Friday, May 21, 2010

"Pay" Yourself First

The number one reason why most people I talk to don't want to commit to an exercise program is that it requires too much time. Their days are already jam packed with activities, and by the time evening comes they are wiped out and barely have the energy to drag themselves up to bed let alone hit the weights or jump around and do cardio. 

When it comes to personal finances the concept of saving is facilitated by the notion of "paying yourself first". It means just what it says. Before you budget money towards anything else, the first thing we should do is to pay ourselves by opening up a a savings account and squirreling away funds before they get gobbled up by anything else.

But what about our time budgets? Time and money have a lot in commom. We can spend both time and money. Like wise we can also save both. We can also "budget" both. 

I am proposing we consider making a time budget and allocating 15 to 30 minutes per day towards our fitness account before we spend the time anywhere else. Do a little research, and DECIDE on a program that fits your style and goals. Then COMMIT to a time slot around which you will plan the other activities in your life. I see no reason why this approach should be any less successful with time than with our personal finances, and the benefits can be just as rewarding. 

Just like you get the satisfaction of seeing your bank account grow, you'll gain a greater sense of self esteem as your body benefits from the investment you are making. The control you now have will strengthen your determination to maintain your approach and probably become a reinforcement to other disciplines in your life. And, you may find that the where you once could hardly lift you legs to climb  the stairs at the end of the day you now are energized and go to bed expecting restful night's sleep knowing you'll wake up refreshed and able to tackle another day.

A few minutes a day saved for your personal exercise will become time well spent.

A minute saved is a lifetime of healthy living earned.

Start a fitness savings plan with the BeachBody community today, and get the gift of wellness free for opening up your fitness membership!

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