Do you stay physically fit?

[disneysteve]

Do you stay physically fit? And yes, I do think this is a financial topic.
A couple of times recently, something came up at work about physical fitness. A couple of us - myself and one other provider - were rather surprised by how out of shape everyone is. And I'm not talking about older people; I'm talking about folks in their 20s. One girl, 21, couldn't do a single push up. A couple of others in their 20s didn't even try and just said they knew they couldn't do it. A woman in her mid 40s can't squat.

I'm 55 years old and can run circles around every one of them which is kind of sad. If they are this out of shape at 21 or 23, what's going to happen as they get older? Poor physical condition affects a lot of things that end up tying into our finances. Health care costs. Decreased productivity. Higher likelihood of disability.

I'll be the first to admit that I spend way to much time online and on my phone but I also make it a point to exercise regularly. I know a lot of schools have cut back on gym to once a week and recess isn't always a thing anymore so even younger kids aren't getting adequate physical activity. It's great to plan to work well into your 60s or beyond but a great many people end up forced to retire early due to medical conditions and disability, a lot of which could be prevented by taking better care of yourself throughout your life.

There is very little cost to staying in shape. A good pair of walking shoes and you're good to go for that 30 minute walk every day. Push ups, sit ups, planks, and squats are free. My wife and I actually do belong to a fitness center but that isn't necessary to get in shape and stay in shape. If you aren't doing something to build and maintain muscle mass and strength and balance, get off the sofa, put down your phone, and get moving.

[james.hendrickson]

I walk about three miles every day. When I exercise my focus is better, my productivity is higher and my moods are more stable.

[kork13]

I'm by no means a physical specimen, and I could definitely stand to lose at least 10-15lbs, but that's more a factor of my diet than exercise/fitness (I've got a killer sweet tooth...and ice cream? if it's in the house, it won't be for long). I generally run 5-6 miles at least 1-2x a week, preferably more often. I'm honestly very uncomfortable in gyms, but I'll use one occasionally (couple times a month). As Steve mentioned, push-ups, sit-ups, squats, planks, etc. are all common as well. Those are nice because you can do a set of 50 or whatever literally anytime, no equipment required, and it only takes you a minute.

It probably helps that I'm in the military, and maintaining at least a decent level of fitness is expected (required). But even the day after my annual fitness test, I'm back out running, because I feel better for it. Sometimes I'll get super busy, or just get stuck in a rut, and I won't work out at all for a few weeks. As time goes by, though, I hate it more and more. I don't like the (more) pudgy feeling that I start to notice, I feel more stressed out, and life generally just feels tough. Quite simply, I need to exercise, or I will become sick, stressed out, and depressed. It gets to the point that I will almost physically crave exercise, and will take time out from work, or abandon my family for a while, or whatever else I need to do in order to get out running again. Sometimes it takes 2-3 days of it to feel right again. But it works, and that's how I've learned to manage my mental state.

It's always tragic to realize just how badly out of shape people often become. It's easy to be lazy! I do it all the time! But if you spend all day every day sitting on the couch, at your desk, and in bed, your body will become incredibly weak. Inactivity is bad for your physical, mental, & emotional health, and while you may not notice it, that builds up over time to the point that you can be a 60-y/o struggling to walk to the mailbox.

[bjl584]

yes. I have a physical job. I do a lot of physical work around the house and at camp. And, I go to the gym on a regular basis.

My diet could use a little work however.

[cypher1]

Absolutely. The gym has been my healthy addiction going 6-7 times a week. For the last two years I was going 4-5 times to lift, but now added 1-2 days of cardio since my biometric screening a month ago. Cleaned up my diet, reduced alcohol (4 beers in the last 6 months), maybe eat out 1-2 times a week, fast food is almost never. Saving a bunch of money as well. I value diet/nutrition as the most important, with sleep, and then exercise.

Unfortunately my aunt and uncle's health have caught up with them for not taking care of. I visit my uncle in the nursing home whenever I can, at 72 had a stroke two years ago, and already has MS and parkinsons, basically bedridden. Still has a great memory, but a reminder of why I need to invest in myself first, physically and mentally to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

yes and no. I walk a lot with the dog. I used to be even a year ago more fit. I need to get back into. I like going to classes at gym mostly crossfit or some sort of weight stuff and hot yoga.

[Smallsteps]

I definitely agree with Disneysteve that this is a financial topic. Perhaps something we should consider when we talk about healthcare costs.

I find it so sad when you go out to many public places you can see very young people very obese and winded doing most anything.
I think in part it is we have food / candy etc everywhere. Then we have so many people chasing some fad diet / pill/ eliminate this category or that one, it is a mess and who knows what damage they are creating for themselves.

I could use to lose some weight and need to get out and walk more etc.
When i look around and see that many younger then me can't keep up with me, i feel pretty good about that but the reality is they let themselves go not that i am in shape.

[moneybags]

I know a lot of schools have cut back on gym to once a week and recess isn't always a thing anymore so even younger kids aren't getting adequate physical activity.


[/QUOTE]

The law in Illinois mandates Physical Education class 5 days a week for all grades. I don't think it adds any value in terms of getting kids to move. It's up to the parents to model physical activity and get their kids active.

In terms of gym costs, which can be ridiculous, my insurance (BCBS) has a plan for $25/month that gives you access to several gyms. I think it's a good investment, but they don't heavily promote it. I read about it on a website (I think this one!).

[disneysteve]

The law in Illinois mandates Physical Education class 5 days a week for all grades. I don't think it adds any value in terms of getting kids to move. It's up to the parents to model physical activity and get their kids active.

