What we consider “peak fitness” or “peak performance” are sometimes held up as almost unreachable ideals. They’re phrases and descriptions we ascribe to world-class athletes, or occasionally to our past selves when we look back on our “athletic primes.” When you get away from these kinds of lofty comparisons though, you can begin to think of peak fitness in more practical terms. You can begin to consider what it really means –– and whether you can reach it.
What actually is peak fitness?
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There is no exact definition, but it usually describes the most you’re physically capable of. This means everything that your body, in full health and with full practice for a given challenge, can accomplish.
If you’re preparing for a marathon for instance, then you’ve heard of the phrase “hitting the wall.” It refers to the feeling of extreme fatigue when your body is depleted of its energy stores, and you feel like you can’t go on anymore. Your legs feel like they’re made of concrete, and your body wants nothing more than to stop and curl up on the ground –– perhaps next to a gallon or so of gatorade. Some people stop, while others push through this feeling. To do the latter is quite literally a situation of “mind over body,” but it also isn’t possible unless the person’s body is prepared for this type of physical activity.
Those who manage to push themselves, in this example, are closer to a peak fitness level.
Can everyone reach it?
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Yes. In fact, studies and books on the subject have recently been diving into how the mind and even neurobiology can be altered to this effect, regardless of one’s physical starting point, so to speak.
“The Art Of Impossible” theorizes that because neuro-optimization can result in peak performance, it ought to be possible for everyone. Anyone can work to alter certain kinds of neurological performance, and in doing so “hack” the body to pursue peak fitness. Similarly, “Boundless” by Ben Greenfield discusses learning to rewire neurotransmitters to reach optimal performance in numerous areas. It also includes ways to eliminate stress and reduce cortisol levels, which are both aspects of priming the body to perform that are sometimes overlooked in traditional exercise and health prep.
Given those kinds of theories it’s reasonable to suggest that anyone can make a deep, sustainable effort to optimize performance through shifts in mentality. In the meantime though, people can take practical steps toward peak performance through fitness as well. Our “12 Tips To Help You Stick With Your Fitness Program” will help people pursuing peak performance to work consistently toward pure physical improvement. And VeryWellFit’s steps toward peak performance provided a blueprint for a comprehensive approach toward “getting your mind right,” improving your diet, and doing the exercise needed to reach the goal. There is, in short, a lot that people can do even in the midst of the more involved process of rewiring their brains to accept and pursue the idea of true performance optimization.
On top of all this, people simply need to remember the basics! Staying adequately hydrated, avoiding long bouts of inactivity, and getting the CDC-recommended 7-8 hours of sleep each night may sound like dull, standard advice. But these, too, are important steps on the path toward peak fitness. Achieving consistency in these areas, on top of all the rest, can make the goal a reality for anyone.
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Article written by Rachael Jacobs
Exclusively for ZPhysique