Issue no. 3
Winter 2020
ST O R I E S / I N S P I R AT I O N
G E N E R AT I O N MAGAZINE
G E N E R AT I O N MAGAZINE
olivia walls Founder and Editor-In-Chief @livvwalls host: https://issuu.com/generation-mag submissions: genmagpublication@gmail.com Generation Magazine extends a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to our
CONTRIBUTORS Derrick Ball & Ashley Broderick Denise Davis Mario Hood Contributing Artist: Sara Perera
table of contents THE EDITOR’S LETTER p. 4 THE QUICK FIX: WHY YOU NEED TO PLAY THE LONG GAME p. 6 ON THE COVER: ‘‘STARTING ANEW’’ p. 16 HELP FOR THE WEARY p. 20
table of contents 3
letter from the editor Dear Reader, We are three issues in and I can’t thank all of our faithful readers enough for supporting Generation Magazine throughout it’s infancy. A magazine can never reach its full potential without its loyal readers. So, thank you. Stick with us on this journey. Two things: this winter issue came late in the season and it’s relatively short for a magazine. These two things kept rolling around in my mind as I tugged along trying to complete the issue. I made a promise to myself to keep going and produce content no matter the timing. Content is better than no content. While this issue is a shorter read than the previous issues, it’s a very special one. My hope is that you find the treasure and not settle for the wrapper. Meaning don’t just flip through the pages, there might be a gem in here for you, too.
OliviaW. with love,
Portrait by Fernando Garcia
THE
QUICK
FIX WHY YOU NEED TO PLAY THE LONG GAME INTERVIEW BY OLIVIA WALLS
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COACHES DERRICK BALL AND ASHLEY BRODERICK AIM TO BUILD COMMUNITES OF CARING, CONFIDENT AND CAPABLE PEOPLE BROUGHT TOGETHER BY FITNESS. TO DO THIS, THEY DEVELOPED BALLISTIC PERFORMANCE. FOR DERRICK AND ASHLEY, FITNESS IS A LIFELONG GAME AND THEY ARE BUILDING PEOPLE FOR THE LONG HAUL.
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Describe what a ‘quick fix’ is in terms of health and fitness. Can a ‘quick fix’ work for people, why or why not?
I
n regards to health and fitness, “quick fixes” are easily recognized. Think gimmicky Facebook ads: “75 Day Strong Challenge”, “Keto Kelly’s 30 Day Meltdown”, “Julie’s Juice Cleanse Solution”, “Six-Week Transformation Challenge”, etc. Essentially, front-end offers that are predicated on fixed durations, or anything that sounds too good to be true are the “quick fixes”. These are simply a means to an end; engage in X and you’ll achieve Y. Yes, some of these offers may actually produce results, but these results are due to omission-based dieting, severe caloric restriction, and elevated levels of physical activity. Few, if any of these programs are designed to develop healthy, sustainable habits that can be maintained across a lifetime. This is why so many people who engage in these programs often relapse into previous health complications such as weight gain, obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and sedentary lifestyles.
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What is the key to playing the long game in a person’s health journey?
S
elf-Awareness. Patience. Planning. Simplicity.
You must understand who you are, what season of life you’re in, and what habits and behaviors are sustainable for you. You need to be patient. Developing healthy, sustainable habits and adopting a physically active lifestyle takes time. To assume that you can undo years, or even decades, of “abuse” (i.e. eating processed, refined foods, added sugars, and sedentary behavior) overnight is foolish. Preparation is essential. Whether it is grocery shopping, meal prepping, or scheduling, you must prioritize your health and fitness. If you value your health, you will find time.
‘‘S i m p l i cit y is t he s e cret to s ucce s s ’’. Your training need not be complex. One hour of moderate-to-high intensity exercise per day, combined with real, quality foods will move your closer to your goals. You don’t need fancy programs, and your food does not need to be Pinterest worthy. G E N E R AT I O N
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Talk about the importance of practicality when setting goals and creating better habits.
