Happy Cells, Healthy You

Exercise, it turns out, makes your cells happy.

When you walk, jump rope, run, lift weights or whatever it is you choose for exercise, the mitochondria (energy sparks in your cells) actually increase. And that energy boost you feel after a period of consistent exercise demonstrates the adaptation your cells have made. Anytime you have that sense of “I’m feeling fitter” it’s because your cells are adapting to the work you’ve been asking of your body.

I’ve had really good results with an audio treadmill workout routine called iTrain (iTrain.com). You download the workout onto your iPod and basically have a professional trainer at your side coaching you through your workout. “Breathe deeply,” the trainer will say. “Relax your facial muscles. You got to shock your body to change your body.” Behind that trainer speak what she’s really saying is “Make your cells happy. Give them oxygen. Calm them. And condition them so they’ll condition you.”

Nutrition, less surprisingly, also makes your cells happy. Nutrient-rich foods–protein, fats, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and more–help keep your cells happy. Cells fueled with the nutrients they need can grow, replicate, repair and operate. Feed your cells well and they’ll thank you for it.

So the next time your hear someone say “Exercise,” “Eat Right,” “Drink More Water,” know that what they’re really saying is “Make your cells happy.”