6 minute read
The 'Quick Fix': Why You Need to Play the Long Game
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.
Describe what a ‘quick fix’ is in terms of health and fitness. Can a ‘quick fix’ work for people, why or why not?
In 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.
What is the key to playing the long game in a person’s health journey?
Self-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.
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.
Talk about the importance of practicality when setting goals and creating better habits.
Practicality 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.
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?
The 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. 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.
Second, the small segment of the population that has developed a thorough understanding of the intricacies associated with fitness and nutrition typically struggles to progress due to lack of accountability.
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)?
Fitness, 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.
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.
About Derrick + Ashley
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.
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.
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 Derrick Ball, MS, CSCS, CCFT, USA Weightlifting Level I Ashley Broderick, MS, CSCS, Pn1, USA Weightlifting Level I
