On Sunday morning, my children came over. After breakfast, we headed to Tangram Mall in Flushing. On the way back, I mentioned that today was International Chess Day. The 2025 theme—Every Move Counts—reminds us that, on the board and in life, every decision shapes our journey.
Since July 15, I’ve been writing about The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom. This is my sixth piece in the series, and today I want to reflect on the fourth type: Physical Wealth—the foundation that supports all the others.
Bloom opens this section with a deceptively simple question: “Will you be dancing at your eightieth birthday party?”
It’s not just about mobility. It’s about whether your body, mind, and spirit will still be in sync with the rhythm of life—will you still have the energy to move with joy, grace at 80?
There’s a common metaphor that captures this well: health is the “1” before all the zeros. Without that one, the rest—money, relationships, purpose—loses meaning.
The three pillars of physical wealth are:
1. Movement
Cardio: Brisk walking or jogging—30 minutes a day, at least 150 minutes a week. If you can only do one thing for your health, do this.
Strength training: To slow muscle loss that comes with age. Add 1–2 sessions a week: bodyweight exercises, dumbbells, or weightlifting.
Flexibility: To stay coordinated and prevent injury. Yoga and Pilates, 2–3 times a week, can help.
2. Nutrition
Focus on whole, natural foods. Avoid highly processed options.
3. Recovery
Sleep 7–8 hours in a dark, quiet, cool room. Morning sunlight helps, too. As The Stress-Proof Brain notes, this not only resets your body clock—it boosts your mood by activating your serotonergic system.
Finally, physical wealth is not about extreme routines or perfect discipline. It’s about consistency. Just like in chess, every move counts. And each walk, stretch, or early night is a move toward a future where, at 80, you’re still not just alive—but dancing with a proud smile on your face.