What affects our ego, how our ego presents itself and when it rears its ugly head will, however, vary from person to person. In the gym, our egos can either result in displays of confidence or cockiness. What often differentiates the two is simply the outward reaction of a person either to their own performance or the performance of a competitor. (Note: I’m using the term competitor loosely, as I’m not necessarily talking about competitive athletes. While it may be a competitive athlete, it’s more likely to be as basic as the person next to us in the gym who we feel we stack up against.) A cocky CrossFitter is going to be that guy or girl walking around needing to outwardly prove themselves for their own self-assurance. Does everyone recognize how well he or she did? If not, they’ll boast about it and circle the conversation back to their own performance seeking out praise.
They will make comments about edging out their competition, or off-handedly remark that "it really wasn't that hard"... knowing full well it was hard—in fact, it sucked.
Maybe their performance isn’t what they expected and they didn’t get the fastest time or the most reps, now the opposite will be true. They’ll get upset, they’ll sulk in the corner, and they’ll usually stay quiet when it comes to conversations regarding performance. They don’t have anything to talk about because in their eyes, they failed. At the root of our cocky person are deeply rooted insecurities regarding their self worth and value.
What about confidence? Confidence is essentially the opposite of cockiness. The confident CrossFitter doesn’t need to outwardly prove themselves via their performance. This man or woman understands this one key fact:
Self worth isn’t attached to the scores, times or weights posted after a workout.
After all, it is just a workout. If they win, it will feel good, there’s not denying that. But if they don’t top the leaderboard it’s not the end of the world, and they won’t try to offer up excuses for why they didn’t perform at the top. If the confident CrossFitter gets edged out, they won’t necessarily feel threatened by whoever beat them. It might sting a little to be beat, CrossFit is inherently competitive and nobody enjoys losing, but they won’t take this to heart or let it raise questions about their worth.
We will all have moments of cockiness because we all have egos that enjoy having the spotlight shining on them. In a CrossFit setting, we bring out everyone’s competitive spirit, whether it be little or massive. The way we harness that spirit and how it shapes the way we view ourselves will be difference between falling victim to perpetual cocky moments or the rare, occasional cockiness. At the end of the day, 99% of us are not professional CrossFitters. We don’t have endorsement deals or sponsorships, and our performance doesn’t dictate how much money we bring in annually. We’re doing this for fun and because regular gym workouts “didn’t do it” for us.
So if your workout makes or breaks your day, start asking yourself why?
Why is it so important to you? The answer may just surprise you, help you reassess your training priorities and create new goals.
Live well!
By: Megan Schrader | We all have egos. What affects our ego, how our ego presents itself and when it rears its ugly head will, however, vary from person to person. In the gym, our egos can either result in displays of confidence or cockiness. What often differentiates the two is simply the outward reaction of […]
If you only had five minutes to get to the tee box, what would you do? Most would say, "Hit as many golf balls as possible." However, I disagree. So many players spend time beating golf balls on the range with no intent, which ultimately does nothing to their game on course. It’s important to develop good habits before hitting the links, no matter how much time you have to warm up before.
Each individual player will have different routine, but the point of warming up on the range before a round is to actually warm your body up. I've come across so many players who are way too concerned about how they're hitting the ball versus getting their body loose and ready for play.
1. Find a stretching routine that works for you.
Include a combination of the following:
1. Hip stretches
2. Arm stretches
3. Neck and back stretches
2. Start with short wedge shots—don’t rush!
3. Quality over quantity.
Choose a few different clubs to hit throughout your entire warm up. Take your time, and do a lot of short game before you even head to the tee box.
C O N C L U S I O N
Keep your warm-up simple and get your body loose!
This will benefit you immediately upon tee off. Follow the above steps and you'll be ready to start scoring on the first tee versus finally feeling loose on the back nine! And to boost your golf performance on the green, try the best golf drink on the market, GOLFERAID Performance Blend.
> > > Live well!
By: Natalie Schmett | What does “warming up” before a round entail? If you only had five minutes to get to the tee box, what would you do? Most would say, “Hit as many golf balls as possible.” However, I disagree. So many players spend time beating golf balls on the range with no intent, which […]
It’s an excellent source of protein, jam packed full of healthy Omega-3’s, and really good for the heart. Don’t get me started on the taste! Not only is salmon a quick and healthy option, salmon is an absolutely delicious option as well. This time of year, we have a tendency to embrace the heartier comfort foods we all know and love, but lighter fare can be just as comforting, especially if you embrace all the season has to offer.
