“Should I be eating organic rolled Irish oats, or quick Quaker Oats?”
“How many grams of carbs should I be eating 30 minutes post-workout to maximize my anabolic blood glucose window?”
“Is 30 minutes of HIIT, steady-state walking, or fasted cardio going to help me the most with losing weight?”
At Flexx Personal Training, these are the kinds of questions we hear all the time. People get so caught up in the details—trying to find the perfect workout, the optimal diet, or the latest trend—that they overlook the fundamentals that actually drive results.
Don’t Sweat the Small Rocks—Focus on the Big Boulders
In the quest for fitness, many people worry about the “small rocks”—the tiny, nuanced aspects of health and fitness that are trendy and new. These could be the latest superfood, the perfect timing for your post-workout snack, or the hottest new fat-burning supplement. These topics often create buzz because they’re the “new kid on the block.” They promise quick fixes and fast results.
But here’s the truth: Big boulders—not small rocks—are what will yield the best, lasting results.
Big boulders represent the foundational aspects of health and fitness that, while less exciting, are far more effective. They may not be sexy or marketable, but they are the key to long-term success.
What Are the Big Boulders?
Before you get caught up in the minutiae of your health journey, ask yourself these fundamental questions:
- Am I getting at least 6-8 hours of sleep each night?
- Am I staying active by increasing my daily step count?
- Am I consistently getting in my scheduled workouts each week?
- Am I lowering my calorie intake by eating more whole foods?
- Am I drinking enough water?
- Am I limiting my alcohol intake?
These are the big boulders. They form the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. If you can confidently say you’re doing these things, then it might be time to consider the finer details. But if you’re struggling with these basics, shifting your focus to the small rocks won’t help you nearly as much as addressing these larger issues.
Why Big Boulders Matter
Big boulders may take longer to show results. They may not be as thrilling as the latest trend. But they are the habits and practices that lead to lasting, life-changing results.
For example, worrying about whether you should eat organic oats or quick oats is insignificant if you’re not paying attention to your overall diet. The newest fat burner on the market won’t do much for you if you’re not mindful of how many calories you consume daily.
Focusing on the basics—sleep, activity, nutrition, hydration, and moderation—will give you results that last. These big boulders are what truly make a difference in your health and fitness journey.
Conclusion: Big Boulders Before Small Rocks
If you find yourself obsessing over the details and chasing the latest fitness fad, it might be time to take a step back and refocus on what really matters. The big boulders will always outweigh the small rocks when it comes to achieving and maintaining your health goals.
So, before you dive into the next trendy diet or workout, make sure you’ve got your boulders in place. They’re the foundation that will support your success for weeks, months, and even years to come. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—focus on the big rocks, and the results will follow.
BY TYLER BOLGER