FitLab

Introduction: My philosophy on Health and Exercise: - Exercise is simple yet complex. Unfortunately, many people make it too complicated. For clarification purposes we are defining exercise as any challenge to the body. In this framework there are no rules to exercise, just rules of the body and rules of force (ref: RTS). The most important element is first defining the goal(s) and establishing an understanding of why you want to achieve that goal(s). - Exercise stresses the body. Too much stress can be detrimental, too little can prohibit progress. Assessing current stress levels is very beneficial in determining what kind, how much, and with what frequency to exercise. If the overall goal is to create a healthier life knowing what your starting point is will be critical to designing and implementing your plan of action. - Presence is of the essence; be in the moment when you exercise and always have the GOTE (Goal of the Exercise) top of mind. - Instead of setting physiological goals (bodyfat % or weight), try setting physical goals. Your efforts to achieving your goals will naturally create positive adaptations while having fun and increasing confidence as you approach your goal(s). For example, think 10 consecutive pull ups, jumping a 40" box jump, climbing a 30-foot rope or running an 8-minute mile. - DIET is a four-letter word; it's time to rediscover this word's meaning. Interestingly enough if you rearrange the letters you can build the word TIED. Are you tied to your food? - You are what you consume. Again, be in the moment and eat with the intention. Does the food you eat make you feel good and contribute positively to your lifestyle goals? If not, then realize/decide why you are eating it and OWN it. Food is fuel for the body and soul - not compensation or reward. - A healthy lifestyle is a long-term commitment (a commitment made every day); not a 5-week weight loss program or 90-day bootcamp. Can what you do be sustained? Are you having fun? Do the movement(s) you participate in feel good? - Exercise modalities (yoga, Cross Fit, Pilates, etc.) are just different ways of moving; ways of challenging the body. No one is better than another. Choose something you enjoy doing to ensure your exercise is sustainable, injury free and successful. - Micro-progression is the key; results will come with time and patience. Don't go too hard, too fast, too soon. Realize that it took a while to get where you are and change doesn't happen overnight. There are no quick fixes. - Master your body before adding external resistance. For example, become skillful in all of the varieties of push-ups before you decide to throw plates on an incline bench press. Perform a perfectly executed pistol squat before loading up a bar to do back squats. - Prior to embarking on an exercise program be sure to assess your own stability through retention of a qualified MAT practitioner. It's certainly not smart to throw new tires on a car that hasn't had a wheel alignment in years. - Listen to your body. If you are hungry eat. If you feel pain you need to stop exercising. Pain is not the same as exertion which is what you experience when you exercise or bring your body out of its comfort zone.