Will Power Is the Ability to Devote Resources to Things

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Efficiency in movement, balance in muscular movements and fuel distribution from nerve, muscle, blood, heart, and lungs are crucial for sustaining efforts. The primary reason for failing during a long run is the depletion of glycogen stored in the liver and muscles which leads to burning carbohydrates to fuel slow twitch muscle contractions. The energy consumption of the mind is influenced by the level of willpower employed, affecting the ability to generate effort. Indecisiveness and rumination deplete valuable energy resources like glucose and epinephrine. Will power involves allocating resources effectively, making decisions promptly, and taking action when needed.

This episode I discuss endurance: our ability to perform effort over extended amounts of time. I describe the four kinds of endurance: muscular endurance, long duration (single-set) efforts, and the two kinds of high intensity interval training (HIIT). I discuss efficiency of effort and maximizing quality of effort, and a hydration formula. I review how our heart literally gets stronger when we oxygenate muscles properly. I also discuss motivation for long bouts of work and the visual physiological basis of the "extra gear" we all can leverage for effort. Finally, I review how accelerating as we fatigue can allow us to access untapped energetic resources.

Access the full show notes, including referenced articles, resources and more at hubermanlab.com.