Transformed by Challenge: My Life-Altering Journey with HYROX at Blended Athletics
Look, I (- Kimberley, Owner and Coach at Blended Athletics) am not going to sugarcoat it—HYROX training is tough, both mentally and physically. I’ve been in workouts where I’ve wanted to quit, fake an injury, or even play dead just to make it stop. But after doing it 5-6 days a week for almost two months, I can honestly say… I am having a blast!
HYROX is relatively new to Canada. I first heard about it 10 months ago when one of our members at Blended signed up for a race in London. Initially, I was disinterested. Just the thought of “The HYROX Race” with its 8 km of running was enough for an immediate “No, thank you” from me. But the more I watched it online, the more it intrigued me. I could move my legs in a forward “running” motion; I just didn’t want to, for emotional reasons. It seemed too demanding, and I wasn’t into working “too hard” during my workouts.
Fast forward seven months, and Blended Athletics has become the first official HYROX affiliate gym in Atlantic Canada. During this time, my partner and I have become convinced that HYROX is the next big thing in fitness—potentially even bigger than CrossFit.
At Blended Athletics, we’re shaking up the fitness scene with our weekend HYROX classes that welcome people of all shapes, sizes, and skill levels. Forget those typical one-size-fits-all, boring workout routines; get ready to embrace a fitness revolution that’s taking North America by storm, just like I have.
Let’s dive into what HYROX is and what it offers. HYROX is designed to ignite every part of your body, and by igniting, I mean you’ll probably be sweating from places you didn’t even think could sweat. By blending high-intensity activities like running with dynamic strength tasks that torch calories and build muscle, these workouts provide a diverse mix of activities such as sled pushes, burpee broad jumps, rowing, farmer carries and sandbag lunges. This enhances your fitness levels in strength, stamina, and agility, providing a comprehensive full-body workout.
Looking at some of these workouts, you might feel out of your comfort zone.
Don’t let doubts sideline you! HYROX headquarters preaches inclusivity, and EVERYTHING at Blended can be adapted and scaled to your individual abilities. Our team of coaches is here to ensure you find your fit—pushing a little harder, going a little further, but always at your pace. Thus, our classes are accessible to everyone who wants to get a good sweat on while participating in group fitness classes.
If you’re ready to spice up your life and fitness journey, come give one of these classes a try. I can’t wait to hear how you enjoyed it. I hope it will be as much fun for you as it has been for me.
Unveiling the Night Time Allies: My Discovery of Ashwagandha and Synermag
Did you know that…A survey by the American Psychological Association revealed that stress causes more than 40% of adults to lie awake at night.
In the vibrant but demanding life at Blended Athletics, where the thrill of guiding others towards their fitness goals meets the entrepreneurial hustle, sleep becomes a coveted treasure. Recently, as I navigated through the inevitable shifts of nearing my late 30s, I encountered an unexpected adversary: disrupted sleep patterns, particularly accentuated during my menstrual cycle. This led me down a path of exploration, seeking solutions beyond the conventional, and ultimately, to the discovery of Ashwagandha and Magnesium. These natural supplements have not only revolutionized my nights but have become a cornerstone of my wellness regime. Herein lies the tale of how these powerful allies restored my sleep and why they might just be the missing pieces in your puzzle of optimal health and performance.
Despite my skepticism towards adding yet another element to my nightly routine, the journey to reclaiming my nights unfolded unexpectedly with Ashwagandha and Synermag. Observing my husband, David, reap their benefits with a serenity I longed for, I couldn’t help but be drawn to them. Skepticism gave way to curiosity, and then to amazement. From the very first night, I took them, 25 minutes before bed, the change was palpable. The nights transformed from restless to restorative. It was an awakening, leaving me to wonder, ‘Why did I wait so long to embrace this change?
The power shared experiences is undeniable. After sharing my recent experience with Kate, a fellow entrepreneur and workout buddy, she too decided to give these supplements a try. The result? She experienced her first uninterrupted sleep until 8 am in years, a feat that had become a distant memory. This shared experience reinforced not just the effectiveness of Ashwagandha and Synermag but the importance of community in our health journey.
Curious about Ashwagandha?
Let’s break it down. Ashwagandha is a natural herb that’s been a big deal in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, basically a traditional way of healing, rooted in India. People have turned to it as a natural way to chill out and deal with stress. And it’s not just old tales; there’s actual science backing up how it helps calm your mind and body.
One popular way to take Ashwagandha is in supplement form, like the Youtheory Ashwagandha – which we carry at Blended Athletics. This supplement is pretty cool because it uses a special kind of Ashwagandha extract called KSM-66®. This isn’t just any extract; it’s known for being super concentrated, meaning you’re getting a powerful dose of the good stuff in Ashwagandha that helps lower your stress levels. It’s like getting the essence of the plant that’s been specially prepared to give you its best benefits.
