I have found that unless you treat the body as a whole, you won’t experience any real/ lasting change. One thing always affects another. We are often told that exhaustion from too much training has a negative effect on your energy and progress in the gym, but I don’t believe in the concept of “over-training”, the whole purpose of a training session is to push beyond your previous capabilities and overload the body. Where I find problems with energy levels is when clients under recover.
The stress hormones will reek havoc with their body. High stress hormones equals low energy, less progress, and ultimately – less health.
If this is getting you thinking then take a look at my hierarchy of fitness below. Understand that human performance is much more than just exercise and remember that you can’t move up unless you improve the basics.
You can’t burn fat when insulin is high. It’s biochemically impossible.
Bottom line? Strive to get at least 6- 8 hours every night. If this isn’t achievable can you incorporate an afternoon nap? Or catch up at the weekends? Research has shown that keeping a weekly sleep target can still be effective and not cause you to stress too much about the odd late night. Understand that sleep is vital, but you don’t have to miss out on life by going to bed at 9pm each night in order to hit your target!
The importance of good nutrition can not be overstated. You are, quite literally, what you eat. It’s not just abs that are made in the kitchen, it’s the entire state of your body. Without the proper nutrients, your system can’t function right. Normal biochemical processes are altered and in the long run, you risk serious damage to your health, not just your figure.
You don’t need complicated diets and eating schemes. Focus on eating plenty of vegetables and lean protein at every meal. Limit the processed food you consume. Consider cutting out added sugar and reduce the amount of wheat and dairy you consume.
Yes, controlling the levels of stress you experience can be tough. You can’t control external factors and learning to manage your responses isn’t always easy.
You see a great training programme won’t get you great results if your body is completely run down, stressed out, dehydrated and malnourished! Build the strong foundations of sleep, nutrition, hydration and stress management and I guarantee you will turbo-charge your results in the gym.
However, it can’t and should not be an end in itself. Wondering where to start with fitness? Check out my five favourite exercises to get some ideas!