I have been studying fitness for almost 25 years. If I had to reduce the current health issues facing humanity down to one common denominator, I would say that humans have a Dosage Problem. As human beings, we can’t seem to apply the right dosage to the most important aspects of our health and fitness. Before I explain this deeper, let me cover a quick example of “dosages” that should be familiar to everyone:
If you had a headache and I said that 2 aspirin could alleviate the problem, would you take the whole bottle instead?
When I ask people this question, they commonly look at me, laugh and say, “Of course not.” When I ask them, “Why Not?” they tell me that it would be dangerous. They go on further to say that too much medicine would be an “overdose” and that this improper dosage could actually kill you. As a result of this widely held (and appropriate) belief, we diligently read the instructions on medicinal bottles and follow the dosage recommendations of our physicians to the letter. Then I ask them another question:
If you had a headache and I said that 2 aspirin could alleviate the problem, would you do nothing instead?
When I ask people this question, most people say, “No, I would just take the two aspirin. You said it would work, right?” Some people that don’t take medicines may state they wouldn’t take any due to their beliefs, but my point is just used to get you to recognize that an underdose of stimuli to the body can also leave you with, or increase potential problems. This second question ultimately reminds us that an underdose of an important need of the body can be as dangerous as an overdose.
In regards to dosages, it seems like everyone respects medicine, right? Wrong. To me, exercise, food, and sleep are the three most important medicines for the body. In fact, I believe that if we took the correct dosages of these medicines, we probably wouldn’t need most of the prescribed medicines that are consumed daily in the first place! But, alas, most people just can’t seem to get the dose right. We fill our plates with too much of the wrong things and overdose on food. We can’t turn our television, computer or stress off and underdose on sleep. We inherently know these dosages can hurt us, but we cannot control ourselves. Now, even exercise has fallen into this category. All of the sedentary adults and children of the world are simply underdosing with activity. Humanity doesn’t have a eating, sleeping, or exercise knowledge problem, we have a eating, sleeping and exercise dosage problem.
I believe we know what to do. We just don’t do what we know. Ask anyone for the correct dosage of sleep they need and they will tell you 7 or 8 hours. Ask people to name 10 healthy foods and they will rip off a quick list with 100% accuracy. Ask about a healthy amount of exercise per week and people know the statistics. Ask how many follow their own suggestions…well, that is a different story. We essentially know the dosages on the label, we are unfortunately not taking them as seriously as an over-the-counter product in our medicine cabinet.
The purpose of this blog was to get you to view your food, sleep and training like medicine. Not only do I challenge you to choose the correct medication, but also to take the correct dose. I am no doctor, but here is the prescription of the dosages of the “three most important medicines” I would recommend each week.
1. REST-ALL
Take 7-8 hours of this per night. Dosage should be applied preferably at night with eyes closed in a horizontal position and all distractions removed. Take with a 12 ounce glass of water. Warning: Appropriate dosage will have you feeling refreshed and energized.
2. Vitamins F and V
Take 5-7 servings of F and V throughout the day. Excellent name brands of these would be Broccoli, Blueberries, Spinach, Tomatoes, and the All-New Sweet Potato. These can be taken at varying temperatures. Note: These can be mixed without a fear or dizziness or drowsiness.
3. BREAK-SWEAT
Take 4-5 hour servings per week. This product can be used by children and adults. Correct application will lead to increased heart rate and perspiration. Excellent choices are sprinting or repetitively lifting something heavy. Side effects: This medication may result in muscle growth, bone gain and feelings of confidence.
Once you begin to follow the recommendations above, the consequences of improper dosages should be easy to understand. If you underdose on food, you will lack nutrients. If you overdose on food, you will gain fat. If you underdose on sleep, you will lose health. If you overdose on sleep, you will lose productivity. If you underdose on exercise, you will lose muscle. If you overdose on exercise, you will increase the chance of injury.
You have your prescription. Try it for a week. You know what to do. Now it is time to do what you know.
– See more at: http://www.trainingforwarriors.com/2012/06/the-three-most-important-medicines/#sthash.O1CHW5Me.dpuf