Synermag from ATP – which we also carry at Blended, is a top-notch magnesium supplement that tackles a problem a lot of us don’t even know we have — not getting enough magnesium. This isn’t just any mineral; it’s a big deal because it has a hand in more than 300 processes in our bodies. We’re talking about everything from how our muscles and nerves work to keeping our energy up and our bones strong. Plus, magnesium is a superstar when it comes to sleep. It helps our bodies maintain good levels of GABA, which is basically a brain chemical that helps us relax and get that deep, rejuvenating sleep we all dream about.
Putting Ashwagandha and Synermag together gives us a dynamic duo for tackling stress and winning at sleep, both of which are super important for anyone looking to feel and perform their best. Here’s the deal: Ashwagandha is like a stress buster, helping calm down those frazzled nerves by keeping stress hormones in check. Meanwhile, Synermag is all about relaxation, making it easier to drift off to sleep thanks to its magnesium magic. Together, they’re about making your nights restful and your days energized. By improving how well you sleep, they help your body recover faster, keep tiredness at bay, and support you in hitting those performance goals, whether you’re in the gym or just going about your day.
Our approach at Blended Athletics has always been grounded in science, and our endorsement of any supplement is no different. Influenced by the insights of renowned health experts like Dr. Peter Attia, our confidence in Ashwagandha and Magnesium is backed by both personal anecdotes and scientific research. These supplements, when integrated into a holistic health regimen, offer a non-invasive solution to combat the challenges posed by sleep disturbances and stress, especially significant for those navigating the complexities of menopause.
Let’s not wait for the perfect moment to start making changes. If you’re struggling with sleep, feeling overwhelmed by stress, or simply seeking to enhance your overall well-being, consider exploring the benefits of Ashwagandha and Synermag.
While individual results may vary, and it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting new supplements, my journey with Ashwagandha and Synermag has been nothing short of transformative. It’s a testament to the potential of natural remedies in supporting our body’s innate ability to heal and thrive. Let’s continue to explore, share, and grow together in our journey toward optimal health and performance.
The Sobering Effect Alcohol had on My Fitness.
With “Sober October” just beginning, it’s a perfect moment to re-examine our relationship with alcohol. As a seasoned fitness coach, I’ve both seen and felt its impact – how it can halt progress and lure even the most dedicated athletes into its grip.
It’s curious how, for many, alcohol becomes a part of their identity. They define themselves as ‘drinkers’ (myself included for many years), finding solace in a glass after a demanding day or in the center of a celebratory toast. But this isn’t just personal choice; it’s societal expectation. When one opts out, it challenges not only the norm but also the decisions of those around them. The discomfort that ensues, leading some to even challenge a non-drinkers choice, highlights how deeply entrenched alcohol is in our societal fabric.
Alcoholism is a familiar shadow in my family. Last July, I began to feel its weight. Thoughts of alcohol grew frequent, and I developed an unusual possessiveness about it. Deciding on a 21-day break, my relationship with alcohol was thrust into the spotlight. The repercussions were eye-opening. My persistent efforts in the gym finally began to yield results. Scientific terms like ‘protein synthesis disruption’ became tangible realities. Alcohol, I realized, had been my silent saboteur for so many years of not seeing results that reflected my hard efforts.
In Nova Scotia, where social gatherings often pivot around a drink, it’s worth contemplating our attachment. Can we detach, even if just for a month?
Canada’s recent shift in alcohol guidelines further underscores this sentiment. The previously sanctioned 15 drinks for men and 10 for women per week are now pared down to a mere two. The reason is clear: the risks, even with moderate consumption, are undeniable.
Reflect on this:
– Alcohol impedes muscle growth and recovery.
– It causes dehydration, affecting stamina.
– It disrupts sleep cycles, vital for mental and physical restoration.
– It silently adds to weight gain through empty calories and metabolic changes.
Considering these truths alongside the new Canadian guidelines, it’s clear: those pursuing fitness goals might want to rethink that drink.
Why is the pull of alcohol so strong? Is it societal conditioning, habit, or a brief escape? It has been all three for me at different times in my life. This October, I urge you to dig deep, to truly introspect: ‘Why is it so challenging to consider letting go of alcohol, even for just 30 days?’
I challenge you to embrace “Sober October” and experience a surge in energy, enhanced performance, and overall well-being like I had.
To those questioning the value of a mere 30-day break from alcohol, understand this: the benefits aren’t just physical. It’s a deep dive into self-awareness, an opportunity to redefine our relationship with alcohol, and a chance to make more conscious choices.
Why Caring About Your Health Means Caring About Theirs
As the co-founder of Blended Athletics, a facility that emphasizes the holistic importance of fitness, I find myself in a unique position. Our gym cultivates a culture rooted in the philosophy of “pursuing excellence,” promoting fitness as an indispensable daily habit for life’s longevity. But what happens when our convictions diverge from those of our loved ones? What if you can’t convince your family of the importance of daily movement? As a daughter whose dad suffers from chronic pain, I can attest that caring about your family’s health is as crucial as caring for your own.
