You Don’t Need To Be 8% Body Fat
You Don’t Need To Be 8% Body Fat
Getting big, diced and shredded is the most common goal for most people, wether when they are getting started with fitness or already on the workout train.
But it’s a very far off, sub-optimal and inefficient way to approach training.
My goals are multi-dimensional:
1 - Lean mass and muscle density improvement
If you are 10-15% body fat (for men) or 15-20% (for women), you are a healthy individual. And more likely to perform better at ANY sport than someone under the 8-10% mark. Make sure to focus on muscle density and a fast metabolism. Yes you want to be lean, no you don’t want to be malnourished.
2- Performance based results
Your real-life capabilities – from sprinting to pull-ups, dips, and handstands – are an authentic reflection of your overall well-being. Mastering essential strength, athleticism, and skill-based activities showcases your true potential.
3 - Form and Mobility Enhancement
Aiming for better form and greater mobility is a crucial part of my daily goals. Not one day goes by where I don’t allot 5 minutes to do overall mobility work.
It's not a chore; it's an investment in my longevity and wellness. A mobile body is a strong body, ready to take on life's challenges. Remember about the proverb: “The bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists”.
4- Cardiovascular Endurance
Your stamina is a reflection of your health. Don’t rely on fitness influencers on steroids that preach that “you don’t need to do cardio”, “cardio kills your gains” and all the other bullsh*t you hear. They breathe heavy when they are just talking to a camera. That is NOT great.
5 - Injury free training
They key lies here.
Longevity. If you are at the top for 1 day, but can’t keep up, what good is it really doing?
Aim for long term goals and focus on the humble work, along with the skills and athletic moves! Envision your path as a marathon, with every stride propelling you forward. Celebrate the small victories that accumulate over time, and let them define your legacy.
6 - Enjoying life
Overall, being healthy is simply a vessel to appreciate, spend and enjoy life with as much energy, and feel good hormones and as little pains and injuries as possible.
My French heritage implies that I love food. I do not count macros and enjoy regular rich and healthy meals, home-made baked goods, deserts and other food treats. While some (not great) trainers and influencers make their weight and body fat tracking a priority, I focus on how I feel, as well as workout and sports performance. We, as humans, all know when we are lean, and when we gain fat. We don’t need a tracker for that.
Get my comprehensive calisthenics course and coaching here if you are new!
