Lift to Lift?

Had an interesting conversation yesterday with a father of one of my wrestlers.  He asked, "When does my son lift to lift?"  At first, I didn't know what to think of the question but my instincts kicked in and I replied, "When he retires from wrestling."  A simple answer I know but several underlying thoughts also exist here.  I do understand that the training we do provides an outlet beyond one's current competitive endeavors.  There is no denying the power that the team environment has on individual progress.  In no other place or athletic endeavor is that more prevalent than in the weight room setting.  In fact this is how our barbell sports (and to an certain extent our individual sports like track and field, wrestling, tennis, etc)  operate; when a lifter is up they take center stage at that moment.  For WLers, respect and courtesy dictate a silence before a maximal attempt; in contrast PLers are given support through an immense amount vocal support and emphatic coaching.  In both cases the lifters have a "team" of supporters during your lift.  

 Most sports in the US operate in opposition. You can conceivably work your tail off in a great individual effort but yet you "team" can lose for various reasons irreverent of that individual's accomplishments that day.  So when do we Lift to lift? or train to train?  When we are no longer in competitive pursuits.  Every one of my athletes and clients understands this. We are in a state of TRAINING...I.E. preparation and practice for performances that are bigger and better.  For my clients who do not participate in sport, it may be to fit into a smaller dress size or to have less aches and pains or to manage their internal health better.  In either case we are looking to do better than before, if even a little better.  Our "performances" keep us in check.  They give us something to look forward to, inspire us to adhere to our plan, and helps keep us consistent in our DAILY PROCESS to give us the best chance we can to progress.  

In essence, lifting to lift or training to train  DOES NOT EXIST.  If we have no amiable goals then it is merely exercise, activity, and participation.  Was it not the great coach John Wooden that said, "Reward achievement not participation."?  So whatever your endeavor may be, competitive sportsman or sportswoman, "fitness" enthusiast, lifter, runner, jogger, or for your mental and physical health...don't be afraid to keep yourself in check and challenge yourself.