My husband and I opened Blended Athletics when we were in our mid-twenties, a decade ago. As you can imagine, the journey has been incredibly rewarding. And yet despite our credentials, conversations about health and fitness with loved ones are often met with a “yeah, but…” type of response, creating a difficult barrier to break.
Take my dad, for example. A workplace injury six years ago led to persistent low back, hip, and foot pain. This neglected pain has forced him to forgo walking on the golf course, an activity he once was totally capable of. Consequently, he now uses a cart. However, I firmly believe that there’s hope for my dad, and I am 98% sure this chronic pain can be helped. The journey towards healing might not be a quick one, and it could take an entire year of dedicated work. But it’s a battle I believe would be worth fighting.
By carefully and methodically reducing his weight, we could alleviate a significant amount of stress from his lower body. Paired with reducing the inflammation in his body, through proper diet, he could be on the path to feeling like his old self again.
I believe getting his body moving again is crucial, and that means more than just a stroll around the block. It will take a personalized strength training and exercise routine, working with a professional trainer who understands his specific challenges. He could be back on the course, walking it just as he used to. Not only would this be a triumphant return to his favorite hobby, but it would also symbolize a victory over a pain that has limited him for too long.
Studies show that regular exercise, coupled with a balanced diet, offers a myriad of benefits. It uplifts our mood, strengthens our immune system, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. In the book “Outlive,” Dr. Peter Attia states that 80% of North Americans spend their final decade battling one of the four horsemen of poor health: heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, or cancer. Beyond health, maintaining mobility ensures our happiness and independence remain intact as we age. The time for action is now—postponing our health commitments to “next week” is not an option.
Recently, I had a conversation with my brother about the proven longevity benefits of daily fitness. His response was, “You can’t guarantee that.” While he’s correct that I can’t promise added years to your life, my experience tells me something else that’s equally important. In my ten years of owning a gym, I’ve yet to meet someone who wasn’t happier because of their achievements in fitness and their ability to move their body. So, maybe I can’t help you live longer, but daily activity can certainly help you live better. The quality of your years can be elevated, filled with vibrancy and a sense of accomplishment.
There’s a pervasive notion that we should “love our bodies” just as they are, and I agree with that. But shouldn’t true love for ourselves involve wanting the best for us? Shouldn’t it mean striving for better health and a higher quality of life? As Max Westhead states in The Choice is Yours: Finding Freedom and Identity Through Fitness there are “too many chronic health issues that are solvable with exercise”.
For those who are at the beginning of their fitness journey, remember: “Keep pushing, stay focused, and every effort you put in brings you closer to your goals. Your determination to pursue your excellence will shape the direction of your journey.”
Focusing on your health isn’t a selfish act; it’s an act of love towards yourself and those you care about. Whether you’re getting back into shape or making dietary changes to combat chronic illnesses, every little effort counts. Your friends and family don’t need you to be a superhero; they just need you to be there, in the best health possible, for as long as possible.
Ladies and gentlemen, gather ’round and brace yourselves for a seismic revelation that will rock your world.
Today, we invite you to a spectacular unveiling that challenges everything you thought you knew about your daily routine. It’s time to kick off those comfortable walking shoes and buckle up for a mind-blowing expedition that will awaken your inner fitness beast. Welcome, welcome, to the “Beyond the Stroll” extravaganza, where we expose the shocking truth: relying solely on walking as your baseline activity is akin to settling for the bare minimum. It’s time to break free from the shackles of mediocrity and elevate your game to unprecedented heights.
Shocking Statistics:
Before we dive into the exhilarating world of fitness dominance, let’s confront some jaw-dropping statistics that will leave you gasping for breath. Did you know that after the age of 30, the average adult loses 3-8% of muscle mass per decade? That’s right—your hard-earned muscles are waving goodbye faster than a toddler in a candy store. But hold on tight because the shock doesn’t stop there. By the age of 50, you’re looking at a decline rate of up to 15% per decade. It’s like a muscle clearance sale, but you’re losing precious gains instead of snapping up bargains!
Muscle’s Secret Weapon: Resistance Training:
Now, let’s turn up the heat and introduce you to the secret weapon that will revolutionize your aging body—cue the dramatic entrance of resistance training! Picture this: resistance training is like a superhero cape for your muscles. It swoops in, challenges your body, and ensures muscle preservation like no other. This is where the game changes, where you harness the power to defy the aging process and unleash your inner strength.
Hulk-like Muscle Preservation:
Resistance training is not just about maintaining your muscles; it’s about activating growth and defying the dreaded muscle decline. It’s like giving your muscles a superhero strength boost, powering you through life with vigor and vitality. Say goodbye to waving goodbye to your hard-earned gains and hello to a physique that defies time itself.