P
racticality is the game. Yes, it can be beneficial to establish bold, ambitious goals (“shoot for the moon and you’ll reach the stars”). However, for most people, lofty goals often lead to frustration and disappointment due to the inability to execute. The majority of folks are simply not prepared for the lifestyle overhaul that is required to achieve those audacious goals. Therefore, at Ballistic Performance, we adopted a new approach. We help folks establish goals that are relative to their lifestyle and circumstances. These “Action Steps” are the breadcrumbs that lead people toward their goals. Each “Action Step” generates additional behavior modification, habit formation, and increased self-confidence. Thus, as people accomplish these miniature goals, they become better prepared to attack the big, bold, in-your -face goals that they truly want to achieve.
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How important are training and nutrition coaches to living a healthy lifestyle? Does everyone need to invest in professional coaching for their health and fitness goals?
T
he short answer is “yes”. First, the vast majority of the population does not have the education and/or experience necessary to manipulate their nutrition or create training programs. Yes, this information is available online. However, paralysis by analysis is real. When people begin to research fitness and nutrition, the shear amount of information that must be processed is overwhelming. Second, the small segment of the population that has developed a thorough understanding of the intricacies associated with fitness and nutrition typically struggles— G E N E R AT I O N
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to progress due to lack of accountability. Everyone needs an accountability partner; we need “skin in the game”. It’s one thing to pursue a goal solo, knowing that if you fail, no one will be the wiser. It is a completely different ball game when you have to report your successes and shortcomings to another individual. Typically, accountability is the catalyst to results.
In your podcast you mention some of the different communities of fitness out there providing a variety of workout ‘‘experiences’’. Do these ‘‘variety of experiences’’ cause people focus on the experience rather than focus on what’s more important (such as their actual fitness progress)?
F
itness, especially group fitness, has become a commodity. CrossFit, Orange Theory, F45, Barry’s Bootcamp, and Soul Cycle have revolutionized the fitness industry. LA Fitness, Gold’s, and Planet Fitness are no longer the big players. People now have options. Private facilities and studios provide more than fitness programs; they are creating cultures, communities, and experiences. Although the explosion of the “microgym” industry is incredible and exciting, it may also be problematic. First and foremost, more options means more information. There is significantly more noise in the fitness space. Everyone is promoting the next best training methodology, nutrition program, or lifestyle overhaul. The general public is not adequately prepared to sift through this information and determine what is legitimate. Second, people have begun to value the experience more than the adaptation. Yes, we absolutely want folks to have an amazing fitness experience. We want people to leave the session feeling educated, inspired, and entertained. We want people to feel accomplished, energized, and superhero-esc when they finish the workout.
However, we also want folks to progress. We want people to see results. We want Rick to lose 30-lbs. so he can chase his kids around the backyard. We want Sally to get stronger so she can carry her kids around Disney without back pain.
‘‘These things cannot happen without an
effective program, and often, the most efficient and effective exercises are the least sexy .’’
This does not mean that training shouldn’t be fun; it should be the best hour of their day. Yet, people need to understand that there is a method to the madness. There is a reason your coach prescribes 400-meter repeats, there is a reason the barbell isn’t incorporated into every single workout, and there is a reason you need to take rest days. You wouldn’t walk into your doctor’s office and question his diagnosis; let the experts do their job. Let your coach guide your to your goals. Trust the process.
A b o u t de rr i c k + as hl e y Derrick is the General Manager and Program Director while Ashley is the Director of Nutrition at Elite Wellness in Lake Mary, Florida. Both are passionate about equipping people to lead a long and healthy life. They also host Balistic Perfermance Radio, a podcast providing information and discussions on all things health and fitness. Derrick and Ashley are quite the dynamic duo and are engaged to be married!
What is Ballistic Performance and what does it provide for the community? We believe that nutrition should be based on individual needs. We believe in slowly built, long lasting habits that empower people to build a balanced relationship with food. We believe that how you eat matters just as much as what you eat; which is why we place importance on things like consistency, sustainability, grocery store mastery, and fueling yourself for the life you want to live.
