The Advantage of Constraints

When we first opened Okanagan Peak Performance Inc we put in a big order for all our equipment along with a 50% deposit, with the balance due upon arrival. We placed this order in April, in time we thought, to be able to train all of our athletes that summer. Our equipment was delivered on August 23rd.

We never expected our equipment to take 5 months to arrive. 

And this made it a challenge to train our clients, with no equipment.

But as coaches that was probably a mixed blessing. 

We had to find new and novel ways to challenge the athlete without the benefit of barbells and dumbbells. We spent more time looking at, and perfecting, basic movements. As a colleague is fond of saying, 'an inch wide, a mile deep'.

Everything worked out in the end, and we sure appreciated the luxury of training with equipment once it all arrived.

And there was a good lesson here which was to learn to how to deal wit constraints. And to not just deal with constraints but to see them as an opportunity to get better.

Consider the following constraints...

1. No Food at Home

Imagine coming home from a trip and not having time for a grocery shop. Instead of seeing this as a negative, this might a good time to try intermittent fasting. Or maybe you test drive a meal delivery service. Or you can plan out your grocery shop and prep for the week with a clean slate.

2. Too Smoky to Train Outdoors

If you're a runner or cyclist, now may not be the best time to be putting in the miles. It might be better to take it indoors and go for a swim or a lift. Not only can this help you avoid inhaling all the particle floating around but it can be a useful rest from your normal training routine.

3. Forgot Your Gear 

Every now and again someone will forget their shoes. This can be a good time to do some barefoot training. This doesn't mean sprints and jumps but instead balance, stability and mobility drills. Ditching the shoes can be a great way to strengthen the feet and re-align your posture.

4. Injured

Sure there are risks to training. But you know what's riskier? Being weak. 

Exercising when injured, under the guidance of a professional, can help you recover more quickly than sitting idle. When you're injured you'll be more aware of what technique is ideal and how to stay in your lane.

5. Nobody to Watch the Kids

Sometimes the window of time to train can be limited. And when it does present it's restricted to when someone else can watch the kids. 

So what do you do when this falls this through? Grab the kids and go for a hike. Or take a soccer ball to the field. If you want a real challenge, try to chasing your kids around the Wibit water-park for a couple of hours.

There are many more things that could present as constraints to achieving your goals including no sleep, no training partner, no equipment...

Rather on focussing on what you don't have, turn your perspective on what you can do.

Here's the interesting thing about this...it usually leads us to doing what we normally don't do, and probably need to.

Remember your overall success is based on consistency. Be creative and adaptable. And use the constraint in front of you as an opportunity to get better.