Fit Blogger Holley Blaser’s inspiration, Ann C. of Coal Valley (right), finished the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on June 11th this year! This was her first race since experiencing her second bout of cancer.

By Holley Blaser, CPT and Health Coach, Rock Valley Health

It’s fall and the pumpkin spice phenomenon is in full swing! The other seasonal identifier that comes to mind is the color pink, for Breast Cancer Awareness month.

The American Cancer Society estimates breast cancer will affect nearly 246,660 women in 2016.

You’ve heard that the exercise mantra is often to lose weight, but getting more active provides benefits far beyond weight loss.

October is even more meaningful for me as I have had the privilege of working with Ann C., from Coal Valley — a personal training client who is a two-time cancer survivor (breast and lung). That makes her double-awesome and double-inspiring.

Here’s how she inspires me:

#1– Ann takes the time to exercise

Ann knows how important it is to set some time aside for herself – and we all need to make time for me time!

Just as the National Breast Cancer Foundation recommends we do a self check every month, we need to also set time aside to exercise to reduce the risk of cancer and disease.

Women are pretty likely to schedule their annual check-ups and physicals, even through the chaos of crazy schedules. So the next time you pull up your calendar, be sure to schedule your daily bouts of exercise, too, so they don’t get overlooked.

As a new mom, I was feeling guilty about putting my toddler in the running stroller because he looked bored and confined. But – news flash – sitting around wasn’t setting a good example for him!

Please don’t feel guilty about setting time aside for yourself. You’re reducing your chance of developing cancer and/or disease, as well as boosting your mood, which leads me to the next highlight.

#2 – Ann feels privileged to be healthy so she does what “healthy people” do

There was one time Ann told me, honestly, that she wasn’t “feeling” our upcoming session. So I asked her what got her to walk in the door. She responded, “I’m able to do what healthy people do, so here I am!”

Our futures are uncertain, but take my client’s approach and live for the moment. Do what “healthy people” do, and exercise to benefit from an incredible day-to-day outlook.

This approach will help all of us feel like “healthy people.”

Ever need to clear your mind or step away from daily stress? Exercise can help!

Unfortunately, we get into a rut, whereby we’re too stressed or too busy to exercise.

However, everyone can benefit from increased oxygen to the brain, right? More oxygen to the brain means more energy.

For me, exercise not only boosts my mood, but turns me into the Energizer Bunny when I’m done. It’s an awesome cycle that I hope everyone can experience!

When it comes to exercise, start slow, keep it simple, and embrace the idea that you’re participating in a healthy lifestyle.

We don’t know what life has in store for us, but give yourself a big lead and get moving just like Ann, my inspiration!

Holley Blaser has a Master’s in Exercise Physiology and holds certifications in personal training, health coaching and group fitness instructing. Holley works with all age groups and fitness levels. You can read Holley’s bio and other blog posts by clicking here.