CANADIAN PHYSIQUE ALLIANCE July/August 2020 | Page 27

circumstances) is necessary
to function optimally. Not
only do you want to function
at your very best every day,
but you also want to optimize
your hormone production and
recovery. The less you sleep,
the less time your body is
recovering from your workouts.
When we sleep is when our
bodies release important
hormones like testosterone
and growth hormone which
are responsible for our body
composition. The biggest
key to proper sleep duration
is scheduling it in. Go to bed
on time. Stop watching TV
or staring at screens before
bed and start doing relaxing
activities where you focus
on slowing down the mind.
Reading is a great thing to do
before bed.
These are what I consider the
5 columns of having a strong
base to be able to get in the
best shape of your life. You
may be able to get in “good”
shape by average standards
but, I can assure you that
you will never reach your full
potential if you are lacking one
or more of these necessities.
This may be a reminder to a
lot of you and if it is, great job!
You are already working on
being the very best version of
yourself. Once you have these
principles down pat, all your
efforts will be multiplied and
maximized inside and outside
of the gym. You will be able
to shed fat, build muscle and
be happy much easier than if
you lacked one of the above
principles.
When I first begin coaching
someone, they look at me
strange when I tell them this
is what they have to focus on.
They are seeking some sort of
secret ultra low-calorie diet or
some secret training program
that has 100 sets for biceps
(or glutes for the ladies!). But
in reality, there are no secrets
to getting in the best shape
of your life. Just a lot of being
conscious and aware of what
your body and mind needs to
respond a certain way.
Once you have these principles
down, with the proper direction
of a mentor or coach, you can
learn how to fuel your body
properly and how to stimulate
your body to transform. Then
you will be shocked!
Juan
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