Two subjects are dominating the news currently, the economy and the election. So, how can these issues help you with making decisions regarding working out and staying healthy? Simple: just think about what is at the heart of each of these issues.
At the heart of the subject of the election is "choice." At the heart of the economic issue is also "choice." They each emphasize different choices, but they both remind me of the choices that are always available to us.
Let's talk about the election first. I think the message here is embedded in our democracy; you can choose whatever you wish and not have to explain it - "one man, one vote." This can also apply to health and wellness. You don't have to conform to what the masses think or what the commercials say or what your neighbors do. You can "vote" for whatever method of achieving fitness you feel best fits your needs.
That's a great thing. If you don't like pilates, you don't have to do it. If kickboxing is not your thing, fine, try something else. Walk, run, bike, swim, spin, do yoga, whatever floats your boat. You, being a sound member of a democracy, understand that there is no definitive "right" answer. Instead, there are many possibilities that can take you to the same end and it is your right to choose whatever method you think will be best for you.
Now, the economy. We all either are making or will have to make choices regarding our economic survival during these turbulent times. You may not have complete control over how much money you make or have saved right now, but you never lose the control over how you spend it.
Tough economic times are not fun, but they are a great time for people to experience how creative they can get with their money. Challenging yourself on how to make the most use out of every dollar can actually be fun (really, even if it's just a little). You can really get a feeling of "victory" when you are able to find a way to get what you want and pay less than you thought.
So how does this apply to keeping fit? Even in tough economic times, you still need to take care of yourself. Your body does not have the ability to take a break from needing to be worked out on a regular basis. In fact, in times of emotional stress, working out becomes even more important. Several studies have shown the positive effect that working out has on stress. Doctors are already reporting a steep increase in several, stress related, ailments as the economic troubles for their patients increase. Some areas that doctors are seeing the biggest increase in are depression, digestive problems, migraines, insomnia and increased use of drugs and alcohol.
We know that exercise can increase your ability to cope with stress and can serve as a healthy distraction, as opposed to drugs and alcohol. The question is how can I keep exercise in my life and not further hurt my economic situation?
Here is where the power of choice comes in. You have lots of choices regarding how you would like to economically "fit" exercise into your life.
First, you can choose where you want to work out. If you know that you want to work out at a gym, then you have to investigate the choices. Prices and contracts vary greatly. You may be surprised at what kind of bargain you can get, especially during these times. Obviously, working out at home will be cheaper, in that you will not have to pay a membership fee, but what about buying equipment?
If you want to work out at home you have to choose what kind of equipment you want or need. Again, lots of choices here, at lots of different price points. You can have a great home gym with a $15 stability ball and about $25-worth of tubing. Or you can choose to buy a "one machine does it all" piece of equipment, but may spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
If you know that you want to work with a trainer, you have to choose how you want to best use their expertise and services. Many people realize that if they see a trainer only once or twice a month, they can stay "on the wagon," as far as their exercise goes. The intermittent visits to the trainer serve as the motivation to keep up with regular workouts on their own. Also, the continued education and oversight by the trainer helps keep motivation and safety in check. If you know that you would like to see a trainer on a more regular basis, then you may want to choose to have a partner session rather than a private session. Most personal trainers offer this and the cost, per person, is less than a private session.
Whether working out at home, at a gym, with or without a trainer, you do have choices regarding the cost. Rather than panic and give up something so key to your overall health because you think you can save a little money, instead, use your power of choice. Get creative about the choices that are available to you and figure out how you can stay healthy, keep working out and stay within your budget.