A Healthy Heart

Every year Axio Fitness has a team in the Youngstown Panerathon. If you are not doing the Panerathon this year, is it because you don’t feel you are in good enough shape to do a 10k or 2 mile walk or run? If so, then consider registering for another walk or run a few months from now. Simply registering is a great way to get yourself motivated and accountable. When you have a specific race day commitment, you’ll be much more likely to begin and stick with an exercise program. Starting a training program for a 5k or 10k is a fantastic step toward improving your health and fitness. For many, having a personalized plan and professional guidance can make all the difference in staying motivated and preventing injury. Instead of navigating the world of online training plans, consider reaching out to a personal trainer. An expert can create a custom program tailored to your specific fitness level, goals, and any physical limitations you may have. For a truly personalized experience, contact Axio Fitness. Their certified personal trainers specialize in one-on-one sessions and will work with you to develop a plan that is safe, effective, and gets you to the finish line. They can help you with everything from proper running form to setting up a schedule that fits your life. Getting started is as simple as making an appointment. With the support of an Axio Fitness personal trainer, you'll be well on your way to achieving your running goals.

We've all been told to stretch, whether it's before a run, after a workout, or even just to shake off the stiffness from a long day at a desk. But have you ever stopped to think about why stretching is so important? It's not just about feeling good in the moment; it's a powerful and often underestimated tool for preventing injuries. Think of your muscles, tendons, and ligaments as a complex network of elastic bands. When they're cold and tight, they're more susceptible to snapping under pressure. Stretching, in essence, is the process of warming up and lengthening these "bands," making them more pliable and resilient. The Science Behind the Stretch So, how does this all translate to fewer injuries? Let's break it down: Improved Flexibility and Range of Motion: Regular stretching increases the flexibility of your muscles and joints. This means your body can move through a greater range of motion without a strain. Enhanced Muscle Elasticity: Stretching improves the elasticity of your muscles, making them better equipped to absorb the shock and impact of physical activity. A flexible muscle is less likely to be pulled or torn when it's suddenly put under stress, such as during a quick change of direction in sports or a sudden stumble. Increased Blood Flow: Stretching encourages blood flow to your muscles. This increased circulation delivers vital nutrients and oxygen to the muscle fibers, promoting their health and ability to repair themselves. This is particularly important after exercise, as it helps to flush out waste products and reduce muscle soreness, which can be a precursor to injury. Correcting Muscle Imbalances: Many of us have muscle imbalances—one side of our body might be tighter or stronger than the other. These imbalances can put uneven stress on our joints and lead to pain and injury over time. Stretching can help to address these imbalances by targeting and lengthening tight muscles, restoring balance to the body. Better Body Awareness: The act of stretching forces you to pay attention to your body and how it feels. This heightened body awareness can help you to recognize Stretching isn't just a chore; it's an investment in your body's long-term health and well-being. By incorporating a consistent stretching routine into your life, you're not just limbering up; you're building a stronger, more resilient body that is better prepared to handle the demands of daily life and physical activity. If you struggle to keep yourself accountable to consistent stretching, Axio Fitness can help. We offer Stretch Therapy, a private service dedicated to stretching you in ways that are appropriate for your body and your ability. Contact us for more details about our stretch therapy sessions.

It was a Friday morning in December, and I was off to a great start to the day. I got up at 5:00 and did some cardio and weight training and I was feeling sweaty, accomplished, and ready to conquer the workday. I was back home by 6:45 to take a shower and head to work. Then it happened… I realized I had no hot water! With all the options running through my head, I decided I was too busy with meetings and tasks to do anything but power through a cold shower and head to work. It was the fastest shower of my life. However, when I was done, I felt amazing! I thought perhaps it was due to accomplishing the mental fortitude and pain tolerance of a cold shower. But then I remembered some Axio trainers discussing the benefits of a cold shower. Some of our trainers even take cold showers on a regular basis. According to research, here are just five reasons why cold showers are good for you: 1. It boosts your metabolism and promotes weight loss. 2. It helps reduce inflammation and joint pain. 3. It boosts your immune system. 4. It improves circulation. 5. It combats the symptoms of depression while improving your mood and energy. As it often goes, my water heater needed a new part that took a week to come. So, I took two showers elsewhere, but 5 cold showers in a week. I can tell you from experience you truly do feel good the rest of the day after taking a cold shower. And it gets easier; I was able to take longer, more normal showers each time. If you want a mental and physical challenge that offers a lot of potential benefits, try taking a cold shower once a week. But a cold shower does not mean the entire shower needs to be cold. Many people shower normally, and then turn the water to cold for the final 2-3 minutes of the shower to experience the health benefits.