FEATURES: 20 Let’s Go Rucking. This month we explore the world of Rucking, & the leading ruck company GORUCK. Get your backpack game on and join one of the many local GoRuck Clubs in the DFW Metroplex. 10 Surf The Downton Dallas Waves. Spotlighting Good Surf, Downtown Dallas’s Newest Fitness Entertainment Complex.
Thanks, DFW health and fitness professionals and companies for the very warm welcome into your community. My name is Chase Tidwell, and I am ecstatic to be back in the DFW area doing what I love best, being Fit and Healthy, and back in the magazine and publishing business. I was a 20-year resident in DFW and recently moved back after almost four years away from the DFW Metroplex. How quickly things have changed in our great city of Dallas, as well as our surrounding communities. Now more than ever, the opportunities to step out into our great community and the many ways to get and stay fit and healthy are quite refreshing to see.
There are so many new ways to introduce health and fitness into your lifestyle, as DFW has become one of the most progressive healthconscious regions in the country. Our first-class sporting and training facilities and the many world-class health physicians in our great city provide all walks of life the best opportunities to live a long, healthy, and prosperous lifestyle. At DFW Health and Fitness Magazine, it is our goal and mission is to showcase and share the
stories and successes of our amazing health and fitness communities. and to educate and encourage the community and our readers on their journey to live their best healthy and fit lifestyles.
Each month we will feature physical health and fitness activities, cover mental health, promote healthy nutrition, spotlight training and coach professionals, and provide inspirational health and fitness stories of our vibrant community. We’ll showcase health and fitness special events in our communities and will provide information on the latest health and fitness products in the industry. We’ll visit local health food eateries and will take you behind the scenes of our pro and amateur sporting teams across the Metroplex, including feature stories about some of our most recognized sports stars across the metroplex.
This sample issue is just a hint of the many great things to come with DFW Health and Fitness Magazine. In this issue, we cover the CrossFit Games and their first event visit to Dickie’s Arena in Fort Worth. Our second
Our
and mission is to showcase and share the stories and successes of our amazing health and fitness communities.
feature this month is a new and growing fitness trend, Rucking. DFW now has GoRuck Clubs in almost all of our area communities. Pick up a backpack, join a local club, and experience the comradery of the latest health and fitness outdoor activity in DFW.
We will be back in January 2025 with our first official issue of DFW Health and Fitness Magazine. We invite you to our magazine kickoff party at Times10 Cellers in Lakewood in mid-January 2025. Please check our website at www.DFWhealthandfitness.com in late December for details on our January launch party. Go grab a quick workout, and then join us for a celebratory toast at Times10 Cellars. A special thanks to all my health and fitness friends and business partners for making this dream become a reality.
Your Friend,
By April Hicks, the Vice President of Marketing for Prime IV Hydration & Wellness
Are you looking for the best IV hydration therapy to keep your chronic fatigue at bay? Look no further. Prime IV Hydration will soon be opening nine locations throughout the metroplex with two locations in Dallas, as well as locations in Addison, Frisco, Allen, Mckinney, Prosper, Westlake, and Arlington Heights in Ft. Worth.
Prime IV Hydration’s proprietary blends of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and IV fluids are infused directly into the bloodstream, giving your cells rapid access to the nutrients required for healing, including overcoming chronic fatigue.
Although it is completely normal to feel a little tired, especially if you were unable to sleep well the night before, it can become a significant issue in your life if you find yourself waking up tired more often than you wake up alert, refreshed, and ready to tackle the challenges of the day. If this sounds like a sleep struggle that you are intimately familiar with, you know that going through the day with fatigue weighing you down can feel like you are tied to an anchor in the ocean. However, did you know that being inadequately hydrated can cause you to feel much more exhausted than you should be feeling?
Let’s talk about how to beat your chronic fatigue using IV hydration therapy.
WHAT IS CHRONIC FATIGUE?
Chronic fatigue occurs when an individual experiences the symptoms of fatigue such as exhaustion, feeling aches in the body, lowered cognitive abilities, and general malaise, but over an extended period of time. Normally, once you get enough rest and recovery time, you will feel better but chronic fatigue will linger. There are many reasons why someone can experience chronic fatigue, but the most common reasons are due to illness, mental health, substance abuse, sleep disorders, chronic pain, or sleep-related issues such as restless leg syndrome.
WHAT IS INTRAVENOUS THERAPY?
