Strength Training: The Cornerstone of Health
March 27, 2025
The 8 Rocks of Health: A Framework for Thriving
At Method, we believe that the path to thriving starts with a solid foundation of health and wellness. We build our personal training and coaching plans to be sustainable and fulfilling for you. What’s the point of career success or family achievements if you don’t have the energy or longevity to enjoy them?
Through our work, we simplify this challenge for busy professionals with our ‘8 Rocks of Health’ framework. Created in collaboration with Ludus Wellness, this powerful analogy transforms an overwhelmed and stressed lifestyle into one of sustainable health and vitality. It’s about becoming a thriving, healthier version of yourself.
These eight foundational habits are the keys to long-term success. They allow you to focus on what truly matters, without adding complexity to an already busy life. If you’re ready to explore what it means to live as a truly “well” human, let’s dive in!
The Jar Analogy
We love a good visual. To put this idea into context, imagine your health and wellness journey as a jar. You have big rocks, pebbles, and sand to fill it.
- The big rocks represent your most critical habits—your health non-negotiables.
- The pebbles are important but secondary priorities—like hobbies or social commitments.
- The sand is everything else—distractions, minor tasks, and busy work.
If you fill your jar with sand first, there’s no space left for the rocks. But if you prioritize the big rocks, the pebbles and sand naturally fall into place.
The 8 Rocks of Health are your big rocks—habits that, when prioritized, bring balance and alignment to your health and life. With this approach, you’re able to fill your days with all the activities that you want. Watch the 2-minute video below to further understand this analogy.
What Are the 8 Rocks of Health?
- Strength Training: Builds muscle, boosts metabolism, and strengthens your body for longevity.
- High-Protein Diet: Essential for recovery, satiety, and a lean, healthy body that supports an active life.
- Sleep Optimization: Enhances recovery, mental clarity, and overall performance.
- Daily Steps (NEAT): Non-exercise movement that boosts metabolism and health effortlessly.
- Hydration: Water fuels energy, digestion, and performance—your body thrives when hydrated.
- Stress Management: Learning to regulate stress supports sleep, digestion, and mental resilience.
- Nutrition Quality: Choosing high-quality, minimally processed foods impacts mood, energy, and long-term health.
- Recovery: Balances the demands of a busy life with intentional downtime, helping you recharge and improve.
Why These Rocks Matter
Focusing on these 8 rocks creates a foundation for lasting health. Without them, your efforts can feel like building a house on quicksand—unstable and unsustainable.
These habits are straightforward and effective, even for the busiest professionals. They ensure that the “sand” in your life—distractions and minor details—doesn’t overwhelm you. Start small. Focus on 1-2 rocks at a time. As James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, says, consistent 1% improvements lead to transformational results over time.
What’s Next?
In the coming months, we’ll explore each of these rocks in greater detail. Expect practical tips and strategies to:
- Build an effective strength training routine.
- Incorporate more protein into your meals without overthinking.
Improve your sleep, even with a packed schedule. - Stay active and healthy, even when traveling or managing a busy business schedule.
These blogs are designed to help you take action and thrive in your health journey.
Ready to Get Started?
Our trainers at Method Fitness, in partnership with Ludus Wellness, are here to help you bring the ‘8 Rocks of Health’ into your life. Looking for Calgary Personal Training and Nutrition Coaching?
Book a consultation today and let us design a plan that fits your unique needs. Together, we’ll help you look, feel, and perform at your best.
This blog was written by Liam McVarnock, Founder of Ludus Wellness and Nutrition Coach at Method Fitness, combining expertise in fitness, nutrition, and wellness coaching.