8 PRINCIPLES OF HEALTHY LIVING
The OPEX Basic Lifestyle Guidelines
“The greatest wealth is Health.” – Unknown
The flood of information out there about health can make living a healthy life very difficult and confusing. At OPEX Fitness, we often onboard a lot of clients and athletes who have developed eating disorders and negative self perceptions because of wacky trends and gimmicks promoted by a variety of fitness providers and influencers.
As we have discovered through coaching thousands of clients worldwide, living the healthy lifestyle isn’t very complex. It’s not restrictive dieting, intense exercise, or macro based. Our coaches have discovered that it’s principles and guidelines that enable clients to live better, healthier and more fulfilled lives.
These eight guidelines, developed by OPEX, represent the basics of what it takes to live a healthy lifestyle inside and outside of the gym. You can find a full list of them just below.
ONE
There are 24 hours in a day; apply work and rest appropriately
This pertains to everything in life, not just your gym training. You need balance in your work life, gym training, and your rest and recovery. Without a balance between all three aspects of your life, you will be unable to thrive and grow as a human being.
TWO
The earth spins, and the sun and moon correlate with our energy patterns; we need sun exposure, we sleep with the moon
Our body is driven by rhythm, the circadian rhythm specifically. The presence of the sun and the moon also correlates with our energy patterns throughout the day. When the sun rises and is at its peak is when we should feel the most awake and active. Conversely, as the sun sets is when we should feel drowsy and ready for bed.
So set aside some time each day to get outside and get sun exposure. It will benefit you tremendously in more ways than a nice tan.
THREE
You will one day die; get over it and get living
Part of being human is being mortal. Our time on this planet is finite. While others are dissuaded from taking risks, we are driven to do more and be more because of this truth. Stop existing in the past or the future. Live each day as it is your last. Be present.
FOUR
Water, moving blood and proper digestion are essential daily routines
Humans are physical animals. The human body is a machine which requires daily nourishment practices and routines. Water, exercise, and proper digestion and nutrition are and should be an essential part of anyone’s day.
FIVE
Water; ½ of someone’s bodyweight in ounces per day, as a starting point
Water is essential to human survival and our bodies internal functions. In humans, it acts as both a solvent and a delivery mechanism, dissolving essential vitamins and nutrients from food and delivering them to cells. Our bodies also use water to flush out toxins, regulate body temperature and aid our metabolism. No wonder, then, that water makes up nearly 60 percent of our bodies or that we can’t go for more than a few days without it.
By drinking ½ of your own bodyweight in ounces per day you are aiding your bodies natural functions.
SIX
Recovery; Blood flow facilitates recovery and healing faster; get moving everyday
Movement is an important part of the human experience. It promotes health, allows us to heal faster, and gets essential blood moving around the body. You don’t need to engage in two hour long training sessions in order to benefit. Thirty minutes a day of any movement or exercise will aid your body greatly.
SEVEN
Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day to maintain great circadian rhythm
As we discussed earlier, your body thrives on rhythm. Sleep plays an important role in solidifying your bodies internal rhythms and processes. By sleeping and waking at the same hours each day you are setting the entirety of next day up for success.
“Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” -Benjamin Franklin
EIGHT
Digestion; Food is a 36-44-hour investment, sit down, CHEW your food, enjoy your food, set the phone aside and have a conversation
Food is fuel. Anytime you eat something, you are investing in your bodies energy for the next 36-44 hours. That doesn’t just mean that you need to be eating quality, healthy foods. You also need to be able to digest the food you consume by setting aside electronic equipment and eating in a low stress environment.
Have any questions about the OPEX Basic Lifestyle Guidelines and other simple strategies to living a healthy life? Click below to schedule a consult with one of our professional coaches today.
