An Investment in Health

The stress caused by today’s global economic meltdown has left many feeling burned out, depressed, and physically and mentally drained. In the US, unemployment rates are projected to hit 9.5% in June as job loss continues to grow exponentially. People are strapped for cash while the bills continue to roll in. Worst of all, our minds and bodies take the brunt of this financial crisis. While resorting to anti-depressants, smoking, and increased alcohol consumption may seem like the solution to your problems, they are merely quick fixes that mask issues that will continue to exist in your life. The better solution: invest in yourself by getting fit and eating healthy.

Many of you may be thinking “I don’t have the time, I am a parent and work full time, etc.” While these are legitimate excuses, they are just that: excuses. Find an excuse NOT to make an excuse. An investment in your body and mind will prove invaluable in your life. After all, if you are not healthy, how enjoyable can your life really be? The benefits to a regular exercise routine and a healthy balanced diet are endless. Here is a list of a few:

1. Exercise is a Stress Reliever

There has never been a better time than now to relieve stress. Exercise induces multiple chemical reactions in your body that relieve stress, reduce anxiety, and boost your energy levels. Routine exercise will allow you to stay alert and energized throughout the day, without having to resort to coffee, energy drinks, and other stimulants.

2. Builds Self-Esteem and Combats Weight Gain

Everyone wants to look in the mirror and be happy with what they see. With routine exercise, your able to burn calories, lose fat, and build muscle. When you like the way your body looks, you have more confidence and thus are less stressed. A healthier “you” may even allow you to receive discounts on your health insurance! 

3. Fight Off Disease

Think of your body as a Ferrari. It needs premium fuel and the proper exercise in order to maintain proper function and health. When you eat right and exercise, you build up your immune system to combat sickness and infection, and best of all, a strong body fights off chronic diseases and other ailments. Cardio workouts help to build a stronger heart, thus reducing your risk of coronary heart disease and other heart and respiratory issues. You can also lower cholesterol levels, increase vascularity, strengthen bones and joints, and increase flexibility. 

4. A Better Sex Life!

Now I have your attention! Exercise will leave you with more energy and your body more fit for sexual pleasures (sex itself is a great form of exercise!) You probably never thought that exercise could bring both of you so much more joy!

5. You may come to Love Exercising

Routine exercise can be fun! While it may be a push in the beginning, over time, you will enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and may come to see it as an entertaining activity instead of a burden. 

You may be thinking “I don’t have the funds to pay for a gym membership or buy healthy foods.” Don’t make this an excuse! Running or walking, pushups and situps, and other body weight exercises can be performed in the convenience of your own home. Now, gym memberships can cost $60.00 per month and in this economy, may not seem attainable for some readers. However, when you analyze your other current expenses, you may be able to free up enough to invest in a gym membership. For example, are you like most people who spend $5.00 a day on a cup of Starbucks? If yes, lets look at that daily investment on a larger scale:

• 1 Grande Cup of Starbucks Coffee: $5.00 (Estimate)/DAILY
• 1 Grande Cup of Starbucks Coffee: $150.00/MONTH (30 Days)
• 1 Grande Cup of Starbucks Coffee: $1,800/Year (One Cup of Coffee Every Day for a year!)
• $1,800.00 a year on Coffee Alone!

Now, if you were to invest in a gym membership at the average cost of $60.00 per month, the membership would cost you $720.00 a year! That leaves you $1,080.00 to spend on healthy food or other expenses that you would not have had if you continued to spend your hard earned money on coffee! (Plus, normal exercise will give you lots of natural energy, and you will not have to buy coffee everyday just to stay awake!)

Exercise & Nutrition provide a solid foundation for a vital life! Even when your strapped for cash, an investment in your health will provide endless dividends in the future. Take great strides to implement a routine exercise and nutrition plan into your life and I promise you will begin to see and feel a difference in your life. While you can’t control the world around you, you can decide to take action and make a better life for yourself and your loved ones. Exercise makes it happen! GET TO IT!