24/08/2026
A virtue is a trait that is considered morally good, excellent or beneficial to human character. It represents a habit or disposition to do what is right and avoid what is wrong.
Success in strength training, however its defined, can and often is simplified down to some very basic pillars. With an abundance of information, both good and bad, it's easy to feel inundated. Too many choices often leads to a diversion from the defining characteristics that typically bring about success.
This morning as I sit to write about strength training, something I hope to do more of, I didn't want to regurgitate that simplification, instead I hoped to reframe these pillars and bring attention to 3 virtues.
Hard Work - Strength training in it's essence is built from a foundation of hard work. In order to build our capacity to create force or build muscle we need to use volumes and intensities that are close to our current capacity. This is what creates adaptation and pushes our ceiling up. We use progressive overload, greater loads (& volumes) over time, to stay close to that ceiling. The work is always hard.
Consistency - Our bodies are always in flux, changing and adapting to the stresses placed upon it. This is both good and bad news. If we sit around and do nothing, we will inevitably begin to function and look, like we sit around and do nothing. The opposite is also true. If we create a habit of performing our hard work on a regular basis, we will begin to look and function as such. But this consistency cannot wane as our body & strength will do the same.
Patience - A capacity to accept delay in whichever form is universally virtuous. Strength training is no different. Initially one must be patient while improving technique and learning the basics. Even the most decorated trainer must be patient when breaking through plateaus, rebuilding from injury, or optimising a training plan. We must have an ability to continue to work hard knowing that being on that path is a success in and of itself while desired outcomes aren't awarded to those that hope, but those that take action.
Strength training is simple, but that doesn't mean it's easy. Maybe you can look at these 3 virtues and identify an area where you can improve. If you can, take some time to think of some simple things you can implement to help in that area. It could be as simple as getting a training partner to help push you harder, a coach to keep you more consistent, or the realisation that things take time and you're on the right path.
Have a ripper day,
AJ
