U.S. News & World Report shows us that our bodies are costing us more than ever.  This equates to a “Unhealthiness Tax”, based on our poor eating and exercise habits.  I know taxes have increased on my Rocky Patels, and organic food isn’t exactly cheap.  It’s enough to make me reach for another donut. ;-)  But I came up with some cheaper alternatives.  Here are the areas of concern, followed by my two cents:

That gym habit could cost you thousands - gym memberships and personal training sessions are pricey.

Solution: Work out at home.  It costs nothing to go for a walk, provided you have sneakers.  Pick up some used weights at a yard sale.  Used weights still weigh the same as new weights, maybe a little more when you consider the accumulated dust.  If you don’t think that you can lift heavy weights, and think you have the patience, try the SuperSlow method.

Diet advice is a regular drain on your wallet - fitness magazines, diet books, and infomercials cost money, as does Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig.

Solution: The internet is full of free websites that offer diet and fitness tips, aimed at novices on one end of the spectrum, to more hardcore sites like Testosterone Nation on the other end.  Rather than paying a diet counselor, do your own research for free.  It’s how I found out about the Metabolic Diet.

Health insurance isn’t a cure-all - co-payments for medical care, deductibles,  and premiums are the additional costs of insurance.

Solution: Staying in shape and watching your diet should do wonders for your health, and help avoid diseases and conditions associated with obesity.  Don’t overlook the benefits of vitamins to strengthen the immune system.

Some airlines charge weightier passengers more - some airlines, such as United and Southwest,  require that you pay for two seats if you can’t fit into one.

Solution: This should be a wake up call that you need to improve your fitness and diet.  Follow my solutions in the first two items.

Vices are another way you’ll pay - taxes on cigarettes and cigars and alcoholic beverages have increased.  This is a ripe target for governments looking for extra revenue.

Solution: Quit smoking, or if you’re not addicted, reduce the number of cigars that you smoke.  I’m down to one cigar per weekend.  The sacrifices I make…

The good news is that companies have figured out that preventing disease is cheaper than treating disease.  Incentives are being offered to get healthier, from cash payments to lower health insurance premiums.  I know that my company has a fitness center on premises that you can join for a small amount each week.

Me, I work out in my basement.  No health club dues, no waiting for a machine or treadmill, and all I have to do is walk downstairs.  My weights are an eclectic mix of concrete-filled plastic weights from my youth, newly-purchased steel plates, and some used weights picked up at Play it Again Sports.  I did invest in a good bench about 15 years ago, and it’s served me well.

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