A healthier new year

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Every time I do a seminar and the topic of health comes up, I play a little game with the audience.

I say, “Health is…” and let them finish it. In perfect unison, they shout: “WEALTH!”

Then I ask the killer follow-up: “Wonderful. But… are you investing?”

And that’s when the room suddenly looks like a classroom right after the teacher says the word quiz. Eyes go down. People check their phones. Someone suddenly remembers an urgent email.

Nine times out of 10, only a small handful will say they actually exercise. The rest belong to a large, noisy, well-represented tribe called “The Excuse-Makers.”

You know their greatest hits:

“I don’t have time…”

“Gyms are expensive…”

“Those exercise machines cost a fortune…”

Which is probably why someone came up with this brilliant, ridiculous, and painfully accurate solution:

The Dog Workout Program

Forget expensive treadmills, miracle gadgets, and “As Seen on TV” contraptions. If you have a dog (or can borrow one), congratulations – you’re already enrolled in a full-body fitness program.

Inner-thigh workout? Try holding your dog’s favorite toy between your knees and squeezing it tighter than the dog can pull. Just don’t do this bare-legged. Some dogs don’t negotiate; they excavate – with claws.

Upper body strength? Lift the dog off the bed. Off the couch. Out of the flower bed. Then reverse the movement when the dog gets older: onto the bed, into the car, up the stairs. That’s basically a senior-canine CrossFit.

Balance and coordination? Walk across the living room just as your dog decides to sprint full speed, launch into the air, and slam both front paws into the back of your knees. If you don’t fall, congratulations – you’ve just completed Balance Training Level 1.

Have more than one dog? Try getting up to answer the phone when three of them are asleep across your lap. That’s basically a yoga twist plus core workout, plus breath control while you try not to scream.

Want to improve arm strength? Throw the ball. Throw the frisbee. Throw the squeaky toy. Repeat until your shoulder detaches – or the dog gets bored, whichever comes last. (Spoiler: it’s never the dog.)

Calf strengthening? Run after your dog. For any reason. For no reason. Because he stole your sock. Because she found your hamburger. Because the gate is open. Any dog will do. Just maybe don’t start with a greyhound.

Neck muscles? Try dodging that surprise wet nose or tongue aimed at your ear, mouth, or eyeball. No warning, no schedule, 24/7 availability. That’s lifetime flexibility training right there.

You get the point. With a dog in the house, you actually are exercising – you’re just calling it living.

Of course, I’m not suggesting you base your entire fitness program on avoiding dog kisses and rescuing slippers. This is humor, not medical advice.

At some point, we all have to stop hiding behind our clever excuses and admit a hard truth: We don’t have a time problem. We have a priority problem.

You don’t need a luxury gym. You don’t need a high-tech watch. You don’t need a P150,000 machine that ends up as a very expensive clothes hanger.

Here’s what you actually need: A decent pair of shoes.
A shirt, some shorts, and a decision.

Walk. Jog. Stretch. Move. Do something on purpose – not just by accident when your dog escapes.

We only get one body in this life. We only get one run on this earth.

For those of us who believe, this body is not just a machine; it’s a temple God has entrusted to us.

If it’s the only temple we have, shouldn’t we maintain it – not for vanity, but for His glory and the people we’re called to serve?

So yes, play with the dog. Laugh at the jokes. Enjoy the humor. But after that? Get up. Tie your shoelaces.
And start investing in the only “health is wealth” portfolio you’ll ever have.

One more thing: while you are young and healthy, get yourself covered with insurance.

Your future self – and your family will – thank you.

Francis Kong at SpeakersCon 2026, a one-day experience designed for leaders, educators, executives, and professionals who want to communicate with clarity, credibility, and purpose.

Happening on Feb. 11, 2026, at SPACE, One Ayala Makati. Gain practical insights on leadership, influence, and authentic communication in today’s evolving landscape.

For inquiries, email us at [email protected] or send us a direct message at facebook.com/SpeakersCon. Visit www.speakerscon.ph for details.