Bone Density Magic:
Walking is all well and good for bone health, but let’s kick it up a notch, shall we? Resistance training is here to deliver bone-busting benefits that keep your skeleton sturdy and resilient. It’s like constructing a fortress of strong bones, warding off the frailty that often accompanies aging. Who needs brittle bones when you can strut with confidence, knowing that you have a foundation of steel?
Metabolic Inferno:
Are you ready to ignite your calorie-burning furnace and unleash the power of a blazing metabolism? Resistance training is the gift that keeps on giving. It cranks up the intensity, torching those pesky calories even when you’re indulging in your favorite TV show. Walking may be a gentle stroll, but resistance training leaves it in the dust, transforming your body into a fat-burning machine that sizzles with every rep.
The Hormonal Symphony:
Now, brace yourself for a symphony that will rock your world—the hormonal symphony of resistance training. This epic composition releases growth hormone and testosterone, the ultimate power duo for muscle growth, repair, and an age-defying vitality. While walking may provide a soothing melody, resistance training pumps up the volume like a roaring rock concert, awakening the hero within.
A Roadmap to Fitness Dominance:
You’re on the edge of your seat, ready to conquer the world. Now it’s time to unveil your roadmap to fitness dominance, where you transcend the stroll and rewrite your longevity story. Embrace the iron and make friends with dumbbells, barbells, resistance bands, or even your own body weight. Find a weight training program that suits your level and goals, and watch your muscles rejoice as they grow stronger and more resilient. Sweat like never before by adding high-intensity fitness classes to your routine—get your heart racing, break a sweat, and unleash your inner athlete.
In a world where walking seems like the go-to activity for many, it’s time to shatter the status quo and venture into uncharted territory. Our bodies are capable of so much more than just putting one foot in front of the other. While walking holds its charm, relying solely on it for longevity and fitness is like settling for a black and white TV when you could have a high-definition cinema experience. Embrace the challenge, step outside your comfort zone, and explore the world of strength training, fitness classes, and a myriad of exhilarating activities.
Let’s rewrite the story of longevity, one bold and daring step at a time. Are you ready to go beyond the stroll and embark on a thrilling journey toward a life of vibrancy, strength, and limitless possibilities? The choice is yours, and the adventure awaits.
Feasting, Fasting, and the Quest for Optimal Health: An Age-Old Approach in a Modern World
Ahoy, Health Adventurer!
Ever wondered why some of our ancestors looked as sprightly as a spring chicken, even as they aged? Well, they might have unwittingly discovered the fountain of youth, and no, it doesn’t involve any mystical waters or exotic elixirs. It’s fasting and intermittent fasting – practices as old as the hills themselves, but with benefits fresher than a farmer’s market tomato. Let’s dive in, shall we?
The Time Travelling Diet:
Oh, how times have changed! Our cave-dwelling ancestors, bless their hunting-gathering hearts, were the original unintentional intermittent fasters. They didn’t have a 24/7 buffet at their disposal or pizzas at the press of a button. They experienced a feast-or-famine existence, gorging on a wooly mammoth steak when the hunting was good and gnawing on roots and leaves when food was scarce. Fasting wasn’t a health fad; it was an involuntary aspect of their survival.
Fast forward a few millennia, and we find ourselves in an age of constant feasting with unprecedented access to food. From grocery stores laden with produce to restaurants offering a smorgasbord of culinary delights, to a world of snacks and meals just a mobile app away, food has never been more readily available. But here’s the twist: alongside the convenience and abundance of nutritious food, we also have easy access to less virtuous options, the junk food culprits, the high-sugar, high-fat, and processed delights that tantalize our taste buds but do no favors for our health.
As society evolves, our lifestyles have become increasingly sedentary, and our eating windows have expanded. Instead of the occasional feast our ancestors experienced, we live in a perpetual feast mode. It seems the famine, or fasting periods, have been all but forgotten.
And yet, our bodies remember. Buried within our DNA are the biological rhythms honed over thousands of years of human evolution. Our bodies were designed to endure periods of scarcity and make the most of times of abundance. So, while our modern society might have changed the way we eat, the ancient programming of feast and fast remains. You can harness this through practices like intermittent fasting which may well hold the key to unlocking better health and longevity in our modern world.
Fasting vs. Intermittent Fasting: Twins or Distant Cousins?
Just like embarking on a holiday gives you a much-needed respite from work, fasting is your digestive system’s vacation, providing it with a complete time-out from the everyday grind of metabolizing food. It’s like hitting the pause button on eating for a stipulated period, allowing your body to kick back, relax and focus on tasks it usually sets aside for “later.” This can involve anything from burning stored fat for fuel to tidying up cellular debris via a process called autophagy.
Now, if fasting is akin to taking a full-blown holiday, then Intermittent Fasting (IF) is more like opting for a flexible work-from-home schedule. It’s not about quitting eating cold turkey but rather about organizing your meal times more strategically. The underlying principle of Intermittent Fasting is simple: cycle between periods of eating and fasting.
