Keep It Simple, Stupid [for Fitness]

Consistency is built on simplicity.

More than that, I like the KISS principle – or, keep it simple, stupid.

If there is any industry that contains endless noise, well, it’s probably going to be the health and fitness industry:

• Complicated workout programs
• “Perfect” nutrition plans
• 10-step morning routines
• An endless list of supplements

And for most people, me included, it doesn’t work. I find that the more I try to do, the less successful I am with it.

This means, rather than doing something consistently, I am doing absolutely nothing.

I guess doing nothing is doing something consistently, right?

The Kiss Principle, not because you’re stupid but because overcomplicating things doesn’t work.

Simple Workouts

In a perfect world — your schedule allows, you are excited about your workouts, and nothing gets in the way of any of it — you would have 90 minute workouts covering everything you needed.

As it turns out, what matters more is being consistent, bringing intensity, and understanding basic movements.

That’s it.

As I think about it, I am considering the mental friction pat of all of this: how easy is it for me to get up and get going every single day.

If I have a ultra-super-perfect workout plan but it interferes with getting it done consistently, then I ultimately. have a waste of time. Think:

• Squatting
• Hinging
• Pushing
• Pulling
• Carrying
• And generally moving your body

That’s it. Do this 3 to 4 times per week and that’s it.

Simple means repeatable.
Repeatable means results.

The Most Underrated Performance Tool

Everyone wants better fat loss, to build more muscle, and to have more energy.

But if you’re not fixing your sleep, you’re missing the boat in a massive way.

Let’s make it simple. You don’t need a $2,000 mattress, a perfect nighttime ritual, and 14 supplements to get you there.

Here’s what you need:

• Go to bed at the same time most nights (if not every night)
• Wake up at the same time most mornings (if not every morning)
• And aim for 7-8 hours of sleep

This, by itself, will improve your recovery, improve your energy, help your workouts, and reduce cravings.

If your sleep is off, you are making everything else in your world harder.

Nutrition from 30,000 Feet

This is likely where you are overcomplicating things for yourself.

It’s not Keto vs Paleo.
It’s not low carb vs high carb.

If we zoom out a bit, we find that a simple plan for your nutrition looks like this:

• Eat protein at every meal
• Eat vegetables daily (if not at every meal)
• Drink more water
• Minimize your added sugars
• And don’t overeat consistently

That’s it. Everything else is just the details.

It turns out that most diets have 90% of their focus in common. Got that down to a “t” and still not getting results. Then we can talk minutiae.

Here’s my favorite part of all of this: you can still go out to eat, you can still have dessert, and you can still enjoy your life.

What Supplements Actually Matter?

This one gets out of hand fast! The supplement industry is not regulated after all.

You do not need fat burners or detox teas.

Here, in my opinion, what you do probably want for supplements:

1 – Protein Powder

Convenience for hitting your protein goals every day [even when life gets busy].

2 – Vitamin D

You’re low.

I’m low.

Most people are probably low

And frankly, vitamin D supports your immune function, your hormones, and your overall health.

3 – Omega-3’s

I am more of a fan of krill oil.

4 – Creatine Monohydrate

This one is less of a should do but it is one of those things that can really help with your training.

Secondarily, it can help with your results.

That’s it.

If your sleep, your workouts, and your nutrition are not dialed in, supplements aren’t going to save you anyway.

The Real Reason Simple Works

Simple works because you can stick with it.

And if you can stick with it, you can build momentum, stay consistent, and get results.

The people who hit their goals long-term aren’t doing more, they’re doing the boring old basics over and over and over again.

Don’t overhaul your whole routine.

Your first step should be to pick one thing:

• Simplify your workouts
• Fix your sleep schedule
• Clean up your nutrition [even a little bit]
• Cut out your unnecessary supplements

Then execute.

If you’re looking for help building a health and fitness plan that works for you and your lifestyle, email us at [email protected].

We’ll keep it simple – and make it work.