Physical health is an infinite game, it's not about winning or losing, it's about continually improving and striving for better health. Unlike a finite game such as football where the goal is to win, you can never truly win the game of physical health - there will always be new challenges to face, obstacles to overcome, and ways to improve as you get older and your body and life change.
You won't be as robust as the 20 year-old version of you. You'll have additional responsibilities like kids or pets or plants (which are harder to keep alive than you think), you'll need to adjust your training as you grow with your ever-changing circumstances.
In fact, physical health is the ultimate infinite game because it's not just about a temporary goal, like running a marathon or losing 10 pounds. It's about creating sustainable habits that will lead to a healthier and happier life for as long as you live.
This means that physical health is not just about working out or eating well for a few weeks or months. It's about creating a lifestyle that prioritises physical health and well-being. It's about finding enjoyment in physical activity and making healthy food choices that fuel your body and mind.
I've had to adjust my training to suit things like injuries, goals (cutting or bulking), and workload. I had phases where I needed to prioritise mobility and worked heavily on body-weight training and yoga because of injuries.
I've had phases where i've had anxiety and insomnia and had to scale back the intensity of all of my training. You never know what life will throw at you so this game is constantly in flux. This is to be embraced.
The beauty of the physical health game is that there is always room for growth and improvement. Whether it's increasing your endurance, lifting heavier weights, or learning new exercises or skills, there is always something to work towards.
How do you start playing the infinite game of exercise?
Step 1: Define Your Why; First things first, understand why you're in the game. What motivates you? Is it to look good naked? Crush specific fitness goal? Or maybe it's about improving your overall health and longevity. Whatever it is, find your why and use it to fuel your passion for exercise.
Step 2: Set Realistic Goals: Now that you know your why, it's time to set some goals. Make them specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Whether it's increasing your strength, losing body fat, or mastering a new skill, having clear goals will keep you focused and motivated on your fitness journey.
Step 3: Embrace the Process: Remember, fitness is a lifelong journey, not a quick fix. Embrace the process and learn to love the grind. Consistency is key at the end of the day. Instead of obsessing over short-term results, focus on the daily habits and routines that will move you forward to your end result. You don't need to enjoy the journey, you're in this for the results.
Step 4: Educate Yourself: Knowledge is power, my friend. Stay hungry for knowledge and continuously educate yourself about different training methods, nutrition, and recovery strategies. Read books, follow credible fitness experts, and experiment with different approaches. Stay open-minded and always be willing to learn and evolve.
Step 5: Train with Intention: Exercise with purpose and intention. Understand the principles behind the exercises you're performing and focus on proper form and technique. Quality over quantity. Whether it's strength training, HIIT workouts, or yoga, give it your all and leave no room for half-hearted efforts. Your all will look different depending on the day, but if you've only got 20% in the tank, give 20%.
Step 6: Prioritise Recovery: Remember, gains happen outside the gym. Allow your body to recover and rebuild. Get enough sleep, fuel your body with nutritious food, and incorporate rest days into your routine. Listen to your body and give it the rest it needs to perform at its best.
Step 7: Stay Accountable: Accountability is key to mastering exercise as an infinite game. Find a workout buddy, join a fitness community, or do it for future you, so you can be as healthy as possible throughout your entire life. If you have no one else, hold yourself accountable.
Infinite games give our lives meaning because we have to play them for the rest of our lives. It's not about competing with others, but rather with yourself. It's about continuously improving and beating the person you were yesterday.
The better you become at playing the infinite game of health, the longer you will be able to continue playing the infinite game of life.
Always remember, you were born to be the anti-hero of your story.
Free your outlaw.