Salmon is a great protein option you can enjoy year-round and can easily be customized for your seasonal needs. Whether you are rushing home after running endless holiday errands, or you have dinner guests and are in need of something easy and elegant without being too pretentious, or perhaps you just need a convenient option that gives you that fun seasonal moment while keeping your lifestyle practices fit and flexible, salmon is the jam! One of favorite ways to prepare salmon involves a tried and true two-step process: marinate & broil. With a few simple ingredients like an orange, a drizzle of honey and a few cloves of garlic, you can easily transform a simple fillet of salmon into an unforgettable main dish that will leave your taste buds singing (and your guests raving).
As we all know, the holiday season brings joy, laughter, and festivities galore. Unfortunately, it’s also the season for coughs, colds, sneezes, and sniffles.
Being a health-focused chef, I’m all for wellness support and the healing properties found in foods.
Did you know that you can use easily accessible, affordable, seasonal ingredients that help boost your precious immune system when you become the most vulnerable? Well, you can…and this recipe is a perfect example. I absolutely love oranges. Mandarin oranges, Navel oranges, Blood oranges, and so many more. Oranges are an awesome ingredient when preparing both sweet and savory dishes. Oranges are sweet, juicy and loaded with the immunity supporting, antioxidant protection of Vitamin C. Consuming foods rich in Vitamin C is an easy, convenient (and tasty) approach to the common cold prevention that many of us need this time of year.
Honey (aka: liquid gold!) is a common ingredient I incorporate into many of my dishes, especially marinades. Most of us have a jar or bottle on hand even though it’s delicious healing properties are often overlooked. Honey is a natural cough suppressant, which can be really beneficial this time of year. It has been suggested that by enjoying a teaspoon or two of mother nature’s sweet throat-coating nectar, you can silence a pesky nighttime cough so your restful night’s sleep can resume. For those of you who love a little trivia, the Manuka Honey variety is especially good for us. It is know to help us combat all of the seasonal “sickies” that we often encounter this time of year.
Manuka honey contains anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.
Last but certainly not least, we have to give some love to garlic. Garlic has and always will be one of my go-to ingredients. On one hand, it elevates the taste of absolutely anything and everything. On the other, it’s just plain good for you. Don’t let the size of a garlic clove fool you. Garlic may be small, but it’s mighty—packing quite the nutritional powered punch! Research suggests that garlic can help combat coughs and colds. Garlic is also known to be a heart-healthy food and can even assist in healthy digestion.
These three immune boosting superfoods are not only delicious on their own, but they make a delicious marinade as well. I love teamwork, and these three all-stars paired with some fresh salmon hit a home run for an immune-boosting, wellness-supporting entree that requires minimal time and effort.
Preparation
1. Preheat the broiler. Line a sheet pan with foil and set aside. Mince the garlic cloves and add
them to the mixing bowl. Grate the orange peel and transfer the zest to the mixing bowl.
Squeeze the orange and add the juice to the mixing bowl. Add the remaining marinade
ingredients to the bowl and whisk until well combined.
2. Place the salmon fillet in a large resealable bag. Pour the marinade into the resealable bag
over the salmon, remove any air, and seal the bag. Place the salmon in the refrigerator for a
minimum of one hour, flipping once halfway through.
3. Remove the fillet from the resealable bag and place it on the sheet pan. Pour the remaining
marinade over the salmon fillet. Place the sheet pan in the broiler for 8-10 minutes, or until
the salmon begins to flake and/or the preferred level of done-ness is achieved. When the
salmon is done broiling, remove the sheet pan from the oven and let the salmon rest for 10
minutes. After the salmon has rested, enjoy immediately or transfer to an airtight container
and store in the refrigerator for later.
> > > Live well!
By: Karenia Bowman | Salmon is one of my favorite seafood superstars. It’s an excellent source of protein, jam packed full of healthy Omega-3’s, and really good for the heart. Don’t get me started on the taste! Not only is salmon a quick and healthy option, salmon is an absolutely delicious option as well. This time […]
Festivals are fun!
On one hand, festivals often leave us with some of our favorite memories and experiences. But, they can also be along and grueling few days. After attending my fair share of festivals, I’ve learned a few tips and tricks that will help you have the best possible festival experience.
