How Do You Treat Your Car?

I’m not a “car guy”, but I often use car analogies when talking to clients about taking care of their bodies. I want you to imagine you are 16 years old and your parents gave you a car, but there’s a catch… You can NEVER get another car – NEVER, no replacements, no trade-ins. Imagine ONE CAR, and ONE Car only. Got it? So, let me ask you a question: How would you take care of that car?

Remember that this is the only car you’re ever going to have. More than likely you would be very meticulous with caring for it with regular oil changes, proper fluid levels, and always making sure there’s gas in the car. Unless you’re like me - I have a bad habit of letting my car tell me when it needs gas. I’ve heard that doing that isn’t good for your car, but let me say that “running your body on empty” isn’t good for your body.

We all do it… 3,000 mile checkup, tire rotation, A Service, B Service, etc…  You tell yourself that the car won‘t last if we don’t take care of it, right? I agree that preventive maintenance is good for the health of the car. But, do you feel the same way about your body? What about preventive maintenance on yourself…  

I’m going to go out on a limb and say that taking care of your body is more important than taking care of your car. Chances are that you will have more than one car in your lifetime, but you will only get ONE BODY. You can’t replace it, and you can’t trade it in. You can argue that you can get replacement parts, but they’re expensive and never work as good as the originals. You only get ONE BODY so why not give the same or more attention than you give your car: Proper Fueling (eating healthy foods), Regular Maintenance (exercise & movement), Proper Fluid Levels (drinking water), and Recharging your Battery (sleep, rest & recovery).

The number one excuse people give for not exercising is “I don’t have time”. But, if an indicator light comes on in their car to tell them to change the oil or get gas, they “find time” to take the car for an oil change or refueling. It drives me crazy when I here someone say… “I was too busy to eat”. Make the time. The human body doesn't come with indicator lights, but it does give indicators that it needs maintenance or fueling: lack of energy, frequent illnesses, lack of mental focus, and aches & pains. Just as it’s not good to let your car’s indicators tell you when there’s a problem, it’s also not good to let your body tell you.

So don’t wait for the body to let you know something is wrong before you decide to do something about it. Just as you find/make the time to keep your car running smoothly, make the time to care of your body. "Those who don't make time for exercise will eventually make time for illness." Remember you only get ONE BODY.  Take care of it, because there is no "Cash For Clunkers" program for humans.

David E. Cox, ACE-CPT, is a personal trainer that has dedicated his life to helping to improve the lives of others through exercise and healthy living. He is owner of in Glen Burnie, MD where we educates, motivates, and inspires people from all walks of life. Be sure and sign up for his monthly eNewsletter, The Vibe, at www.positivevibesfitness.com.