The 6 Game Changers In Physical Fitness

The 6 Game Changers In Physical Fitness :

By Di Katz-Shachar, CEO & Founder of Bodyholic

We’re not born ripped. Right? We’re not born in tip-top athletic shape. The only thing we were born with was the potential to become.

With our current understanding of biology, we know of at least 155 genetic markers linked to elite athleticism. But what does that mean for us? That genetics are the end-all be-all? Studies in the science of Genetics suggest that our genetics account for about 66% of the differences between an elite athlete and the “average” person. So, what that tells us is that genetics are not a sufficient answer, because they can’t account for everything. And in the academic world, “not sufficient” is used to convey that there’s more to the story, that there must be a combination of factors at work.

So, the real question is: what’s going on behind the scenes of that other 34%? What’s behind the things our genetics don’t account for? On some level, we know the answer. It’s our environment. And there’s a lot of hope in that, in knowing your genetics don’t seal your fate. I’m not saying we can just transform into Olympic athletes, but we have plenty of potential to become our strongest selves thanks to environmental factors.

The psychological mindset of resilience and supportive surroundings that are conducive to growth play a significant role in the athlete you are and can become.

Let’s walk through six influential factors of environment, all deeply studied and proven to be absolute Game Changers In Physical Fitness:

1. Love

   Truly, if you find an environment filled with love and support, you’re exponentially more likely to become your healthiest self.

2. Your Reality

   Your reality is how you define yourself, the way you see yourself. Of course we don’t always see ourselves the way others see us, because as people we’re self-critical and egocentric. But it’s crucial to see yourself as close to reality as possible. See yourself as a human being with limits and struggles, see your body realistically, and see the reality of your potential. Viewing yourself through the lens of reality can tear down a major roadblock you might not have known was even there.

3. Prioritization

   Prioritization is supremely important. What are you prioritizing with your time and focus? Are you able to put your fitness goals first by actually getting up, working out, and pushing yourself hard during that workout? The bottom line is without an under-standing of your true priorities, you won’t get very far.

4. Progression

   I want to emphasize something not discussed as often in the fitness industry: the idea of progressing over the course of your fitness or workout program. I see this overlooked by individuals; not just sometimes, but constantly. You should not simply aim to get through your workout program by repeating the same thing day after day, but rather progress the actual exercises. You should really be challenging your limits because that’s truly the key to muscle growth. I’ll give you an example because you should get to work on this TODAY. Let’s say you’re doing pushups against a vertical wall. That’s okay and really good for you to a certain point, but eventually it’ll become somewhat easy (you’ve hit that dreaded plateau). In order to keep building muscle, you have to graduate from wall pushups to stair pushups, and from stair pushups to floor pushups and maybe even elevated feet pushups. Periodically challenge your body and overcome those plateaus.

5. Mix It Up

   In addition to progressing your exercises, it’s also really important to not over-do it by constantly pushing and working your maps. Change it up! You can incorporate things like a Mindfulness Strength Flow©, yoga class, or Pilates between more intense training. Do not remain in challenge mode or intense exercise periods as it will tear up the body.

6. Nutrition

   You cannot, I repeat, you CANNOT stay ripped if you’re not eating healthy and are aware of your caloric intake. There is no out-training a bad diet. It’s simply not possible. Feed your fittest, healthiest self with good nutrition by making your own meals. You won’t allow nearly as much oil, butter, salt or sugar intake if you are paying attention to your caloric intake, and you can shift to more vegetable options rather than starchy carbs.

Making changes to your health and fitness is of utmost importance but making lasting behavioral changes that stick are life changing.

Article courtesy of Rip It Up For Good: Your Guide to the Best Shape of your Life. Minus the Stress (Amazon)

About Di Katz-Shachar

Di Katz-Shachar is a Master Fitness Trainer, Entrepreneur, Public Speaker and Author with nearly two decades of experience transforming lives through holistic wellness. As the founder of Bodyholic, she empowers individuals to achieve their fitness goals with personalized training programs and expert guidance. Her book, Rip It Up. For Good: Your Guide to the Best Shape of your Life…Minus the Stress is available on Amazon. For more info visit https://www.bodyholic.fit/

The 6 Game Changers In Physical Fitness