Tip #1: Stay Hydrated
I can’t stress this enough: Remember to drink lots of water! Festival days can be long, especially when you spend 10-12 hours on your feet, dancing ‘til your heart’s content. As a result, you’re sweating in the heat and losing valuable electrolytes. So always remember to hydrate throughout the day and night. Consider investing in a refillable bottle or canteen that you can keep with you — I promise, it’ll be worth its weight in gold.
Tip #2: Designate a Meet-Up Point
Festivals are big and there are large crowds of people everywhere. You’re bound to lose your friend from sight at some point, or have to deal with someone in your group wandering off (if they’re a wanderer like I am). Festivals are also notorious for not having very good cell phone coverage since there are so many people competing for reception. For these reasons, it’s a great idea to remember to pick a meet-up point in advance! Usually, my friends and I try to pick something that’s visible from far away, like a large art sculpture. Then we stand by it whenever we lose a friend in our group. That way, it’s always easy to find the designated meet-up point in the bustle of the crow and reconnect easily with your group.
Tip #3: Wear Comfy Shoes
Fashion is a very integral part of any festival experience. Oftentimes, people put their best foot (or footwear) forward — literally. It may be the only time some of us can let our fashionista souls shine! However, standing around for 10-12 hours in those cute booties or heels you got just for the festival is simply not practical. Instead, I recommend wearing something you’re more comfortable in, such as sneakers. That way, you can really go all out and dance ‘til you drop instead of leaving the festival barefoot with your blistered, sore feet and your “cute” shoes tucked under your arm.
Tip #4: Send Texts with Timestamps
Discovering your cell phone gets a spotty signal is something you can expect at most festivals. So if you are texting your friends, get in the habit of adding a timestamp to each text. For example: “We’re at the meet-up spot. 12:45.” That way, whenever the text finally goes through, your friends can see how long ago the text was actually sent and know whether you’re likely still at the meet-up point or not. Anything to make it easier to find and keep tabs on your buddies is a good idea.
Tip #5: Invest in Batteries
We all want to capture that magic moment on our phone or camera — whether you intend to share it with the world or you just want some photos and videos as keepsakes to remember what an awesome time you had. Regardless, all those cute photos and videos you take are definitely going to drain your battery, fast. Not to mention, if you’re constantly checking set times or texting your friends to track down their location, your battery will get zapped even quicker. Since you want to be sure your battery will last the whole day, it’s a great idea to bring a small external battery to the festival. You can connect the battery to recharge your phone (or camera) throughout the day. Another easy trick I’ve learned is to simply put your phone on “airplane mode” when you’re not using it — that way it doesn’t waste unnecessary energy trying to find cell phone coverage, run background apps or refresh. With an external battery by your side, you’ll be sure you never miss the perfect shot.
C O N C L U S I O N
Armed with these tips and tricks, you’re ready to go off and have the festival experience of a lifetime!
> > > Live well!
Festivals are fun! On one hand, festivals often leave us with some of our favorite memories and experiences. But, they can also be a long and grueling few days. After attending my fair share of festivals, I’ve learned a few tips and tricks that will help you have the best possible festival experience. Tip #1: Stay Hydrated […]
The natural ingredients in LIFEAID HEMP contain balancing adaptogens (lemon balm and rosemary) and hemp extract to help you find your bliss in everyday life. Crack a can anytime you're looking for that perfect zen moment. Proudly brought to you by LIFEAID Beverage Co., your trusted supplement brand since 2011. Discover more about the ingredients in LIFEAID HEMP below.
What are cannabinoids?
There are more than 100 known active cannabinoids, the compounds found in the hemp plant. Many scientific and health related research studies have been performed on these molecules.
The LIFEAID HEMP Blend uses Ojai Energetics™ broad spectrum hemp which contains high level of active cannabinoids which are not intoxicating when isolated, so they will not cause the euphoric high or psychoactive effects associated with THC.
IMPORTANT: LIFEAID HEMP is 100% THC-free, non-addictive and non-psychoactive.
To learn more about the difference between CBD, HEMP and THC, visit Healthline.com.
What are adaptogens?
The LIFEAID HEMP Blend contains several key adaptogens, which are basically any herbal supplement or natural source which helps to promote homeostasis—or balance—in the body. The adaptogens lemon balm and rosemary are both natural sources used in LIFEAID HEMP to help balance the mind & body.
