The path to achieving optimum wellness isn’t merely a one-way street. Instead, it’s a multi-lane highway with various elements fueling your journey toward a healthier and more productive life. Three such lanes—fasting, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), and strength training—are revolutionizing wellness practices, pushing boundaries to create a holistic approach to health.
But how does this trio play a role in enhancing overall success?
One personality who advocates for this powerful trio is Robert Fakhouri, an accomplished lawyer and entrepreneur. Fakhouri’s lifestyle provides a real-life case study of how fasting, HIIT, and strength training can be harmoniously intertwined to yield optimal results.
Physical fitness is paramount in Fakhouri’s routine, primarily exercises that demand intensity and strength. In particular, HIIT, or high-intensity interval training, forms the next pillar in Fakhouri’s regimen.
Unlike traditional workouts, HIIT revolves around short, intense bursts of exercise followed by brief periods of rest. Interconnected with recovery periods, these exercises have been scientifically proven to improve oxygen consumption, reduce heart rate, and enhance metabolic functions more effectively than moderate-intensity exercises.
“The adrenaline rush from these workouts can boost mood and motivation, which really shows the deep connection between physical exertion and mental clarity,” Fakhouri says.
Fakhouri has also placed fasting as an inseparable part of his daily regimen. As an ancient practice that goes beyond cultural and geographical boundaries, fasting is often tied to spiritual rather than physical growth.
But, research has also shown it has numerous health benefits. In fact, the benefits of this form of caloric restriction are two-fold. By triggering a state called ketosis, where the body utilizes stored fats as a primary source of energy, fasting can aid in weight loss.
On top of that, fasting can trigger the production of a specific protein called the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BNDF) that promotes cognitive function.
“I’ve seen incredible improvement in both my physical and mental health by sticking to my regimen,” Fakhouri shares. “Still, I have to say that, just like high-intensity training, fasting should be approached carefully. Everyone’s body is different, so listening to your body and adjusting the routine is crucial for optimal results.”
When Fakhouri is not busy mastering the art of HIIT and fasting, one can find him in the throes of strength training that he believes contributes to his success both inside and outside his professional spheres.
Incorporating these exercises into his routine promotes lean muscle mass, reduces body fat, and fortifies bone density and joint mobility. But they do more than just sculpt his body. Strength training has shown a correlation with improved mood and sleep quality by releasing endorphins – the body’s natural mood enhancers.
Yet, these disciplines aren’t exclusive to the realm of physical fitness. In essence, as Fakhouri argues, they mirror the broader principles of discipline, resilience, and endurance that are integral to success in any facet of life. “The way I see it, by combining the three, we learn to exercise self-control and prioritize needs over wants.”
While the road to enhanced physical and mental wellness may be challenging, it’s possible to conquer each hurdle with the right mindset. By drawing inspiration from Fakhouri’s routine, anyone can forge a path toward growth and prove that success, much like wellness, is a journey, not a destination.
As Fakhouri explains, “Being open and focused allows you to embrace the blessings of life and make the most out of every day.”
