On this solo episode, I walk you through the tools that are - in my opinion - prerequisites in becoming a a peak performer. Listen to hear what I do with the top-level athletes I am coaching, what I learnt through my own pro bodybuilding career, and what the incredible guests and experts that we've had on this podcast have taught me.  Please look at the timestamps below for the extensive list of topics covered on today's show.    Mentioned: Ryan Smith: M.I. Episode 164 - Epigenetic Aging and Aging Backwards Dr. Jay Wiles: M.I. Episode 162 - A Deep Dive on HRV Dr. Andrew Huberman: M.I. Episode 74 - Understand How Your Brain Works Patrick McKeown: M.I. Episode 161 - The Power of your Breath and M.I. Episode 23: Relieving Stress, Improving Cognitive Function, and Increasing Performance Through Breath Brian Mackenzie: M.I. Episode 60: The Art of Breath and Human Performance James Nestor: M.I. Episode 136: The Physiology of Breath, and It's Life-Changing Effects Timestamps:  [0:22] Today's topic [2:00] My own experience as a high-level athlete [3:00] Looking at the body as a whole [5:00] What determines your ceiling? [6:05] Start creating a checklist. [7:00] Start testing! [8:10] Look at objective data. [9:10] Genetic data [9:45] Stop guessing. [10:06] Measure your HRV. [11:55] How to choose your recovery modalities. [14:05] Train your aerobic system. [16:36] Energy production [17:44] Breath work [20:55] CNA & central fatigue [22:48] BLUBlox - use code MUSCLE to get 15% off [24:00] Cellular health & organic acid test [25:05] Movement & mastering your skill [29:00] What to do when progress stalls. [30:50] Control your mind. [34:20] Mobility [35:00] Intentional discomfort [36:50] Detriments to the high-performance mindset [38:12] Measure your progress. [39:09] Projects Ben is currently working on [40:00] The book Ben is reading [40:30] The podcasts Ben listens to [41:33] Belcampo - use the code MUSCLE to get 20% off [44:30] Disclaimer    Today's sponsors:  BLUBlox - get 15% off with the code MUSCLE. BLUBlox make stylish glasses with specialised BluLite lens filters, which reduce the harmful high energy artificial blue light emitted by digital devices across the entire blue light spectrum. This can help reduce eye strain and sleep disorders. They have day-time and night-time versions and offer free world-wide shipping. Check out BLUBlox and use code MUSCLE to get 15% off. Belcampo - use the code MUSCLE to get 20% off! We're very excited to announce this new partnership. Belcampo is is on a mission to revolutionize the meat industry for the well-being of people, the planet, and animals by farming meat the right way. Try their products - you'll taste the difference! Head over to Belcampo and use the code MUSCLE for 20% off!    Please share this episode with someone you love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.