Intravenous therapy, often called IV therapy, involves a healthcare professional using a needle to insert a catheter, a thin plastic tube that is wrapped around the needle into your vein. The needle is then removed, leaving the catheter inserted into your vein to maintain an open line into your vein.
This line is then attached to IV tubing that connects to an IV bag. This bag can be customized to fit every individual need, whether it is an athlete getting treatments to improve their athletic performance for a competition, a weekend warrior going to play ball with some friends, or even someone who wants to improve their skin
while boosting their immune system. The incredible thing about IV therapy is that you can get the right customized treatment to help with your ailment or injury.
Those who are suffering from chronic fatigue can gain some significant improvement with the correct IV therapy mixture by adding vitamins, minerals, and if needed, medications that can help with nausea or pain to the IV bag. This combination will bring you a boost of energy as your body rapidly absorbs the nutrients and will quickly work to relieve your fatigue symptoms.
If you are having difficulty getting your full energy and focus back, consider taking a treatment with a double dose of B-12 and a double dose of Taurine to get that pep back in your step. The double dose of potent B-12 will give your body the extra pep to turn food into energy. Taurine can help raise your energy levels while reducing fatigue related to exercise.
Another reason why you are constantly tired is that although you are drinking water throughout the day, it simply is not enough. By the time your body starts to feel thirsty, you are already entering the first stages of dehydration. Over time, we and our bodies get used to constantly being dehydrated, and our health suffers for it.
The most important thing in your body is water, and you have to maintain your hydration levels to keep that fatigue at bay. Sometimes, all a dehydrated person needs is the rapid and efficient hydration that a Pure Hydration IV treatment can do.
IV hydration treatments typically include 1 liter of fluids which is the equivalent of drinking 2.5 gallons but without that stomachache of trying to keep all that fluid down. Make sure you get some added B-12 so can make the most of your newly hydrated energy and power through the day.
These treatments go straight into your bloodstream, where the hydrating IV fluid is rapidly absorbed, and you can almost feel the life and vitality start to course through your body as the fluids enter. This treatment gives you the double action of flooding your bloodstream with hydrating fluids and delivering vitamins and nutrients that will revitalize and make you feel much less tired. If you are suffering from chronic fatigue, choosing the right IV therapy solution can do wonders to get your energy levels back so that you can get through your day.
Take a look at Pure Hydration’s unparalleled offering of IV hydration therapy choices that will fit your needs. Visit primehydration.com for all their services and to find the locations and contact information for the nine new locations opening soon throughout the DFW Metroplex.
By Heather Anderson
In the world of health and fitness, the roles of a fitness coach and a personal trainer are often viewed through the same lens. However, there are crucial distinctions that can shape your fitness ventures and redefine your vision of a healthier, stronger you. Let’s dig into the differences between a fitness coach versus a personal trainer so you can decide which is the best fit for you, your goals, and your lifestyle.
Let’s explore differences: The goal of a personal trainer is to help you achieve a specific goal via exercise. That could be weight loss, muscle mass growth, and so on. The role of a fitness coach is to do the same thing — while also helping you understand how to set personal and realistic goals, improve your self-efficacy, and assess your progress over time.
ROLES
Imagine a fitness coach as a compass along your fitness journey. A fitness coach goes beyond a physical workout plan, creating a personalized wellness plan that integrates physical, mental, nutritional, and recovery facets of your well-being. A fitness coach is
dedicated to understanding your lifestyle, history, and aspirations, tailoring a plan that’s not just about building a body, but also building a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. A fitness coach is often also a certified personal trainer. Therefore, a fitness coach can be seen as an expanded personal trainer who also helps guide their clients’ lifestyle habits outside of the gym. Fitness coaches do much of the same work that personal trainers do, including assessing their clients and designing exercises to meet specific goals. A fitness coach also takes time to learn about their clients’ lifestyles outside of the gym, and as appropriate, provides coaching to help transform unhealthy habits into healthy habits.
Fitness coaches may use behavioral coaching techniques to help their clients adhere to an exercise program and often also provide coaching on nutrition, recovery, and other areas, such as controlling stress or managing time better. Fitness coaches have a goal of helping you eventually learn to selfregulate healthy lifestyle habits and routines through goal-setting, intentional planning, tracking progress, and self-efficacy.
coaches will help make sure your goals are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely — aka, SMART goals. This is important because oftentimes, people come to the gym with goals that might be unrealistic or unattainable within the desired timeframe. A fitness coach can help reframe those goals in a way that makes them safe and realistic.
