What is Optimal Health?

This is a question I get asked frequently due to the barrage of misinformation we receive on a regular basis. Most people would have you believe it's the ability to lift a massive amount of weight or conform to a certain body type. In my opinion neither are correct and can be very misleading for someone who wants to take their life back and get in shape. I will define what I believe a peak physical state embodies and hopefully this will provide clarity for those who may have a distorted view.

I'll begin with the most important concept and that is feeling damn good in your own skin; (i.e.) When you look in the mirror you like what's looking back at you. It's a congruency of your self-perception and everyday reality.

Another key component is attaining multiple skill-sets to create a well rounded athleticism to perform the specific tasks one has set for themselves. A lot of people appear to be fit , but have poor performance.

My final point is maintaining a healthy body weight through a balanced eating regiment that consists of eating a variety of (live) nutrient-rich foods and proper hydration. It's important to remember "optimal health" is somewhat subjective and will vary from person-to-person, but hopefully these concepts I've shared will set you on a path to becoming a better version of you...

Indestructible Change

In personally dealing with hundreds of different people over the years a I've notice a consistent behavior pattern in many when beginning their transformations; They have a point A to point B mentality. Let me explain: When people generally want to get into shape they usually will have an event they want to participate in or a special occasion the want to look their best for. Both scenarios are great motivators for initially getting started, but I want to address what happens when those moments are over. Unfortunately most people fall back into old habits, because they haven't addressed the core behavioral traits that caused them to be unhealthy. We hear the term "LIFESTYLE" used all the time, but truth of the matter is that's the only way to sustain lasting change. You must replace old habits with new ones to really ever change your body. A person must raise their standards and make the decision that things are going to be different for the rest of their lives. This type of change never occurs overnight and there will always be setbacks that is part of being human. I always reaffirm to my clients: " I don't expect perfection I expect progress."

Redefining Pain

    When client's begin working with me they all have this one thing in common; They dread the first week of  training and the pain that will ensue. My reply has always been: " Remember the struggle, so you'll never go to this place again." In order to achieve this you must change your perception of pain. What is Pain -  An unpleasant sensation occurring in varying degrees of severity as a consequence of injury, disease, or emotional disorder is the textbook definition. Now for my version; Pain is the necessary component of progress, strength, & personal character, so that you must experience it to accomplish any of them. If we never experience it then we can never know what we are made of...