“Describe that to me”…. Red-faced sweating and gasping my brain focusses on the demands of request. I’ve just set down a 130 lbs hex frame stepped off platform gulp water. Asked by trainer Rob this is no simple He staring attentively at face looking for an answer requires me do something I’m learning first time – connect body. Yes I know. My connected body slowly inexorably expanding ‘thing’ below neck has been carrying head around last 56 years. Since completing undergraduate degree work life increasingly immobilized me. Sitting stationary desk screen it’s mostly through fingers brain. They feverishly keep up as pour out thinking onto screen into memo email journal article… whatever is. am academic working Business School surprisingly sedentary job broken occasional bouts walking about classroom getting ‘thing’ get next international conference. “It felt great” say “I could feel whole posterior chain” (who says that? oh ya do!) “but breathing bracing wasn’t great think let knees fall inward couple times”. Rob quick coach correct encourage more weight. Then cheerfully he’ll say “Okay set”. The 5 months have unfolded most empowering journey ever includes PhD. Every other accomplishment in centered grades degrees promotions published papers even beloved activity teaching. had few close calls with fitness before short triathlons spin class jogging. But reflection paying much attention These were instead opportunities ‘deep thoughts’ or focus external world while drowned panting breaths throbbing 80’s music youth. Weightlifting different. five guide patiently walked new specific functional movements made possible muscles moving particular ways increasing weights. met manager local gym Sept. 2021. was seeking who would help single goal strong. tired obsessing steps macros infinitely weary barely successful efforts aimed cracking received wisdom ‘eat less move more’. “Get strong” said. “Not toned not thin ready 5k”. Strong. Seemed if little embarrassing age. immediately took seriously. It started humbling assessment strength mobility. he explained gym’s training approach suggested trainers I’d already decided question “What you?” we got work. Despite age size beginner status safe. Through his knowledge patient demonstrations encouragement induced squat hinge press squeeze its way all kinds personal bests (which frankly low bar when you start from nothing but still they coming). He’s taught language - hypertrophy eccentric isometric…and more. there falter ensure don’t hurt myself grins asks 3 torturous reps. weeks did everything asked (glad mask mandate since it hid ‘ugly lifting face’ though groaning). And always there clipboard hand watchful gaze posing questions like “Where that?” general request me”. Early these rote pleasantries. Over realized wanted than answers. part what needed be trained. Those demanding never really done. Having shown how exercise explain where should encouraged muscle chain moved stretched strained. test connection. so gradually back Not undifferentiated individual electric connections newly identified places traps quads delts glutes triceps Intentionally. Specifically. Magically. It’s difficult often funny. Like recent second pause struggling repeat lunge demonstrated because disconnected couldn’t fathom legs supposed doing. Its hard relentless every rep set time. Unnatural unfamiliar. Yet natural amazingly powerful. After 90 lb. squats gasping breaths “Why become led here?” told story teenage years going (same company different city) he’d grew admire mentor huge inspiring impact worthy emulating him path cross mine. A sets bent over barbell rows later squeaked “Are “Am what?” scrutinized retracting scapular movements (that’s shoulder blades newbies). “Today are man admired?” asked. “Hmm know thought that” said thoughtfully. Well must exactly mentor. know given same skilful discovery didn’t sacred glorious. living year old talks totally now. ago act standing provoke cascade pains hips unique sort unbending wobbling walk myself. Today aches stand now scare their portending impairments. pecs them all. Now remind capabilities call movement demand challenged. long continuing dialogue represent needs experiences says: