Break from society’s norms to get healthy

From my informal interactions with acquaintances, extended family members and friends, the topic of health seems to come up pretty often (and NOT started by me!).

Rightfully so. According to the Ministry of health, we have reason to be concerned. 8 out of the top 10 causes of death, as well as 3 out of 4 of the most common problems in polyclinics in Singapore are very much in our own control.

Only pneumonia, and "accidents, poisoning and violence" are probably stuff that we don't have great deal of control over.

But in reality, high levels of health and productivity are very much influenced by cultural norms, and the people around us. And the average person is getting less healthy all the time both due to age and the environment.

But "average" is not normal. Normal is being energetic (I'm writing this at 6am after a good sleep), lean and strong.

It's time to change. If you have decided to change but the people around you are not "with the program" here are some things to tell them...

NOTE: This is just my way of explaining things clearly to people. You are free to be friendlier about it if that's your style:)

They say: "Oh why do you have to eat healthy all the time? Why do you need to exercise every day? Don't be such a party popper".

You say: "Why is it that I have to explain to you the reasons that I want to eat nutritious food and have healthy habits?

It is you who should have to explain to me why its ok to sit around all day and stuff yourself with beer, curry puffs and pizza."

They say: "Why do you take nutritional supplements, don't you know they could be dangerous, and after all, you can get all you need from food."

You say: "Why is it that there are more than a hundred thousand deaths from prescription drugs each year but almost zero from supplements?"

"Why is it that it is ok for our plants and animals to be grown in low nutrient soil and with poor quality feed, and yet its not ok for me to cover the missing nutrients with a supplement?"

They say: "Why do you bother to cook and bring healthy food around? I don't have time for that."

You say: "I see you updating your Facebook status at 1am on weekdays, and talking about all the TV shows you watch on weekends, I think you have an hour or two per week to get some food cooked"

As you can see, this list of "They say, You say" can go on for quite a while, but I hope you get the idea. There is no escaping it, you will need to break from societies norms to get great health.

After all, those norms are going downhill as we speak, so why bother being part of that sinking ship! It will take effort, it will take change, and only you can decide if you want to.

For the best fitness boot camp program, ExpressFIT program in the CBD, and personal training in Singapore visit www.genesisgym.com.sg or the Genesis Gym facebook page. Or visit Coach Jonathan's homepage and blog at www.coachjon.com