There’s a buffet of Intermittent Fasting methods to choose from, based on your lifestyle and comfort. There’s the 16/8 method, the most popular kind of time-restricted eating. It’s the nutritional equivalent of a workday. Here, you fast for 16 hours and eat all your day’s meals within an 8-hour window. Imagine starting your first meal at noon and finishing dinner by 8 p.m., and voila, you’re already an intermittent faster.
Then there’s the 5:2 diet, which is like having five normal workdays and two ‘off days,’ but with calories. You eat as you usually would for five days of the week, then for the remaining two days, you limit your caloric intake, typically to around 500-600 calories.
Lastly, consider the Eat-Stop-Eat approach, which involves picking one or two days of the week where you’re fasting for 24 hours. It’s like taking a weekly sabbatical from eating. Start after dinner one day, and fast until dinner the next day.
These methods are not about what you eat, but when you eat. So, while you’re not obliged to eat particular foods, fueling up with balance, and focusing on consuming nutritious meals will certainly enhance the fasting experience.
Unleashing the Inner Health Ninja with Fasting:
When you fast, your body becomes a health ninja, kicking unhealthy cells and encouraging the growth of new ones. It’s all thanks to a process called autophagy (literal translation: self-eating). Like a stern housekeeper, autophagy gets rid of the clutter (read: old, dysfunctional proteins) in your cells.
Fasting: The Modern Elixir of Life?
You’re probably scratching your head, wondering, “Should I jump aboard this fasting express?” As exciting as the concept may sound, it’s crucial to weigh the potential pros and cons. On the brighter side, research suggests that fasting and Intermittent Fasting can be your body’s best pals, offering gifts like weight loss (a fond farewell to those pesky love handles), improved metabolic health (embracing the vim and vigor of youth), and even increased longevity (who wouldn’t fancy dancing at their hundredth birthday bash?).
But let’s not get carried away and toss all caution to the wind. While fasting has its shining moments, it also has its shadows. For some people, fasting can lead to nutrient deficiencies, especially if not paired with a balanced, nutrient-dense diet during eating periods. It can also exacerbate disordered eating behaviors, triggering binge-eating episodes and an unhealthy relationship with food. Moreover, certain groups, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women and people with certain medical conditions, should approach fasting with caution or avoid it altogether.
Always consult a healthcare professional, like Dr. Kokes from Proactive Health and Performance, before embarking on any new dietary journey, including fasting. Your unique body deserves unique care—and hydration! Water is your staunch ally during fasting. Remember, fasting isn’t a competition; it’s a personal voyage towards enhanced health. With experience in fasting, Dr. Kokes is a valuable asset if you are looking to make some changes.
The Fork in the Road
So, is fasting the secret to dialling back the biological clock? Maybe. But remember, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer when it comes to health. Fasting can be a powerful tool in your health arsenal, but it’s not a magic wand. It’s a piece of the wellness puzzle, and it’s essential to accompany it with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a pinch of patience. After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is good health.
There you have it, dear reader – a trip back in time might just be the key to a healthier future. Ready to pack your bags and embark on your fasting journey? Let’s make our ancestors proud!
Happy fasting, Health Adventurers! Until next time!
Stamina Over Stagnation: The Undeniable Power of Regular Exercise
Are you familiar with the phrase, “You’re not getting any younger”? Of course, you are. It’s a friendly jab we’re all too familiar with as the years roll by, often served with a side of grim reality and an unsolicited dollop of wit. Well, dear reader, today we’re spinning that cliché on its head and telling you, yes, YOU, that you can indeed ‘outlive’ your age and maybe even outrun your excuses!
Enter Peter Attia, M.D.’s book, “Outlive – The Science and Art of Longevity“, which isn’t just a bunch of paper and ink but a crystal ball that gives you a terrifying glimpse into the future of your health if you keep warming your couch. This guide warns us about the Four Horsemen of modern disease: heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and cancer. Attia sends a chilling postulate that about 80% of us will spend the last ten years of our lives wrestling one of these beasts. A gloomy forecast, indeed. But, before you brush it off as a doomsday prophecy, consider this: you have the power to rewrite this narrative. How, you ask? Well, it starts with lacing up those dusty sneakers in the corner and stepping away from your precious TV remote.
Yes, you’re right; we’re talking about that cobweb-ridden gym membership card hiding somewhere in your junk drawer. The gym, often misunderstood as a place of suffering, is more accurately a fountain of youth, a sanctuary where we can, quite literally, outrun (or outlift) our grim future health predicaments. But why should you pick up the dumbbell instead of, let’s say, another pint of ice cream and another season of your favorite Netflix show? Simply put, every rep or step in the gym is a step away from the Four Horsemen, and a step towards giving your future self a fighting chance.
Now, let’s face it, embarking on a fitness journey can feel like being dropped in the middle of the ocean, with an anchor tied to your ankle and a crowd of smug seals waiting for you to fail. This is where our humble abode, Blended Athletics, tucked away in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, enters the picture. At Blended, we transform the Herculean task of getting fit into an enjoyable quest, one where every step you take is a victorious middle finger to the culture of complacency.
