I was watching the Netflix documentary with Gordon Ramsay this week (it’s brilliant, and love or hate him, he’s an elite performer).

He was talking about why he trains.

It’s not for a shirtless photo or simply to look good.

It’s not because he’s got nothing better to do.

He trains his arse off.

Proper sessions.

Because if he doesn’t, he knows that he cannot perform at the level he wants to.

He said it clears his head.

Keeps him level when he’s stressed and got a lot on.
 

And keep him physically young and mentally sharp.

He knows that without training, things will get on top of him.

And the world he lives in is high pressure.

Running his own business.

// Staff.
// Expectations.

// Reputation.

// Global travel.

// Financial pressures

// Responsibility.

To Gordon Ramsey, training is more than just a fitness plan.

It’s self management.

Somebody who as an elite performer understands what he needs to do to keep the ship steady.

And this is where I see a lot of people getting it wrong, because when life gets busy, training is the first thing to go.

// More work.

// More time at the computer.

// Eating on the go.

// Less sleep.

“I’ll get back to it next week” becomes the story……

And slowly but surely you lose the outlet.

The stress doesn’t just disappear, and without you noticing it…..
 

It just sits there.

// In your shoulders.
// In your jaw.
// In your levels of patience.

You start to become a little bit snappy at home.
 

You’ve got a little less tolerance in meetings when things aren’t quite getting done.
 

Small things start p*ssing you off a bit more than they should.

And just so we are clear, this has nothing to do with your age.

It’s because you’re always switched on, always facing pressure, without any release.

Now in case you don’t know, I’ve spent over 25 years coaching world champions, Olympic athletes, special forces.

Do you know what they all have in common?

They don’t train because they’re in the mood.

They train because it keeps them balanced, or in a state of ‘equilibrium’ if you want the jazzy science behind it.

A strong body.

A clear head.

But also a sharp mind.

Take these away and you start to wobble, maybe even lose a little bit of edge.
 

When the discipline starts to drop alongside this, that’s when the drift begins (check out your drift score HERE).

It’s slow.

You’re still functioning day to day.

Still showing up.

But you’re not sharp.

And deep down - you know it.

This is exactly why Physicality is one of the five MAPPS pillars.

It’s not for aesthetics.
 

It’s not for your ego.

Physicality helps you to absorb pressure.

To regulate your emotions.

And it keeps you steady when life gets heavy.

You don’t train to look like an athlete; you train to handle life like one.

So, for today, my advice to you is that if people rely on you - get training.

Not just for the health benefits of your mind and body.

But also, for control of your nervous system.

To support your emotions.

To build your standards.

To be more robust in your responses when things go pear shaped.

Elite operators, and people who want to be - train hard.

Whether people are watching or not.

If you’ve slipped, then it’s time to sort it.

// Lift.
// Cardio.
// Get outside.
// Do some fight training.
// Get walking whilst carrying something heavy.

Turn off your phone.

Build a strong body and a calmer mind.

Have a great week.

Ric

If you’re thinking about us doing some work together and want to walk more, then contact me HERE.