The Central Governor Model

The Central Governor Model suggests that our brain acts as a regulator to prevent our muscles from overworking and causing injury or exhaustion. Rather than muscles directly telling us when to stop, the brain monitors factors like fatigue and energy levels, adjusting effort accordingly. This mental “governor” maintains a safe pace during physical activities, ensuring we don't push beyond our limits. It helps explain why fatigue and perceived effort influence performance, acting as an internal control system that balances exertion with safety and sustainability.