S.A.I.D is an acronym for Specific Adaptations to Imposed Demands – a principle that is widely accepted in the physical fitness field. In the context of physical change S.A.I.D suggests that the human body will only adapt to the specific stresses that are placed on it. Furthermore once the body adapts to that stress – which it inevitably will – the same degree of stimulus will no longer be adequate to elicit further adaptations. For that to occur – a greater degree of stress or stimulus must now be applied.
For example – as a novice weight trainer you go to the gym and everyday you choose to squat 100 pounds for ten repetitions – initially you will see some strength gains – however – in a relatively brief period of time you will cease to get stronger from lifting that weight at that repetition number. To get stronger – you would need to increase a variable such as the weight or repetitions.
Given this idea – think about the act of sitting. Most people spend almost 60-80% of the day in a variation of this position. Envision a person positioned in a chair – sitting upright in the fetal position. Think about it – essentially we are sitting when we are at work, at meals, watching TV or surfing the net, driving to work, and for some even sleeping in the fetal position. So if we put our body in this position all the time – it is no surprise that most people have back issues, tight hips and neck problems.
This principle is just as true in life as it is in physical development. If a child reads a book everyday for a full year – they become a good reader, however not necessarily a good thinker. To become a good thinker – one needs to practice thinking just as to become a cook – one must practice cooking. In each case however – whether it is thinking, reading or cooking – if an individual does not increase the stimulus or the difficulty – then they will reach a point where they ultimately stagnate.
My thinking is that – based on the S.A.I.D principle – it is imperative that we as individuals carefully analyze our daily actions, behaviors and practices to make sure that we are developing the appropriate ones – and also that we are gradually increasing the difficulty of each – in other words – if you are not uncomfortable – you are probably not growing.
October 25, 2011
