Be Healthy for You and for Those You Love

Shay Knolle • December 12, 2024

your health is non-negotiable

I hear it at times where people are struggling because they talk about how they prioritize people that they love and pour all their energy into that but put their health on the back burner. I get it. You are a caretaker but lets take on a different perspective.


What if you knew that you were going to die if you kept not taking care of yourself 5 years from now? It's a dark way of looking at it I know but that's what people lose sight of. Your life isn't guaranteed. I'm sure if you knew then you would start changing your habits immediately. Just imagine all the people that would miss you as a result. All the memories you would miss out on. All the pain that would be placed on them. At the end of the day, your health is also your duty to the people that love you and lean on you. 


Even just at 30 years old myself. I battled with hypertension for more then 10 years and one day I said enough is enough. I stopped competing in powerlifting/strongman and made changes to my training/eating habits to get my blood pressure under control. I probably would've been fine for a while but what I couldn't do is sacrifice precious years to my future self. I did it for my family, I did it for my business, and I did it for myself so I could be a better version of me for the years to come. I don't want to just be alive for a long time. I want to THRIVE for a long time. That's why dedicating time to exercise and investing in good food is so important. 


So long story short. Your health is a non-negotiable. Do it so you can see your kids hit their milestones. Do it so you can thrive in retirement and not be couch ridden. Do it so you can live the best life for you and for those you love.


Evan

recent posts

How to Get Ahead of the New Year: Your December Action Plan for Crushing Fitness Goals in 2026

By Evan Amell • December 8, 2025
Here's the thing about New Year's resolutions: most people fail because they're starting from zero when everyone else is too. But you're about to do something different. While everyone's planning to "start fresh" in January, you're going to get a massive head start right now. By December 31st, you'll already have 4-6 weeks of momentum built up, proven strategies that work for your schedule, and the confidence that comes from sticking to your plan during the craziest month of the year.  Trust me, if you can build a fitness routine during December in Portland, Maine (with holiday parties, family gatherings, and those early sunsets), you can maintain it during any month.

Small Group Training vs Going Solo: Which Is Better for Your Holiday Fitness Goals?

By Evan Amell • December 1, 2025
The holidays are coming, and you know what that means... your fitness routine is about to get completely derailed. Between family gatherings, work parties, travel plans, and that never-ending to-do list, staying consistent with your workouts feels nearly impossible. But here's the thing - you don't have to choose between your holiday commitments and your fitness goals. The key is figuring out whether small group training or solo workouts will actually stick during this crazy time of year. Let's be real for a second. You've probably tried both approaches before, and maybe you're still not sure which one works better for you. That's totally normal! The truth is, both have their place, but when it comes to surviving the holiday season with your fitness goals intact, one might be your secret weapon.

5 Steps: How to Stay Fit During the Holidays and Keep Your Progress (Easy Guide for Busy Portland Maine Parents)

By Evan Amell • December 1, 2025
Let me guess... you're sitting there making a list of reasons why you can't work out during the holidays. "Too busy," "too cold," "too many parties," "gym is too crowded," "kids are home from school." Stop right there. I've heard every excuse in the book from Portland clients over the years, and here's what I've learned: The people who stay fit during the holidays aren't superhuman. They just stop making excuses and start getting creative. Instead of waiting for perfect conditions (which will never come), they embrace community-based workouts that actually make the holidays more enjoyable, not more stressful. Ready to ditch the excuses and discover fitness options hiding in plain sight around Portland? Let's go.