An Observation

My job takes me on the road on a regular basis, and as a Marriott member, I always look to stay at a Marriott property; typically a Courtyard, TownePlace Suites or Residence Inn. Occasionally, be it a business or a personal trip, I will stay at a higher end Marriott property such as a Ritz Carlton. That was the case during my most recent trip. And during that trip I observed something that I have observed in the past and was reminded of again.

During a typical week when I am on the road, I will workout at least twice during the three mornings  – I normally fly in on Monday and fly home on Friday – in the middle of the week, splitting my efforts between a run and the hotel’s fitness center. When I do visit the fitness center at a lower end Marriott, more often than not I am the only individual there. Occasionally, there will be one other person there at some point during the period I am there; either leaving soon after I arrive or arriving as I’m preparing to leave. It is the rare occasion where there is more than one other person in the fitness center at the same time.

That has not been the case when I have stayed at higher end hotels in the past and nor was it the case on this most recent trip. The gym was packed. Additionally, there was a mini refrigerator in the fitness center with complimentary water, fruit juices and VitaminWater; and large baskets of bananas and apples. What is my take away from this observation? It reinforces my belief that there tends to be a relationship between physical and fiscal fitness; a topic I have discussed previously.

Those that are more fiscally fit are more likely to find themselves staying in a hotel such as the Ritz Carlton that provide a better fitness center with perks such as complimentary fresh fruit, water and juices … both of which – the fitness center and the food/drinks – nicely support improving physical fitness.

Wealth Secures Health [American Psychological Association]

Of course my experiences are largely anecdotal. However, there is empirical evidence which indicates that those who are more fiscally fit are in a better position to positively impact their physical well-being. As you conduct activities focused on improving your fiscal well-being I suspect you will find those activities interact in a positive way with activities related to your physical well-being and vice-versa. An example, quitting cigarette smoking. That one action not only saves you money, which you can then save/invest, but by doing so, you positively impact your physical well-being.

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