Here are 20 ways to give you the kind of health that will make you feel like a million bucks, even if the bottom of your couch cushion still doubles as your ATM! Try them now.
People always try to cheer others up with, "At least you have your health." That's because it's still the best thing you can own, no matter what's in your garage, closet or DVD collection.

Here are 20 ways to give you the kind of health that will make you feel like a million bucks, even if the bottom of your couch cushion still doubles as your ATM!

1. Hit The Hay

Somebody said sleep was for the weak - and that's the weakest thing we've ever heard. From contributing to better alertness on the job, to giving your body the kind of rejuvenation it needs to get the most out of your workouts, hit the pillow or you'll hit a wall in your accomplishments.


2. Keep Track Of Your Strength

Write down how much weight, how many reps and sets you do for your workouts. It will help you to shoot for new highs the next time and also will inform you instantly on whether your strength gains are where they need to be.


3. Drink In Life, Drink Less

We all need to unwind and a cold brew or Courvoisier goes down smooth, but a few too many and you lose tomorrow's productivity to Old Man Hangover. If you want to be at your best, drink a lil' less.

4. Stay Positive

It's been proven a thousand times that positive thinking is one of your best allies. From aiding athletes in turning assumed losses into victory (Namath!), to helping patients stay healthy, by expecting good things to happen, you increase your chances of getting what you want.

5. Get Weak

Anybody can work on their strengths, but it's improving your weaknesses that will make you succeed a lot easier in the gym. Find that certain underdeveloped muscle group and work on it at the beginning of your workout, because that's when your energy is at its peak.


6. Stretch Your Limits

Even the most seasoned athlete can get lazy with stretching, but it only takes hearing one "pop" to learn your lesson - and be put through complex and grueling rehab. Make sure to hit all the important muscles, especially those forgotten hamstrings.


7. Grab A Partner

Though it can be hard to coordinate schedules, finding a training partner can add an instant motivator to your gym time, along with someone to make sure you maintain correct form. Nothing can get you in the gym on a cold day like a partner saying those three words of encouragement: "You Freaking Woosie!"

8. Fast When It Comes To Fast Food

We all love seeing those golden arches, but those lumpy love handles, not so much. Eliminate your fast food by half and you'll see your body respond. If you need help, go rent Morgan Spurlock's " Supersize Me." It ain't pretty.


9. Take A Timeout

Try to put aside five minutes a day to meditate. It's proven that deep breathing and mental relaxation can keep the body at its best. Ohmmmmm... Ohmmmmm...

10. Just Add Water

Humans are made up of more than 90% water, so why do we drink so little of it? If you're passing on el agua then you're passing up on one of the best sources for health and energy on Earth. And, no, Cokes don't count.


11. Hit The Lower Back

The lower back is one of the last areas people tend to work, yet one of the most vital areas to keep up to avoid injury. Whether deadlifts or hyperextensions, do some sort of strengthening movement or we see a chiropractor in your future. Also, a stronger lower back leads to better abs because they're opposing muscle groups.

12. Buy A Piece Of Exercise Equipment

Even if it's just a stationary bike, one of the best purchases you can make is a piece of home exercise equipment. This way, bad weather won't be an excuse not to get your sweat on (though laziness is a pretty good excuse, too).

13. Dine In

With very few exceptions, no matter where you eat, you never know for sure how many calories or fat are on the menu. At home, you can regulate everything that enters your body, not to mention, save a few bucks in your pocket.


14. Relax

Working hard is great. Working your life away is... well, unhealthy. Make time to just relax, whether that's getting together with friends, watching a sporting event or just reading a new book. Seriously, you're stressing us out, dude!
15. Take A Walk

Are you one of those people who drives to a store just down the block? Try keeping that car in park and strap on your sneakers, Mr. Lead foot. An extra 30 minutes of walking a day has numerous health benefits and on days when you don't get to the gym, it's better to have some cardio than none.

16. Watch Your Saturated Fat Intake

While the body needs fat to survive, most of us could survive many times over from the amount of fat we take in. Make sure to read the labels on your food for how much saturated fat you're ingesting and don't let it go above the daily allowances. Unless double chins are in this year.

17. Join A Sports Team

Participating in sports is not only a good social activity, but it burns calories and improves coordination. Just because you're not a kid anymore, doesn't mean the blacktop and diamond should be off limits. Be a participant in life!

18. Be Pro Protein

Nothing builds muscle like protein. If you can get a gram of protein per every pound, more power to you, but just half a gram can do a world of good... of course, that's only if you put the time in the gym to back it up.


19. Run For Your Life

Running is still one of the top ways to measure your level of fitness. But it requires the right footwear, correct stride and the patience to allow your running times to improve gradually. By adding your favorite music or favorite friend to run with, the time will fly by - and your gut will likely shrink.

20. Make Amends

They say it's much harder to stay angry than forgive. Let go of those grudges that have been weighing you down, because that squat bar weighs enough already.