01/14/2026
Good morning Iron Hippo GYM. Sorry it has been too long since I've posted. Here's some motivation to help get your new year fitness and health started off right. Just a class in my Exercise Science Bachelor's program that I would like to share to motivate. I'm going to get some races up on the board here this week. Let's get after it. Also I'll start sharing some more information just in case you have the bug to join us at Shamrockin' Half Marathon in Sacramento. The most fun I've ever had running last year is going again this year!
Wrapping up FNM 425, the biggest thing I’m taking with me is that Sports health is not just macros, meal prep, and knowing what to eat. It’s also people. Social connection is like the secret ingredient that keeps the whole system working. When you feel seen, supported, and part of something, it’s way easier to stay consistent. Motivation lasts longer. Stress feels lighter. You start showing up with support and not solo. That's why our clients reach out to us!
I’ve felt that in real life with training. When I’m grinding for a goal, whether it’s getting in my swims, putting in bike time, or staying consistent with strength work, it hits different when I've got a crew. A training partner. A coach. A group chat that checks on me. Even just one person who understands my mission. It’s the same thing we’ve talked about all term with nutrition and performance. Consistency beats perfection. And consistency gets a whole lot easier when our environments support us. The same way we learned that hydration, protein, sleep, and recovery all stack together, community stacks too. It helps your mindset stay steady.
Going forward, I plan to stay engaged by getting involved in local running/ cycling and triathlon events, our local yuba- Sutter tri club, yuba cycling club, and anything that puts me around people living a similar lifestyle or wanting to engage in it. Something new for me would be to get in with a local barbell club. I'm interested and it would be nice to mix it up instead of always lifting in my gym. Staying in exercise professional groups, keeps me learning, and keeps building relationships with people who have similar goals and values.
For me, it’s not just about finishing a class. It’s about building a lifestyle and a network that keeps pushing me forward. What I know from experience is it’s easier to stay locked in when you’re around people who are also trying to improve. It doesn't matter whether that’s in health, career, or just becoming a better version of themselves.
I’ve genuinely enjoyed learning from everyone in this course. I have a facebook business page for my gym. Iron Hippo Gym. Feel free to stop by and say hello. I need to get more active on the page but I usually post free tips and all of my clients achievements as well as my own in the endurance sport world. If you’re down, this is a solid moment to keep the connections going like our professor stated.
I’m always open to collaborating, sharing ideas, supporting wins, and keeping each other accountable. We’re all building something, and it’s a lot more fun when you’re not building it alone! Hooyah
Train on!
Coach Lou
