Becoming Fit for Life #55: Fitness Menus, Trust, Sleep, Purpose
🏃How a Fitness Menu can help you, Why we all struggle with sleep, Thinking about Trust when it comes to coach
This week in building health 👇
Building a Fitness Menu: Getting Variety and Structure in Your Workout Routine
Have you ever considered your fitness routine like a menu at your favorite restaurant?
Just as a well-crafted meal balances flavors and nutrition, a good fitness plan blends different types of exercises to create a satisfying and effective workout.
Let's explore how to construct a 'fitness menu' that keeps you engaged and moving towards your goals.
The Concept of a Fitness Menu
Think of each part of your exercise routine as an element of a menu. My current 'menu' includes several key components:
Strength Training: The robust main course that builds muscle and endurance.
Slow Cardio Sessions: Like a refreshing salad, they improve heart health and stamina.
High-Intensity Training: The spicy dish that boosts metabolism and challenges you.
Mobility and Flow Movements: The side dishes that complement the main courses, enhancing flexibility and grace.
Just like a meal, balance is key.
Each workout type contributes to a well-rounded fitness regime, ensuring all areas of health and wellness are addressed.
Understanding Trade-offs and Goals
Adopting a menu-based approach means recognizing the trade-offs in our exercise choices.
While this variety-packed routine offers a fun and holistic approach to fitness, it might not be the ideal strategy for those seeking short-term, specialized improvements.
For that, a more focused regimen is necessary.
But for many of us, including myself, the joy and motivation derived from a diverse routine are crucial in maintaining a consistent fitness habit.
A Movement Menu is My Favorite Tool to Stay Active
Sometimes, it's tough to admit that I need this variety.
A part of me feels that I should be more focused, more disciplined.
But the truth is, to stay engaged and motivated, I require a mix of exercises.
Keeping my routine fresh and exciting is what keeps me coming back for more. And isn't that the point?
To find joy in the journey of fitness and health.
Your 'fitness menu' might look different from mine, and that's the beauty of it. It's about finding what works for you, what keeps you engaged, and what helps you progress towards your goals.
So, take a moment to think about your fitness goals, your likes and dislikes, and how you can create a balanced, enjoyable 'menu' of workouts.
After all, variety isn't just the spice of life; it's the spice of a healthy, active lifestyle.
My favorite health things for the week
// one
The top questions people ask about sleep—and how to answer them
14 minutes | Alisa Bowman
Check out the search trends for “Why can’t I sleep” since 2004—
In the last 20 years, it’s only been going up and and up
When people ask, "Why can't I sleep?", they're often experiencing sleep anxiety, which ironically makes falling asleep even harder.
The key is to embrace a mindset of letting go and trusting your body's natural sleep process.
Acknowledge your anxiety, accept the occasional restlessness, and trust that your body knows how to rest.
Remember, combating sleep anxiety isn't just about changing your bedtime routine; it's about changing your approach to sleep as a whole.
// two
Use This Equation to Determine, Diagnose, and Repair Trust
23 minutes | The Review
How do you know if you can trust someone?
It’s not an exact science, but here’s one way to think about it:
In the realm of health coaching, this equation becomes pivotal.
A coach's expertise in biology or nutrition matters little if there's no trust.
It's not just about knowledge; it's about believing that your coach has your best interests at heart, is authentic in their approach, and consistently reliable in their guidance.
// three
5 Ways to Make Sure You Achieve Your Goals This Year
14 minutes | Allison Walsh
Spoiler Alert:
Make sure you connect your goals to your ‘why’
Linking goals to a 'why' helps filter out distractions, keeping you centered on what truly matters for your desired outcome.
Your goals become more tangible and communicable when they're rooted in the purpose behind them. This clarity of intention enhances your understanding and expression of your objectives.
Personally, I've always believed in the power of linking goals to a deeper purpose.
While some may find it trivial, the '5 whys' exercise, when executed thoughtfully, proves incredibly effective.
It's not just about setting goals; it's about understanding the deeper motivations behind them, which is the real catalyst for achievement.
Until next time
December is starting to get very busy!
I hope to send out at least one more of these before the year is out— but in case I miss that, I hope you have an amazing rest of 2023.
Have a Healthy Weekend
— Javier Gomez
