Tolerance to Stress: Exercise & Readiness Potential for Performance

“Life-threatening illnesses rarely just happen. They usually develop over time before obvious symptoms arise”

The Degree of Readiness Potential is dependant upon several factors:

Types of Stressors
Stress Response
Homeostatic Control Systems
Alteration of Homeostasis*, Degree of Stress Response & Regenerative Coping Mechanisms
Symptomology
External Methodologies to Assist in Regeneration & Restore Homeostasis
Tolerance to Stress & Exercise

Stressors come in 3 forms:

Physical
Chemical / Nutritional / Environmental
Psychic / Emotional

All stressors are summated to create a “stress response” & activate the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), which releases hormones.

“Stressors are cumulative”

Physical / Structural

Improper exercise (i.e. too much aerobics / anaerobic training)
Tight fascial tissue
Weak ligaments
Weak tendons
Bone Stress & fractures
Visceral distortion
Lymphatic congestion & swelling
Cranial faults
Poor Proprioception
Previous / Current soft-tissue injuries
Chronic pain
Inflammation
Joint instability/Arthritis
Muscle trigger points
Formation of bone spurs
Loss of movement
Muscle weakness
Muscle spasm
Peripheral Nerve Entrapments
Subluxations in the spine
Hormonal Imbalances
Chronic diseases
Overtraining from sports & exercise (i.e. too much volume & too soon)
Overworking

Chemical / Nutritional

Eating Sugar

“All forms of refined sugar generate an immune system response, which interferes with the ability of white blood cell activity destroying unfriendly bacteria”

Eating Gluten based foods
Too much red meat
Not enough vegetables
Not enough fruits
Not enough good water
Not enough Pre & Probiotics
Not enough digestive enzymes
Eating too many things that come from a “box”

“Over processed Food Is Now The Rule – Not The Exception”

Too much caffeine & other stimulants
Not using Adaptogens
Release of a class of chemicals called “kinins,” (i.e. pro-inflammatory compounds)
Food grown on depleted soils (i.e. devoid of homeostatic soil organisms), creates nutrient deficient foods

Environmental

“Exposure & accumulation of toxins** (artificial additives in our food, air pollution, pesticides, cigarette smoke, heavy metals), some of which are obvious & others not so obvious”

** (Harmless in minute quantities, but deadly in large quantities)

Electro-Magnetic Fields (EMF)

The human body has its own electromagnetic field, much like a magnet has north and south polarities
The nervous system controls & coordinates the whole body through electromagnetic energy
Every cell has north & south polarity, that affects all functions of the cell
This energy field is synchronized with the natural rhythms of the earth, moon & sun

EMF’s come in various forms:

Wi-Fi
Cellular phones
Power lines
Electronic devices
Household appliances
Fluorescent lights
Computers
Hair dryers
Microwaves
Radio waves

EMF’s interfere with our own energy field and nervous system, which can cause people to:

Feel weak
Have headaches
Feel ill

Chemical Toxins:

PCB’s
Insecticides
Plastics
Perfumes
Household cleaning products
Building materials
Xenoestrogens
Prescription medication
Heavy Metals
Lead
Mercury
Arsenic
Cadmium

Psychic/Emotional

Emotions can be linked to complex reactions between the body & mind
Emotions trigger chemical reactions in the brain & other body cells, which produces an energy field (composed both of electrical & magnetic nerve signals), which radiates outward from the body, at a specific frequency

“Mind & Matter are the same”

Physical problems are either directly or indirectly related to Negative emotions such as:

Hate
Jealousy
Anger
Sadness
Fear
Lust
Greed
Lack of love
Addictions
Phobias
Anxiety
Depression

Stress Response

When the body is stressed, the Central Nervous System (CNS) tells the Adrenal Glands to release Adrenaline to assist in getting you “out of danger fast”
Adrenaline speeds things up, but it must also return to normal baseline functioning once the ‘danger’ has past

“All stressors create a ‘stress response’, the degree of which depends upon a number of factors”

If the stress response does not ‘shut-off’ (i.e. restoring the CNS back to a parasympathetic dominant state), it creates a prolonged dominance in the Central Nervous System (i.e. being too sympathetic dominant), which can lead to Chronic states, or worse, disease

Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic CNS Dominance

The brain switches from Forebrain (love & positive emotion) & Hindbrain (thought, word) thinking to Mid-Brain Instinctual Survival Thinking (reptilian brain – safety, sustenance, shelter), when stressed beyond the tipping point

If left for a long period of time in this state, a Negative Stress Response (a.k.a. Chronic Stress) is initiated

Negative Stress Response

The stress response releases hormones such as:

Adrenaline
Cortisol

Both hormones, under normal conditions are released during our waking hours (i.e. partly governed by the light & day cycle – Circadian cycle), & return to normal levels during the evening (i.e. physical & psychological repair / anabolism)

CIRCADIAN HEALTH – Normal Stress Response & Return to Homeostasis

During a Chronic Stress Response, the stress hormones do not return to homeostatic levels, hence leading to more Catabolism (i.e. physical & psychological breakdown)

