The Five Factors of Health

Heather • July 1, 2026

Ben Bergeron has often talked about the five factors of health: how we eat, sleep, train, think and connect. Often in the fitness world, many are focused solely on the way we train. Sometimes, how we eat is mentioned as well. All of the 5 factors are important in optimizing our health and happiness.

These factors are the things relative to health that we can control. Ben is also often quoted as saying control the things you can control, and ignore everything else. We can't control the weather; traffic; the future; other people's happiness; but we can control how we react to these things.

Putting our effort into what we can control is the best use of our time.

EAT: Real food. Not too much. Mostly plants. (Michael Pollan) Focus your shopping on the outside aisles of the grocery store. Eat as many fruits and vegetables as you want. Avoid processed food: anything that comes in package. Plan ahead for better success.

SLEEP: 7-9 hours a night. Every night. Sleep is very underrated in the health and wellness industry yet it's so important for recovery. Get yourself into a routine. Avoid caffeine after noon. Try black out shades. Prioritize sleep and you will feel better overall.

TRAIN: Constantly varied functional movements. This is the best way to train for longevity. As you age, you want to be able to go up and down stairs; reach something off of a higher shelf; carry your groceries into the house; run around with your grandchildren.

THINK: Never whine, never complain, never make excuses (another Ben Bergeron quote). Mindset matters! Focus on the things within your control. Cultivate gratitude.

CONNECT: Build, sustain and grow deep relationships with family and friends. Human connection is often overlooked: we are social creatures! People with deeper emotional connections live longer. Surround yourself with people who reflect the lifestyle that you want to have.

Paying attention to these 5 factors will help you have a happy, healthy life. We are here to help!

If you are already a member of our gym and want to meet with a coach to talk about your health and fitness goals, book your Goal Review session here.

If you are not a member and are interested in meeting with a coach to see how we can help you, book your No Sweat Intro here.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Recent Posts

How CrossFit Workouts Are Scaled for Every Fitness Level

By Iron Jungle CrossFit • July 1, 2026
One of the biggest misconceptions about CrossFit is that you need to be fit before you start. Images of elite athletes lifting heavy weights or performing advanced gymnastics movements can make CrossFit seem intimidating. The truth is, CrossFit is designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, experience, or current fitness level.

5 Nutrition Habits That Will Transform Your Performance

By Iron Jungle CrossFit • July 1, 2026
When it comes to improving your performance in the gym, most people immediately think about training harder, adding more volume, or chasing the next PR. But here’s the truth: you can’t out-train poor nutrition.

Strength vs Conditioning: Why You Need Both

By Iron Jungle CrossFit • July 1, 2026
Walk into any CrossFit class and you’ll see it all—heavy barbells, short sprints, long grinders, and everything in between. That’s not by accident. It’s because real fitness isn’t built from just one thing.

Community Is the Secret Sauce

By Iron Jungle CrossFit • July 1, 2026
Walk into any great CrossFit gym and you’ll see barbells, rowers, chalk buckets, and whiteboards. But that’s not the real magic.

What “Constantly Varied” Really Means in CrossFit Programming

By Iron Jungle CrossFit • July 1, 2026
If you’ve done CrossFit for more than a week, you’ve probably heard the phrase “constantly varied.” And if you’re newer, you might think it means something like: random workouts every day. But that’s not what constantly varied actually means. In fact, good CrossFit programming is anything but random. Let’s break it down.

How to Stick With Your New Year’s Resolutions (Even When Motivation Fades)

By Iron Jungle CrossFit • July 1, 2026
Every January, gyms fill up, motivation is high, and goals feel exciting. But by February, reality hits. Schedules get busy, soreness sets in, and that “new year, new me” energy starts to fade. The problem isn’t that people don’t want change—it’s that motivation alone isn’t enough.

How CrossFit Helps You Do Mentally Hard Things Outside the Gym

By Iron Jungle CrossFit • July 1, 2026
One of the biggest surprises for people who start CrossFit is realizing how much it impacts life outside the gym. Sure, you get stronger, faster, and fitter — but the real transformation happens between your ears. The same grit, resilience, and mindset that push you through a tough WOD are the tools that help you face challenges in everyday life.

Surround Yourself with the Right People: The Secret Ingredient to Fitness Success

By Iron Jungle CrossFit • July 1, 2026
When it comes to reaching your fitness goals, most people focus on the tangible factors — nutrition, sleep, consistency, and training intensity. But there’s one often-overlooked factor that can make or break your progress: the people you surround yourself with.

How to Track Progress Without Burning Out

By Iron Jungle CrossFit • July 1, 2026
One of the best parts about CrossFit is that progress is measurable—you can lift heavier, move faster, recover quicker, and see your body and mindset change over time. But sometimes, keeping track of all those numbers, scores, and benchmarks can feel overwhelming. If you’ve ever felt stressed about your progress (or lack of it), you’re not alone. The key is learning how to track your growth in a way that motivates you, not burns you out.

Why Having a Coach Is Crucial to Achieving Your Fitness Goals

By Iron Jungle CrossFit • July 1, 2026
No matter where you are on your fitness journey—beginner, intermediate, or elite—one of the most powerful tools you can invest in is a coach. While motivation and self-discipline are important, a coach brings something even more valuable: experience, structure, accountability, and belief in your potential—even on the days you don’t believe in yourself.