It’s been an interesting couple of weeks here in Bend, Oregon. With local fires and smoke across the state, the air quality has been terrible. One day, ash was literally falling from the sky. It’s moments like these that make me appreciate clean air and the ability to be outdoors even more.

Despite the challenging conditions, I made it a priority to keep moving—spending time on the indoor bike, running on the treadmill, and lifting weights. No matter how chaotic things may seem, prioritizing my workouts remains crucial for both my mental and physical health.

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about health. I recently had the opportunity to lead a workshop for the Bend Chamber of Commerce’s Emerging Talent group, which consists of young professionals building their careers. The topic I chose? Fit For Success: Balancing Health, Work, Family, and Friends.

As you know, balancing it all isn’t always easy. But one thing is certain: without health, we can’t show up as our best selves for everything else. Health has to be a priority, and we need systems in place to keep ourselves accountable.

That’s where my TAPER Method comes in. It’s a framework I’ve used for years to maintain health and fitness—both in my life and for the athletes I coach. Here’s how it works:

TAPER Method for Prioritizing Health:

• Track: For busy professionals, tracking your steps is incredibly powerful. At the end of the day, looking down at your wrist to see how much (or how little) you’ve moved can be eye-opening. I track multiple metrics as a Garmin user and triathlete, but it can be as simple or as detailed as you want. Tracking helps with accountability, measuring progress, spotting patterns, and staying motivated. What can you start tracking today?

• Accountability: At work, with family, and with friends, others hold you accountable. But when it comes to your health, it’s all on you—unless you find a way to involve others. Whether it’s a coach, workout partner, or an event you’ve committed to, having accountability motivates you to stay consistent, even on days when your energy is low. Who can help keep you accountable?

• Prioritize It: People often ask me how I fit in my workouts. The answer is simple: I treat them like any other non-negotiable commitment. Just like I wouldn’t miss a meeting with a client, I don’t skip a workout. Prioritizing your health means setting clear boundaries around your time and making fitness and nutrition a part of your routine. What can you do today to better prioritize your health?

• Make It Easy: Remove barriers and simplify your health routine. Whether it’s finding a gym near work, prepping simple meals, or taking a walk during your lunch break, the easier you make it, the more likely you are to stick with it. How can you make staying healthy easier?

• Reminders: Set up visual or digital reminders. Keep your workout gear visible, schedule exercise time in your calendar, or set an alarm for a walking break. Have healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables in front of less nutritious options. What reminders can you set to keep health top of mind?

This is the same framework I’ve used for over 20 years—ever since my own health emergency led me into endurance sports. It has carried me through everything from 5Ks to ultra marathons and sprint triathlons to Ironman races. It’s what fuels me to the finish line in both races and life.

So, what ways can you TAPER to keep your health burning strong?