At The Mentality Lab, home of CrossFit Amarillo, we believe that true strength starts in your head.
Our philosophy isn’t just about lifting weights or smashing workouts—it’s about cultivating a mindset that fuels every aspect of your growth. Our pyramid of progress, rooted in the power of belief, is the foundation for everything we do. Let’s break it down and show you how focusing on mindset as the base sets you up for success in fitness, nutrition, and life.
The Pyramid of Progress: Mindset as the Foundation
Our pyramid represents a holistic approach to wellness, with five key layers: Mindset, Nutrition, Movement, Conditioning, and Intensity. Each level builds on the one below, but it all starts with cultivating a growth mindset—the bedrock of your journey.
Mindset: The Power of Belief
At the base of the pyramid is Mindset, defined by three core principles:
- State: Being present and aware.
- Attitude: Staying positive and engaged.
- Focus: Committing to constant improvement.
Why does mindset come first? Because what you believe shapes what you achieve. Science tells us that belief drives action. When you believe you’re capable, you show up fully—present in the moment, with a positive attitude, and a relentless focus on growth. Studies on self-efficacy, like those by Albert Bandura (1977), show that people who trust in their abilities set bigger goals, push harder, and recover faster from setbacks.
On the flip side, self-doubt can trap you in a cycle of hesitation and failure, often called a self-fulfilling prophecy (Rosenthal & Jacobson, 1968).
We’ve seen this play out firsthand. Members who walk in believing they can improve—whether it’s hitting a new PR or sticking to a nutrition plan—almost always do. Those who struggle often carry a mental block, telling themselves they’re “not good enough.”
That’s why our coaching prioritizes mindset: it’s the spark that ignites everything else.
Nutrition: Building on a Strong Mind
The next layer is Nutrition, which focuses on:
- Education: Understanding food quality and quantity.
- Refinement: Balancing macro and micro nutrients.
- Accountability: Staying consistent over time.
A strong mindset makes nutrition sustainable. If you believe you can change your habits, you’re more likely to learn about proper fueling, refine your diet, and hold yourself accountable. Without that mental foundation, it’s easy to fall into cycles of frustration or give up when cravings hit. We’ve seen members transform their relationship with food by first shifting their mindset—believing they’re worth the effort and capable of consistency.
Movement: The Body Follows the Mind
Next up is Movement, which emphasizes:
- Mechanics: Mastering mobility and technique.
- Capacity: Building strength and range of motion.
- Consistency: Showing up regularly to utilize your skills.
You can’t move well if your mind isn’t in it. A focused, positive mindset helps you stay patient while learning new skills, like a perfect squat or handstand push-up. It also keeps you consistent—showing up even on tough days. Members who embrace this layer often say they feel more connected to their bodies, all because they first believed they could improve.
Conditioning: Energy and Resilience
The Conditioning layer focuses on:
- Energy Pathways: Supporting heart health.
- Recovery & Adaptation: Building resilience.
Conditioning is where your mental grit really shines. When you’re in the middle of a hard workout, your mindset keeps you going. Believing you can push through fatigue helps your body adapt, improving your health and recovery. We’ve watched members surprise themselves with their endurance, all because they cultivated a mental edge that says, “I can do this.”
Intensity: The Peak of Performance
At the top is Intensity, where sport and competition come into play. This is where you test your limits—whether in a CrossFit competition or a personal challenge. But you can’t reach this peak without the layers below. A strong mindset, solid nutrition, consistent movement, tailored programming, and resilient conditioning all lead to this point. It’s the culmination of believing in yourself from the ground up.
The Glue: Community and Support
Surrounding the pyramid are Community and Support, because no one thrives alone. At The Mentality Lab (home of CrossFit Amarillo), we’re more than a gym—we’re a family. Your mindset grows stronger when you’re surrounded by people who cheer you on, hold you accountable, and inspire you to keep going. Our community is here to lift you up, whether you’re celebrating a win or pushing through a tough day.
Why Mindset Matters Most
The pyramid shows how interconnected these elements are, but it all comes back to mindset. If you don’t believe you can succeed, you’ll struggle to eat well, move consistently, or push your limits. But when you start with belief—when you’re present, positive, and focused—everything else falls into place. Your brain even backs you up: positive beliefs trigger dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical that boosts motivation, while negative ones can leave you stuck (Schultz, 2007).
Break Free From Status Quo Fitness Trends
Wouldn’t it be nice to be part of something that invests in you and values you, your health, your longevity, and your goals versus hopping on the latest trends?
Holding firm to what actually works in the fitness industry isn’t easy but you deserve it.
We believe that a strong mindset is the key to unlocking your potential, whether you’re aiming to deadlift double your body weight, get your first pull up, or simply feel better in your own skin. Our pyramid guides the way, with mindset as the foundation, supported by nutrition, movement, conditioning, and sport—all wrapped in the power of community.
Ready to shift your mindset and see what you’re truly capable of? Come join us and let’s build a stronger you, from the inside out.