What other ingredients are in LIFEAID HEMP?
Hemp Extract:20mg of broad spectrum hemp extract from Ojai Energetics helps promote overall balance in the mind & body.
Cannabinoids:Broad spectrum hemp contains active cannabinoids which help promote homeostasis.
Rosemary:This adaptogen naturally helps balance the mind & body.
Lemon Balm:A lemon-scented herb, this adaptogen also helps balance the mind & body.
Agave:Raw organic blue agave provides just a pinch of sugar to sweeten naturally, with a low-glycemic index. .
No THC:LIFEAID HEMP is 100% THC-free, non-addictive and non-psychoactive.
What do hemp products taste like?
Not all hemp products are created equal, ranging in form and flavor. LIFEAID HEMP is lightly carbonated and has a refreshingly light Herbal Lemon taste. It may remind you of sipping lemonade on a sunny day, offering subtle hints of rosemary and lemon balm.
Get ready to enjoy the light, refreshing Herbal Lemon taste of LIFEAID HEMP—now you can drink happy thoughts. Every can is 100% THC-free, only 40 calories and contains adaptogens (rosemary and lemon balm) and hemp extract to help provide balanced bliss in your everyday life.
When should I drink LIFEAID HEMP?
LIFEAID HEMP is best enjoyed ice-cold anytime of day, to help you find those perfect zen moments amidst the stress of everyday life. It contains absolutely no THC and no caffeine—it's the perfect low-cal refreshment choice morning, noon or night. Drink a can on your break, with a meal, or whenever you just need a moment to find better balance and harmony for your mind & body.
Will I feel any strange effects from drinking LIFEAID HEMP?
LIFEAID HEMP contains absolutely no THC (the part of the hemp plant which causes psychoactive effects). That means it's non-addictive and non-psychoactive. The natural adaptogens lemon balm and rosemary along with hemp extract in LIFEAID HEMP are intended to simply help improve homeostasis (balance) in the mind and body, helping you find bliss and balance amidst those mildly stressful moments in everyday life.
Why is Ojai Energetics™ preferable to other sources on the market?
The LIFEAID HEMP Blend proudly uses Ojai Energetics broad spectrum hemp and contains no THC. (It’s 100% THC-free, non-addictive and non-psychoactive.)
Ojai Energetics broad spectrum hemp is of the rigorously tested for heavy metals, VOCs, pesticides, herbicides, microbes, terpenes & cannabinoids.
'Broad spectrum' means that it has multiple cannabinoids, which we now know are simply the active ingredients in the hemp plant. There are currently over 100 known cannabinoids in hemp. The Ojai blend contains 10 times more active cannabinoids per milliliter than many competitors.
Another reason we chose Ojai Energetics is because they use a patented microcellular nano-encapsulation process. Generally, other broad spectrum hemp products are fat soluble, meaning they don’t absorb well into the bloodstream. Ojai Energetics has found a way around this with their nano-encapsulation process. Think of it as a sheath around these fat molecules that allow for 100% absorption into the bloodstream, making it much more potent and, subsequently, more effective.
In a nutshell, nano-encapsulation allows for faster absorption, increased bioavailability and higher potency levels. (Bioavailability is the degree and rate at which a substance is absorbed into the bloodstream.)
Now let’s break that down a bit further.
Nano-encapsulation is the patented delivery system that Ojai Energetics uses to improve the absorption rate of their hemp extract, making the hemp water soluble and more bioavailable. While other broad spectrum hemp products are fat soluble (meaning they don’t absorb well into the bloodstream), Ojai Energetics has found a way around this with their nano-encapsulation process. Think of it as a sheath around these fat molecules that allow for 100% absorption into the bloodstream, making it much more effective, much more potent.
In most hemp products, up to 90% of what is ingested is destroyed by the liver and stomach acids before it is even able to be used. This is because the body doesn’t absorb fat molecules, and must encapsulate them in water inside the gut before it can be absorbed. For example, if you eat 20mg of a regular hemp oil, only 2mg of hemp is usable. So those who consume other extracts are paying for 100% of the hemp but only getting 10% of the potency, often waiting 30 minutes before any benefits even occur.
With LIFEAID HEMP, you’re getting more bang for your buck, plus a higher absorption rate due to the nano-encapsulation process used by Ojai Energetics.
What is the price point for LIFEAID HEMP?
