A Life Well Lived: Physical Training
I believe that there are fundamental components of a healthy, optimal, joyful and fulfilling life, one of which is physical training — a pillar of a life well lived. Regardless of your favorite way to move your body (i.e. bodybuilding, powerlifting, running, swimming, cycling, basketball, Crossfit, bootcamps, yoga, Pilates, etc.), I believe that we are biologically wired to push our bodies, both physically and mentally.

My Training Philosophy
My training philosophy is focused on functional bodybuilding, holistic health and human optimization.
For me to perform optimally across all facets of my life, I train 7 days a week. This includes 5–6 days of weight training and 1–2 days of active recovery. I prioritize key compound movements (movements that recruit multiple muscle groups and joints) including squats, weighted pull-ups / chin-ups, barbell rows, bench press, overhead press, push-ups and dips. I periodize my training into discrete blocks lasting weeks or months, systemically varying my intensity and volume with my primary goal focused on progressive overload while maintaining impeccable technique and a strong mind-muscle connection.
Weight training is also one of the most effective and beneficial forms of cardiovascular activity. For additional cardio, my daily walks are sacred. I average 14k steps in nature per day, year round — one of the primary reasons I chose to live in California. I begin each day with a morning walk, usually very early in the morning depending on the demands of work. I use this time to reflect, think, call family and friends or listen to audiobooks and podcasts, averaging 1 audiobook per week and a host of podcasts by thought leaders on fitness, nutrition, mindset, relationships, investing, entrepreneurship and theology. I plan 15 minute walks throughout my day and fill the remainder of my steps with an evening walk prior to sleep. I also incorporate high intensity interval training (HIIT), primarily through the use of battle ropes or interval sprinting and machine rowing.
Why do I train?
Physical training supports my physical and mental health. We were designed to be active, strong and fit. Physical training contributes to countless benefits including muscular strength and endurance, cardiovascular health, optimal biomarkers, bone and joint sustainability, disease prevention, hormonal support and mental health.
Physical training is a form of mental therapy. The gym is a sanctuary for me where I go to mentally recharge, release stress or frustration, brainstorm ideas and quiet my mind — a daily pocket of peace. For me, this is a form of meditation where I am fully present and wholly concentrated on my mind-muscle connection and athletic performance.
Physical training inspires me to love the process of continuous improvement and the pursuit of mastery. Fitness, as with anything in life, starts with a vision but that vision constantly evolves over time. There is no end goal. For me, physical training has been the purist form of falling in love with the process of daily progression and this mindset has profound carryover to all aspects of my life.
Physical training empowers me to best serve others. We have likely all heard the analogy of the airplane announcement that instructs passengers to “please put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others.” I am only capable of best serving others and being productive once I have first prioritized my own wellness.
Physical training allows me to feel energetic and confident. My daily training induced endorphin high enables me to bring a positive attitude and growth mindset to each day. Physical training gives me confidence in the way I feel and look.
Physical training is an incredible platform to build meaningful relationships. I have met or connected with many of my closest friends in the gym. We often use our daily training sessions as a vehicle to bond. The gym is an arena where we inspire and push one another to our limits. It’s also an insightful mechanism to quickly learn of someone’s grittiness and focus.
Physical training is a necessity of optimal career performance and longevity. As the Harvard Business Review published, “Studies indicate that our mental firepower is directly linked to our physical regime. And nowhere are the implications more relevant than to our performance at work. Consider the following cognitive benefits, all of which you can expect as a result of incorporating regular exercise into your routine: improved concentration, sharper memory, faster learning, prolonged mental stamina, enhanced creativity and lower stress. […] Instead of viewing exercise as something we do for ourselves — a personal indulgence that takes us away from our work — it’s time we started considering physical activity as part of the work itself. The alternative, which involves processing information more slowly, forgetting more often, and getting easily frustrated, makes us less effective at our jobs and harder to get along with for our colleagues.” — Ron Friedman, The Harvard Business Review
I feel incredibly grateful for both the physical ability and resources to take care of my wellness. For me, physical training is much more than simply lifting weights — it’s a fundamental component of a life well lived.
Influential Quotes
“In order for man to succeed in life, God provided him with two means, education and physical activity. Not separately, one for the soul and the other for the body, but for the two together.” — Plato
“No man has the right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training. It is a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable.” — Socrates
“Without fitness, I wouldn’t be [where I am today]. No doubt about it. It’s absolutely central to my success. […] It’s not a program or a regimen, it’s a lifestyle.” — Camilo Villegas
“I seriously doubt that I would have been as successful in my career (and happy in my personal life) if I hadn’t always placed importance on my health and fitness. […] I definitely can achieve twice as much by keeping fit. It keeps the brain functioning well.” — Richard Branson
“We all know that we should closely manage our sleep, workouts, nutrition and health. But few people consistently care for their well-being, which is why so many people drop off or plateau. This must become a priority in your life if you wish to succeed long term (and enjoy the journey!).” — Brendon Burchard
