Heart Health, Super Bowl Sunday & Valentine’s Day

Happy Friday! I hope you’ve had a productive, fun week, and that you’re looking forward to enjoying some outdoor activity and quality time with family and friends this weekend. Between Super Bowl Sunday and Valentine’s Day on Monday, there’s potentially a lot happening.

Both Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day are somewhat tied to American Heart Month, which is observed each February. In particular, the all-out celebratory carb and trans fat fest of game day as a cautionary tale for heart health, as well as the heart symbolizing love for Valentine’s Day. In both cases, we need to be kind to the old ticker.

Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, claiming the lives of more than 650,000 people per year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Sadly, it is a mostly preventable lifestyle disease that is needlessly damaging too many lives. 

The heart is the hardest working muscle in the human body, and heart health is at the center of every good program, class or coaching session you deliver to clients. This is the perfect time to refresh your knowledge of this cardiovascular masterpiece and educate clients and participants about recent research findings that will help them avoid or manage heart disease. I invite you to check out this awesome collection of articles and CEC courses that executive editor Joy Keller curated in our new Heart Health Gateway. As an IDEAfit+ Member, this is all free to you–including the CECs!

And let’s not judge the occasional celebratory “carbage” and trans fat fest. I will 100% be macking down on my favorite cheezy curls and hot wings during the game. Try not to vilify any food categories–especially where eating “traditions” are concerned, because we all know being “good” all the time just isn’t sustainable. That said, if you’re looking for some heart-healthy treats to serve alongside the indulgent items at your tailgate or party, try these Lentil Sloppy Joes, Curried Shrimp Kebabs with Spring Slaw or this recipe for Muhammara, from our “Food for Thought” recipe archive. Want a special Valentine’s dessert for you and your sweetheart? Try this Cherry-Berry Fruit Salad with Shaved Dark Chocolate. Lip smacking good, I tell ya! 

We are just under two weeks out from our first in-person event in two years and I couldn’t be more excited to know that I’ll see many of you at IDEA Personal Trainer Institute Feb 24-27 in Alexandria, Virginia. If you’re planning to be there, please find me and introduce yourself. I’d love to get to know you better and understand what else IDEA can do to help you be successful in your business. 

What are you excited about for the coming week? What are your challenges and opportunities? Reach out to the content team at content@ideafit.com to tell us what you need. We’re here to help!

Until next week, keep inspiring!

P.S. We LOVE YOU!