Don’t Wait: Start Prioritizing Your Health Today
- Angel Kelly
- May 2
- 3 min read
Some of us like to think, “I’ll hold off on losing all that weight until I’m engaged,” or “Once I have my first grandchild, I’ll stop smoking.” Maybe even, “When I get my first health scare, I’ll start prioritizing it more.”
As a society, we’ve developed the mindset that health isn’t important until later in life. As a personal trainer, I’ve heard many reasons why someone might not be putting their health first. I’ve also seen many people try to quit their bad habits cold turkey, adopting the mindset that they need to be in the gym six days a week and only eat chicken, rice, and broccoli. Many of you in the fitness world have probably gone through that stage once or twice.
The key to protecting our physical and mental health in the long run is balance. Following the 80/20 rule is a great place to start—and a fantastic habit to maintain. The 80/20 rule means you eat 80% healthy foods—foods that fuel your body, are high in protein, and help you reach or maintain your goals. The remaining 20% includes soul food—the kind your grandma makes that you can never turn down, or that amazing food truck you like to visit on Saturdays (even if it’s high in sodium).
What I’m getting at is this: Balance is necessary, and it should be a major part of your lifestyle. The same goes for working out. You shouldn’t wait for a major life event to prioritize it. If you don’t have a specific goal like bodybuilding or losing weight, make it your goal to simply stay in good health.
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) stated, “Exercise is the closest thing we’ve found to a magic pill for combating the effects of aging.”
It’s not just about looking good—it’s about feeling good, and paying attention not only to the physical but also the internal. In an article published by the CDC, they stated, “Regular physical activity can help keep your thinking, learning, and judgment skills sharp as you age.”
You might not know where to start. You’ve probably heard countless people on Instagram or Facebook telling you to drink kale juice or do 15 push-ups every morning. Realistically, our bodies are all unique. What works for someone with your “ideal body” may not work for you. It takes trial and error to find what fits your lifestyle, needs, and goals.
Always do your research before trying a new diet and check if it’s safe for your lifestyle. For example, intermittent fasting may not be a great idea if you’re a blue-collar worker spending long days in the sun.
My best advice: Don’t get caught up in fitness trends. You’ll always want to jump to the next big thing and may put your body under unnecessary stress. Instead, take the time to research a few options that align with your goals, needs, and lifestyle. And don’t hesitate to ask a professional for help. At Volv, we have certified personal trainers and nutrition coaches who would love to support you.
Whether you’re in month one of your fitness journey or year fifteen—we’re here to help. Reach out to volvfitness@gmail.com with any questions or call us at (563) 556-6496.
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