The first thing to understand about body mastery is the difference between principles and methods. One drives results, while the other implements them.
There are no tricks, no shortcuts, and no magic pills. And not all information is equal. Some things, once applied consistently, drive real results. Others, even if applied with the same consistency, move the needle only a little.
Principles are the building blocks of your strategy, while methods are how you execute these principles day in and day out.
One is strategy – the other is tactics. One is the big picture – the other is the big picture in practice. And the rest is, well… noise.
For example, some of the most basic principles of training are consistency, precision, progressive overload, training load, and recovery. Your training program and progression tracking are your methods – the tools you use to execute these principles.
In nutrition, the basic principles are energy balance, macronutrients, and micronutrients. Your meal plan or diet is the method – the way you apply these principles consistently.
Why is this important? Because certain things drive the bulk of your results, while others don’t. Just like in nature, the Pareto principle applies to training and nutrition. It’s about prioritizing the right information and using the right approach to maximize your results. It took me years of trial and error to learn this the hard way. I don’t want the same to happen to you.
Let’s look at some examples…
If you want to lose weight, what’s more important – eating fewer calories than you burn, or avoiding food after 6pm? The principle here is the caloric deficit. If you consistently burn more calories than you consume, you’ll lose fat, no matter when your last meal is. The method – like cutting food after 6pm – can help some people stick to the deficit, but by itself it doesn’t guarantee results.
What’s more important for getting stronger – adding weight to the bar over time, or finding the “perfect” workout split? The principle is progressive overload. Without gradually increasing the demand on your muscles, you won’t get stronger. The method is how you apply it – whether that’s push-pull-legs, full body, or upper/lower.
What drives more muscle growth – eating enough protein every day, or only eating chicken and rice because it’s “clean”? The principle is adequate protein intake. The method is the specific foods you choose to hit your protein target.
What’s more important – consistently hitting your calorie and protein targets, or taking the newest fat-burning supplement? The principle is energy balance and macronutrients. The method is how you structure your meals. Supplements are optional, not foundational.
The key takeaway is simple: focus on the fundamentals first. Master the principles, and the methods will fall into place naturally. Chasing every new diet trend, workout hack, or supplement will only distract you from what truly matters.
Think of it like building a house.
The principles are the foundation and frame – without them, nothing else matters. The methods are the tools and materials you use to construct it. And everything else? Just noise, shiny distractions that won’t help your house stand strong.
So, start with the principles. Apply them consistently. Use methods as your support, not as the star of the show. Do that, and the results you’ve been chasing won’t just be possible – they’ll be inevitable.