Be CEO and Manage Your Health

Sungkyunkwan University medical professor Park Won-hah said, "To remain on a workout regimen, a thorough plan is required. It`s like the management plan of a chief executive officer."

Experts voice the same opinion. They point out that, to keep in shape, one has to set up a detailed, thorough plan in advance, like a CEO does before launching a business project. In other words, you should become a CEO to manage your health.

▽ Set scenario plans

A successful CEO conducts a thorough analysis of the surroundings and the potential of his or her company. The CEO sets up a feasible strategic goal, and comes up with various contingency plans based on each and every possible situation that could adversely affect the goal.

First, the CEO determines the variables that do not alter even in the ever-changing market. Then, he or she eliminates uncertainties one by one. This process is called Scenario Planning in management. This process is also applicable to the "personal physical training" situation.

Experts recommend that we should divide the strategic goal into subcategories. In other words, set the board and ultimate goal like losing weight first. Then, establish short-term goals. If someone starts working out for the first time, he or she should not stretch him/herself too thin, to begin with. For example, one can aim to lose 1-2 kg a month, and do not beef up the volume of exercise more than 10%.

In consideration of the physical conditions and surroundings, one has to program his or her workout schedule in detail. For instance, one has to think of when, where, and how he or she can do the exercise.

There are more things to consider. A business dinner can be arranged, and an urgent matter might pop up. As a CEO does, presume a specific situation and prepare for it—a process called simulation. This way, one can make him/herself prepared even for the worst.

Moreover, a successful CEO checks out the progress from time to time to see how much he or she has achieved with the plan. When working out on a regimen, check out, for example, your blood pressure and weight regularly, and change your method, if necessary.

▽Join Forces with Families and Friends

Like in the world of business, where companies form alliances with other firms to push for a big business plan or boost efficiency, exercise also requires such a partnership strategy.

It takes some time before you learn skills and begin to enjoy doing exercise. You can feel easily bored with running and walking, in particular, which are known to very good for your health. For this reason, you need help of your family or friends.

From the beginning, build a plan with family members and try to exercise with your family on weekends.

When your spouse say `Are you going out again?` or `Why did you buy such an expensive training suit?,` it could throw the damper on your determination. It will also be of no help, either, if they say `It`s raining outside. You`d better stay home.` or `I didn`t wake you up because you were so in sleep.`

▽Create Exercise Portfolio

The investment plan aimed to hedge risk by investing in various items is called a `portfolio.` And there is an exercise portfolio, too.

Instead of sticking to a single area, it will be better to try several ones. Go to the gym in the afternoon. When you do not make it, you can exercise at home at night. You can also go for a walk with your family on weekends.

Management is a series of policymaking act. Every moment, you need to make a decision. When you exercise, you need to renew your decision whenever you feel tempted to stop.

Put priorities to what you can do given your financial, physical and living conditions. When you are obese or physically weak, you must avoid running at the beginning. Instead, walk long hours, `watching the market conditions` before getting on track in full gear.

If you live in an apartment and plan to use a treadmill, you must think twice since sometimes neighbors complain about the noise. Riding a bicycle or moving your body is good for indoor exercise.

Seong-Ju Lee stein33@donga.com