Workout of the Week: Asymmetric Isometrics

Functional fitness workout focused on asymmetric isometric holds that build core strength and stability. Emphasis placed on training mental resilience for this physical challenge.

I’ve written quite a bit on my preference toward isometric holds for testing and building resilience.

Stress is not linear and muscular endurance exercise can reveal that knowledge.

Asymmetric holds are fantastic for developing strength and stability in the abdomen and posterior chain. The uneven distribution of muscle contraction required to hold an asymmetric isometric position forces heightened neuromuscular coordination in our stabilizing mechanisms, especially in the core.

The stronger our core, the stronger our physical resilience.

Physical resilience conditioning, however, is a guise for mental resilience training.

The mind controls the body.

Sure, the body sends sensory signals that indicate symptoms such as fatigue or pain. The brain decides whether or not to act on them.

Quitting is often a decision and not a necessity.

Enjoy the benefits of asymmetric isometric holds for physical fitness while testing your mind in this challenge.

Listen to your thoughts as fatigue sets in. Are they encouraging or pessimistic? Great time for intentional reframing if negative thinking patterns are infiltrating your mind.

The goal is to eventually complete every round unbroken and unmodified.

Whenever needed, modify holds prior to taking breaks. All modifications still encourage physical adaptations while you can continue to challenge yourself.

Modifying before dropping is an excellent way to get better faster.

The more you do it, the quicker you’ll improve at the physical challenge as you more importantly build mental resilience.

---