Issue No. 2: Insights from the Tragic Loss of Lazar Đukić
Good Morning! Welcome to this week’s edition of Morning Cowbell. Let’s dive into the top stories and coolest trends shaping fitness and health.
😥 Insights from the Tragic Loss of Lazar Dukic: Open water swimming is an integral part of many athletic competitions, including triathlons and the CrossFit Games. However, it presents unique challenges and risks that require careful management.
🐄🐄 🐄 — John, Nolan and Josh
What this email forwarded to you? Sign up now
Why You Need Zone 2 Training
If you’ve ever wished your workout felt less like sprinting up a mountain and more like a leisurely jog through a scenic park, welcome to the magic of Zone 2 training.
The big picture: This heart-rate sweet spot is where fitness meets chill — literally. It’s the low-key, fat-burning, endurance-building workout that doesn’t leave you gasping for breath or questioning your life choices. Think of it as the Netflix-and-chill of exercise: steady, sustainable, and sneakily effective.
The verdict: Next time you’re tempted to go full beast mode, maybe give Zone 2 a try — your heart, lungs, and sanity will thank you.
Why Hot Water Therapy May be Your Secret
With heat waves sweeping across the country once again, the thought of a post-workout ice bath might seem like the perfect remedy for pain relief and recovery.
The big picture: You might be surprised to learn that a completely different recovery method could offer even greater benefits. According to a July 2024 study published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, hot water immersion — not cold — can significantly enhance recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage.
The verdict: This finding adds to a growing body of research showing that heat therapy can improve recovery, boost performance, and help your body adapt to rising temperatures.
Food Withdrawal and Toxic Hunger
Ever wonder why giving up junk food feels like breaking up with an ex? Welcome to the wild world of food withdrawal, where your body throws a temper tantrum when it doesn’t get its usual sugar-fueled fix.
The big picture: It turns out, that craving for chips isn't just in your head. It’s your body begging for the toxic love it’s gotten used to — a sneaky little phenomenon where your body tricks you into thinking you need another bite, even when you’re full. Kicking the habit might be rough, but once you're free, you'll be amazed at how good healthy can feel.
The verdict: Brace yourself for the ride — detoxing from junk food might just be the toughest breakup you’ll ever love.
2024 CrossFit Games Results
The CrossFit community is still grappling with the heartbreaking loss of Lazar Dukic during the swim portion of Event 1 at Marine Creek Lake. The days that followed have been equally challenging.
The big picture: In the hours after last week’s tragedy, a gathering of CrossFit officials, athletes, and coaches took place inside Dickies Arena to decide the next steps. While the full details of this closed-door meeting remain unclear, it is known that several athletes left shortly after it began, expressing disagreement when Dave Castro announced CrossFit's intention to continue with the competition. Despite this, the meeting went on for hours, with athletes voicing their thoughts and concerns about how to move forward.
The verdict: The decision to continue was made. See the results here and our insights here.
GYM BAG
🧺 Turns out, workout clothes do indeed stink. How to clean them.
🏋️ To grunt or not to grunt. That is the question.
😧 Foods that create pain can also trigger an adrenaline rush.
🪞 Posing rooms are helping the fitness industry reinvent itself.
🏐 The ultimate pickleball comes to life.
A Blood Test for Cancer and Alzheimer’s
Imagine if a simple blood test could reveal your future health, warning you of risks like cancer or Alzheimer’s before they even take hold.
The big picture: That's not science fiction — it's a cutting-edge reality. This new breakthrough in longevity research offers a glimpse into the future of personalized medicine, where a tiny vial of blood could give you the insights needed to make life-altering decisions. It's like having a crystal ball, but instead of predicting your love life, it’s focused on keeping you healthier for longer.
The verdict: While the idea might be a bit unnerving, the potential to outsmart diseases before they strike is a game-changer for anyone looking to take control of their health destiny.
It’s a Cooler. It’s an Air Conditioner. Wait, what?
Picture this: you're out in the sweltering heat, trying to enjoy a picnic, but your drinks are warmer than your patience.
The big picture: Enter the IcyBreeze Portable Air Conditioner Cooler, the gadget that’s here to save your remaining summer sanity. Not only does it keep your drinks frosty, but it also blows cool air in your direction— because why should your sodas have all the fun? It's like having your cake and eating it too, but instead, you're chilling your drinks and yourself.
The verdict: Wave goodbye to sweaty days and lukewarm lemonade. With the IcyBreeze, you're officially the coolest person at the picnic —literally.
3 Ways to Meditate for Better Sleep
If counting sheep has turned into an Olympic sport you’re losing at, maybe it’s time to let meditation take the wheel — or pillow, in this case.
The big picture: Meditation for sleep is like giving your brain a gentle nudge towards dreamland without the need for midnight infomercials or that questionable herbal tea your aunt swears by. With a few mindful breaths and a little inner peace, you’ll be drifting off faster than you can say "sweet dreams," leaving insomnia in the dust.
The verdict: So, swap that tossing and turning for some serene snoozing, and let meditation be your bedtime MVP
The 10 Best Bike Towns in America
If you're ready to ditch the car and pedal your way to happiness, then these top bike towns in the U.S. will make you wonder why you ever tolerated traffic jams
The big picture: From the streets of Portland, where bikes outnumber brunch spots, to Boulder, where even the squirrels are in better shape than you, these cycling paradises prove that two wheels are better than four.
The verdict: Strap on your helmet, flex those calves, and get ready to roll through some of the most bike-friendly places that will have you considering a permanent move — or at least an extended staycation on two wheels.
What this email forwarded to you? Sign up now