In Vogue’s “7 new fitness mantras to adopt in 2020”, the article explores strategies for achieving a healthier, stronger, and fitter version of oneself by emphasising efficiency over sheer volume in exercise routines. The piece highlights the importance of goal setting, short-interval workouts, variety in training, and the mind-muscle connection. It also stresses that exercise should not only be about physical results but also mental wellbeing, and proper nutrition and recovery practices are essential to maximise performance.
Ricardo Riskalla, a Sydney-based personal trainer, provides expert commentary on the role of stress, nutrition, and recovery in exercise. He explains that stress and the hormone cortisol can negatively impact how the body utilises fat, so workouts should be adapted to an individual’s stress levels. Riskalla also underscores the importance of the quality and antioxidant content of food, noting that proper nutrition is as crucial as exercise itself. Additionally, he offers practical recovery tips such as dry skin brushing, cold showers, and advanced treatments like oxygen therapy and infrared saunas to aid muscle repair and overall wellbeing. His insights emphasise a holistic, mindful approach to fitness that balances physical effort with recovery and mental health.
Any form of exercise is a stressor to the body.