A couple weeks ago I was at a CrossFit conference in Nashville, Tennessee and my buddy, Cary introduced me to the idea of Above/Below-the-line mindsets. I’m excited to share a mindset shift that can transform how you show up—not just in our box, but in every corner of your life..
At Armati, our mission is to be your home for real health care, positively impacting your fitness, relationships, work, and overall well-being. A powerful practice to achieve living better, longer starts with understanding the difference between above the line and below the line mindsets.
An above the line mindset is about being open, curious, and trusting. When you’re above the line, you approach challenges with a willingness to learn and grow. In the gym, this might look like asking, “How can I tweak my squat form?” during a tough workout. Outside the gym, it’s showing up to a tense work meeting ready to listen and ask, “What’s driving this issue?” or facing a family disagreement by seeking to understand rather than argue. This mindset builds stronger connections, fuels personal growth, and aligns with our goal of holistic health.
On the flip side, a below the line mindset is closed, defensive, and reactive, often triggered by stress or fear. In the gym, it’s brushing off a coach’s feedback after a missed lift or not showing up one day because you can’t do the workout as it is written. In life, it’s snapping at a partner during a stressful day or shutting down when a coworker challenges your idea.
We all slip below the line sometimes, but the key to thriving at Armati and beyond is checking in with yourself to stay above it. Before a workout, a big meeting, or a tough conversation, pause and ask: “Am I open to new perspectives? Curious about solutions? Trusting in myself and others?”
If you’re feeling defensive, take a deep breath, journal for a minute, or lean on our Armati community—your coaches and gym family—for a reset. By choosing to stay open, curious, and trusting, you’ll not only crush your fitness goals but also build healthier relationships and tackle life’s challenges with resilience. Let’s make Armati the foundation for living above the line, in and out of the gym!
