Sometimes I feel like a broken record.

You’re constantly hearing from me how important exercise is to your health and how so many of your health problems will improve or even disappear as the result of a consistent exercise program.

Why do I continue to give you the same lecture?

Because I’ve seen exercise change lives. I’ve even seen exercise save lives (no, that is not an exaggeration).

Here are the Top 4 Health Improvement Factors that come as a result of challenging, consistent exercise:

1. Your energy levels boost and you feel great.

I have noticed that most people don’t realize how bad they feel. They get used to feeling bad. Then when they start exercising they feel so much better. Add on the variable of eating clean, healthy, nutrient-dense foods and those feelings are compounded exponentially. Once you start working out and eating right, your energy levels soar and you feel excited about life again.

2. Your muscles and joints feel better than ever.

Yes, there are is muscle soreness and the occasional "itis" to deal with when you workout. But overall, you’ll notice a reduction in aches and pains once you’ve been sticking with an exercise program for a few weeks. That chronic muscle and joint pain that you’ve lived with for years may begin to fade. For some, joint replacement surgery is postponed. For others, arthritis pain is reduced.

3. Your risk of heart attack or stroke is reduced.

I like to remind my clients of this one, since it’s not something they can physically feel, but it’s the one that saves lives! Exercise has the power to remove two of the major risk factors that lead to heart disease: 1) physical inactivity and 2) obesity. Exercise also increases your good cholesterol (HDL) and lowers your blood pressure.

4. Your blood sugar levels are better controlled.

Over my 20+ years as a trainer, I've had many a client with type 2 diabetes see substantial benefits from exercise. Exercise improves the body’s use of insulin, and the related weight loss improves insulin sensitivity. For many, exercise becomes the natural, permanent antidote to their type 2 diabetes.

There are SO MANY benefits to exercise, why would anyone avoid doing it?! Typically it comes down to excuses.

• If you’re tired…exercise gives you energy.
• If you’re in pain…exercise alleviates your muscle and joint pain.
• If you’d rather stay in bed…exercise makes your sleep more restful.
• If you’re pressed for time…exercise improves your efficiency and extends your life.
• If you don’t know where to start…that’s where working with a qualified trainer comes in.

It’s time you start enjoying all the benefits of exercise.

Take a moment and imagine your ‘best you’.

What does the ‘best you’ look like? How does the ‘best you’ spend their time? Who would the ‘best you’ spend time with? What would the ‘best you’ accomplish?

The distance between you and your ‘best you’ is created by laziness.

When faced with decisions, big or small, do what your ‘best you’ would do, rather than taking the easy way out. (I’m pretty sure that your ‘best you’ is a client of mine!)

​Here's a skillet dinner recipe that combines spaghetti squash and marinara with tender chicken breast. It feels like you’re enjoying a traditional spaghetti dinner, but you’re really eating veggies and protein. It’s comforting and craveable without any guilt. Enjoy!

Courtesy of RealHealthyRecipes.com

What you need
Serves 4

1 spaghetti Squash
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 yellow onion, chopped
3 zucchini, chopped
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 (25 oz) jar marinara sauce
2 cups roasted, chopped chicken breast
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil.

2. Cut the spaghetti squash in half, lengthwise, and scrape out and discard the seeds. Spray the cut side with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the cut side down on the foil lined baking sheet and place in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until tender. Once cooled, scoop the tender noodles out of the skins and set aside in a bowl.

3. Meanwhile, place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, garlic and onion. Sauté for 5 minutes, until the onion is tender.

4. Add the chopped zucchini and Italian seasoning and continue to cook for another 3 minutes, until the zucchini is tender.

5. Add the marinara sauce, roasted chicken and tender spaghetti squash. Mix well and cook until for 4 minutes.

6. Remove from heat and garnish with basil. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition
One serving equals 371 calories, 12g fat, 34g carbohydrate, 7g fiber, and 27g protein.

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