Derrick Ball, MS, CSCS, CCFT, USA Weightlifting Level I Ashley Broderick, MS, CSCS, Pn1, USA Weightlifting Level I Instagram: @train_ballistic Podcast: Ballistic Performance Radio Facebook: Ballistic Performance YouTube: Ballistic Performance TikTok: @Ballisticperformance Linkedin: Ballistic Performance Email: DBall@trainballistic.com Email: ABroderick@trainballistic.com
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Faith, family, friendships, fitness— that’s how we believe a fulfilling life is structured. Through our example we want to inspire people to live lives they love, and stare fear in the face as they take the risks that are needed.
on the cover ‘‘Starting Anew’’ artwork by Sara Perera
Sara Perera is an aspiring anime-style artist. Juggling between a job and her studies, Sara still makes time to draw commissions for buyers on Fiverr and develop panels for a web comic. As a lover of story-making and character developing, she also has a love for God’s Word and incorporates His messages into her creations. Her current goal is to publish a self-illustrated comic book that will touch the hearts of many youths and young adults who have strayed from God’s love.
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Help for the
Weary words by Denise Davis G E N E R AT I O N
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Y
ou may have noticed there has been a lot of talk about mental illness, particularly depression and anxiety, and how the number of individuals affected by it is growing. There may be several reasons as to why this is happening. This may be due to the fact that technology is taking over and there’s less human interaction, therefore, encouraging loneliness, or the fact that we live in a society where the state of constant busyness is glorified and we neglect our need for rest. Regardless of what the cause is, the fact of the matter is that mental illness is growing rapidly and it is more and more common for one to know someone who is struggling with it. Do you know someone close to you who is experiencing a mental illness? Perhaps depression and anxiety? When asked to think of this person, can you say that you have been able to be of any help? If you feel like it wouldn’t hurt to learn more on how to help those around you who are struggling with depression and anxiety, keep reading. Before we can start talking about ways to help those with depression and anxiety, we need to make sure we understand what some common signs consist of.
The following are some of the symptoms one might experience: • Extreme worry and fear • Muscle tension and pain • Headaches • Hot flashes and/or sweating • Trouble concentrating • Social withdrawal • Extreme change in appetite and sleep • Mood swings and irritability • Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness • Low energy • Suicidal thoughts
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5
helful tips:
1. Be present. What a person needs more than anything is validation and empathy. Listen without judging. Keeping this verse in mind will work wonders, “Be quick to listen, slow to speak...”. 2. Don’t assume that your past or current experience with mental illness is the same as theirs. Choose your words wisely. The fact that they are sharing their heart with you means they trust you. Don’t take that lightly. 3. Do your research. The most common forms of treatment are psychiatric medications and counseling. If you’re not knowledgeable about mental illness or feel like you need to learn more, there are resources listed at the end of this article. This is a great way to be able to provide help when the opportunity arises. 4. Ask how you can help. This helps them take charge of their healing journey instead of you having to become responsible for it. It is fine to ask them if they’ve considered receiving treatment, however, keep in mind that not everyone is open or ready for that. This isn’t something you can force someone into. It has to come from within. They have to be ready. 5. Set boundaries. It’s not your job to fix or rescue them. That alone should take the pressure off of you. What they need to know is that someone cares and is there for them. Help however you can, and don’t forget to take care of yourself in the process. You’re no good to anyone if you’re running on empty.
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Please allow me to be open here. I have not always been the best person to listen to someone who needs it. I have offered advice when all I needed to do was listen. I have not always shown empathy when I needed to. I have also been on the other side of the fence to where I was overcome with hopelessness, and almost tried to end my life.
They’re not being selfish if they want to end their life; they’re hurting, and may feel like the world would be better off without them. But if you or I can be that light that God has called us to be, that’s what makes the difference. If that person knows that this world won’t be the same without them and that there’s hope, then that’s the game changer.
The thing is, when someone has reached their darkest point, they have lost all hope. In their eyes it seems impossible for their situation to improve.
So let’s get to work! Let’s do our best to be the light and share God’s love.
Resources
• nami.org (NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness): provides information about mental illnesses, support groups for those suffering from a mental illness, and support groups for families. • samhsa.org (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration): provides helplines and treatment locators along with other useful information • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255): a helpline which loved ones and those in crisis can call 24/7.
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COMING SOON
SPRING ISSUE 2020
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ST O R I E S / I N S P I R AT I O N
G E N E R AT I O N MAGAZINE
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