Taking care of ourselves is more than just eating better to drop unwanted pounds, lifting weights and doing some form of cardiovascular type activity.
There are plenty of things we can improve to enhance quality of life.
A couple times a year I like to rate myself in the following categories to see how I'm currently doing. I suggest that you do the same.
This process will give you a benchmark to measure improvements later.
*Remember, the body is one piece
If you improve in one area it will have a positive affect on another area.
For example, if you improve sleep, I'll bet you're resistance to illness improves and you'll probably lose a little weight among other things.
So take a few minutes to rate yourself in the following categories on a scale of 1 to 5 (1= poor; 2= fair; 3= average; 4= good; 5= excellent). Answer to the best of your knowledge.
Quality of sleep 1 2 3 4 5
Resistance to injury 1 2 3 4 5
Resistance to illness 1 2 3 4 5
Training knowledge 1 2 3 4 5
Nutritional knowledge 1 2 3 4 5
Motivation/desire 1 2 3 4 5
Past dedication to training 1 2 3 4 5
Overall healthy lifestyle 1 2 3 4 5
Mobility/flexibility 1 2 3 4 5
Muscle and joint tightness/pain 1 2 3 4 5 (1= lots; 5 = none)
Body composition 1 2 3 4 5 (1= unacceptably flabby; 5= very lean)
Body weight 1 2 3 4 5 (1= very far from target no matter if you are under or over it; 5 = right at your target weight)
Strength 1 2 3 4 5
Endurance 1 2 3 4 5
Core Strength 1 2 3 4 5 (1= current or chronic problems with low back and shoulders; 5= injury free)
Agility 1 2 3 4 5
Balance 1 2 3 4 5
Now that you've done the self-evaluation, it's time to pick an area that you want to improve. I usually have a few categories I want to work on.
You can start with the "lowest hanging fruit" - the one you are confident you can improve pretty quickly. This provides a sense of accomplishment and builds momentum. Both good things.
Or
You can choose the area that will provide the most "bang-for-your-buck" - it may not be the easiest to change, but it will have a great affect on many areas - i.e. Strength :)
Let's get to work!
If you can use a little advice or want direct help, please let me know. I'd be happy to.
Keep moving,
Coach Dom
