The Fitness Tripod
Week in Review 11-3-17
November 2, 2017
I love a good metaphor, and while it can help us take great pictures, the tripod is perfect for capturing the way in which 3 key pillars of well- being work synergistically with one another.
That, and I just don’t like selfie sticks…
So what are these magical pillars of well-being you ask? Nutrition, exercise and the oft overlooked and neglected recovery (sleep!)! Should one of the legs of this tripod fail, the whole system comes crashing down.
Don’t believe me? Read on…
Nutrition
What and how we eat forms the foundation for everything. Overeat, we gain weight. Fail to eat enough, we lose muscle mass and feel lethargic. Eat poor quality foods all the time and we risk harming our health. If we’re exercising, we have to fuel our workouts to see results. What we consume can also impact our sleep. Caffeine and alcohol both negatively impact sleep either by making it harder to fall asleep or by reducing sleep quality. Foods that don’t “agree” with us can do the same.
Exercise
Some people don’t like to exercise, which places more pressure on them to be perfect with their caloric intake both in terms of quality and quantity – there is little room for error! At the same time, enough scientific info is available here, here, and here that we know moving is essential reducing chronic disease and improving psychological well-being. A GREAT diet can’t fix that! A regular exercise program also helps you to feel more alert during the day and can help you sleep better at night!
Recovery (SLEEP!)
Everyone needs to recover. Everyone. Your exercise program is only sustainable if you allow yourself appropriate recovery. Gains made from your exercise program happen only when you recover. Injuries are more preventable when you recover. These are immutable facts. As the great people at Precision Nutrition show, sleep impacts everything from decision making to performance to digestion. Those who feel run down tend to reach for energy drinks to prop them up. Often these drinks are laden with sugar which negatively impacts your diet and body composition. Even if you’re drinking green tea or black coffee the overconsumption of caffeine harms sleep quality and the cycle persists.
Break the cycle by getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night and you’ll feel rested and ready to tackle the next set of challenges with enthusiasm unknown to mankind!
Becoming a Ninja
The fitness tripod – Diet, Exercise and Recovery (Sleep!). Master these three pillars and you will become a health and wellness Ninja. Your friends and family will rejoice and children will sing songs about your exploits. The world will be better for having known you. Or at the very least, you’ll feel great!
Looking for more?
At Vitalifit our goal is to simplify the process of becoming healthier so YOU can execute. Ultimately, our goals is to help you develop the consistency needed to see results. If you’re looking for additional help and guidance contact us today to join the Vitalifit Coaching Program that is right for you.
