-By Mark Woodgate
(Personal Trainer, Manager & Owner of Bay Bodyfit Health & Fitness Centre)

Everyday the media continue to paint a picture of doom and gloom in the economic world.

How about YOU? Are you being affected by the downturn in the economy? If so, how is your health? Are you taking good care of yourself, or has stress got the better of you? Has exercise ended up on the back burner?

As the owner and manager of Bay Bodyfit Health & Fitness Centre, I'm often asked the question, "are you feeling the effects of the recession?" Read on as you might be surprised by the answer... 

In the last couple of months I've made a point of asking our rejoining members WHY they continue to exercise on a regular basis. And here are the reasons they gave me:  

• Better able to handle stress
• Have a better handle on emotions
• Stay more positive
• Feel more energetic
• Get sick much less often
• Less time off work
• Enjoy being active
• Keep up with the kids
• Improved sex life!
• Want to live a long healthy life
• Sedentary lifestyle is unappealing
• The gym atmosphere is motivational
• Positive, social environment
• Meet other likeminded individuals

Have some of our gym members had to make some cut backs? Yes, of course (like most of us) But NOT at the expense of sacrificing their gym memberships! 

For example; Instead of buying lunch, many of our gym members are opting to make their own. Other cut backs include less takeaways, reduced alcohol consumption, cancelling magazine subscriptions and less dining out. One of our members recently quit smoking and is saving almost $30 per week! (That’s enough for 2 gym memberships alone!)

Have we been affected by the downturn in the economy? I’m happy to say that the answer is no. Have we noticed some changes in people's spending habits? Yes, however our members value their gym membership more. And that's great news because I sincerely believe that the message of prevention is starting to take hold and more and more people are realising that their health is truly their number 1 asset.  

With soaring rates of cancer, heart disease and diabetes in the western world, not to mention ever increasing costs in healthcare, it's the cost of neglecting your health that comes with the biggest price tag.   

Your health is NOT a luxury. Now, more than ever, your health must be your number 1 priority.

In these uncertain economic times it pays to remember that your health is your real wealth.