At a time for new years resolutions, many of you are making health resolutions as you do every year. But what is ‘health’ and how do you keep those resolutions? It’s easy to say I’m going to lose twenty pounds but in order to follow through, you must have a why and a how. It’s easy to have a goal but without a focus on the ‘how’, and a passion as to why you want to achieve something, the drive simply isn’t there. Let me ask you this, how long have you had certain goals and how far have you come to achieving them? Without a different mindset your goals are merely a wish. This is why a trainer or health coach may be a good option to help you set realistic goals, a set plan, and help keep you motivated. We all have uniquely designed bodies, but the principles to lose weight, gain muscle or whatever you wish to accomplish are all the same, simple and straight forward. The hard part is knowing how to get there, staying on track and motivated.

Health is much more than working out and being fit. Health consist of many aspects from fitness, nutrition, psychological, spiritual and anything related to how one feels. Health is taking care of your well-being and preparing your body, mind and spirit for longevity. It is important to invest in our health because our health determines how we react to circumstances in our life. In today’s society we all face challenges that stress us mentally and physically and are constantly wearing down our body and draining our health. A good workout plan is only the start of good health, and of itself requires other therapeutics to achieve a good quality state of health. By engaging in a fitness routine, we are conditioning our body, but we are also putting stress on the body that can reversely injure us if we don’t routinely seek therapeutics such as massages, physical therapy, chiropractic care etc. Yes, I understand these services can be a little expensive, and I am not saying you must get therapy every week. However, despite our emphasis these therapeutics may be more necessary than you believe.

Let’s put it in these terms, if you invested X amount in therapeutic care in one year, and it kept you healthy, as opposed to neglecting therapeutic care and falling sick or injured as a result costing you upwards of five or ten times as much. Which option would you prefer? The sad reality is, most people would rather gamble and end up paying more in the long run than taking control of their health and preventing illness, disease or injury. Our body is made up of many different systems that work together, control and react to each other. If we keep them all working functionally we lower our risk of dis-ease and injury by increasing our quality of health. Do you wait until your teeth fall out before you go to the dentist, or do you go regularly for check ups and to keep them clean and healthy? How about your car, to keep your car running and get the most out of it, you regularly get oil changes and check ups right? Or do you just drive until your transmission goes out spend much more money to get it fixed? Some of you probably shouldn’t answer that. But our body is the same way, if we invest and take care of ourselves, it could ultimately save us a lot more money. James Harrison, a professional football player recently of the Pittsburgh Steelers and now a New England Patriot, stated that he spends on average $200,000 per year on therapeutic care. Harrison is 39 years old and in his 15^th NFL season, which is a much longer career than most. This is a heavy expense, far more than what most of us can afford, but in return it allows Harrison to keep making millions of dollars which he probably could not do at his age if he did not invest in his health.

As for us, we can look at our health in the same form. If we invest in our health and increase our longevity, it will allow us to work more, increase our life experiences, and live overall happier lives. Its your choice, you get to prioritize your investments and decide what’s most important to you.