The 70 % threshold in Taoism...

[Ajay0]

Sensei Sandeep Desai on the 70 % threshold in Taoism...

The 70% Threshold

www.speakingtree.in

At the heart of Tao philosophy is the 70% rule. It states that you should do a T’ai Chi movement to only 70% of your potential.

Striving for 100% inherently produces tension and stress because when you strain yourself, your body experiences fear. Even without you being aware of it, your tense body responds by shutting down. At 70% capacity, you can throw 100% of your energy and effort into practice, and you still generate 100% of the possible Chi that a T’ai Chi movement is capable of producing.

Going beyond 70% drains your energy reserves. Staying within 70% of your capacity produces optimum physical accomplishment, simultaneously reducing psychological stress. The more you relax, the more energy, stamina and strength you will have.

 

[AgnosticBoy]

That's an interesting idea. When I used to frequent the gym, guys used to always tell me give 110%. They would say that when you feel like you can't do anymore, do one more. Some of these guys lived at the gym, probably going everyday. I guess one benefit they got out of that was motivation and quicker results. BUt then I question if the results are really quicker and if that's even been studied.

But I think the benefit of the idea Ajay0 brings up could be better overall, leading to less injury and perhaps a healthier way of improving on physical fitness and in other areas.