“Get Out Of Your Own Way!” by Dale Andrew

Identifying and removing your limiting factor is probably the single biggest thing you can do to help you accomplish your health and fitness goals. Your limiting factor is the number one thing that is stopping you from living an unreal life.   Being able to crystallize what can seem like several obstacles into one limiting factor is not always easy, but it can make the difference between a good coach and a great coach, and make for amazing results that are entirely predictable.  Dr. John Berardi has identified 5 Limiting Factors. Here is my take on what JB had to say:

1. Genetics:

We all have DNA that makes us unique, but we are certainly more similar than we are different. Some people are taller, some even can tolerate carbohydrates better, but very few people come close to approaching their genetic potential. Further, most people don’t even use conscious thought to direct their actions 85% of the time! This may be a factor for some but it is a crutch on which most of us simply can’t stand.

1. Physiology:

If you have a disease or condition that is causing hormonal imbalances, pain, etc, this certainly can be the number one thing in your way to losing fat, gaining muscle, enjoying life more, or improving sport performance. While it can be impossible to remove some physiological issues, they need to be identified and treated if you desire the best personal outcome.

1. Exercise and Activity Level:

While it is popular to think that being in great shape hinges on how many push ups you can do or what your training program looks like, it usually doesn’t have as much to do with things as you’d like to think. If you are sedentary, taking less than 5,000 steps per day, however, you may not be moving enough to create the negative energy balance you require to lose body fat.

1. Mindset:

Some people need to be pushed, some need their hands held, and some others need to be protected from themselves. Some look for ways to succeed, others are afraid of failing. Personally, I have always been amazed how changing someone’s body can change how they view the world. However, it is important to remember that there is always an impact – be it positive or negative. One person may be propelled by confidence and compliments, while another may feel further defeated if they don’t get the results they want. The key lies in how you see yourself in the mirror – always the hardest person to see.

1. Nutrition:

Without a doubt, if we’re being honest with ourselves, nutrition is almost always the limiting factor for most. What you put in your mouth has the capacity to change your health, body composition, and performance from a cellular level all the way up. So many people I’ve met over the years will say “I know what to eat, I just got to lose 60 pounds,” or “I eat healthy, but I am tired all the time,” or I eat lots of vegees but I’m sick a lot.” Is it really possible, to eat healthy food and be 60 pounds overweight, tired, or sick all the time? Yes, but it is highly unlikely. It is more likely that in these cases, they may have been suffering from constipation! It can take a long time to learn and an even longer time to understand how your diet directly impacts your life.

Hopefully, this makes you think critically about what you’re doing, and maybe even make you consider a new approach if things are not working as well as you’d like. I have successfully worked with clients in every category above at different times over the last 15+ years, and I know I can help you when you’re ready, too. Send me an email at dale@bodyfit.ca.