Invest Today for a Healthy Future, Well Beyond Your Officiating Career

“The coronavirus has sparked the biggest economic downturn since the Great Depression. U.S. gross domestic product fell 5% in the first quarter and is expected to see the worst decline in history for the second quarter. Unemployment remains at staggering levels, despite rebounding in last week's jobs report.”  (U.S. News and World Report).

In contrast, after an initial shock, the stock market has performed quite well. In fact, the NASDAQ hit a record high this week. For those with discretionary funds to invest, the gains provided by stock performance has cushioned the downturn and contributed to long-term wealth. In the same manner,
investment in your physical fitness will pay off in the short- and long-term for your health.

Your physical health widens or limits your career and life options. Whether on a sports field, in an office, or in other work environments, poor health diminishes your standard of living. Invest in staying fit, tackling any issues you may currently have or may encounter in the future.

Invest in your physical health by:

• Making healthy meal choices: consider buying food in bulk amounts, cooking and refrigerating/freezing for quick grab-and-go meals, and get healthy snacks for game day. Enjoy the savings over buying take-out.
• Monitoring your health with medical providers: schedule your annual appointments and monitor changes. Even if you feel great, the physicals will help detect any conditions early.
• Working out on a regular basis: schedule your regular weekly training time, in your home gym, at the park/trails or at a fitness center, and don’t skip the appointment!
• Work with a trainer: interview and hire a trainer that meets your needs. Ask questions and provide information to find the best fit, whether online/virtual or in-person.
• Buying realistic exercise equipment. You know yourself well. Don’t buy an expensive bench press set that will turn into a clothing rack. Get some professional advice before you buy.

You only have one body---use your time, energy and resources in being the best you. While you’re at it, consider allocating a percentage of your expenditures to purchasing from small, and minority-owned businesses. I listed a few links to get you started.

Food
https://www.esquire.com/food-drink/g32782728/black-owned-food-drink-businesses-brands/

Fitness
https://travelnoire.com/black-owned-gyms-and-fitness
https://www.supportblackowned.com/category/159-gyms

* If you’re ever in the Akron-Canton area, give me a call to schedule a workout at my Fitness Studio.


References

It’s Official: U.S. Economy Entered a Recession in February
https://www.usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/2020-06-08/coronavirus-pandemic-officially-sent-us-economy-into-a-recession-in-february