How Bamboo can Inspire Us

Bamboo is part of the grass family; it’s a woody plant and very durable with a dense, strong outer layer. Bamboo is flexible and elastic. In China, bamboo is one of the Four Noble Ones, representing seasons; bamboo is the strong, fresh and beautiful summer. 

There are many items made from bamboo, from flooring and furniture to fabrics and even fishing poles. Bamboo is resilient and resists breaking when placed under stress, making it ideal for many hand-made items. 

If you’ve ever seen bamboo in its natural habitat, you know it’s a lovely green, grows tall and thick. It’s lush and provides a beautiful habitat for wildlife and a favorite meal for panda bears.  

When we think about our bodies while striving to maintain optimal fitness and health, there are four key traits of bamboo which inspire us. 

1. Durable  Bamboo can withstand wear, pressure, or damage. When we build strength by lifting and lowering weight, we make gains, and our bodies become more durable no matter our age. We also gain an increased range of motion. We have greater mobility. So from now on, when we talk about improving mobility, remember that this will also improve your durability. Stand tall, chest out, shoulders back, and smile at your next workout– make like bamboo!  
2. Strong   Did you know bamboo takes seven years to grow? It takes that much time to expand its roots under the soil then rise to the sky. This process is what makes bamboo so strong. Bamboo is patient. To be strong, we must also be patient and give our bodies time to regenerate and change. We must focus on all we can control and let our bodies respond. Our desired outcome will manifest itself when it’s ready. 
3. Flexible  Harsh winds, even hurricanes, can’t uproot the bamboo. It’s grounded, elastic, and very flexible. Bamboo bends with the wind but never breaks, capable of adapting to any circumstance. We must go with the ebb and flow of the day. If we get off track from our nutrition plan or miss a workout, we use our knowledge to adjust and make the next right choice. Be flexible and adapt, keeping our vision looking forward. We don’t beat ourselves up and throw in the towel. 
4. Resilient   Did you know that if you cut down bamboo, it will grow again? Just like in life, we learn to get back up and keep trying. Bamboo regenerates, grows, and heals, just like our bodies do when we exercise, eat good quality nutrition, drink water daily, get in all our nutrients and sunshine. The sign of a successful transformer is someone who shows up, keeps working their plan, one day at a time. When times get difficult or we “don’t feel like it” we bounce back because our ability to thrive depends on our attitude in our life circumstances.

It dosen’t matter how heavy the dumbbells feel somedays or how rough it is to get started with your workout or following your plan because you are learning to be flexible and, above all, resilient.   

The next time you exercise, make like the bamboo and stand tall, strong, be flexible, and know you are resilient. 

Before you make your next journal entry:

• Close your eyes.
• Picture yourself as the bamboo.
• Note of its traits about where you are now and where you want to be 12 weeks from now.  

Are you ready to start your journey to better fitness? Take action and contact K Factor Coaching today.