The FitSpan Practices
Michael Donovan, PhD
1/10/20261 min read
These consistent, repeatable behaviors build a long-term, high-performance life.
1. The Daily 3
A simple checklist you can actually maintain: Move. Nourish. Recover.
Do all three in some form, every day.
2. The Weekly 6
Your durable foundation:
2 strength sessions
2 cardio/zone 2 sessions
1 high-output session
1 adventure/play session
If life goes sideways, the weekly 6 keeps you in play.
3. The Monthly Reset
Once per month:
Look at your wearable data
Review your energy patterns
Reset your goals for the next 30 days
Adjust training if life season changed
This keeps you out of autopilot.
4. The Rebuild Protocol
For every season of stress, travel, or setback:
Start with walking + zone 2
Add mobility + breath
Layer in strength and intervals last
This is how you restart smart, not pride-first.
5. The Adventure Anchor
Quarterly, commit to something that excites you: A race, a climb, a bike trip, a hike, a surf trip, a dad adventure, something that reawakens spark.
This builds momentum more than discipline ever will.