Working Out Is Like Brushing Your Teeth

I was teaching at a resort recently and I asked one of the guests if he would like to participate in my fitness class. His response was “No way. I’m on vacation!” I found that to be an odd, although common, response because we should not take a vacation from our health and moving our bodies. I liken the analogy to brushing our teeth. When we’re on vacation, we still brush our teeth because we know it’s a healthy daily habit, just like exercise should be.

Some habits are universally acknowledged as crucial for maintaining health and well-being. Just as brushing your teeth daily is essential for oral hygiene, working out every day is critical for overall physical and mental health.


Incorporating daily exercise into your routine is as indispensable as your daily dental care regimen:

Both brushing your teeth and exercising daily are preventive measures.

Brushing your teeth helps prevent dental cavities, gum disease, and bad breath by removing plaque and bacteria. Similarly, daily exercise acts as a preventative measure against various health conditions, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and even certain cancers.

Regular physical activity strengthens the cardiovascular system, boosts immune function, increases energy, improves mood, and helps maintain healthy body weight, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Consistency is key for both having healthy teeth and a healthy body.

Just as skipping brushing your teeth for a day can lead to plaque buildup and potential dental problems, skipping workouts can disrupt your fitness progress and compromise your health goals. Daily exercise ensures that you reap the full benefits, such as improved stamina, strength, flexibility, and mental well-being. By making exercise a daily habit, you establish a routine that contributes to long-term health and vitality.

Brushing your teeth and exercising require minimal time and effort but offer substantial benefits.

Brushing your teeth typically takes only a few minutes each day but helps prevent costly and painful dental problems down the line. Similarly, committing to a daily workout routine doesn’t necessarily require hours at the gym but can involve simple activities like walking, cycling, or bodyweight exercises. Even just moving your body a few minutes every hour throughout the day can offer significant health benefits. The key is consistency and making physical activity a non-negotiable part of your daily schedule.


Treating exercise like brushing your teeth—making it a daily habit—is essential for maintaining optimal health and well-being. Just as you wouldn’t skip brushing your teeth to maintain oral hygiene, you shouldn’t neglect regular exercise for your overall physical and mental health.

By prioritizing daily physical activity, you invest in a healthier, happier, and more vibrant life. So, I challenge you to make daily movement a cornerstone of your wellness routine—it’s as crucial as brushing your teeth!

Yours in health & fitness,
Sherri McMillan

Sherri McMillan

Sherri McMillan

Sherri McMillan, holds a master's degree in exercise physiology and has been inspiring the world to adopt a fitness lifestyle for more than 33 years. She has received numerous industry awards including 2010 CanFitPro International Presenter of the Year, 2006 IDEA Fitness Director of the Year, 1998 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year, 1998 CanFitPro Fitness Presenter of the Year and 2005/2006 ACE Fitness Educator of the Year - Runner up. She is a fitness trainer, fitness columnist for various magazines and newspapers, author of five books and manuals including "Go For Fit - the Winning Way to Fat Loss" and "Fit over Forty" and the featured presenter in various fitness DVDs. She has presented hundreds of workshops to thousands of fitness leaders throughout Canada, Australia, Mexico, Jamaica, New Zealand, Germany, England, Spain, South America, Asia and the U.S. She is the owner of Northwest Personal Training in downtown Vancouver, the founder of WHY Racing Events & WHY Community, participates in various community fundraisers and can be found running, biking, or hiking around the community. Find more information at nwpersonaltraining.com.

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