Our sanctuary is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery like the InBody Scanner, which acts like a personalized, brutally honest medical team at your disposal. It won’t provide you with McDreamy’s charm, but it’ll give you an in-depth analysis of your body composition. The InBody Scanner is your brutally candid friend, the one who isn’t afraid to tell you that those jeans do indeed make your butt look big. More than that, it gives you a clear, no-nonsense understanding of where you stand and what you need to do to prevent your health from going to hell in a hand basket.
But don’t get it twisted; Blended isn’t about chiseling you into a rock-hard, magazine-cover-worthy Adonis (unless that’s your thing!). It’s about making you healthier, stronger, and more capable of kicking life’s butt. Each workout is a deposit into your health savings account, with compound interest showing up as an extended, higher quality life.
The culture of quitting is insidious, but we’re here to help you crush it. Surrounded by a band of brothers and sisters, each “I can’t” morphs into an “I can,” each “Maybe tomorrow” evolves into an “I’ll start today.” This sense of unity is what keeps you coming back, acting as an antidote to the siren call of the couch, the TV, and that tub of ice cream whispering sweet nothings into your ear.
If you’re ready to be the protagonist in your own life-changing story, then it’s time to face your villains (looking at you, sedentary lifestyle!), and join into a network of people that has your back. The reward – a healthier, longer, richer life – is worth the sweat, tears, and yes, even the occasional curse words. Because as Attia’s book emphasizes, it’s not just about adding years to your life, but life to your years. And what better way to do that than by lacing up those sneakers and showing your excuses to the door?
Your health, dear reader, is your most precious asset, more valuable than any six-figure salary or luxury car. It’s high time you treated it as such. Remember, the only bad workout is the one that didn’t happen. So, get off your butt, lace up those sneakers, and take control of your future.
Ready to dive in? We can’t wait to welcome you to the Blended family. As for your age? Well, you’ll be too busy outliving your excuses to bother counting the years!
Remember those glory days when you could run like the wind, dance until dawn, and still wake up fresh in the morning? Ah, the sweet nostalgia of youth. Many of us, as we sneak a peek at our aging reflections in the mirror, yearn for that leaner, fitter, more energetic self. “If only I could turn back time,” we sigh, tucking into a bowl of ice cream. But what if I told you that you could reignite that spark? No, I’m not selling a time machine. But I am proposing a journey, one of self-re-discovery and transformation.
Our emotional bond with our younger selves can be more potent than a double espresso on a Monday morning. We see glimpses of the ‘old us’ in the mirror, an echo of the vitality that once was. Yet, there’s often a chasm between this desire and the action needed to morph into that vibrant form again. But fear not, dear reader! The journey back to the healthier, athletic ‘you’ doesn’t require a flux capacitor and a DeLorean. All it takes is a dash of determination, a sprinkle of discipline, and a generous helping of the right tools.
“But why fitness?” you may ask as you reach for another cookie. Well, aside from having the chance to fit into those skinny jeans gathering dust in your closet, fitness is not just an essential part of life; it IS life. It’s the secret sauce that improves our physical and mental health, supercharges our mood, and keeps chronic diseases at bay. The golden rule here is to start small. Don’t be that person who signs up for a marathon only to trade in their running shoes for Netflix by the second week. Make it enjoyable, make it essential, and above all, make it about you.
Now, let’s talk about the secret ingredient in our recipe for self-reinvention – the InBody Scanner at Blended Athletics. Let me put it in ‘bake-speak’ for you. Imagine you’re about to bake a cake. You’ve got all the ingredients on the counter – flour, sugar, eggs, a stick of butter that’s playing hide-and-seek in the fridge. But you have no idea about the quantities you need to make a mouth-watering cake. Enter the recipe, your roadmap to baking glory, telling you exactly how much of each ingredient to use.
Now, let’s swap the kitchen for the gym. Your body is the cake (a delicious, well-toned cake), and you have all the ingredients – muscle, fat, water, and so on. But you’re flying blind, not knowing what’s inside or how it all works together. Enter the InBody Scanner, the ultimate ‘body recipe’ guide.
Think of the InBody Scanner as your personal health GPS, providing detailed, no-nonsense insights into your body composition. It’s like having X-ray vision, but without the radioactive spiders or kryptonite. It tracks everything from muscle mass and body fat to hydration levels, and it doesn’t shy away from telling you the brutal truth. That’s right; it’s time to break free from the illusions and misconceptions we harbor about our physical selves.
Remember when you told yourself you were “big-boned” to justify that extra slice of pie? You’re not just a product of your genetics, but the sum of your life’s choices. Those skipped gym sessions, the late-night Netflix binges – they all count. Your body is like a living diary, a three-dimensional, skin-wrapped record of your decisions. Genes might load the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trigger. The InBody Scanner is just the helpful librarian guiding you to read this diary.
