If you’ve ever taken a class with me, chances are you’ve heard me say “make it suck.”
And no, I don’t say this because I enjoy watching people suffer (well… maybe just a little 😈). I say it because I believe getting uncomfortable is one of the most powerful things you can do—not just for your body, but for your mind.
James DiNicolantonio put it best:
“Fitness is more than just moving weights or running miles; it’s an opportunity to build mental toughness. Every time you push past your limits, you’re not just training your body; you’re building mental resilience, unlocking hidden reserves of strength, and learning how to keep going when things get tough.”
In other words, every time you do something hard—something that sucks a little—you’re training your ability to persevere. And that’s a skill that translates to every part of life.
It’s Not Just About Fitness—It’s About Grit
A lot of people think they struggle with fitness because they’re “not strong enough” or “not fit enough.”
But here’s the reality: more often than not, it’s not a lack of fitness—it’s a lack of mental toughness.
- That last rep? Your body can probably handle it—but your mind tells you to stop.
- That last 200 meters of a run? Your lungs aren’t failing—but your brain is screaming for comfort.
- That moment when you want to quit? It’s not because you physically can’t—it’s because you mentally want to stop.
That’s why training isn’t just about getting stronger—it’s about getting mentally tougher. And just like your muscles, mental toughness needs to be trained, challenged, and flexed regularly.
Doing Hard Things Builds Mental Resilience
There’s a reason I do things like cold plunges—and truthfully, it’s not because I fully believe in all the recovery benefits (the jury’s still out on that one).
I do them because they freaking suck.
The discomfort, the shock, the urge to get out immediately—that’s all mental. And every time I force myself to sit in the ice longer than I want to, I’m flexing that mental muscle.
Another example? Treadmill running.
I was just talking to my sister about this. I find treadmill runs really hard—not physically, but mentally. They’re boring. Even if I’m binge-watching Love is Blind, the time drags on forever. But I remind myself:
👉 If I want to be mentally strong enough to run a marathon, I need to train my mental resilience, too.
👉 Pushing through the boredom, the monotony, and the urge to stop is just as important as pushing my pace or distance.
How to Build More Mental Toughness in Your Training
So, how do you train mental resilience? You do hard things. On purpose. Regularly.
💪 Push Yourself in Workouts – When you feel like quitting, don’t. Give yourself 10 more seconds, one more rep, one more push.
🧊 Cold Plunges (or Anything Uncomfortable) – Not sold on the benefits? Doesn’t matter. Sit in the discomfort. Train your mind to handle it.
🏃 Run on the Treadmill (or Do the Thing You Hate) – Find the thing that challenges you mentally and make yourself do it.
🔥 Embrace the Suck – Recognize when something is tough and lean into it. Instead of backing off, push forward.
The Bottom Line: Make It Suck
You don’t just train your body—you train your mind. And every time you do something hard, you’re reinforcing the fact that you can handle more than you think.
So next time you want to stop, next time something gets tough, next time you feel like quitting—don’t.
Make it suck.
Because that’s how you get stronger.
Physically.
Mentally.
For life.
A Quick Note on Safety (and Why Coaching Matters!)
Pushing yourself is important. But knowing your limits is just as important.
What I’m not saying is:
❌ If you’ve never squatted before, load 225lbs on the bar and go for it.
❌ Push through pain and ignore form.
That’s just silly—and unsafe.
You should push yourself smartly, with good technique, and with a coach who knows when to push and when to pull back.
Cough cough… this is exactly why having a coach matters. At MVMT Strength, we help you find the right balance—pushing hard, but training safely, so you get stronger without getting hurt.
If you’re ready to train smarter, lift heavier, and build both physical and mental strength—let’s talk. Feel free to email me anytime at isaac@mvmts.ca
-Isaac Morgado
Owner
MVMT Strength
