For the first session of the Men’s CNS Optimization group our speaker for the session, Michael Finigan, dived into discussions on the interplay between the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system and how the delicate balancing act between these two parts of our nervous systems dictate a large amount of biological and psychological phenomenon. Discussion and exploration of how, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is largely responsible for initiating processes in our body that are responsible for activity, exertion, performance, and output while also suppressing processes that are affiliated with rest and repair (e.g., digestion, sleep, etc.) and how the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), the sympathetic system’s mirror, is responsible for initiating processes that relate to recovery, repair, and restoration following periods of stress or exertion was a pervasive theme throughout the beginning of the session. This idea of a “balancing act” between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system was crucial in Michael’s discussions in that, overactivation or utilization of the SNS without adequate rest driven by the PNS could lead to a number of chronic deficits including but not limited to: difficulties with finding drive and energy, plateaus in strength gain and in weight loss, increases in visceral fat, decreased or even absent libido, significant disruption in digestion, and greatly disrupted sleep schedules.
In this same vein, Michael broke down the idea that “more stress and more work means better results” and instead advocates for a balanced and nuanced approach to work and training whereby the effort that an individual puts into their work and physical training needs to be balanced by restorative processes that allow for optimal recovery following training. Furthermore, Michael, knowing that work or physical training rarely occurs in a vacuum, advocates for modifying (as much as you are able to) physical training and exercise based on the overall demands placed upon you. For example, if you’ve had a very stressful day (or even week), take your foot off the gas pedal in the weight room and focus on exercises that don’t continue to push your already frayed nervous system (e.g., lighter cardio, machine based exercises, non-compound barbell exercises, etc.). If you’re well rested and raring to go, take a stab at more physiological and psychologically intense exercises (e.g., plyometrics, Olympic lifts, etc.). While the psychological benefits from this approach are manifold, one critical point here is that this approach also can confer significant physiological benefits to its practitioners.
Finally, Michael gave an introduction to several key hormones that are relevant when it comes to training, exertion, rest, and recovery as a precursor to further discussion on this topic in the webinar sessions to come and provided several different templates for attendees to be able to build and customize a workout and exercise plan that is meant to help build a balance between rest and effort. Overall, a lovely and informative way to kick off this group!
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About Spencer Jones
Spencer is currently completing his master’s of Counselling Psychology with Yorkville University, on practicum with Impart Therapy. He works with teens and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, and stress. Please visit here to learn more about Spencer Jones.