You and your invest-fit portfolio. part II

Diversify. Diversify. Diversify. Those three little words...the key to riding the 'highs' and 'lows' of your personal financial roller coaster. Financial advisors tout it as not putting all your eggs in one basket. With a volatile market it's your safety net.

So, what does this have to do with fitness? Lots.

I categorize exercise or 'healthy movement' (as I prefer to call it) into three different categories:

1. High Risk (these are the 'die hard' exercise fanatics, 'never-miss-a-day'ers, competitive marathoners, single-sport athletes)
- over-use injuries
- burnout
- boredom
- aches & pains later on
- exercise obsession
- danger of ego being crushed

2. Medium Risk (where YOU want to be)
- this is where the 'fun' factor is/includes variety
- less chance of injury (over-use or acute)
- less chance of burnout
- less chance of boredom

3. Low Risk (weekend-warrior types, 'every-once-in-awhile'-rs, 'the-next-exercise-fad' folks)
- acute injury risk
- 'roller coaster' of emotions (start/stop/start/stop)
- never establish goals, never reach goals
- boredom/frustration
- eventually revert back to old habits

The idea here, is to get yourself into the 'Medium Risk' category...Granted, there are many individuals in my 'High Risk' category that are doing just fine and wouldn't have it any other way and that's great, but more than likely, the majority of these folks have been participating in fitness and sport for a very long time and it's the only way they know. (This goes back to the post on 'Your Health Personality'). And, chances are, the vast majority of these folks will work their way down into the 'Medium Risk' category at some point as the body starts to rebel.

For the vast majority of individuals, getting into the 'middle ground' category opens the door for the most long-term success, decreased chance for injury, and least chance for boredom or burnout. To achieve this level requires an understanding of your 'health personality', commitment, and a plan that brings it all together.