TSC True Test of Inner Strength

It always leaves me awe struck to watch people tap into the spirit of strength. And this most recent installment of the challenge did not disappoint. There is something astounding about the type of energy generated by people connecting with each other in the pursuit of becoming stronger.

The TSC provides the perfect environment for like-minded people to come together for support, encouragement and camaraderie while chasing a common goal:  getting STRONGER. 
My favorite aspect of this competition is that all levels of strength and fitness come together with the sole purpose of testing their level of physical, mental and even spiritual strength. The competition is unique because it consists of three events which showcase ways to test one's strength.

First is the barbell dead lift, the truest form of absolute strength, load as much weight on the barbell as possible and pull it from the ground to your waist. The concept is simple however the execution is not easy. Participants are given only three attempts to achieve their maximum lift. Needless to say not only does the dead-lift test ones physical strength it also tests your ability to focus on being in the moment, and not projecting past the weight in front of you.

Next is the max "dead hang" pull-up.  The tool here is the one we all have in common, our bodies. The competitor hangs from a pull-up bar and starts from the hang position (arms are totally straight) at that point he or she has to pull their chin above the bar (only using their upper body) as many times as possible before letting go of the bar. There might not be a more mentally taxing movement than the last pull-up on a maximum set. Often times the mind is pleading with the body to pull itself up, often times the body has a mind of its own.

Last but certainly not least is the grand finale of the challenge (insert ominous horror flick music) the five minute kettle bell snatch test. As mentioned in the name, the tool used for the last event is the kettle bell. Often called the "gym that fits in your hand" or the  "AK-47 of exercise equipment". The kettle bell is the perfect combination of pleasure and pain. A simple cast iron globe with a handle on the top. The snatch test is the ultimate test of endurance strength. With one hand, swing the bell between your legs, then snap your hips and finish with your hand completely extended over head. All you have to do is repeat for exactly five minutes. By the time the clock reads 0:00 all competitors are desperately gasping for air with their glutes, hamstrings and the rest of their body on fire. By the looks on the competitors faces the sense of accomplishment heavily out weighs the physical demand put on the body.

If you're terrified and thinking to your self,
"This competition is for people who already are in shape."
 You're not alone and that is only partially correct. You are correct about it being a little scary.  However, those of us in recovery know that walking through fear is essential for growth. Where you are wrong is if you think that this is only for people that are already in good shape. Yes, there are participants in good physical condition. What you will soon discover is that all different levels of physical fitness are represented.
All categories are scalable. You chose the weight to dead lift, you chose the size of kettle bell you snatch and if haven't achieved a pull-up yet you can do a flexed arm hang.

~  Frank Young

Are you ready to take a risk, try something different and say yes to your life? 
If so TSC training @ FTR will resume on January 6th, 2018.