Optimal Performance: The Body is a System

The body is a balancing feedback loop system. What does that mean?!?!?

Inputs -> Outputs -> Inputs -> Ouputs -> Inputs ->…and on and on…..

Examples of Inputs:

Sleep, Nutrition, Pharmaceuticals, Stress, Alcohol, Exercise, Hydration, Etc

Examples of Outputs:

Athletic Performance, Academic Performance, Performance while under Stress, Etc

From a training perspective, what does this matter, you may be asking?

• If you think you are giving it your all in your training. And, your nutrition this week has comprised of take-out. Your Output will be affected.

• If you think you are giving it your all in your training. And, your sleep and liver take a hit on Fridays and Saturdays. Your Output will be affected.

• If you think you are giving it your all in your training. And, a particularly stressful situation arises at work, home, or within your extended family. Your Output will be affected.

And affected output is not just in the moment or the day after. It can be days or weeks after. Particularly with stress and alcohol. These components tend to create an undercurrent your body is dealing with that stays with you. And although you may not perceive it, that undercurrent is still greatly inhibiting to your performance. More HERE on how long alcohol stays with you.

When we think about physical performance, we often focus on the muscles, endurance, and flexibility required for various activities. However, it's crucial to recognize that the human body operates as a sophisticated system of inputs and outputs, akin to a finely tuned machine. Just like any machine, the body takes in inputs, processes them, and produces outputs in the form of movement, strength, and agility. These inputs include nutrition, hydration, rest, and even stress, all of which play integral roles in determining our physical capabilities.

Just like a high-performance car that requires the right fuel, regular maintenance, to achieve peak performance. Similarly, our bodies need a balanced diet, adequate hydration, rest, and consistent training to function optimally. The little things greatly influence achieving more complex level performance. Whether that is at the elite level athletics or that is trying to sit on the floor after a hip replacement.

Each requires a high degree of consistency of inputs to achieve the complex output. Each input contributes to the body’s ability to generate outputs.

No matter the ultimate fitness goal… lifting heavier weights, running faster, decrease pain, or enduring longer workouts…a multitude of inputs will affect the body’s output. Understanding this give and take relationship can empower athletes - no matter your age - to make informed decisions about lifestyle, training regimen, and overall well-being.

Take care of your body, it does amazing things. Most of which we don’t even realize!