But fear not! This isn’t a device designed to shatter your self-esteem. Quite the contrary. You hold the power to make positive changes. Every decision you make can be a turn in the right direction. Swap that soda for water, those fries for a salad, the elevator ride for a flight of stairs. Choose to wake up 30 minutes earlier to fit in a morning workout or say “no” to that late-night TV binge. Small shifts can lead to big transformations. Your body is a reflection of your life’s choices, but remember, it’s never too late to start making healthier ones. Regular scans with this magical machine can help you set realistic goals and track your progress over time. It’s like having a personal cheerleader, keeping you accountable and motivating you to stick to your fitness regimen.
Now, before we finish, let’s pour a glass of truth tea about a little thing called hydration. We all know that water is the lifeblood of, well, life. Yet, can you believe only around 22% of us in North America are sipping the recommended eight cups a day, according to a 2013 study! More shockingly, around 7% of us are making like a cactus, drinking no water at all!
That’s where our trusty InBody Scanner steps in again. This gadget doesn’t just look at you; it sees you. It sees your darkest, most parched secrets. You might think you’re doing just fine, hydrating with your triple-shot espresso or your artisanal kale smoothie. But the InBody Scanner can reveal the ugly truth – you might be as dry as a raisin in the Sahara.
But don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom. The InBody Scanner isn’t just about revealing these hard truths; it’s about helping you make them right. It’s about turning that raisin back into a plump, juicy grape. Remember, when it comes to body wellness, knowledge is power, and hydration is key. So, raise a glass (of water, please) to your health and let’s toast to a more hydrated you!
So, let’s recap. By understanding our past, focusing on essential health goals, and embracing the InBody Scanner, we can bridge the gap between the ‘then’ and ‘now’, and shape a healthier, fitter future. The journey to self-re-discovery is like a scenic road trip. There will be bumps, detours, and tempting ice-cream parlors along the way. But every step you take, every rep you lift, brings you closer to your destination – the best version of you.
And remember, you’re not just a regular cake; you’re a fabulous, multi-layered gateau with a rich, complex flavor that gets better with every passing year. So, why wait? Grab your gym bag, and let’s start baking the cake that is your healthier, stronger self. Because nothing tastes as good as feeling great does. Bon appétit!
The Quitting Culture that is Plaguing Our Society Today.
The problem with our society today is that we are plagued by a culture of quitting. From the moment we start something new, there is a voice in our head that questions our decision. It tells us that we are too tired or too busy to stick to our plan for today. A task like working out can quickly get shoved to the wayside and overpowered by our desire to stay home. The moment we start to question our decision to accomplish something is the moment we have lost our battle with addiction, and in this case, the addiction is our desire to quit.
We need to open our eyes to the impact of daily movement on our overall health and happiness. The COVID-19 pandemic has left a significant mark on our mental health, and we cannot afford to ignore the importance of consistent physical activity. We must recognize that movement is a critical factor in maintaining a healthy body and mind. The problem is, people have become so accustomed to quitting that we have lost sight of what it means to be consistent.
Allen Carr is a renowned author who wrote a number of self-help books, including his most popular book “The Easy Way to Stop Smoking”. Carr’s method challenges the reader’s underlying beliefs about smoking by helping them to recognize that smoking is not an enjoyable experience but rather an addiction that controls the smoker. This approach is particularly relevant for people who struggle to quit smoking because they may have underlying beliefs that they need cigarettes to cope with stress or anxiety or that smoking is a pleasurable experience.
The same principles that apply to quitting smoking can be applied to quitting any unhealthy habit or behavior. Often, we rely on sheer willpower to try and overcome our addictions or bad habits, but as we know, this approach rarely works. We need to challenge the underlying beliefs and thought patterns that drive our behavior in order to break free from the cycle of addiction.
For example, if we have a tendency to indulge in unhealthy foods or skip workouts, we need to examine the beliefs that underlie these behaviors. Are we telling ourselves that we deserve a treat after a long day at work, or that exercise is too difficult and time-consuming? These beliefs can be powerful drivers of behavior, and by challenging them, we can begin to break free from their grip and make healthier choices. The key is to recognize that quitting is not just about willpower, but about changing the way we think about ourselves, our habits, and our relationship with health and wellness.
But it’s not just about our individual efforts. The people we surround ourselves with can have a significant impact on our ability to commit to a healthy lifestyle. Think about it – take a look at the 10 people closest to you. How many of them prioritize regular physical activity? How many times have you been met with comments like “you’re going to the gym again?” or “how long do you actually think you can keep this up?” We live in a society that is all too quick to judge and criticize, often relishing in the failure of others just so they can say “I knew they couldn’t do it.” This kind of negativity can be brutal and it’s important to recognize how it can contribute to our own lack of motivation and discipline.
