Aging Well: My Journey from Unhealthy Habits to Optimal Health

Sep 30, 2024 by Ron Nichols

Aging well isn’t about perfection—it’s about making consistent, healthy choices that add up over time. It’s about what you eat, how you move, how you manage stress, and how you take care of yourself. These are the things that have made all the difference for me, and they can do the same for you.

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Building a Stronger Life: The Journey of Strength

Sep 23, 2024 by Ron Nichols

In the first post, we talked about the power of setbacks. I shared how, after suffering some serious injuries during my career, I learned that every setback made me a better athlete, a better coach, and a better person. Those injuries taught me resilience, patience, and the value of perseverance. They reminded me that true strength isn’t just about what you can lift—it’s about how you rise after you’ve been knocked down.

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The Long Journey to Black Belt: A Lesson in Persistence and Mastery

Sep 16, 2024 by Ron Nichols

The journey to black belt is often seen as a straightforward path—start your training, progress through the ranks, and eventually achieve mastery. But as with many things in life, the reality is rarely so simple. My own journey to black belt was anything but linear. It took 7.5 years of dedicated training, but in truth, it took until I was 38 years old to reach that goal—a journey that began when I was 14 and included many twists and turns along the way.

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The Power of Honest Feedback: How Criticism Made Me a Better Athlete

Sep 9, 2024 by Ron Nichols

What if, despite your hard work, you find out you’ve been doing something wrong all along? This is the story of how I learned a tough lesson about my limits, my ego, and the value of honest feedback.

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Turning Setbacks into Strength: The Power of Resilience

Sep 2, 2024 by Ron Nichols

It’s easy to look at successful athletes, coaches, or entrepreneurs and think they’ve had a smooth journey to the top. But the truth is, every path to success is paved with setbacks, challenges, and, yes, even injuries. I know this firsthand. When a newspaper reporter once asked me if I’ve ever been injured during my time competing and training, I responded, "I have suffered some pretty serious injuries, but every injury and setback has made me a better athlete, person, and coach."

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Five Key Lessons from Two Decades of Coaching and Training

Aug 26, 2024 by Ron Nichols

I’ve been coaching and training for over two decades now, and along the way, I’ve learned a lot—not just about fitness, but about life itself. My journey in strength training, martial arts, and personal coaching has taught me valuable lessons that extend far beyond the gym.

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Understanding Your Nutrition Puzzle

Aug 17, 2024 by Ron Nichols

Ever wonder why some diets make you feel drained while others boost your energy? Let’s dive into some fundamental truths about nutrition. We often hear about calories, macronutrients (macros), and micronutrients (micros), but what do they really mean for your body? Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to digest – pun intended!

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The Comfort Zone is the Danger Zone

Aug 17, 2024 by Ron Nichols

There’s a saying that goes, “The comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.” When it comes to fitness and strength, this couldn’t be more true. We all crave comfort, that familiar routine where we know exactly what to expect. But here’s the harsh truth: if you’re too comfortable, you’re not progressing. In fact, staying in your comfort zone could be the very thing holding you back.

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Walking: Rethinking My Stance on a Simple Yet Powerful Exercise

Jul 18, 2024 by Ron Nichols

Doctors often recommend walking as the primary form of exercise, and for a long time, I saw this as a short-sighted piece of advice. With my background in strength training and functional fitness, I believed in the importance of more intense, varied workout

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The Hips Don't Lie: Unlocking the Secret to Staying Young and Strong

Jul 15, 2024 by Ron Nichols

“The hips don’t lie” is something I tell my clients all the time. Just ask them! I want to dive into why I am always talking about hips. It’s a fun and fascinating topic that even Shakira would groove to – the magic of hips. Yes, you heard that right! "The hips don't lie," and they're holding the secret to staying young, strong, and fabulously fit. So, let's shimmy our way into understanding why hip health is the ultimate game-changer.

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5 Minutes a Day: Boost Your Kids' Health and Happiness

Jun 20, 2024 by Ron Nichols

Encouraging kids to move for just 5 minutes a day can significantly improve their health and happiness. Our blog post highlights the benefits of physical activity, provides a fun 30-day exercise challenge, and emphasizes the importance of family participation. Join in the fun, get active with your kids, and create lasting memories while boosting everyone's well-being!

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Embracing the Journey: Overcoming Self-Doubt and Learning from Mistakes

Jun 13, 2024 by Ron Nichols

"Despite all those years of experience, I often felt inadequate to the task. When clients got injured or experienced recurring pain, I would stop and ask myself, 'Am I hurting these people? Is it because of my advice that they are in pain?' Even 20 years later, with numerous certifications and hundreds of hours of training, study, and experience, I still question myself. It's a constant battle with self-doubt, but it's also a reminder that I'm always striving to improve and learn."

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