LIFEAID HEMP currently has one of the most competitive price points on the market.
RETAIL $3.99 SRP per can
12-can case of LIFEAID HEMP = $41.88 SRP | 24-can case of LIFEAID HEMP = $83.76 SRP Subscribe & Save (10% OFF + FREE shipping) = $37.69 SRP for 12 cans | $75.38 SRP for 24 cans Mixed case, 24 cans (12 cans LIFEAID HEMP + 12 cans OTHER) = $71.76 SRP Subscribe & Save (10% OFF + FREE shipping) SRP mixed case (24 cans, half HEMP) = $64.58 SRP
RESELLER 24-can case of LIFEAID HEMP (wholesale): $57.46
The natural ingredients in LIFEAID HEMP contain balancing adaptogens (lemon balm and rosemary) and hemp extract to help you find your bliss in everyday life. Crack a can anytime you’re looking for that perfect zen moment. Proudly brought to you by LIFEAID Beverage Co., your trusted supplement brand since 2011. Discover more about the ingredients in […]
Oftentimes we hear the horror stories of being stuck in the sand. Most players are extremely afraid to hit in the bunker and even more nervous to get out of it.
Now, the dreaded bunker shot can be taken advantage of by following these pro tips!
Set-up is key.
Nine out of 10 players I see have an incorrect set-up when they approach their ball in the bunker. Set-up must be correct in order to get a solid strike and gain confidence with your sand play. The stance must be wide and open to the target, with ball position towards the front heel. Open that club face!
Don't be afraid to swing aggressively.
Turn through the ball and create speed. Acceleration is crucial in getting the ball up and out of the bunker. Take a few practice swings with the club finishing in front of you versus sticking in the sand.
Finish face-to-face.
Maintain the angle of the club throughout your entire swing, start to finish. The club face should be pointing towards your face at finish.
C O N C L U S I O N
When in doubt, be confident and be aggressive!
Follow these tips to refresh your approach on a bunker shot & still make par. And to boost your golf performance on the green, try the best golf drink on the market, GOLFERAID Performance Blend.
> > > Live well!
By: Natalie Schmett | Oftentimes we hear the horror stories of being stuck in the sand. Most players are extremely afraid to hit in the bunker and even more nervous to get out of it. Now, the dreaded bunker shot can be taken advantage of by following these pro tips! Set-up is key. Nine out of […]
Gratitude
... and giving thanks are always topical around the holiday season. It’s a perfect opportunity for us to reflect on the multitude of blessings we have in our lives including family, friends, work, health ...
On the flip side, it is much less intuitive to be grateful for the difficult situations and challenging people in our lives in the same way we are for the good people and good things. (Think about the family member we avoid all year long but who we have to hang out with at Thanksgiving.)
You may be thinking, “Why the heck would I give thanks for this hard situation or that difficult person?” These situations and individuals obviously provoke a negative emotional response of anger, frustration or even pain.
But if we peel back the initial emotionally charged layer, there is typically a virtue hiding right underneath the surface, a lesson that will allow us to elevate beyond the anger or frustration to a place of gratitude. We can be thankful for the difficult situation or person who helps teach us to be be more patient, selfless or kind. These virtues of acceptance, patience, humility and unconditional love help fuel us to be the best version of ourselves. As Tony Robbins says, “Life is not happening to us, it’s happening for us.”
So the next time we find ourselves in a challenging situation or with a difficult person (maybe at the Thanksgiving dinner table), let’s move quickly past any negative initial gut reaction and on to the deeper understanding of gratitude, realizing the ultimate lesson these situations and individuals and there to teach us.
I know it may be counter-intuitive, but the most rewarding depths of gratitude often come from those moments we would be least likely to offer thanks for at first glance.
It is the lessons born from those challenging situations or people—teaching us, helping us to grow and become better versions of ourselves—which is where true gratitude resides.
May your holiday season be filled with gratitude and opportunities to give thanks, equally in both the easy and challenging moments of your life.
To learn more about Aaron, follow @aaronhinde on Instagram.
> > > Live well!
Gratitude … and giving thanks are always topical around the holiday season. It’s a perfect opportunity for us to reflect on the multitude of blessings we have in our lives including family, friends, work, health … On the flip side, it is much less intuitive to be grateful for the difficult situations and challenging people […]
September is always one of the nicest months of the year in Northern California. The tourists are gone, the weather is fantastic and it’s hard not to enjoy the bounty NorCal has to offer. The start of Indian summer brings along with it our annual LIFEAID company retreat. This is an incredible opportunity for our entire team to come together, celebrate the accomplishments from the past year and embark on a shared journey of personal and professional development.
