Han Suyin wrote: “There is nothing stronger in the world than gentleness.” We often hear people in the fitness industry say that ‘strength is a skill’. They then attempt to muster as much strength as humanly possible to perform the simplest of tasks, rather than make the task more efficient. They remain ‘stuck’ in the SISS mentality (Stuck in Simplistic Stupidity) instead of allowing grace and poise to naturally flow from skill development.
This is how our nervous system adapts to conditioning. If conditioned only to maximal tension, we begin to react in all situations with maximal tension. In many cases this elicits a stretch reflex and actually causes an injury! Did you know that about 40% of sidelining knee injuries in the NFL are non-contact related? They are caused by lack of kinesthetic sense, agility and resilience.
Research demonstrates that most injuries and impediments occur not because of a general or high-tension deficit, but because of a lack of ability to absorb and retranslate force, especially at extreme and unexpected ranges. We must learn to apply appropriate force to each situation. To do this we must specifically condition our nervous system.
The TACFIT principle of Selective Tension holds the following imperative: “Apply tension specific to the degree required to accomplish the task.” In other words, we want to train our nervous system to use ‘just enough’ force in whatever we’re doing.
When first learning to use a Clubbell®, Kettlebell or a Steel Mace, many people simply grip hard and hold on. But this grasp must become intelligent, and it must vary as these tools are moved through diverse ranges of motion. Each digit applies independent tension that varies throughout each phase of the movement. This teaches our hands sensitivity WHILE strength training. It teaches us to select the appropriate tension, not only to the exercise but also to each component of movement within it.
Although some may tell you that the body acts in isolation, we all intuitively know that this is not true. It defies empirical evidence and it contradicts what we know of biochemistry, neuropsychology, and psychophysiology. HOW you train, HOW you become and remain fit, affects everything about you! When you transform yourself, take care to decide in advance the MEANS of that transformation, because that vehicle remains with you. You will become HOW you train.
We’ve all heard the old saying: Do not mistake gentleness for weakness. And yet, on average we hold the sangfroid, measured response called ‘proportional force’ in martial art / tactical circles with some disdain, and we romanticize the image of the hero charging in, abandoning his senses and neglecting care. There’s a time to fight, but with gentleness we find the strength to inoculate harm without standing in its gale.
How can one aspect of our life exist in isolation – and why would we want it to? If we condition ourselves to respond to any movement with maximal tension we will begin to respond to all things with maximal tension – disagreements with our spouse, conflict with a coworker, road rage, negative self-talk, et cetera. When we practice Selective Tension we practice Gentle Strength. We learn how to discern the appropriate force to resolve whatever situation is at hand. This teaches us how to prevent force escalation, how to inoculate threats, and how to overcome hardship without making it more difficult than absolutely necessary.
Respectfully,
Scott B. Sonnon
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