Are You Really Strong Enough To Pick Up A Car Under Stress? Neurology May Have The Answer

In the dynamic world of kettlebells, Pavel, a worldwide leader in the kettlebell movement, once asserted, "You're all strong enough to pick up a car; you just don't know how. Right?"

This statement catalyzes for us to look beyond the surface of physical strength, and dive into the intricacies of the nervous system—the true arbiter of our muscular capabilities.

Decoding the Brain's Regulatory Role In Strength

The comparison of the nervous system to a governor on a car is more than a metaphor—it's a fundamental insight into the regulatory mechanisms of our bodies. Analogous to how a speed governor once dictated your rental car vehicle's speed, our nervous system governs the intensity of our muscular output.

This intrinsic regulator acts as a protective barrier, preventing us from overexertion in normal circumstances. In short, think of those times you have picked up a weight and immediately said; "not happening!"  Our nervous system saves us from ourselves.

Drawing parallels to the frustration of driving a rental car with a capped speed of 65 and we end up driving like Miss Daisy, we encounter a reminder of the unseen restrictions imposed by our nervous system to slow us down.

This subtle nervous systems governor, akin to the annoyance of a car's speed limit, conceals the untapped potential within us. Unbeknownst to many, our bodies are capable of far more than we commonly perceive.  We know this intuitively through trial and error, but the question becomes; how do we get our nervous system to act with us?

Muscles and Bones: The Power Within

The inherent strength of our muscles becomes apparent in extraordinary feats, such as the oft-heard tale of a grandma lifting a car to rescue a toddler. Fueled by adrenaline, these displays of superhuman strength, however, come at a cost.

The aftermath may involve torn labrums, fractured ribs, and even a broken pelvis—an indomitable testament to the might concealed within our bodies.

Delving deeper into neurology, we find that stories of life-or-death situations provide a unique window into the inner workings of the brain and nervous system. The brain's unwavering commitment to survival is the guiding principle.

Under normal circumstances, access to the full potential of our muscles is restricted by a safety mechanism. Yet, in critical moments, such as life or death situations, the brain overrides these safeguards, permitting access to superhuman strength for the sake of survival.

In these moments, the brain prioritizes immediate survival over long-term consequences, allowing the individual to tap into an extraordinary reservoir of strength, speed, and reaction time. The price paid may be high, but in the face of life-threatening situations, the body's primary concern is survival.

Navigating Neurology To Unlock Our Hidden Resilience

Understanding the symbiotic relationship between our neurology and muscular output unveils a new dimension of human capability. Pavel's wisdom takes on a deeper significance—our physical strength is not confined by its limits but is a dynamic force waiting to be unleashed.

As we grasp the intricacies of our neurological governors, there arises an invitation to explore the depths of our strength, recognizing that, in moments of dire need, the body can defy its own safeguards for the sake of survival.

This revelation becomes a testament to the incredible resilience and latent power encapsulated within the human body—an untapped potential poised for release when circumstances demand.

Neurology serves as the key to unlocking the hidden strength we never knew we possessed, offering a blueprint for understanding and harnessing the full extent of our physical capabilities.

If you want to learn more about neurology and what our neuro education can do for you, click here for more information. 

 If you want to learn how we use neurology in our strength workouts and training, click here to view the Neuro Functional Strength Coach.