CIRCADIAN HEALTH– Abnormal Stress Response & Return to Homeostasis

Homeostatic Control Systems

The body tries to reign in this Stress Response by employing various organ & sub-systems, to mitigate the stress response (i.e. keep it in check)

The various Homeostatic Control Systems are:

Limbic Emotional
Hormonal
Visceral
Cranial Sacral
Nervous
Myo-Fascial-Skeletal (tendons, ligaments, bone, muscle, connective tissue)
Digestive/Assimilation
Detoxification/Elimination

Alteration of Homeostasis*, Degree of Stress Response & Regenerative Coping Mechanisms

(+) Homeostasis – body employs its regenerative mechanism to off-set the disruption to the Control Systems
(-) Homeostasis – body is overwhelmed & its regenerative mechanism can not off-set the disruption to the Control Systems

* Homeostasis:

All tissues, from various interdependent systems in the body, wish to remain in harmony with the outside environment, hence they receive adequate levels of oxygen & nutrients, at a cellular level, in order to meet the demands placed upon the body & provide resistance to disease
Using the analogy of a bucket, long as the tap is ‘open’ (i.e. positive operation of homeostatic control systems), the bucket does not overflow (i.e. Chronic Stress Response or Sympathetic dominance)
If the tap is not open all the way, or worse, closed, chronic stress will arise

“Keeping the Tap Open is the key to avoiding Chronic Stress”

Symptomology:

(+) Homeostasis – No symptomology
(-) Homeostasis – Symptomology (degree of which is determined by the magnitude of disruption to Homeostasis & subsequent attempt at regeneration)

The 5 Stages of Stages of Homeostatic Disruption & Degree of Symptomology

Mild Signs & Symptoms – no alteration of Biological Coping Mechanisms & Crossing of Biological Threshold

STAGE 1

Deviation from Homeostasis
Natural response of the body to any stress & an attempt to return to homeostasis
If this is not possible, compensation takes place & the body moves forward to the second stage

Result:

Infections
Allergies
Toxic exposures

STAGE 2

Pathophysiology
Functional changes that are related to a particular syndrome or disease
State of compensation as the body attempts to return to stage 1, or even homeostasis
Normal biochemical, tissues and organs are disturbed, & the body alters its metabolic functions

Result:

Potential tipping point for a chronic disease process to start, depending upon genetic code activation (i.e. Epigenetics)
Chronic Signs & Symptoms – alteration of Biological Coping Mechanisms & Crossing of Biological Threshold

STAGE 3

Pathomorphology
Accelerated changes in both the structure & functional systems of the body
Cells begin to die
Some more subtle symptoms are nonexistent
Immune function is compromised
Body still attempts to revert to Stage 2

Result:

Accelerated degeneration of organ systems & accompanying symptomology

STAGE 4

Symptomatology
Overt symptomology & physiological impairment
Body is unable to return to Stage 3
Compensatory mechanisms appear as the dysfunction persists

Result:

Further aggravation of dysfunction
Conventional medicine is generally utilized at this point
Overall fatigue & motivation is affected
Aggressive Signs & Symptoms – aggressive alteration of Biological Coping Mechanisms & Crossing of Biological Threshold

STAGE 5

Final stage before Death
Body cannot compensate any longer & cannot sustain the life force
Cumulative effects of Stages 1 through 4 have created a relatively permanent disease state, by which vital functions can begin to ‘shut down’ (i.e. heart attack, kidney failure, liver failure, respiratory failure etc.…)

Result:

Complete shut down…Death

External Methodologies to Assist in Regeneration & Restoration of Homeostasis

Integrated Performance Assessment (IPA):

IPA is an extremely thorough examination of the body & its systems that is tailor to each client.
IPA identifies areas of weakness or concern, to minimize injury potential & improve performance

“The avoidance of injury & addressing current soft tissue & body systems’ functions should be the primary focus of the individual or athlete. Proper nutrition, conditioning & structural bodywork put “life” back in to the chronically injured individual. For athletes, this represents “career longevity” & beyond”

IPA takes into account various markers to determine the current physiological & metabolic homeostatic state such as:

Posture (Minimal fascial restrictions, good mobility & neutral standing posture)
Dynamic Movement pattern efficiency (Neurological pathways, coordination, visual centres, reflexes, proprioception)
Current performance level
Tolerance to various workloads (Exercise type, volume, intensity & density)
Examine the physical condition of an athlete after an injury
Develop specific actions for rehabilitation
Digest & assimilate food efficiently
Detoxification & elimination of waste
Optimally hydrated & has a blood pH level slightly more alkaline
Minimal exposure to chemical toxins & electro-magnetic fields
Sleep – quality, quantity
Body composition testing [body fat percentage, % Cellular Hydration, BMI, Lean Body Mass (LBM) (muscle), and girths (circumference measurements)]

Biomechanical Evaluation of physical competence & conditioning assesses the following areas:

Muscular strength
Endurance
Flexibility
Stability
Complete musculoskeletal screening for stiffness & weakness
Previous Injury History (faulty movement patterns that may have a link to “chronic pain and/or injury(s)”)
Physiological health – For example, changes in blood pressure from lying to sitting to standing can indicate possible adrenal imbalances in the body
To see the full scope of what IPA takes into account…click on “Integration Conditioning Pyramid”

