Think of the last time you went to your favorite bar (and please tell me you do remember). Unless you go ultra-swank, you probably saw a wide range of characters – couples, friends, loners, businessmen, college kids, or even college professors (you know who you are).
In any case, let’s say one guy is standing at the end of the bar chatting with a friend. His shoulders are back, chin up, big smile, one hand on his hip, the other holding a Sierra Nevada. At the other end sits gentleman #2, also talking to a friend. His shoulders are hunched up and forward, hands in his coat pockets, and eyeing down his fourth Miller Lite.
Beer bias aside, which do you think is talking about his promotion and which is complaining about his boss? Guy 1 and 2 respectively, right? That’s easy.
Let’s tweak the timeline a bit. Same scenario, but the night before. Now, who is about to be promoted or demoted. Same guys! They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Why? Because the way we carry ourselves says more than our mouths ever could. In this case, one body was clearly communicating “I’m a boss” while the other said “I’m a bum.”
Watch the following video and understand our minds and bodies are not so separate after all. Our body language may be the key to not only our own health, but overall success in life.
Amy Cuddy just distilled all the benefits of healthy eating and strong training into 2 minutes of power posing! If having confidence, vitality, and success sounds good to you, then apply these ideas to your exercise regimen.
For example: Do things that make you look strong and powerful even if you don’t feel strong and powerful. This is why I have a passion for teaching strength training to women who may have yet to discover its physical and mental benefits. Pushups, pull-ups, heavy lifting, and yoga can fundamentally improve your self image by building a “power posed” body.
Alas, sometimes the barrier to entry is high. What about knowledge of proper form, working around injuries, and progression? This is why having a good coach in your corner is so valuable.
Don’t dismiss the power of exercise in the pursuit of life goals outside the gym. As we’ve always known – strong body, strong mind, strong life! If you’re just starting out, fake it till you become it.