At LIFEAID Beverage Co., we have 10 core values that drive our culture and ethos:
Create the most fun, healthy, holistic and fulfilling work environment in Santa Cruz County (and beyond).
Grow deliberately, sustainably and consistently create long-term value for our customers and stakeholders.
Be curious, ask questions, communicate and adopt a growth mindset.
Everyone is an owner—approach your work as such.
Work hard, play hard—have fun doing both.
Create raving fans—of our team members, customers, suppliers and community.
Be solution-oriented, not problem-focused.
Do more with less.
Strive for continuous improvement rather than perfection.
Always play the long game.
Although we practice these core values on a daily basis, the annual retreat brings multiple core values to light all at the same time, allowing us to revisit and focus on them in new ways each year.
This year was extra special to me on a personal level because we embarked on a journey to Lake Don Pedro—a lake I practically grew up on, having spent countless weekends waterskiing there as a kid. Our team rented six houseboats, four Jet Skis and a ski boat. We had professional caterers join us on board to prepare all of our meals, and we brought in seven dynamic speakers to present to our group over the weekend.
It’s amazing how things often work out even better than we could have imagined. I knew it would be an amazing retreat, but we were fortunate to experience what seemed like
a rare, perfect balance of personal development and fun in the sun.
Aside from the occasional mimosa, each morning began with about a 60-minute talk from one of our dynamic presenters. Our entire team gathered around, happily crammed onto the top deck of our main houseboat with our notebooks and pen in hand, eager to learn, grow and be challenged. Little did we know just how much of each would take place!
I should mention that four of our presenters were professional speakers—highly recognized and accomplished authors, TED Talks speakers, leaders and so forth. However, three of our presenters were not well-known, at least not beyond our little circle. They were LIFEAID team members. Honestly, it was pretty amazing being able to empower and then watch individuals on our team get out of their comfort zones, stand up in front of 70 of their colleagues and deliver incredibly well-crafted and powerful messages.
I intentionally gave no direction to any of the speakers when they first asked me what topic I would like them to present on at the retreat. I simply told them about our team, our values and our vision. Then I basically said, “Just deliver a presentation you feel would provide the most value to our group. I trust you.”
Boy, did they ever deliver! As the weekend progressed, a common thread began to develop between each speaker’s message. No one knew what the other speakers were presenting, yet a consistent theme began to emerge. As fate would have it, it was a theme that we all needed to hear.
After three full days and seven amazing speakers, the 2018 LIFEAID Beverage Co. retreat theme can be best summarized this way:
We are all powerful human beings who are manifesting our ability to be agents for positive change in this world. As human beings, our thoughts (conscious and unconscious) are eventually reflected in our words. With our words we create — our words drive our actions and lead to results (both positive and negative). At LIFEAID, our team has been uniquely unified by the common cause of improving the health and well-being of our diseased nation. We each realize and are fueled by the need to get people off of high-sugar, high-caffeine sodas & sports/energy drinks. As an alternative, we are passionate about providing everyone with our clean, healthful products. We possess the power to improve our lives and the lives of everyone we touch by being mindful and intentional regarding our thoughts, words and actions.
By the end of the weekend, we were not the same team we started as.
We had all experienced some “aha!” moments which have forever improved our trajectory as individuals and as a team. We ate, we drank, we played, we laughed, we cried, we danced, we shared, we contributed and — most importantly — we grew. It’s undeniable, watching the people who you care about have breakthroughs that will stick with them for the rest of their lives is what it really is all about.
Our brand is not merely our founders (myself and Orion) or a single product (like FitAid or FocusAid). Rather, it is the collective efforts and inventions of all the great women and men who comprise our LIFEAID team, a team which manifests in each and every one of our products and customer experiences.
While I can say, “I am LIFEAID” and “You are LIFEAID,” I am even prouder still to state that together,
To learn more about Aaron, follow @aaronhinde on Instagram.
> > > Live well!