In terms of gym costs, which can be ridiculous, my insurance (BCBS) has a plan for $25/month that gives you access to several gyms. I think it's a good investment, but they don't heavily promote it. I read about it on a website (I think this one!).

Doing 30-45 minutes of phys ed 5 times a week definitely adds value. In some cases, it may be the only significant physical activity those kids are getting. It's far better than none.

As for gym costs, our gym is owned by the hospital system I work for. I get a discounted rate of $31/mo. My wife pays $49/mo which I think is also discounted off the regular rate. So $80 total. But I also get $21.60/mo back from my insurance so net cost is $58.40 for the two of us. That includes a quarterly reassessment with a personal trainer, almost all classes, and full access to the gym and pools at two locations.

[Like2Plan]

Do you stay physically fit?

I would have to say, "No". I found an AP for the Army physical fitness test and IIRC I received a zero. (Well, there goes my career in the Army). They've since change the Army physical fitness test (I believe they made it even harder). But, I don't run anymore, so that right there makes it impossible to pass.

But, I do what I can. I walk every day and I think that helps my overall health. I generally walk 3 miles a day. I had a knee injury back in August and have been working through the PT since then. I just returned from Disney World with some dear, dear friends (I know, I know- you all think I am a real loser for going just prior to the grand opening of the Rise of the Resistance attraction at Star Wars Land on Dec 5th) and we walked 39.5 miles over 4 days. I was super glad I didn't have to rent a scooter while I was there!

[disneysteve]

I generally walk 3 miles a day.

I just returned from Disney World with some dear, dear friends (I know, I know- you all think I am a real loser for going just prior to the grand opening of the Rise of the Resistance attraction at Star Wars Land on Dec 5th) and we walked 39.5 miles over 4 days. I was super glad I didn't have to rent a scooter while I was there!

If you walk 3 miles/day, you're way ahead of most Americans as far as staying fit.

As for going to WDW before ROTR opened, we were even worse. We were there in August and left the day before the first AP previews of Galaxy's Edge so we haven't seen it at all.

[Like2Plan]

If you walk 3 miles/day, you're way ahead of most Americans as far as staying fit.

I try to copy the example of my grandmother who took daily walks--she lived to 100. The last year or two she didn't get around so well, but up to that point she had an excellent quality of life.

As for going to WDW before ROTR opened, we were even worse. We were there in August and left the day before the first AP previews of Galaxy's Edge so we haven't seen it at all.

I guess that is an excellent reason to return! It looks like there are many exciting changes coming.

[disneysteve]

I guess that is an excellent reason to return! It looks like there are many exciting changes coming.

As if we needed an excuse.

I actually wanted to go in February but it wasn't working out. We don't have anything planned at the moment but we will. Maybe in the spring.

[srblanco7]

Do you stay physically fit? And yes, I do think this is a financial topic.
A couple of times recently, something came up at work about physical fitness. A couple of us - myself and one other provider - were rather surprised by how out of shape everyone is. And I'm not talking about older people; I'm talking about folks in their 20s. One girl, 21, couldn't do a single push up. A couple of others in their 20s didn't even try and just said they knew they couldn't do it. A woman in her mid 40s can't squat.

I'm 55 years old and can run circles around every one of them which is kind of sad. If they are this out of shape at 21 or 23, what's going to happen as they get older? Poor physical condition affects a lot of things that end up tying into our finances. Health care costs. Decreased productivity. Higher likelihood of disability.

I'll be the first to admit that I spend way to much time online and on my phone but I also make it a point to exercise regularly. I know a lot of schools have cut back on gym to once a week and recess isn't always a thing anymore so even younger kids aren't getting adequate physical activity. It's great to plan to work well into your 60s or beyond but a great many people end up forced to retire early due to medical conditions and disability, a lot of which could be prevented by taking better care of yourself throughout your life.

There is very little cost to staying in shape. A good pair of walking shoes and you're good to go for that 30 minute walk every day. Push ups, sit ups, planks, and squats are free. My wife and I actually do belong to a fitness center but that isn't necessary to get in shape and stay in shape. If you aren't doing something to build and maintain muscle mass and strength and balance, get off the sofa, put down your phone, and get moving.

Great topic. At a personal level, I'd like to be healthy enough to enjoy my savings once I retire. And, taking care of those who elect to live unhealthy life-styles represents a drag/drain on our economy.

I travel a lot for work - which leads to a lot of eating out, so it can be a challenge to stay in shape. I still try, though I'd feel better if I could drop 10 lbs. Generally, my routine is a morning run 3-4x per week @ 2.5 miles and I have a home gym, so I'll also lift weights for about 30 mins 4-5 days per week.

[disneysteve]

At a personal level, I'd like to be healthy enough to enjoy my savings once I retire.

Great point.

One of the leading causes of disability as we age is falls, and one of the leading causes of falls is deconditioning, impaired balance, and core muscle strength. Regular exercise keeps your muscles strong, your bones strong, your posture better, and your balance better. It lessens your risk of falls and related disability.

I pretty regularly see friends on Facebook posting about "taking a tumble" while walking the dog or in the bathroom or getting out of bed or whatever, and these aren't old people. They're peers my age and younger, but folks I know to be out of shape. Thankfully, there have been few significant injuries but it's easy to imagine someone whacking their head on the bathtub or breaking a bone. I had a patient years ago who fell in a parking lot and hit her head on the concrete parking barrier and suffered a traumatic brain injury and was permanently disabled in her mid 50s.

So stay/get in shape. Your future you will thank you.