Lately, when I work out I have been doing my leg work, stretching, and cool off outside in the heat. I still do the upper body exercises inside for no other reason than the fear of dropping a weight on my face when I'm sweating. But the point is that I know by how much I can lift on squats for a single rep (a bit over 300 pounds), but when doing rep work I can only lift slightly more than 200 pounds for any more than 20 repetitions.
I've been doing this because my squat rack only fits outside, but the consequence is that my mid level (which is hopefully above a normal person's upper level strength) is being conditioned to operate in intense heat and humidity. This means that what has become a weekly norm for me might be brutally uncomfortable to others.
The added, though not unreasonable or dangerous, discomfort gives me an edge in many situations. I think this applies in most life circumstances. We are creatures of habit and once our habits become leisurely they typically stay that way. I recommend adding a dimension of discomfort to your life that will give you an edge in some way. For instance, skip some dessert or avoid spending money on that useless item. The satisfied, but not full stomach will not prevent you from thought or activity. The budget space will give you a margin for service Jesus Christ by caring for somebody in need.
This is what discipline means, add a dimension of discomfort to your life so that you will have the freedom to do some other good. This is true in all things, including spiritual disciplines. As Paul said, "I pummel my body, making it my slave. (1 Corinthians 9:27)" This dimension of Christian discipline is for a purpose, Paul says that he might preach the gospel free of charge and win all the more. It is no aimless, destructive asceticism, but an asceticism for Christlike character. The person who daily denies themselves small pleasures will have no problem denying themselves some big pleasure for the good of their neighbor. But the person who waits until the big showy times to help others falls into the trap of the Pharisee, they do it for acclaim, not out of character and it leads to spiritual injury. Not much different from the man who never exercises and then tries to help somebody move a heavy object.
I've been doing this because my squat rack only fits outside, but the consequence is that my mid level (which is hopefully above a normal person's upper level strength) is being conditioned to operate in intense heat and humidity. This means that what has become a weekly norm for me might be brutally uncomfortable to others.
The added, though not unreasonable or dangerous, discomfort gives me an edge in many situations. I think this applies in most life circumstances. We are creatures of habit and once our habits become leisurely they typically stay that way. I recommend adding a dimension of discomfort to your life that will give you an edge in some way. For instance, skip some dessert or avoid spending money on that useless item. The satisfied, but not full stomach will not prevent you from thought or activity. The budget space will give you a margin for service Jesus Christ by caring for somebody in need.
This is what discipline means, add a dimension of discomfort to your life so that you will have the freedom to do some other good. This is true in all things, including spiritual disciplines. As Paul said, "I pummel my body, making it my slave. (1 Corinthians 9:27)" This dimension of Christian discipline is for a purpose, Paul says that he might preach the gospel free of charge and win all the more. It is no aimless, destructive asceticism, but an asceticism for Christlike character. The person who daily denies themselves small pleasures will have no problem denying themselves some big pleasure for the good of their neighbor. But the person who waits until the big showy times to help others falls into the trap of the Pharisee, they do it for acclaim, not out of character and it leads to spiritual injury. Not much different from the man who never exercises and then tries to help somebody move a heavy object.
