In this day and age money pretty much determines the extent you can live life; where you can go, what you can do, what friends you can have, and yes money can even have a say in whether you will grow an impressive pot belly. Research has shown that lower income people are more likely to have health issues, be overweight, and lower mental health. I would recommend taking a few minutes to read this report by the Urban Institute and Virginia Commonwealth University to get details of the link between money and health; https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/publication/49116/2000178-How-are-Income-and-Wealth-Linked-to-Health-and-Longevity.pdf.
With all this being said, as a fitness trainer I believe it to be important that you master your money in order to tip the scale in the direction you want. To help it would be beneficial to understand how money will inhibit your effort to become fit and then go over what you can do about it now.
What’s money got to do with these abs?
Everything! Fact is people who are low income and/or in debt most likely can’t afford the time and don’t have the mindset (mental health which is most important) to develop the habit that are required to be fit. It’s like being trapped in an endless cycle, day after day worrying about making payments and making sure you just get any food (forget the healthy good stuff) in your stomach. Reckless spending is a habit that is self-destructive, much like smoking (which is also more prevalent in lower income households). Both can lead to degraded health physically and mentally.
What to do?
Get control of your money! With less financial obstacles in the way the more likely you can improve your health and fitness with confidence. Create a budget, always think when buying… Will spending money in this way make me more healthy or make me more money? If not then you probably shouldn’t spend the money for whatever you’re thinking about. Another thing you can do right now is ask for help, get someone who can coach you with achieving your financial goals.
I know just the guy to help! I met with Brandon a couple months ago to sit down with him and have a chat about my financial goals and to lay out a plan to accomplish them. Thankfully I did and not I don’t feel overwhelmed and now I have a simple plan to follow through with. Before I met him, I read all investing and how to handle money, INFORMATION OVERLOAD!
Start off with his quiz to see how financially literate you are; https://howmoneyworks.com/brandonhuff. When you’re finished with that you can contact him to schedule an appointment and/or answer any questions you may have.
Your Fitness Solution,
Shawn Albers