There is a powerlifting routine I employ from time to time
known as “German Volume Training,” or simply, “GVT.” With GVT, the focus of a
workout is on only one main lift, but a great deal of both time and effort is
spent on that one exercise, hence the “volume” part of the name.
For example, on squat day, I would do a thorough warm up,
work up to a moderately heavy weight (about 75-80% of my max) and then proceed
to do 10 sets at that weight. No one set is overwhelmingly difficult, but the
accumulation of the workload is brutal.
Because of the sustained focus this routine requires, I
typically use hashmarks on a piece of paper to track the sets so I don’t have
to remember which number I am on. Just one less thing for my brain to have to
do while I struggle to remain engaged. Each hash mark is a little victory as I
work my way through the 10 sets.
However, when I get to my tenth set, I don’t put down the
final hashmark. I always stop at nine. I’ve been omitting the final mark for
the past several years as a reminder that I am never really finished. There is
always more work to do.
I do not intend for this to be a hopeless, Sysiphian
reminder of futility, but more of a motivator to never slack off or become
complacent. It keeps me from resting on my laurels. As good as it feels to
finish one workout, I must remember that I will have another one coming around
soon that will require the same amount of effort and attention.
This little game is my reminder that, although breaks are
okay, I never get to quit. Excellence never gets to coast. There is no
retirement from living purposely and intentionally. Accomplishment is not a
finish line; it is the beginning of a new chapter.
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