evening is not the same, becoming immensely aware that the energy does not seem to be present before you commence. Wondering if you somehow get pleasure from the pain or you somehow agreed to a bet that you cannot afford to lose.

I have to admit, at the end of it all, the feeling of victory having completed the 100 burpees may provide you with joy, relief, or just the sweet acceptance that you made it through. Pushing your body when it resists and realizing once again that there is no limit to your body and mind, no noticeable boundaries is enough of a reason to let out a guttural cry of triumph that King Leonidas himself would be proud of.

We have no limitations outside of the ones that we impose on ourselves. I challenge YOU to try and beat my personal best ... My first day of the challenge took me longer than 10 minutes to complete, yours will be? I was determined every day to do better, to improve on the first 10mins, and continuously reduce the time. As a competitor, I was never satisfied, my biggest aim was to go under 5 minutes, then! I achieved my personal best of 4 minutes and 27 seconds.

Even if you aren’t close to my time don’t worry, set your own goals, and make them realistic while challenging yourself to push the boundaries of your body and mind. I promise you that the feeling that comes with improving and accomplishing your goal will have you singing the lyrics to Agent Sasco’s song Winning right now, I’m winning right now!

I will be applauding the start of your fitness goals and waiting at the finish line for all those who dare to complete the task. “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger!” Let’s gooooooo!!!