Preppers view - Get Healthy!

According to statistics, most Americans are overweight and unhealthy. As preppers, we focus a great deal on taking the necessary steps to have alternative food sources, heat sources, self-defense, etc. but there is something else to consider. All the firewood in the world won't matter if you can't carry it into the house. All the vegetables in the garden won't do you a bit of good if you don't have the energy or the ability to pick it from the plant and be on your feet long enough to can it. Too many of us aren't.

Being substantially overweight, smoking, and being sedentary are all things that can negatively affect how well you prepare and deal with disasters. About a year ago this became clear to me as I was doing some lite yard work taking advantage of a free weekend. I had carried a small amount of brush to the back of my property that was too small to justify pulling the 4 wheeler out of the shop. After about 5 minutes I realized that the years and a less than adequately active lifestyle had taken a toll on me. It forced me to look in the proverbial mirror and assess my own physical fitness. I asked myself how lack of physical conditioning would affect my ability to survive a disaster. After stepping back I realized that the most important tool for assuring that I would survive ANY disaster was.....me. It was time to get to work.

I quit smoking many years ago and I felt much better but I had put on a few pounds as a result. But as I got older I also had been focusing more on work and less on keeping myself healthy. Especially in this economy where it takes longer hours to make less money. I went from 235 lbs. to 265 lbs. Since I am over 6' tall and it was gradual and the only thing I noticed was an increase in clothes sizes. I mean....I didn't have the dunlap disease or anything but now I was noticing it taking a toll on my endurance. I immediately cut the portions of food I eat in half. It sounds drastic but it isn't. It's much better to eat more and smaller portions of something healthy than it is to have 5 slices of pizza. I implemented an exercise routine that included free weights and resistance training 3 days a week. Within the first month I noticed things "shifting" which gave me the drive to continue. It made me realize that it really didn't take much to make a difference. A little effort goes a long way. I started walking a mile...then a mile and a half. And walking doesn't cost anything. Eventually I noticed big changes. I dropped a pant size and my energy and endurance went up drastically. I was very happy with the results and I got a great feeling of satisfaction. I knew that my prepper plan was much closer to being complete.

Increasing your metabolism burns calories and physical activity increases your metabolism. It also increases your endurance. An increased endurance could make the difference between living and dying. Most criminals that may try to take your food during a disaster won't be endurance trained. They may be strong - especially if they have been in jail since we pay for their weights so that they can work out while they serve their time, but most don't tain for endurance. Give yourself an edge. Your health and endurance is as important as a defensive weapon, a generator, or a wood stove. But most importantly...your health is your responsibility. And for the naysayers.....whats the worst that could happen? You would be healthier and would likely live longer with a better quality of life. Seems like a win/win to me. How about you?