Chapter 9: Exercise and Physical Health through VEM Principles

Exercise isn’t just about physical fitness; it’s a cornerstone of mental and emotional well-being. Using VEM principles can help you stay consistent and find joy in movement.

Values: Prioritizing Health

Start by understanding why exercise is important to you. Is it for physical health, mental clarity, or being able to enjoy activities with loved ones?

• Example: "I value vitality because it allows me to live a full and active life."

When exercise aligns with your core values, it becomes a purposeful part of your routine.

Externalization: Setting Measurable Fitness Goals

Translate your values into actionable and measurable fitness goals.

• Examples of Metrics:

  • Walk 10,000 steps daily.

  • Attend a yoga class twice a week.

  • Improve your 5K running time by 10% within three months.

Tracking your progress creates motivation and provides clarity on your achievements.

Margin: Maintaining Balance in Fitness

Avoid overtraining or setting unrealistic expectations by building Margin into your fitness routine.

• Schedule rest days to allow recovery.

• Diversify activities to prevent boredom and burnout.

• Keep workouts adaptable to accommodate changes in your schedule.

Using VEM principles, exercise can evolve from a chore to a sustainable and fulfilling part of your life.