When we’re constantly surrounded by negativity and criticism, it can be challenging to stay committed to a healthy lifestyle. It’s important to identify and distance ourselves from people who are holding us back, whether that means negative friends or family members who don’t prioritize fitness, or even acquaintances on social media who are constantly promoting an unhealthy lifestyle. Instead, we should focus on building a support system of people who are committed to their own health and wellness and who are willing to cheer us on and hold us accountable in our own journey.
One way to build a supportive environment is by finding a workout partner who shares similar goals and motivation. Having a friend who is committed to the same fitness routine can be incredibly motivating and make workouts feel less like a chore and more like a social activity. Alternatively, a personal trainer can provide accountability and encouragement, helping us to stay committed and motivated to our fitness goals.
It’s also important to be mindful of the language we use when talking about health and fitness. Negative or judgmental language can contribute to a toxic environment that undermines our progress and leaves us feeling discouraged. Instead, we should strive to use positive language that reinforces the importance of self-care and celebrates our achievements along the way.
So, as you finish reading this article, I want you to take a moment and reflect on your personal relationship with fitness and quitting. Have you found yourself giving up on a fitness routine because it just got too hard? Or have you let the negativity of others discourage you from prioritizing your health?
The truth is, we all struggle with consistency at times, but it’s important to recognize the impact that daily movement can have on our overall well-being. We need to break free from the culture of quitting and start prioritizing self-care and positive reinforcement. It’s time to surround ourselves with people who lift us up and encourage us to be our best selves, rather than tearing us down with their negativity. With experienced coaches who specialize in habit formation and behavior change, Blended is uniquely equipped to help you develop new, positive habits that will replace old, destructive ones. Let’s make a commitment to ourselves and each other to build a sustainable fitness routine, one small step at a time.
Join Blended today and let us help you on your journey to a life of perseverance, growth, and lasting wellness. Remember, quitting is not an option when you have the support of a community that truly cares.
Don’t Risk Your Health and Fitness at a Neglectful Gym – Blended Athletics Offers the Solution You Need.
It’s time to call out the elephant in the room – the sad state of gym programming in the Halifax area. Let’s face it, there are far too many gyms out there that provide poor programming. It’s a sad reality that coaches are making up workouts on the spot, leaving members feeling lost and frustrated.
Proper programming in coaching and training is crucial to achieving safe and effective workouts that cater to individual needs and abilities. Programming refers to the workouts and strength sessions that coaches provide for their members. When designing a program, it’s essential to consider individualized workouts designed for long and short-term goals. Coaches should have the ability to track progress, build on successes, pinpoint strengths and weaknesses, and eliminate plateaus.
Unfortunately, many gyms in the industry provide poor programming or disregard it altogether. This puts everyone in jeopardy, coaches, and athletes alike. When anyone comes to train, there is a particular reason for them to do so. Their goals may be different, but one thing remains the same – they want to succeed, and they trust their coaches and trainers to help them do that. This is why they continue to show up and train hard day in and day out, at all times of the day.
Coaches and trainers have a responsibility to consider each person and tailor every workout and session to meet their needs. That one-hour class is not our time to shine, but it is theirs. It’s not enough to dance around while neglecting form and technique, yell, pump up the music, or motivate as a supplement. There must be real care, effort, and thought throughout, and that time starts long before the clock does.
At Blended Athletics, we take pride in our commitment to proper programming. We understand that it’s essential to achieving real health and fitness results, and we are here to make our members’ lives as easy as possible. We provide badass workouts, fully vetted and tested class plans, with tons of tools and resources to add more value to their memberships. This is what we do better than anyone else in the game, and we are proud of it. We believe that every member deserves the best, and that starts with our dedication to proper programming.
But what about the other gyms in the Halifax area? The ones that don’t invest in their members’ success and offer subpar programming?
It’s unbelievable that a gym could care so little about their members’ safety and well-being. How on earth are you supposed to achieve any kind of results when you’re doing the same exercise or movements three days in a row? Aren’t your legs so sore you can barely walk? Or worse yet, when you’re doing burpees over and over again, class after class!
The sad reality is that these gyms are more concerned with making money than providing a valuable service to their members. They think that by offering the latest equipment and trendy classes, they can get away with neglecting the most important aspect of fitness – proper programming.
At these gyms, coaches are often unqualified and lack the knowledge and experience necessary to provide effective programming. They make up workouts on the spot without considering their members’ goals or abilities. They communicate with other coaches or their owner to educate themselves on what the workout was yesterday and what will be the workout tomorrow. They can’t track progress or make adjustments to the workouts to address weaknesses or prevent plateaus.
This lack of attention to programming not only leads to frustration and disappointment among members, but it also puts them at risk for injury. Without proper guidance and programming, members are more likely to perform exercises incorrectly, which can lead to pain, injury, and long-term damage.
That’s why it’s time to ditch those crappy gyms and head over to Blended Athletics. Our programming runs on cycles and has purpose. Our programming phases are planned an entire year in advance to make sure you’re getting the best possible experience every time.
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