September is always one of the nicest months of the year in Northern California. The tourists are gone, the weather is fantastic and it’s hard not to enjoy the bounty NorCal has to offer. The start of Indian summer brings along with it our annual LIFEAID company retreat. This is an incredible opportunity for […]
"Titan CrossFit loves FITAID! We purchased the 10-case promotional deal which included a FREE fridge. After only 45 days, we are reordering! Many of our athletes miss the carbonation of a soft drink, FITAID fills that void and tastes great. Not to mention it is loaded with great supplements. The only problem is I keep drinking the profit! One request: Can you start making a “SnatchAid,” 'cause I sure could use the help!"
—Nick Zawmon,Titan CrossFit, Maryland
"FITAID is a great product and tastes great. Our athletes especially have liked FITAID on hot days as it contains great supplements and is only lightly carbonated, which means no bloated feeling like with other carbonated drinks."
—C. Ryan Bucher, Open Country CrossFit, Ohio
"FITAID is becoming so popular in the gym that people actually put money down to have a running tab for FITAID. All of the trainers love it as well and it is a staple after a hard workout! Excited to get in the next shipment as we have members worried that we will run out before it gets here, that is how popular it is. Thanks for the great customer service!"
—Julie Payton & Cory Letts, owners ofCrossFit North Star, California
"Having FITAID available to our members before or after a WOD, cold out of our FITAID refrigerator, shows good member services and great profits for our business. Our members like the taste of FITAID and the Paleo-friendly vitamin and energy boosters to help in recovery. We sell an average of 9 cases a month without any extra effort on our part and provide a great healthy drink to our members. The people at FITAID have been amazing to work with and their customer service is professional, fast, and accommodating. Get a FITAID refrigerator and pack it with cold FITAID for your members. They will thank you, and you will see a nice profit for your business."
—Troy and Melanie Miller, CrossFit Ready, California
"We at CrossFit Amplify love FITAID! It has become one of Amplify’s go to for recovery supplements! We’ll continue to have our FITAID Refrigerator stock for our members and coaches!"
—Mike Viall and Scott Todnem, co-owners of CrossFit Amplify, Illinois
"We have been carrying FITAID at our box for a few months now, and we couldn’t be happier with this product. Our members love how it tastes and how they feel after drinking it! Customer service has also been awesome. The FITAID fridge is the perfect addition to our retail area and thank you again for donating some cans to our charity event that we hosted!!"
—Chad,CrossFit Boom Town, New York
"Here at CrossFit DTW we love FITAID. We have some that drink them for a pre-workout and some for a post. We love that little edge it gives you. It is one of the best sellers here, they go just as fast as the water!! Also they taste great so I sometimes grab them on a rest day too! Thanks so much for a great product!"
—Brogan Walters, CrossFit DTW, Colorado
"FITAID has been awesome for us here at FarmBoy. We love being able to carry a product that not only helps aid in recovery from WODs, immune health and Heart health, but also is great tasting. FITAID is the first thing people reach for at our Box. People absolutely love it! It is by far the single quickest moving drink/ supplement in our Box. My wife and I love the opportunity to carry such a great product that our athletes love and also make money in doing so. It is the best of both worlds. We are happy and they are happy!"
—Brian Baker, CrossFit Farm Boy, Colorado
"We brought FITAID on about a year ago and we really love what it has brought to our gym. We love that it is Paleo-friendly and its supplement profile. We have consistently sold through about 15-20 cases a month and don’t see it slowing down. Our members love it, our staff loves and I love it. Thanks for the awesome product!"
—Narine Kadekian, CrossFit Scotts Valley, California
"We love FITAID! Ever since we began carrying FITAID, we have had a continuous stream of sales. The FITAID mini fridge is a great way to display the product and makes it very easy to sell. Our members love the convenience of having a cold FITAID before or after a tough workout. Throw in the great taste, the athlete specific nutritional supplements, and you have a winning product to offer your members."
—Holly Valentine,CrossFit Vacaville North, California
"Simply put, I bought 10 cases and I only have one left! They have been both a nice pre-WOD pick-me-up as well as a nice post-WOD chaser! I have to say I love the taste after a tough WOD! FITAID has been a welcome addition to CrossFit Great Barrington!"
—Mike Bissaillon,CrossFit Great Barrington, Massachusetts
"I’m part owner of a CrossFit gym and we have been selling FITAID for just under a year. We are a smaller gym (less than 100 members) but have had a wonderful response in regards to FITAID. Our members love that it’s a clean drink (a lot of our members eat Paleo or Zone), that there’s no HFCS, that the taste is great and so is the mild carbonation, and I don’t know what it is but FITAID tastes the BEST after a REALLY tough workout!! I’d say we go thru about 10 cases every 2-3 months. We’ve tried other supplement drinks but overall they just don’t compare to all the goodness FITAID packs. FITAID for life!!!"
