Giving Thanks for Health and Fitness: Celebrating Our Privilege and Opportunity

Written By Michael Campanella

First, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving spent with family and loved ones (and not too much political talk, lol). Before we dive into the stress and anxiety (I mean joy and thankfulness) of the holiday season, let’s take a second to show some gratitude for our blessings, and carve out a moment (pun intended) to reflect on something we often take for granted—our health and fitness.

Over the course of the last couple of weeks, many of you tackled one of our infamous holiday workouts, a tradition that, let’s be honest, might cause a little PTSD in some of our former high school and college athletes. I saw a few reluctant faces, and yes, I heard the murmurs of “Do we have to?” echoing around the gym. But here’s the thing—while it’s tough, it’s also a tremendous privilege. Here’s why being fit isn’t just a benefit for today, but an investment in our future selves.

Fitness: A Future-Proofing Tool

Being fit and healthy is essentially like contributing to a 401(k) plan for your body (not Social Security, because that is a scam – I thought we said no political talk!). You invest effort now to reap vital benefits later. Staying active and keeping fit helps ward off chronic illnesses, keeps the creaks and aches at bay, and ensures that our future selves are as vibrant and capable as they can be. Yes, that grueling workout was not just a calorie burner—it was a deposit in your health savings account.

The Privilege of Health

Let’s pause and consider this: the ability to train hard and experience the heart-pumping exertion of a tough workout is a privilege many wish they had. Health is a gift—not everyone has the physical capability to workout even if they wanted to. Every squat, sprint, and slam is a testament to what our bodies can achieve, a privilege we should not overlook.

Beyond Personal Health: Socioeconomic Factors

While we’re hitting a set of sprints on the Versa Climber in our state-of-the-art gym, it’s vital to acknowledge that such amenities are not universally accessible. Many people lack the socioeconomic means to afford personal training, high-quality gym memberships, or even basic workout equipment. The fact that we can access these resources is a significant privilege that allows us to maintain our health in ways many cannot.

Community and Support

Think about your trainers, coaches, physical therapists, and fellow workout partners who share in our fitness community. This supportive environment plays a crucial role in our wellness journey. Not everyone has access to a community that motivates and pushes them toward personal growth. It’s more than just fitness; it’s about belonging to a group that cherishes health and vitality, reinforcing that we’re all in this together.

From “Have to” to “Get to”: Mindset of Gratitude

So, as we reflect on this past Thanksgiving (and the upcoming holidays of Christmas and Hannukah), let’s think about what we’re thankful for and shift our perspective from “I have to work out” to “I get to work out.” We are fortunate to be able to move, challenge ourselves, and improve. We’re lucky to have the support, the resources, and the opportunity to keep our bodies strong and vibrant.

Let’s be grateful for every effort and exertion because it all represents our health, our community, and our ability to give our future selves the gift of wellness. Here’s to a healthy and fit holiday season, full of gratitude and maybe just a little bit of pumpkin pie (because balance is key, right?).