A few years ago, I reignited my efforts to become physically fit and active. With the help of a trainer I still see nearly every week, I developed a fitness regimen. Now I can use the machines and have a whole list of exercises that I can do on my own. However, what I have discovered is that I have a tendency to fall into a bit of a rut, doing the same group of “typical” exercises when I exercise without my trainer.
My trainer keeps me balanced. He puts together a program that ensures that I maintain physical balance. Leaving the gym one day after he worked me, I analyzed the exercises that he put me through and discovered he had me working my core, my legs, and my arms equally. The next day I could tell which muscles, by the degree of soreness, that I do not routinely work out.
The realization that I was not as physically balanced as I thought made me wonder about the other aspects of my life. Balance is necessary for work, family, health, leisure, friends and volunteering for them all to fit together creating a harmonious mix. If I neglect one or more areas I feel it in other areas.
How is your balance? Are there areas of your life that so overshadow others to the point that they create issues in your life? Are they areas that you consciously consider the most important to your physical and emotional health?
The end of the year is a good time to reassess your balance and your priorities? Then you have a good place to start planning from as you face 2017.