—Michelle Gallagher, Jefferson State CrossFit, California
Gym owners, we want to hear from you!
Please share your feedback and tell us what your gym members think of our products. LIFEAID Beverage Co. is here to help make the world a healthier place, one can at a time.
“Titan CrossFit loves FITAID! We purchased the 10-case promotional deal which included a FREE fridge. After only 45 days, we are reordering! Many of our athletes miss the carbonation of a soft drink, FITAID fills that void and tastes great. Not to mention it is loaded with great supplements. The only problem is I keep […]
Article by Emily Abbate of MEN'S HEALTH on July 9, 2018
You don’t need to have both arms to live an outstanding life, and Logan Aldridge almost prefers it this way now.
“I love being different,” says the 27-year-old. “I love being the guy with one arm.”
Life changed forever for Aldridge at age 13 after a day wakeboarding on Lake Gaston on the North Carolina-Virginia border. Helping his dad on the family boat, the duo was pushing off from a friend’s dock and heading back home when a rope he was coiling got tangled in the propeller. Within an instant, it severed through the skin and arteries in his left arm, right up to the bone. Blood was everywhere, he recalled. His Dad, springing into action, created a tourniquet of sorts that kept him from bleeding out until the emergency teams arrived. In the ambulance, Aldridge’s mother said something that would shape his perspective for years to come.
“I remember laying there and looking at my arm, looking at everyone around me, and asking my mom what if I lose my arm from this?” he told MensHealth.com. “Without skipping a beat, she said, 'Logan, it’s just an arm.' Some people think that’s a brutal parental response, but that was the most important thing to hear. It instilled the perception in me that at the end of the day, I’d still have my life. Whatever happens, we’re going to make it through this.”
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Logan’s mom gave him the tough-love advice that inspired him to face his new reality head-on: "without skipping a beat, she said, 'Logan, it’s just an arm.'"
. Standing in the hospital bathroom, tears streamed down his face seeing the shape of his new body in the mirror. But that was the last time that the Raleigh native would grieve his loss, something wise beyond his years at such a young age.
“I knew I had to move forward,” he says. “I immediately went into problem-solving mode, started to learn how to write with my right hand, make the best of a less-than-ideal situation, and embrace my situation.”
Today, Aldridge is an accomplished para-athlete and has fully embraced life with a handicap. As someone who is "in pursuit of more potential and maximizing [my] output," he craves comfort that allows him to push his personal and physical boundaries. To that end, he turns to the reliable ease and durability of cotton in and out of his WODs. "I'm training all the time and like to be comfortable."
Similarly, his go-to sweaty habit, CrossFit, continually pushes him to be better and prepares him for his other active passions, from mountain biking to Spartan Racing. “We learn so much about ourselves when we are challenged,” he says. “When I’m breathless and working hard and in an uncomfortable state, that’s when I grow.” Pressing on with determination and grit has led Aldridge to set some impressive weight-lifting PRs—like deadlifting 500 lbs and doing 245-lb. cleans.
"We learn so much about ourselves when we are challenged."
When he’s not traveling for his full-time job as a sales manager or teaching CrossFit, Aldridge is speaking to large groups about the lessons he’s learned (and also: training to one day compete in the Paralympics).
“My life’s purpose now is to motivate others,” he says. “We hear inspiration a lot, especially in the case of active amputees. Inspiring is cool—and I’m grateful to do that—but motivation is different that inspiring. You can be inspired sitting on the coach, but when you’re motivated—you’re ready to take action and still change. Something has happened that’s made you ready to move. And I say hey, let’s move together.”
EMILY ABBATE is a freelance writer, certified fitness trainer, and host of the podcast Hurdle. You can find her work in GQ, Shape, Runner’s World, and other health and fitness publications.
> > > Live well.
Article by Emily Abbate of MEN’S HEALTH on July 9, 2018 You don’t need to have both arms to live an outstanding life, and Logan Aldridge almost prefers it this way now. “I love being different,” says the 27-year-old. “I love being the guy with one arm.” Life changed forever for Aldridge at age 13 after a […]
