Seasonal Affective Disorder is real, and winter can hit hard — but there are ways to support your mood that go beyond light boxes and supplements. In this post, we dig into how trying a winter sport (even as a total beginner) can give you structure, sunlight, movement, and a sense of play when you need it most. We break down the actual barriers — cost, gear, confidence, cold — and share practical ways to get started without feeling overwhelmed or out of place. If you’ve ever wondered whether skiing, snowboarding, or simply getting outside could help you feel more grounded this season, this post is your guide.

Most people think they need another workout to burn more calories — but the truth is far less dramatic and way more doable. In this post, Ryann, Chloe, and Maggie unpack everyday movement (NEAT), why it matters more than you think, and how small habits make a massive difference for energy, mood, body composition, and long-term health.

Holiday travel and family chaos can turn your routine upside down — but staying active doesn’t have to feel impossible. In this post we break down simple, realistic ways to keep movement in your life during the busiest time of year. No guilt. No pressure. Just practical strategies to help you feel good, stay grounded, and keep your momentum even when everything around you is unpredictable. Perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the holidays and take care of themselves.

Acacia, Ryann, and Jess Gordon dive into the real meaning of food quality and how small, practical changes can upgrade your meals. From frozen veggies to “dinosaur time” spinach hacks, they break down budget-friendly swaps and myth-busting advice to help you fuel better without sacrificing enjoyment.

Burnout doesn’t always show up with warning sirens—it’s often quiet, creeping, and disguised as "just being tired." In this post, we explore what training burnout really looks like, how to catch it early, and most importantly, how to recover and stay in the game. From deloads to down-regulation, nutrition to motivation, we’re diving into the strategies our coaches use to help clients prevent burnout and bring joy back into movement. Because you’re a human first—and training should make your life better, not burn it to the ground.

A nutrition degree gave me the science. Coaching real people taught me everything else. Here’s what I’ve learned from working with hundreds of clients—and why it’s changed how I coach forever.

In this blog post, we’re recapping the latest episode of Black Iron Radio, where Jess, Ryann, and Amanda dive into the real impact alcohol can have on your fitness goals. From hangovers that wreck your Monday workout to deeper disruptions in sleep, recovery, and mindset, they break down why even “social drinking” might be holding you back. If you’ve ever wondered whether booze and barbell PRs can really coexist—or what it looks like to find balance—this conversation is for you.

In this blog post, we’re breaking down the latest episode of Black Iron Radio, where coaches Christin and Chloe team up with pelvic floor physical therapist and performance coach Whitney to talk all things postpartum lifting. From navigating the early recovery phase to returning to barbells with confidence, they share personal stories, practical tips, and expert insights to help you rebuild strength without rushing the process. Whether you’re six weeks postpartum or a year out and wondering where to start, this episode is packed with real talk and realistic strategies for lifting after baby.

In this blog post, we’re recapping the latest episode of Black Iron Radio, where coaches Krissy, Maggie, and Morgan dive into what it’s really like to try a new sport in your 30s, 40s, or 50s. Whether you’re stepping into a jiu-jitsu gym for the first time, picking up climbing, or just curious about switching things up, this conversation is packed with real talk about overcoming fear, embracing being a beginner, and finding joy in movement—no matter your age or experience level. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to try something new, this is it.

In this blog post, we’re breaking down the latest episode of Black Iron Radio, where coaches Brooke, Kelsey, and Jess tackle the age-old debate: cardio vs. lifting. Should you prioritize one over the other? Do you actually need both? And how do you make it all work without burning out? Whether you’re training for fat loss, performance, or just trying to move and feel better, this conversation unpacks the benefits of each—and how to blend them to match your goals, lifestyle, and preferences. If you’ve ever wondered which training style is “best,” this episode is for you.

The fitness and nutrition industry is constantly pushing to add more and more supplements to your regimen. A lack of knowledge on the consumer end, combined with marketing campaigns that aren’t telling you the full story, can lead to confusion and misinformation about what you should and should not be taking for your health. One of those supplements that can be quite confusing to understand is collagen protein. What is it? What are the benefits? What is the difference between collagen and protein supplements like whey? I hope that I can answer a few of those questions for you.

I was really struggling with something recently, and after doing my check-ins with my clients that day, I realized that so many of you guys struggle with the same thing.

In 2021, I committed to walking one mile per day. When I told people I was doing a mile a day they always looked at me funny because they knew that I had a moderate level of fitness and could run much longer distances. But I knew I couldn't commit to running or even walking those longer distances consistently every single day for an entire year.

People want to glamorize recovery with fancy tools like the recovery boots and massage guns but what really matters?

Really, there are four important parts of recovery. If these points are not a priority, those fancy recovery tools aren’t going to do much!

So, you’ve made the decision to improve your health through nutrition this year. Uh, okay… now what?

Having a vague goal like “eat healthier” or “lose weight” can end up being really frustrating. Why? Because there is no clear starting point or first step and no clear endpoint or why to evaluate that you have attained your goal.

We have fully embraced the notion that each individual client needs to be educated and coached in a very specific way. Not only are your goals and knowledge about nutrition unique and specific to you, but they will most likely change during your time with us.

When most of us look to change our lifestyle to lose weight we often turn towards a healthy diet and exercise. Up at 4 am for our first workout, lots of fruits and veggies, and maybe an evening weightlifting session. By the end of the week we are exhausted, hungry, and wishing for an extra hour of sleep. Is it worth it to press the snooze button and get that extra hour of sleep? Will that really help you reach your goals? You better believe it….

Excuse me while I get on my soapbox for a second… Why are we always so mean to ourselves? Why do we put so much stock in a piece of metal or glass THING on the floor of our bathroom?! Why does the scale have the power to ruin our entire day before it even begins?!

Hi. Can we talk willpower, motivation, whatever you want to call it? It's pretty common to see clients going ham on 400+ extra calories, not getting movement in, etc due to "no motivation." Listen... I get it. I really do. You're not alone, and not a single one of us is perfect.

With Christmas approaching quickly, we know you’ll be attending a lot of parties, get-togethers, dinners, and more. Coach Manders has put together her best tips and advice for navigating the holiday parties. Because the last thing we want is for you to be nervous or anxious at this time of year. Hopefully, these tips will help you relax so you can truly enjoy yourself.