💪 What’s holding you back...

read on: themovementmemo.com

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Welcome to The Movement Memo, a bi-weekly newsletter where I share actionable tips to help you live your best day ever, every day.

Today's Programming 

• Movement: The Grinder

• Quote: Ford on starting over 

• Lesson Learned: What’s holding you back

• Optimization: The science-backed supplement stack

Today's Movement 

Complete 5 rounds for time:

• 10 Deadlifts (225/155 lbs)

• 15 Box Jumps (24/20 inches)

• 20 Kettlebell Swings (53/35 lbs)

• 400m Run

Today's Quote

This is a powerful reminder that new growth requires new strategies and approaches.

The hard part is swallowing your ego.

The only reason you have had success is because of what you have done.

But if you want to progress to the next level, you have to do things differently.

What worked to get you here, won't work to get you there.

Are you willing to start over?

Today's Lesson Learned

When Strength Becomes Stagnation

In 2011, I almost got fired by my triathlon coach. 

Not for skipping workouts or slacking off, but for doing the exact opposite—I was training too hard. I was pushing too fast in every workout, convinced that the harder I pushed, the better I’d get. And at the time, it seemed like the right approach. I was strong from years of CrossFit, with a powerful anaerobic capacity. I could hit that sixth gear hard, and I thought I was on the right track. 

But despite all that effort, I wasn’t getting faster.

My coach sat me down and said something I’ll never forget: “You’re working on your strength, but it’s your weakness that’s holding you back.”

Why Doing More of the Same Isn’t the Answer

I had built a solid foundation of anaerobic power. 

I had strength, no question about it. I could hold that sixth gear for about 45 minutes, but that was my limit. Worse, when I dialed it back to 70 or 75 percent of my max effort, I could barely sustain it for 60 to 90 minutes. 

It didn’t matter how hard I tried or how much I pushed—I was stuck.

The problem was that I was leaning into my strength too much, thinking that doubling down on what I was good at would get me to the next level. But life—and fitness—doesn’t work that way. My strength had become my ceiling. 

To get better, I needed to shift my focus away from what I was already good at and start working on my weakness: my aerobic engine.

Why Change Is Necessary for Growth

It didn’t happen overnight, but eventually, I listened to my coach. 

He told me I needed to slow down and focus on zone two training—long, steady efforts at about 80% of my max heart rate. It felt counterintuitive.

 How was going slower supposed to make me faster? 

But the more I resisted, the more I stayed stuck. Finally, I committed to the process, even though it felt like a step backward at first.

And guess what? 

I got faster. A lot faster. 

By focusing on my weakness, I built up my aerobic engine, and I was able to hold 80 to 85% of my max effort for much longer periods without fading. It was a huge breakthrough for me, and it came from working on what I had been neglecting for so long.

Recognizing Your Limitations

In life, just like in training, it’s easy to get stuck in a pattern of doing more of what you’re already good at. 

We lean into our strengths because it feels good, it feels productive. But the truth is, that strategy only works for so long. At some point, you hit a plateau. 

For me, that plateau came after 45 minutes of pushing hard, or 60 minutes at a slightly lower intensity. 

No matter how much I worked on my strengths, I wasn’t getting the results I wanted because I wasn’t addressing my weaknesses.

This happens to all of us. 

Maybe you’ve built a career on your ability to hustle, to work hard, and to push through obstacles. But now, you find yourself exhausted, burning out, or just not moving forward the way you used to. 

It’s the same pattern: your strength has become your limit.

Building a Strong Foundation with Zone 2

Zone 2 training was the key to unlocking my potential in triathlon. 

It taught me that steady, sustainable effort builds a strong foundation for long-term success. And it’s the same in life. You can’t always rely on bursts of energy or working harder. 

Sometimes, you need to slow down and focus on the basics. 

Build a routine that allows you to grow consistently over time, without burning out.

In life, Zone 2 might look like developing habits that support your growth over the long haul—taking care of your health, nurturing relationships, setting aside time for learning, or simply allowing yourself to rest. 

It’s not always about going fast. 

Sometimes, the key to getting faster is learning how to go slower, how to be more deliberate, and how to work on the things that challenge you the most.

What Got You Here Won’t Get You There

The biggest lesson I learned from almost getting fired by my triathlon coach is this: What got you here won’t get you there. 

You can’t keep doing the same thing and expect different results. 

If you’re feeling stuck, it’s not because you’re not trying hard enough. 

It’s because you’re focusing on the wrong thing. 

You’re working on your strength when it’s your weakness that’s holding you back.

Don’t let your strength become your limitation. Take a step back, assess where you’re stuck, and start working on the things that challenge you. It won’t be easy, but it’s the only way to break through the plateau and reach the next level. 

What worked to get you here won’t get you there—but by shifting your focus and working on your weaknesses, you’ll get there faster than you think.

Today's Youtube

In case you missed it, last Friday I released a full backyard gym tour of Muscle Mountain, the ultimate outdoor home gym in Colorado that combines fitness, wellness, and community.

In the episode, I break down how we created the design on 1,200 square feet of turf with breathtaking views of the Front Range mountains and built it out for serious training and relaxation.

Click here to watch the full tour!

Today's Optimization

After intense efforts lasting over 90 minutes, post-ride recovery is crucial. Within 30-60 minutes post-exercise, your body is primed to absorb nutrients, making it the perfect time to refuel and repair. Here’s how I do it with my 3 go-to products from Momentous.

First up is protein. It’s essential for muscle recovery and growth, and I’ve found that Momentous Essential Whey Protein fits seamlessly into my routine. I add it to my post-ride smoothie, which not only tastes great but also kickstarts the recovery process by giving my muscles the nutrients they need to rebuild stronger.

Next, is Momentous Creatine Monohydrate. I take 10 grams daily—5 grams pre-workout and 5 grams post-workout. Creatine supports muscle mass and cognitive function, helping me recover faster and stay sharp. It’s a game-changer for those tough sessions where every bit of strength counts.

Finally, omega-3s are a must in my routine. Momentous Omega-3 is crucial for joint health, ensuring I stay pain-free and ready for the next ride. I take this post-workout to avoid any fishy aftertaste and to keep my joints in top condition.

What sets Momentous apart is its commitment to quality and innovation. All Momentous products are NSF Certified for Sport, ensuring they meet the highest standards for safety and effectiveness. Momentous works with some of the world's leading scientists who use the latest research to develop best-in-class products, often using patented ingredients and direct clinical proof. They also collaborate with performance experts from the NFL to the NCAA, leveraging knowledge from elite sports to bring truly innovative products to market. And here’s a special offer for you: get 15% off your first order using code “Eric15” at checkout on the Momentous website.

Fuel your recovery, and keep pushing your limits

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Publisher: Eric Hinman

Editor-in-chief: Bobby Ryan