Stay Fit and Strong for Life with CrossFit Champion and Fitness Educator James Fitzgerald
James Fitzgerald is one of the leading figures in the world of health and fitness. He excelled at sports from an early age, and, in 2007, he was awarded the title of The Fittest Man on Earth at the inaugural CrossFit Games. James is also the founder and lead educator of OPEX fitness, which teaches coaches the core principles of fitness and provides them with the skills they need to help others achieve their health and wellness goals.In this episode, you’ll hear from James Fitzgerald on:(00:14:12) The intention behind fitness. James explains that it isn’t helpful to view fitness as simply a way to control our weight or an opportunity to prove our physical prowess in a sports and performance setting. Instead, he believes that fitness should be a natural and integral part of our lives and something we do because we want to and because we can. (00:27:47) His three beacons. James believes the three main benefits of a sustained fitness routine to be cognitive resilience, prolonged physical function, and inherent contentment. He encourages listeners to work towards these achievable goals and reminds us that fitness should be free, simple, and accessible to everyone.(00:37:24) Patterns and paces. James sets out the key elements of a simple and sustainable fitness program routine, and he recommends alternating days of strength and conditioning training (which he calls patterns) with days of sustained aerobic exercise, such as walking or hiking.(01:10:55) Resisting entropy. As an experienced coach and a lifelong athlete, James aims to help people retain their quality of life well into midlife and beyond. As well as focusing on physical resilience, he also believes in working on spiritual and cognitive growth as we age.(01:21:53) Getting comfortable with discomfort. James points out that the greatest growth happens when we dare to venture outside of our comfort zones, and he urges listeners to find the courage to challenge themselves, push beyond their current capabilities, and learn from their mistakes.