The most frustrating answer that you don’t want to hear … it depends.
However, when we’re dealing with a dynamic system like human metabolism, and a complex super computer like the human brain … 99% of the time, it truly does depend!
I give that answer all the time but I also don’t like that answer because it leaves you hanging.
There needs to be context. And, of course, the follow up question is … it depends on what?!
Let me give you an example.
Yesterday, I was speaking with a new client who was coming from a program that originally claimed that “science shows fat loss phases should be 21 days.” Then, they later updated their stance and said “science shows fat loss phases should be 28 days.”
First of all, that’s a bold faced lie because there is no science or data to support either of those claims. But, I digress.
Anyway, he wanted to know, what the answer would be for him.
It depends.
It depends on what?
It depends on how his body responds to the fat loss protocol.
Here, you can see this opens the door to many different variables.
– How aggressive is the fat loss protocol?
– How consistent can he be on said protocol?
– How much flexibility does he want?
– What’s his schedule like?
– What’s his training like?
– What’s his activity like outside of the gym?
– How well is he sleeping?
– How much stress is in his life?
I could keep going but I think you get the point.
Once we assess those variables and come up with a game plan, now the question is … how is his body responding?
We use biofeedback markers to answer that question.
– Hunger
– Energy
– Sleep
– Stress
– Cravings
– Mood
– Performance/Recovery
So, at this point we can look at two things …
1. Is he making progress?
2. Is his biofeedback in check?
If yes, we can keep it rolling! Maybe that’s 21 days, 28 days, 35 days, 97 days … it depends because everyone is different.
Some people have more adaptive metabolisms than others. The quicker your metabolism adapts, the sooner you’ll stall and need to make adjustments.
If we notice that progress has stopped and/or biofeedback is tanking, we adjust.
Hopefully, this illustrates the important of INDIVIDUALIZATION.
This is why cookie cutter programs don’t work. Why you can’t find long term success inside of someone else’s way of doing things.
It depends … depends on YOU.
