Stagnation is death. Success requires the proper state of mind, and the proper state of mind requires physical optimization. Being in tune with your body allows you the focus necessary to be at your best.

True physical strength transcends to mental strength. I'm not only referring to muscular gains - this is only a fraction of absolute physical health. I will briefly introduce yoga, nootropic supplements and flotation tank therapy.

Yoga: The benefits of yoga include improved balance, improved breathing, added focus on breath during workouts, prevention of muscle sprain and improved joint health.

For new lifters injury is expected. Be it shit form, overconfidence or plain stupidity, in most cases it will happen eventually. I use yoga to 1) prevent injury from heavy lifting and intense training, 2) to keep my body balanced, using all my joints and muscles regularly and 3) to clear my mind of clutter. If you "don't buy into yoga" like many people, shut the fuck up and try it properly before dismissing it entirely. This is what will keep your joints in tact after years of heavy lifting. This is what will prevent an injury that would otherwise leave you out of the gym for weeks. Get past the 'Namaste' nonsense that fake 'gurus' spew and do it. There are now two versions of your future self - one that does yoga regularly and one that doesn't. Which will be in better shape in 50 years?

Studies: Yoga (1): Can "lower the risk of heart attack", "decreases blood pressure", "lowers cortisol levels", "increases blood flow to the intestines and vital organs", "inhibits the areas responsible for fear, aggressiveness and rage" which results in "lower anxiety, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure and cardiac output", with consistent practice of yoga it can "lead to significant increases in serotonin levels coupled with decreases in the levels of [monamine oxidase] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monoamine_oxidase#Function)", improve flexibility, "gradual muscle loosening", "helps build muscle mass and/or maintain muscle strength", helps in "squeezing and soaking areas of cartilage not often used and bringing fresh nutrients, oxygen and blood to the area" preventing conditions like arthritis. It also "increases blood flow and levels of hemoglobin and red blood cells which allows for more oxygen to reach the body cells, enhancing their function." The study concludes with: "The findings of the aforementioned studies examining the psychological and physical outcomes of yoga prove difficult to summarize and draw concrete conclusions due to variation in the research designs, differences in the duration and frequency of yoga classes, and differences in the specific yoga programs and populations being studied. Nonetheless, results for the included studies demonstrate many of the numerous therapeutic effects, benefits and profound healing power of yoga."

A [separate study] (http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/early/2014/01/21/JCO.2013.51.8860.abstract) states: "immediately post-treatment, fatigue was not lower but vitality was higher in the yoga group compared with the control group." Three months post-treatment fatigue was lower and vitality was heightened. "More frequent practice produced larger changes." The study concludes with: "Chronic inflammation may fuel declines in physical function leading to frailty and disability. If yoga dampens or limits both fatigue and inflammation, then regular practice could have substantial health benefits."

Nootropic supplements: Nootropics are natural compounds which are meant to enhance cognitive function. By increasing [neurotrophic factors] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurotrophic_factors), neurotransmitter availability and cerebral oxygenation nootropics have [proven] (https://www.onnit.com/files/Onnit_AlphaBrain_Clinical.pdf) to enhance memory functions and enhance mood stability.

I was first introduced to nootropics from a friend while beginning to train MMA. I smoked for 2-3 years before I began training so naturally my cardio was shot. I would get winded during warm ups. My training partner recommended ShroomTech which, combined with regular running and cardio training, drastically improved my cardiovascular fortitude. After trying a 90-ct bottle I attributed the success to a placebo effect + typical cardio training. I was wrong. Months later a double-blind study was done by the same company (albeit on a different nootropic) which reinstated my confidence in the company. I now take ShroomTech, Alpha Brain regularly with some added [L-Theanine] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theanine) when I float or do yoga for improved relaxation.

Addiction to nootropics is worth noting. It is NOT physically addicting; there are no withdrawal symptoms at all. However... I want to be the best version of myself possible, and I know that nootropics allow me to perform at a superior level. In that sense they are addicting, especially when intense training is involved.

Studies: Onnit's AB clinical trial is unfortunately one of very few done on nootropics at the moment.

Sensory deprivation/flotation tanks: An enclosed tank with saltwater that you float in for 1-3 hours. The purpose is to remove senses to clarify thoughts. Once inside you are alone with your self.

You can do nothing but think, free of distraction. You can take the time to truly wrap your head around an idea you've had, a future venture, a potential life-changing decision or whatever else is on your mind. Since trying it for the first time I can no longer make massive decisions without floating on them beforehand. it gives my ideas pure transparency. I notice details I would have otherwise missed and avoid making petty mistakes. In recent years float tanks have blown up. If you live anywhere near a metropolitan area you can most likely find a place that rents tanks. [You can also find a float centre here] (http://floatationlocations.com/).

Studies: Flotation tanks ([1] (http://www.nova.edu/ssss/QR/QR13-4/kjellgren.pdf)): "Floating was shown to produce pain relief and profound relaxation in the present study as well as in several others, effects that were much valued." The study also notes that participants "felt better" in terms of their outlook on life, depression and burn-out syndrome, but that is not evidence.

Another similar study - [Preventing Sick-leave for Sufferers of High Stress-load and Burnout Syndrome: A Pilot Study Combining Psychotherapy and the Flotation tank] (http://www.ijpsy.com/volumen11/num2/299/preventing-sick-leave-for-sufferers-of-high-EN.pdf) lists "a significant decrease in number of 'Pain areas' (Z= 1.99, p= 0.046) after the treatment period" and "After the treatment period there was a significant lowering of the degree of 'Anxiety'" - note: psychotherapy played a potentially significant role in this study's results. Keep that in mind.

Incorporate these methods into your regimen to increase physical and mental productivity, drive and inevitably success. If you can contribute on the subjects, do so.