
Tom Brady - NFL Quarterback

Keys to an Extraordinary Life


I am often asked about how people can feel better, become healthier or just how they can maximize their health and well-being. Even if they do not realize it, I am basically being asked; “How can I become strong, lean and healthy?”

I always found this very difficult to answer as there are so many variables to health and wellness. It is also very difficult in light of all the health and fitness information we are bombarded with on a daily basis.


” … strong, lean and healthy”


Recently, I have shifted my approach to answering these questions by looking at how to fulfill our body’s essential needs through health and lifestyle management. To simplify, our body is designed to fulfill certain functions and the closer and more streamlined we adhere to fulfilling the necessities of these functions the closer we move towards health. Every time we detour from these we fall further down the health continuum towards being sick and unwell.

In no particular order the six essentials of health, life and performance are: Nerve Function, Rest, Nutrition, Hydration, Positive Attitude and Movement.

What is beautiful about this concept is it gives direction to answer all aspects of health; it crosses over gender, age and even health and performance goals. While there are individual ‘tweaks’, your body requires the same thing if you are young or old, male or female, training for professional sports or just life.

While I will explore each of these aspects in detail with further posts, here are the basic points and concepts behind each requirement.

Nerve Function: Your nervous system controls EVERY SINGLE cell, gland, organ, function and process in your body. Stress and tension of the spine translates the same stress and tension to the spinal nerves and spinal cord. This puts pressure on your nervous system and as such, limits your body’s ability to function properly due to nerve interference. As such, it is essential that you get your spine checked regularly in order to reduce nerve interference.

Rest: Adults usually require a minimum of 7-8 hours of SLEEP per night. Not adhering to this leads to stress responses, weight gain (or lack of weight loss), poor concentration and a number of other health problems. Do not miss out on “active” rest, aka RELAXING!

Hydration: Your body requires WATER. While delicious (and some even having nutrients), fruit juice and drinks, pop, beer, alcohol etc do not help our body hydrate. For most people, 2-3 L of water per day is adequate. BUT you also have to account for extra water loss from things like sweating at the gym and/or beach.

Athletic Training

Nutrition: Focus on FOOD. Obvious? Well let us start by saying “Cheetos” are not food. Focus on vegetables, fruits, nuts, meats and eggs etc. Avoid or exclude grains and all processed foods. Follow these basic guidelines and your body will react in an amazing way.

Positive Attitude: Your OUTLOOK ON LIFE matters. Positive thought processes have the ability to improve the way your body works, period. While we are all entitled to our “moments” you need to ensure you are loving life, loving you and choosing to be happy.

Movement: Your body is designed to WORK. By this I mean it needs to lift heavy things, work at a high level of intensity, to move continuously and to utilize full ranges of motion. While other activity such as traditional “cardio” can provide some health benefits when utilized correctly and definitely provide fun and enjoyment for some, they are not essential to your body’s movement requirements.