You know when your partner works in a completely different industry, and you start picking up their random lingo, even though you have absolutely no use for it? Same.
My husband’s a builder, and as a result, I’ve developed a rich construction-specific vocabulary over the years- words like frame, footings, slabs, and soffit are just everyday terms for me now.
I’m no expert yet – I still can’t remember the difference between a noggin and a truss – but the one thing I do know for sure is that when you’re building something, there’s no point worrying about which curtains, door handles or paint colour you want until you’ve got that slab down. Foundations are key.
Without a solid foundation, the fanciest fixtures in the world won’t matter.
And guess what? It’s the same for our health & wellbeing. (You knew I was going there, right?)
We are constantly bombarded with trendy, shiny new ideas- complex supplements, the latest tech, quick-fix diets and workout trends. People get so caught up in all the fancy stuff, that sometimes they forget to lay down the basics first.
They’re picking out curtains when they don’t even have the slab poured.
So, what is that foundational slab when it comes to your health and fitness?
Here’s the gist:
(Btw I’m busy putting together a ‘Foundations to Fixtures’ Cheatsheet for you—just reply CHEATSHEET to this email, and I’ll make sure you get a copy once it’s done)
Exercise Foundations
If you’re not walking, stretching, or just moving your body most days, then that’s a great place to start. Remember, the best exercise is the one you actually do! Once you’re a ‘mover’, you can start adding specific mobility drills, comprehensive strength training programs, and higher-intensity workouts that are fine-tuned for the best results.
Nutrition Foundations
Before you get seduced by the latest, trendiest diet promising all the things, just aim to drink more water and build regular mealtimes to stabilise energy. See how you feel and then get into fibre, protein, macro ratios and supplements once you’ve got the basics down pat.
Sleep Foundations
Start going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends first, before you spend thousands on a fancy mattress, buy blue light blockers off amazon or plan out your length wind down routine.
Self-Care Foundations
It might sound crazy, but let’s just start with general hygiene practices! You know, showering, washing your hair, spending time outside – these things are all actually considered self care! The more elaborate candle-lit baths, massages and retreats are amazing too, but they won’t have the same impact if you haven’t got basics sorted first.
I know slabs aren’t as exciting as curtains, but I can promise you, if you nail these basics, you’ll see the results. The fixtures of health; those extras and enhancements, can come later.
So, are you getting caught up in the curtains, or are you focusing on the slab?