The other day someone asked me, “What’s ‘Next level’ mean?”
At the start of the workout, after every station and at the very end, we come together, put our fists together and shout, “One, two, three, NEXT LEVEL!”
Next level can mean lots of things. Obviously you need to get to the next level physically. You can move to the next line. You can reach a new goal. I started in the worst line and moved to the second highest. I moved lots of levels. Losing 50 lbs. was definitely the next level. There are also physical levels. You have to attain a certain level of fitness before you can survive the workout (trust me, I know).
Then there are mental levels. It’s when you realize you are in good enough shape to do everything that is thrown at you but your mind is holding you back. It’s learning how to control your doubts and allow your body to do the work. I’ve been there, too.
You raise your diet to the next level, too. When you realize what you put in your mouth is as important for your health as getting out there and busting your butt four days a week. Your friendships raise to another level, as well. You realize it when the session is over and you don’t see your line mates everyday. And you hope to see them in the next session.
Today my friend Bucky made it to the next level. He has lost over 100 pounds in the PLS program and today was rewarded by wearing a 65-lb vest and had to carry a 35-lb. weight. His wife and oldest son were out there at 5 a.m. to cheer him on. And because of his commitment, will have a healthier and happier husband and dad. I’m proud of him for reaching his next level.
So, what’s ‘Next Level’ mean to me? It’s wanting to be the best you can possibly be physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. It’s having the mental and physical discipline to set goals and work hard toward reaching them. And exercise is a big part of that for me. I enjoy working out with others who are equally goal driven and committed to excellence. I want to be like them. That’s the next level for me.
1….2….3….Next Level!
Thanks, Marshall! Thank you for supporting my husband, Bucky, today. I appreciate the friendships he has made through PLS which helped in make it to the “next level.”