The Power of Negativity In Weight Resistance Training
WHEN WE WEIGHT TRAIN, we oppose the law of nature (gravity) of motion in two ways. One, when we resist a weight downward toward us or when we resist a pull of a weight away from us. And two, when we push a weight upward away from us or when we pull a weight toward us. The first way is natural motion and the second way is artificial motion. The natural motion is positive because it affirms the law of nature. The artificial motion is negative because it opposes the law of nature. We are called to tarry with both motions if we are to yield the positive benefits of weight resistance training.
The notion of “tarrying with the negative” originates with the 19th century German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel in the 45-page Preface to explain the aim in his famed book, Phenomenology of Spirit. [1]
In this article, I propose to offer a different way of thinking about weight resistance training by applying the notion, “tarrying with the negative.” Rather than thinking of the natural motion eccentric (the negative repetition) and the artificial motion concentric (the positive repetition), I propose the opposite in relation to the law of nature: the natural motion is positive and the artificial motion is negative.
Affirming, Tarrying, and Transforming the Negative into the Positive
Opposing the positive motion is to affirm natural motion. This is the first negation. Opposing the negative motion is to affirm artificial motion. This is the second negation. When one opposes the first negation (weight resistance toward or away from the body) and opposes the second negation (weight resistance away from or toward the body) one affirms and tarries with the negation of the negation and transforms it into something positive. The antecedent of affirming the negative and tarrying with it, is the consequent of the positive of getting healthy and fit.
Re-thinking Weight “Resistance” Training
Considering “the negation of the negation” as positive is applying and re-thinking the conventional definition of weight resistance training. Conventional thinking defines the resisting motion negative and the opposing motion positive. Unconventional thinking (what I am proposing) defines the resisting motion positive and the opposing motion negative.
The Law of Nature is Positive
To affirm that natural motion is positive and artificial motion is negative is to understand the true nature of gravity. Gravity naturally pulls objects toward each other. With weight resistance training, we artificially oppose gravity by either resisting it or pushing against it to get healthy and fit.
The first picture below, demonstrates the first motion for performing the flat bench press. The downward motion of the weight is being resisted against gravity toward the body. Conventional thinking defines the downward motion negative. However, this motion is positive and natural because it is affirming the law of nature and tarrying with the first negation.
The second picture below, demonstrates the second motion for performing the flat bench press. The upward motion of the weight is being opposed against gravity away from the body. Conventional thinking defines the upward motion positive. However, this motion is negative and artificial because it is opposing the law of nature and tarrying with the second negation.
The former negation is natural, whereas the latter negation is artificial. Both negations combined reveal the negation of the negation, which yields the positive for positive results.
Conclusion
By opposing two negatives (one natural and the other artificial) when engaged in weight resistance training, I conclude, the positive arises when and only when negativity is directed not at the negative but at one’s initial efforts at negating it. [2] The power of the negative is the creative element that assures the advancement of something positive.
Endnotes
[1] Hegel, Phenomenology of Spirit (1807), “Preface,” Section 32.
[2] Messinger, Eli. “The Power of Negativity.” Book Review. Science and Society. Spring 2004, Vol. 68, Issue 1 (pp. 123-125) p. 124.