You don’t need an expensive membership or neon spandex to get fit. In fact, some of the best ways to move don’t feel like “exercise” at all.
- Gamify it: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is basically just a boss fight for your heart rate.
- Socialize it: A pickup game of basketball or a long walk with friends counts.
- Short Bursts: Scientific studies show that “exercise snacking”—doing 5–10 minutes of movement a few times a day—can be just as effective as one long session.
The Power of “Functional” Strength
Since your body is still growing, chasing heavy bench press PRs every day isn’t always the move. Focus on bodyweight mastery first. If you can control your own weight, you’ll be a beast at any sport.
| Exercise | Why it Rocks | Focus On… |
| Push-ups | Chest, shoulders, and core. | Keeping your back flat (no “banana back”). |
| Squats | Exploding off the line in sports. | Keeping your heels on the ground. |
| Planks | Makes everything else easier. | Breathing! Don’t hold your breath. |
| Pull-ups | The ultimate upper-body test. | Controlled descent (don’t just drop). |
Fueling the Body (No, Not Just Protein Shakes)
Social media will try to sell you “Pre-Workout” powders that make your skin itch. You don’t need ’em. Your body is a high-performance engine that needs three main things:
- Water: If you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. Aim for that “clear pee” status.
- Real Food: Protein is great for muscles, but carbs are your fuel. Don’t skip the rice, pasta, or fruit—your brain needs that glucose to pass Chemistry.
- The 80/20 Rule: Eat nutritious stuff 80% of the time. The other 20%? Enjoy the pizza,chips and your favorite snacks. Life is too short to track every almond.
Pro-Tip: Consistency beats intensity every single time. Doing a 15-minute workout 4 days a week is better than doing a 2-hour workout once a month and then quitting because you’re too sore to move.
The Secret Weapon: Sleep
You want to know the “hack” for muscle growth and clearer skin? It’s 8 to 10 hours of sleep. When you sleep, your body releases growth hormones and repairs the tiny tears in your muscles from your workout. If you’re scrolling TikTok until 2:00 AM, you’re basically deleting your gains from earlier that day.
What’s your goal for the week?
Fitness isn’t about looking like a filtered influencer; it’s about feeling capable in your own skin. Start small, stay curious, and don’t take it too seriously.
P.M
THE ASCENT DIALOGUE
PERSPECTIVES FROM THE PATH