Have you ever heard of the Central Governor Theory?

The Central Governor Theory is an idea that the brain regulates the body’s exertion during exercise, so as to avoid damaging the heart.  Basically, the body sends fewer neural signals to the muscle fibers.  We experience this as one component of fatigue.

If this theory is to be believed, it means that the brain limits the muscles’ abilities while participating in endurance sports such as running.  This idea has never really been proven by science, but there is an intuitive possibility that such a mental protection exists for the body.

Anecdotally there two specific instances in which the Central Governor seems to be present.  The ability to kick and sprint at the end of the race would be a great example of this theory.  First and foremost, I want to recognize that running faster at the end of the race is due to the usage of the anaerobic system and the ATP energy source.  However, after acknowledging that fact, we all know it is easier to run faster at the end, because we’re almost finished.

Nearing the end of a race isn’t simply exciting because your friends and family are waiting for you.  It’s also exciting for our bodies because they expect rest and recovery.  It’s during this finish that our mind and body sheds its inhibitions.  Marathoners know when they see the finish line that they will indeed finish the race.  Much like the runner takes comfort in knowing he’ll be able to finish, the theory of the Central Governor is that your mind also becomes relaxed near the finish because it knows that you won’t die.  So, it’s possible it is the Central Governor assisting in that kick at the end of a race.

As a personal trainer, I have noticed a second instance that the Central Governor Theory might be at work.  There are many times that clients have difficulty pushing themselves to fully exert themselves during a workout.  It is possible that it is really the Central Governor that is trying to protect their muscles and body from working too hard.  The problem is that it means the Central Governor is being overprotective.

It would make perfect sense that through evolution and a pretty cushy lifestyle the mind now fears that any type of physical exhaustion, especially in clients that have no athletic background, is dangerous.  I have seen this attitude from personal experience in my years as a coach and a personal trainer.

If we are to believe in the Central Governor Theory, we can improve our exercise routines by becoming aware that our bodies are more capable than our mind thinks.  We all hit walls and struggle to continue.  Although it is natural, it is important to push through those limitations.

To be honest it doesn’t matter if this theory is accurate or not, because the concept of pushing through our limitations will help us to become better athletes and more fit.  By adapting to our new exercise stimuli our bodies’ performance improves.  So next time the workout gets tough, accept the circumstances, and continue at the same pace until you’re finished.  Training the mind to work through mild discomfort will yield plenty of amazing exercise benefits, as you’re able to do more and more, as it becomes easier and easier over time.