Issue #52 ·
Stop Overcomplicating Fitness: How to Keep It Simple
⚡️Why we always make things harder than they have to be, people are now interested in healthy food, why it's easy to get stuck in chronic pain
This week in building health 👇
I Always Fall into this Trap: Overcomplicating Things
Yesterday, I wanted to go for a quick run.
I went to change, but I realized my gym shorts were all in the laundry.
“No worries, I can wear what I’m wearing now,” I said.
Then I realized I only had my cross-training shoes. I left my running shoes in the car.
Uhh.. okay…
I just put those on instead. Laced them up, check my Garmin and realized it was low battery.
Damn… Forgot to charge it!
By the time I finally got out the door, it was 30 minutes later. So much for a “quick run.”
I always fall into this mistake of needing exactly the right gear to get moving. And many times it makes me move LESS not MORE.
Can You Keep It Super Simple?
Do you remember the last time you wanted to get active?
But instead you get stuck looking up:
What is the best workout for weight loss?
What is the best running shoe?
What are the best morning routines?
How can I make my habits stick?
It’s so easy to get caught up in looking for “the best” or “the most optimal.”
And most of the time, It stops of from just doing it. (Nike got that one right)
Sometimes It’s okay to just be ‘okay’
Wanting everything to be just right isn't just about planning or willpower.
It can be a sign of something more serious— perfectionism.
We want everything to be perfect, that we forget that things can just be ‘okay.’
We’re so busy wanting more and better stuff that we forget simple gear and workouts can be great too.
Looking for a Magic Bullet
It’s human nature to want to find the ONE thing that can solve our problems right away.
I can also relate to looking for some kind of quick fix. Like a Magic Bullet that will make health and exercise easy. Or some kind of gadget that will finally give me the results I’m looking for.
But those quick fixes?
They’re like a mirage, not really there. The simple stuff is what really works.
Look at what we’ve done to Sleep?
Falling asleep should be easy, right?
You just lie down, close your eyes, and slowly drift off to sleep.
But then we make it tough with all the things we do before bed or the crazy busy thoughts in our heads.
It has to be the right temperature
The right darkness
I need to fall asleep at this exact time
I need to make sure I’m tracking my sleep quality
And on, and on, and on….
This usually just leads to sleep anxiety, which I’ve talked about before.
Instead of seeking complexity, let's return to basics.
Focus on the doing the thing and embrace the simplicity that keeps you consistent. The results will follow from there.
How to Keep It Simple Every Day
Start Small: Want to start something new, like a good habit? Begin with something super easy. If you want to move more, why not start with a quick walk around your block?
Limit Choices: Picking what to wear or what to eat can be so much easier with fewer choices. Try planning your food for the week or picking out a ‘work outfit’ to wear every day.
One Thing at a Time: When we try to do lots of things at once, we make it all more difficult. Stick to one job, finish it up, and then move on to the next.
My favorite health things for the week
// one
Hurts So Good- Communities of Chronic Pain
22 minutes | Suzy Weiss
In today's interconnected world, many find solace in online communities that validate invisible struggles like chronic pain.
However, there's a balance to strike. While these communities can offer essential support, there's a risk of fostering a "victim mentality."
Many may inadvertently become ensnared in the comfort of shared suffering, hindering potential recovery.
The crux? While seeking understanding, it's paramount to remain anchored in hope and the belief in healing.
// two
Consumers Want Healthier Food, Even if it Costs More
8 minutes | Joe Vennare
In today's market, shoppers are increasingly willing to invest in health.
A significant 84% factor in health and wellness when buying fresh food, with over half willing to pay a premium for foods tied to health benefits.
75% see a balanced diet as "the best medicine,"
78% believe right food choices can prevent and treat ailments.
But, even though people know they want healthier food, there are challenges:
62% remain unsure about which foods truly promote health,
40% grapple with the concept of "food as medicine."
The challenge? Bridging the gap between rising health consciousness and genuine understanding.
// three
All Cities are Becoming the Same
12 minutes | Greg Isenberg
What’s the last unique city you visited?
The modern urban landscape is succumbing to the "copy & paste" phenomenon, causing cities to lose their unique identities and blend into a monotonous sea of sameness.
Much like indulging in fast food – momentarily satisfying but soon regrettable – our urban environments are transforming into "fast food cities," standardized and placeless.
Yet, amidst this rise of uniformity, a counter-movement is gaining momentum.
Farmers markets, vintage shops, and community-centered activities are thriving, showing a collective yearning for authenticity and connection.
Until next time
In line with “keeping it simple” to take action, I’m working on a FREE email course that can help with just that.
Since becoming a new dad, I’ve struggled to find time to do 1 hour workout session. So I’ve been moving for 5 minutes at a time, whenever I can find a bit of freedom.
And surprisingly that’s been going really well for me!
If you’re interested in learning more, go ahead and click on the button below. Plus you can leave your email if you want to follow its progress.
Have a Healthy Weekend