Issue No. 37: Alcohol and Health in the Fitness Industry

April 24, 2025

In partnership with

Good Morning! Welcome to this week’s edition of Morning Cowbell. Let’s take a look at the top stories and coolest trends shaping fitness and health.

💪  Alcohol and Health in the Fitness Industry: Here’s the science, the nuance, and the leadership lens you need to help your community make informed choices — and to build a gym culture that doesn’t accidentally undermine the very health we’re here to promote.

IN THIS ISSUE:
1. Ultimate Guide to the Military Press
2. Why Treadmills Feel Easier
3. Hyperboot by Nike × Hyperice
4. Creatine for Your Brain
5. Midlife Eating Habits Help You Live Longer

🐄 🐄 🐄 — John, Nolan and Josh

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Ultimate Guide to the Military Press

The military press is your ticket to achieving that powerful upper body look. This classic exercise isn't just for show; it's a fundamental move that builds strength and stability.

  • The big picture: The military press is the secret weapon of upper body training. It's a compound movement that lights up your shoulders, triceps, and upper chest — all while sneakily working your core. If you're skipping this move, you're leaving gains on the table. Form is everything — and we mean everything. A tight core, steady stance, and proper elbow position can mean the difference between glorious strength gains and an unplanned date with your chiropractor. Variations and tweaks keep it spicy (and safe). Want to avoid hitting a plateau or blowing out your back? Learn how to mix in seated presses, dumbbell alternatives, and tempo changes, while also steering clear of common pitfalls like over-arching or chicken-winging your elbows.

  • The verdict: Mastering the military press is a game-changer for anyone looking to build robust shoulders and upper body strength - just remember, form is your friend, and consistency is key.​

Why Treadmills Feel Easier than Outdoor Running

Treadmill running feels easier than outdoor running due to controlled pacing, consistent conditions, and lack of environmental challenges.

  • The big picture: Pacing Precision: On a treadmill, you set your pace and the machine ensures you stick to it. Outdoors, without the treadmill's consistent speed, it's easy to start too fast or too slow, making the run feel harder. Weather Woes: Treadmills offer a climate-controlled environment. In contrast, outdoor runs expose you to heat, humidity, wind, and other elements that can make running more challenging. Terrain Trials: Treadmills provide a flat, predictable surface. Outdoor terrains vary with hills, uneven sidewalks, and different surfaces, requiring more effort and muscle engagement.​

  • The verdict: While treadmill running isn't inherently easier, the controlled environment and consistent pacing can make it feel less demanding than the unpredictable nature of outdoor runs.​

Hyperboot by Nike

Hyperboot by Nike x Hyperice

The Hyperboot is the lovechild of cutting-edge tech and athletic footwear, offering heat and dynamic air-compression massage to your feet and ankles

  • The big picture: ​The Hyperboot combines Nike's design prowess with Hyperice's recovery technology, featuring dual-air Normatec bladders and HyperHeat elements to deliver customizable heat and compression therapy. Tested by elite athletes like Jayden Daniels, the Hyperboot enhances warm-up and recovery routines, making feet feel lighter and more prepared for action. With a battery life of 1–1.5 hours and TSA approval for carry-on, these boots are designed for mobility, allowing users to enjoy therapeutic benefits anytime, anywhere.

  • The verdict: The Hyperboot is a game-changer in athletic recovery, merging innovative technology with practical design to keep you moving comfortably and efficiently.

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Creatine for Your Brain

While it’s been a staple in the fitness world, creatine might just be the brain booster you didn’t know you needed.

  • The big picture: Creatine, commonly associated with muscle building, is now being recognized for its potential cognitive benefits. Research suggests it may enhance short-term memory, intelligence, and reasoning, and even aid in treating depression and anxiety. The brain requires significant energy to function optimally. Creatine helps in regenerating adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of cells, which can be especially beneficial during periods of sleep deprivation or intense mental activity. While creatine is found in small amounts in red meat, fish, and poultry, achieving the doses used in cognitive studies through diet alone is challenging. Supplementation of 3 to 5 grams daily is generally recommended, but higher doses can cause side effects like stomach discomfort.

  • The verdict: Creatine is emerging as a promising supplement for cognitive enhancement, offering potential benefits for memory, mental clarity, and mood.

Midlife Eating Habits Help You Live Longer

Think your midlife diet is just about battling the bulge? Think again. Your plate choices now could be your golden ticket to a longer, healthier life.

  • The big picture: Dietary Patterns Matter: Research indicates that adopting healthy eating habits during midlife can significantly impact longevity and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.​ Quality Over Quantity: It's not just about how much you eat, but what you eat. Emphasizing whole foods, lean proteins, and plenty of fruits and vegetables can make a substantial difference.​ Long-Term Benefits: Consistent healthy eating patterns in midlife are associated with better health outcomes in later years, including reduced incidence of heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline.

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