Changes

The central governor theory is a model for understanding the limits of human performance (remember that [[All models are wrong]]). Instead of athletic ability being limited only by biomechanical systems, the central governor theory proposes that the limits are from a combination of the mind and body. For example, if we run far enough that our [[Muscle|muscles ]] start to become damaged, our brain receives signals indicating there are problems, and our mind perceives this is suffering and we have a desire to stop.

The central governor helps prevent unnecessary damage to our bodies. As we exercise to the point where damage begins, our mind perceives the urge to stop. This perceived suffering is balanced against our [[Motivation]], and when the suffering exceeds the motivation [[Motivation]] we will stop. So if we were chasing an animal to eat it, we would push ourselves hard and endure quite a bit of suffering to avoid hunger. But if we were running away from a bear that wants to eat us, we could push ourselves much harder.