Researchers have found that the brain’s internal representation of the body’s movement range is not accurate.
The study involved perception of wrist mobility compared to actual range of motion. In all cases, actual range of motion was greater than what subjects perceived.
In other words, we often underestimate the extent of our capacity.
The Cycle of Belief and Results
Our belief about our capacity can, in turn, influence our actual capacity. In the body, if we believe that it’s not safe to go into a certain range of motion, the body won’t allow us to go there. We might feel pain that causes us to stop. Or the nervous system might simply shut down the muscles.
In my workouts, I know that without a spotter behind me, I likely won’t reach full depth on a squat, especially at a heavy load. My body will stop when it feels like it’s at it the limit of its safe zone, even if it can technically go deeper.
When I work with a coach who I trust, I have an objective observer who can tell me that I have more capacity than I’m allowing myself to reach. That observation can bring awareness and perhaps help me start to explore going a little deeper. But when my coach stands behind me, it gives my nervous system the safety it needs to go to my end-range of motion.
Our non-physical capacity works the same way.
How to Expand Your Capacity
We can expand only as much as the nervous system feels safe to do so.
Sometimes when we think we’re hitting our limits, we’re not really hitting our limits. Instead, what we need is better support and systems that help us feel safe to find our edge.
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