Integrated Lifestyle Coaching Model (ILCM):

Structural Support
Integrated Conditioning (IC)
Movement patterns are central because, how an athlete moves determines their susceptibility to injury. Correct movement patterns sequentially load tissues as designed.
Incorrect movements increase the likelihood of injuries
Regardless of an athlete’s chosen sport, all athletes need to develop a level of general athleticism or physical intelligence, & it is from this perspective, that movement diversity, or new motor skills, can take root, as well as a decrease injury potential
IC does not necessarily subscribe to the concept of “Sport-Specific Training”, as this approach, we feel, has assisted many an athlete to elevated injury potential & decreased career longevity

“Structure dictates & precedes function… Train movements not just body parts”

IC focuses on a few things such as:

The hamstrings need to have not only the proper flexibility but also the right amount of power combined with the glutes to maximize vertical jump
The core of the body (abdominals, back, obliques, hips) need to have enough stabilization strength to allow for the production of power from the limbs
The limbs have to have something stable enough to stretch against to maximize power output
The ankles need to have the appropriate range of motion to generate maximal force in running as well as the needed strength with the feet to pus off the ground as in running and jumping
The inability to move well laterally can be traced to weakness in the hip adductors, abductors and rotators and once solved produce tremendous improvements
The appropriate sport specific biomechanics need to be analyzed & broken down so the athlete not only understands the proper technique needed to run faster, jump higher or throw harder but he/she can also implement those changes
Cardiovascular capabilities need to be maximized based upon the needs of the sport (i.e. a marathoner & basketball player are very different &need to be trained accordingly)

IC is Composed Of:

Structural Fitness
Corrective Exercises
Myofascial stretching
Postural re-programing
Foot re-programing
Regeneration
Structural Performance
Advanced Corrective Exercises
Gait re-programing
Myofascial stretching
“Body Building” the Structure for enhanced upright neutrality
Regeneration
Performance Conditioning
Compound lifts
Olympics lifts
Sprinting
Plyometrics
Myofascial stretching
Regeneration

Integrated Structural Body Work (ISBW)

Myofascial body work
Trigger points
Nerve entrapments
Scars
Bone distortions
Soft tissue adhesions
Cranial Sacral work
Visceral work
Reflexology
TMJ work
Joint mobilization
Ligament laxity

Chemical-Environmental-Nutritional- Electro-Magnetic Frequencies (EMF) Support

Eliminate or significantly reduce exposure to EMF & other offending allergic substances from diet & lifestyle (pesticides & pathogens)
Eliminate all Sugars & Artificial Sweetners
Increase Intercellular Hydration, Electrolytes & Cellular Alkalinity (i.e. pH)
Calm down the C.N.S.
Reset Adrenals
Decrease Inflammation via modified organic food diet
Increase Nutrient Density via good quality:
Essential fatty acids
Vegan & fish protein sources
Low Glycemic Carbohydrates
Prebiotics
Fruits & Vegetables
Fiber
Vitamins & Minerals
Herbs
Remove infective organisms & heavy metals [i.e. Detoxification & Elimination (feces & urine)]
Repair damaged structures with digestive enzymes
Re-inoculate bowel flora with prebiotics & probiotics
Maintain body function

Mental-Emotional Support

Lifestyle modifications
How, When & Why you eat
Bedtime sleep hygiene
When you exercise
How you think
Meditation / Guided imagery
Breathing Exercises
Homeopathy & Bach Flower Remedies
Herbal support
Stress Reduction Techniques
Aroma Therapy
Sound Therapy
Light Therapy

“The Eleven ‘Rights’ for Optimal Living & High Performance

Eat right
Think right
Digest right
Eliminate right
Detox right
Stand right
Walk, Run & Sprint right
Lift right
Drink water right
Sleep right
Live right

Tolerance to Stress & Exercise

(+) Homeostasis (parasympathetic dominance)

High degree of tolerance to stress & exercise – [(+) growth, (+) immune, (+) repair, (+) digestion, (+) energy) = (+) Positive Adaptation]

(-) Homeostasis (sympathetic dominance)

Low degree of tolerance to stress & exercise [(-) growth, (-) immune, (-) repair, (-) digestion, (-) energy) = (-) Negative Adaptation]

“Too little exercise or too much does not generate adaptation. Somewhere in the middle lies the solution, which is unique to each individual”

Readiness Potential for Performance

High Performance – “all systems are a Go!”
True Health – requires some Regeneration
Out of Balance – requires greater Regeneration

Understanding the stages of homeostatic disorder can assist in distinguishing the type of Wellness Intervention that will be required vs. just focusing on the symptoms
The System focuses on identifying & addressing the sources of the body’s stress in stages 1, 2, & 3
This approach addresses the stressors that are causing health problems, before they manifest in to chronic illness or disease

The System uses:

Medical tests (done by & diagnosed your physician)
Health history questionnaires
Nutritional consultation
Postural assessment

… to help determine what stage of Readiness Potential for Performance you are in