I started out my professional life as an accountant, and monthly stocktake in the factory was a big job, but critical to measuring where the business was at. Knowing where you’re at is obviously really important when running a business.
But when was the last time you did that with your health?
Is your body where you want it to be? Is your health in a place that will allow you to flourish … not just for the next year, but for decades to come?
With our own finances, it’s about our bank balance… how much is coming in vs. how much is going out. We all look at our numbers, create budgets, try to stick with them and adjust as needed.
We should be doing the same with our health and fitness. And I don’t mean going to the doctor for an annual physical; that’s the bare minimum.
I mean taking stock of your deposits and withdrawals when it comes to achieving your ideal body and health.
Here are a few examples of what I mean:
Deposits: A strength workout, a H.I.I.T. session and outdoor activity are examples of deposits. You’re putting currency into your health and fitness bank every time you do these things. And they’re not limited to physical activities. Prepping your healthy meals for the week, meditating and having a romantic date night with your significant other all go in the “income” column of your health and fitness ledger. The more deposits you make, and the more consistently you make them, the more your fitness “bank account” will grow.
Withdrawals: Skipping a workout, overindulging in unhealthy food choices and/or alcohol, and working such long hours that your sleep dwindles to 4-5 hours a night … these would be considered withdrawals. Every time you engage in these kinds of activities, it’s like swiping your credit card and watching your hard-earned deposits disappear.
In finance, we all know what happens when we spend more than we make … we end up with a negative balance and go into debt.
And wouldn’t you know it? The same happens with your health and with your body.
You might be able to sustain these fitness “overdrafts” for a while. But eventually, the bills come due.
So obviously, it’s best to focus on making as many deposits -- and as few withdrawals -- as possible. But there’s another point I’d like to emphasise … and it’s a mistake I’ve seen too many people make when it comes to their health and fitness.
Obviously, you don’t need 100% of your transactions to be deposits in order to achieve financial wealth. The same is true of your health and fitness. All or nothing doesn’t work. If you’ve consistently been making deposits, you can “afford” some withdrawals here and there. And the more deposits you’ve been making (workouts, healthy meals, self-care), the less harmful the withdrawals (pizza, wine and ice cream) will be.
I’d suggest looking at Easter time to stocktake your health. Use the next 2-3 weeks to assess where you are, evaluate how you’ve been “spending” your health currency, and decide what needs to change so that you can look back a year from now and be proud of how much your fitness bank account has grown.
Yours in health and fitness,
Chris
P.S. - Whenever you’re ready... here are 3 ways I can help you and your family achieve you achieve your health and fitness goals:
1. Join our Free Facebook Group To Get Our Best Fitness & Lifestyle Tips
Connect with our expert coaches, ask questions, and stay motivated along your healthy lifestyle journey. Inside the group you'll get easy (& yummy) healthy recipes, access to free programs and simple (but realistic) advice for living a healthier lifestyle.
2. Enjoy a Week of I.C.E. Group training...FREE.
Sometimes a coach and a community of like-minded people are just what you need to get motivated and work on becoming your best self.
Come test drive our Intense Cardio Exercise (I.C.E.) classes for free to see if we're a good fit - we do these both in-person and live, online! Just respond to this email with " trial" in the subject line and I'll get back to you with details.
3. Got Teenagers that need some exercise?
We have a a version of our I.C.E. classes for Teenagers. Kids need an outlet and this is a great way to get them in the habit to exercise and burn off some pent up energy!
If you have a teenager that could use some exercise, reply with “Teenager” and I’ll get you the information.
