Fit For Life: Making Sacrifices

Fit For Life: Making Sacrifices

For our children.

We have all done it at one time or another. We sometimes do it on a daily basis. Every good person makes sacrifices. If you have children, your life is a sacrifice. You have to sacrifice most of your time, money, and energy so you can take care of, and insure that your child lives a happy, healthy, and productive life. Everything in a child's life depends on you and the amount of energy you put into their upbringing. If you do not make sacrifices, a problem child will arise and a lifetime of heartbreak could follow.

For our family.

If you have elderly parents, or someone in your family gets sick, you will be making many sacrifices in your life to help them, unless you are fortunate enough to afford full time help. You may even live in a certain place that you don't like being, just to be close to your family, or you may forgo a well needed vacation, just to attend a friend’s wedding, or an event of a child in the family. These are all examples of the sacrifices we make to please others; those instances when we put someone's needs or happiness before our own.

But – what about YOU?

But the one sacrifice you should not make and, be completely selfish about, is maintaining good health, and taking care of YOU. This doesn't mean that you will eat quality food and your family eats junk, or that you deprive anyone of the essentials, this means that when it comes to your health, you should be #1. You can't take care of others, unless you can first take care of yourself. It's like they tell you on an airplane "put on YOUR oxygen mask first" before you assist someone else. I like this analogy because it correlates well to your own health and fitness, meaning that if you are sick or have many ailments yourself, you can't be too helpful to others.

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When I hear my friends say, I do not have time to exercise, because all my time is devoted to my kids, I ask them how much time will your kids spend with you if you have a heart attack and die? Or how useful are you if you are too heavy to play ball or go swim with them? That usually opens one’s eyes, and gets them thinking. Besides setting a good example, living healthy makes you are a happier and more productive person, and that will make everyone better off. Eating healthy shouldn't be unattainable or too expensive. If you and your spouse are living well, driving new cars, going out for dinner frequently, and your kids belong to every sport and activity available, then think about your priorities. If expense is your reason for letting your health diminish, you need to reassess the situation. Make cuts to your time and budgets accordingly, so you can eat right and exercise.

Sacrificing your health for others is the wrong sacrifice to make. Your health and wellbeing should be your main priority in life over family, money, work and friends. It is ok to put yourself first in this one particular instance, because it will translate to a better you, and this will give off positive energy. And – you will be teaching your family lifelong habits that will benefit them, too. If people see your dedication as a little selfish, then turn it on them and let them know that it is more selfish if you don't put your health first, because you will eventually burden others with your own ailments, and require others to sacrifice for you. As in most things, lead by example. It will mean less sacrifice for everyone in the long run.

Matt Espeut has worked as a personal trainer for almost 20 years with clients ranging in age from 14 to 86. His focus is on overall health, strength, and functional conditioning. Holistic health and nutrition is the cornerstone of all his programs. Matt works in private and small group training available at your home or office location or at gym facilities. Matt offers his services to everyone wanting to be more fit and healthy, overweight young people, youth/collegiate athletes, and seniors. Matt has worked and continues to train at several facilities in the Providence area including Gold's Gym and CORE Studio, and he believes continued education is a must in his field. Email Matt: [email protected], check out his website at www.fitnessprofiles.net or on Facebook at Matt Espeut or on Twitter @MattEspeut.