Learning when, where, and how to use proper resistance is the key to rehabilitation.

A particularly interesting topic that applies to rehabilitation as well as many facets of human existence and nature is resistance. Similar to the term ‘opposition’, resistance is a force that prevents or slows down movement. Whereas opposition can be viewed as an antagonistic and undesirable position for humans to be in, properly applied resistance can be harnessed for greatness. Learning when, where, and how to use proper resistance is the key to rehabilitation.

Resistance is the gatekeeper of change. In physics, an object at rest stays at rest. When a force is applied to that object, it begins to move but only if that force is enough to overcome the existing resistance (in this case friction and gravity). Electrical circuits made of wires also have a certain resistance to them. Circuits with more resistance (R) require more energy input to function. But, when the R is overcome, great heat is produced and a useful gadget is obtained such as a hairdryer or a microwave. In these ways resistance also exists within us.

One way to harness this medium within us is via resistance training, also known as weightlifting. During which our muscles simply burn stored energy to produce movement. When that movement is intentionally and specifically resisted by heavy weights over a long enough period of time, something amazing happens: we get stronger. In this way resistance is the gatekeeper of strength. 

There are many more examples of resistance in our bodies as well. The blood that continuously courses through us is pumped with each and every heartbeat. The efficiency and movement of that blood is largely determined by, yes, the resistance it is up against. Namely: peripheral arterial resistance. Realizing this we begin to question whether the heart itself is to blame for diseases such as “high blood pressure”. Could it also be caused by having too much internal resistance? It’s often suggested that high blood pressure is a more “Type-A” personality condition. How do these individuals handle the resistance of life and all of its stressors? Is there a connection between the resistance inside us and the way we handle external resistance?

Resistance itself is neither good nor bad. It simply is a part of nature, physics, and within us all. Understanding it better is the first step in learning how to both feel it within and around us as well as to learn to harness it for good. Therefore the goal is to identify and accept the resistance we face in any and all facets of life. 

Will we adapt to the resistance we feel and allow it to create change?

A strong wind that attempts to blow you off-course, a wet rainy day that attempts to freeze you down to the bone, a disagreement with your boss that makes you feel like a failure, and an argument with a spouse that makes you feel alone. These are examples of external stressors. Many of which are outside of our direct control. What we do control, however, is our reaction to them and our decisions to move forward or not. Will we adapt to the resistance we feel and allow it to create change?

The methodology of rehabilitation is to introduce and slowly increase resistance. By turning up the dial of voluntary daily resistance, we can slowly train ourselves to respond better to our turbulent environment. One of the best ways to do this is through exercise. With these principles in mind, It doesn’t matter what kind of exercise you do, just move. It also doesn’t matter whether it’s sauna or a cold plunge, running or weight lifting, learning a new language or a new instrument. Each of these things require overcoming and adapting to a resistance to achieve them. Practice will make you a master of resistance and lead you to a healthier life.

Learning when, where, and how to use proper resistance is the key to rehabilitation.

A particularly interesting topic that applies to rehabilitation as well as many facets of human existence and nature is resistance. Similar to the term ‘opposition’, resistance is a force that prevents or slows down movement. Whereas opposition can be viewed as an antagonistic and undesirable position for humans to be in, properly applied resistance can be harnessed for greatness. Learning when, where, and how to use proper resistance is the key to rehabilitation.

Resistance is the gatekeeper of change. In physics, an object at rest stays at rest. When a force is applied to that object, it begins to move but only if that force is enough to overcome the existing resistance (in this case friction and gravity). Electrical circuits made of wires also have a certain resistance to them. Circuits with more resistance (R) require more energy input to function. But, when the R is overcome, great heat is produced and a useful gadget is obtained such as a hairdryer or a microwave. In these ways resistance also exists within us.

One way to harness this medium within us is via resistance training, also known as weightlifting. During which our muscles simply burn stored energy to produce movement. When that movement is intentionally and specifically resisted by heavy weights over a long enough period of time, something amazing happens: we get stronger. In this way resistance is the gatekeeper of strength. 

There are many more examples of resistance in our bodies as well. The blood that continuously courses through us is pumped with each and every heartbeat. The efficiency and movement of that blood is largely determined by, yes, the resistance it is up against. Namely: peripheral arterial resistance. Realizing this we begin to question whether the heart itself is to blame for diseases such as “high blood pressure”. Could it also be caused by having too much internal resistance? It’s often suggested that high blood pressure is a more “Type-A” personality condition. How do these individuals handle the resistance of life and all of its stressors? Is there a connection between the resistance inside us and the way we handle external resistance?

Resistance itself is neither good nor bad. It simply is a part of nature, physics, and within us all. Understanding it better is the first step in learning how to both feel it within and around us as well as to learn to harness it for good. Therefore the goal is to identify and accept the resistance we face in any and all facets of life. 

Will we adapt to the resistance we feel and allow it to create change?

A strong wind that attempts to blow you off-course, a wet rainy day that attempts to freeze you down to the bone, a disagreement with your boss that makes you feel like a failure, and an argument with a spouse that makes you feel alone. These are examples of external stressors. Many of which are outside of our direct control. What we do control, however, is our reaction to them and our decisions to move forward or not. Will we adapt to the resistance we feel and allow it to create change?

The methodology of rehabilitation is to introduce and slowly increase resistance. By turning up the dial of voluntary daily resistance, we can slowly train ourselves to respond better to our turbulent environment. One of the best ways to do this is through exercise. With these principles in mind, It doesn’t matter what kind of exercise you do, just move. It also doesn’t matter whether it’s sauna or a cold plunge, running or weight lifting, learning a new language or a new instrument. Each of these things require overcoming and adapting to a resistance to achieve them. Practice will make you a master of resistance and lead you to a healthier life.