Coaches should encourage you to set process goals in addition to outcome goals because process goals are more controllable. Process goals often lead to outcome goals because they include strategies that relate directly to results. Based on what your intentions and goals are, a coach can give recommendations on workout specifics like type, frequency, duration, intensity, and so on. A coach can also help you figure out how to make space in your life for those workouts.
As roadblocks arise, a coach can provide support and direction to get you back on track. A fitness coach will also help you learn more about yourself and become selfreflective. A coach will show you how to stay
accountable to yourself and your goals by teaching you how to record your progress and track your behaviors, paying attention to incremental gains toward your overall goals. They’ll also help you unlock new achievements as you go. Over time, this can lead to more confidence — both in the gym and outside of it.
WHAT IS A PERSONAL
A certified personal trainer has specific knowledge of fitness and exercise science and has passed a certification exam offered by a national certifying organization. Their main role is to assess clients’ needs, health history, and movement patterns to help them safely and effectively exercise to meet their goals.
Personal trainers typically zero in on exercise form, intensity, rest intervals, and progression in a manner that’s methodical, scientific, and directed. They craft and oversee a workout plan designed to achieve specific physical objectives. Personal trainers are more task-oriented, working with you to improve strength, flexibility, endurance, or performance in targeted fitness areas.
Personal trainers meet individually with clients to work on their exercise program. This includes movement assessments. This helps the trainer choose appropriate exercises for each client based on their
strengths and weaknesses, body posture and potential muscle imbalances, and body composition. After assessing the client, the trainer will then design a workout program that is safe and effective for the client’s needs and deliver that instruction during a personal training session.
OK, SO WHAT IS A FITNESS INSTRUCTOR?
The main difference between a personal trainer or fitness coach and a fitness instructor (or gym instructor) is that a fitness instructor typically delivers their training services to clients in a group setting, rather than one-on-one. Instructors are in gyms to help members by offering tips or advice. They also might give new members a tour of the gym, show members how to use gym machines, and lead group exercise classes like indoor cycling, aerobics, yoga, dance, and so on.
There are a few things to consider when looking for a fitness coach or personal trainer, including, compatibility in coaching style and personal connection, credentials and certifications, and experience in or knowledge of varied workout formats (strength training, group training classes, functional training, running, etc.) Make sure to discuss your fitness goals and expectations before committing to a training program.
The cost of a fitness coach can vary greatly based on certifications, experience, and services provided. Coaching is often packaged as a monthly or weekly service and can start at around $100 per month. Personal training is often billed on a per-session basis. Like fitness coaching, the cost varies based on certifications, experience, and services provided. One can expect to pay between $1 and $3 per minute for personal training.
While both professionals have their specialized niches, there are certainly differences between a fitness coach versus a personal trainer. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s becoming increasingly common to opt for coaching that provides support both in and out of the gym. Choose what resonates with you, but most importantly, remember that investing in a trainer or coach is an investment in your well-being. Learning how to make exercise a part of your lifestyle can help you look and feel good in ways that are sustaining and fulfilling.
Whether you’re new to exercising or ready to change up your fitness routine, Anytime Fitness is here to provide you with personalized coaching and support inside and outside the gym. A new membership includes a FREE 1-hour session with an AF Coach to get you started on the right foot.
EVER WANTED TO LEARN TO SURF?
Head downtown and experience the allnew GoodSurf, The patented Citywave technology perfect for beginners and experts in surfing. You have seen the surf waves on cruise ships, but nothing quite like this new health and fitness complex right here in downtown Dallas, featuring surfing, pickleball, shuffleboard, board games, dinein restaurant with a huge outdoor patio, cabanas, DJs an all-around great Dallas skyline sunset happy hour view to boot.
Surfing sessions can be booked on their website for up to two weeks in advance. Pricing varies between peak and non-peak hours per person. Customers may also walk in to surf, so if you see a session is booked up, come by anyway. Just show up and be ready to ride the waves, as Good Surf provides all your surfing essentials, including a wetsuit, rashguard, and locker room facility, which includes showers with soap/shampoo/conditioner, vanities, hair dryers, and more. Come as you are; they have got you covered.
Surfing sessions last 30 minutes each with a max of seven participants at one time. In between sessions, the world-class surfer instructors put on a great show riding
the waves showing off their superior surfing skills. Surfing in the Dallas fall and winter?—you bet ya!! The water is temperature-controlled year-round. Good Surf maintains the water consistently and makes it comfortable throughout the year. Good Surf provides wetsuits that will help keep surfers warm in the winter.
Guests are suggested to arrive 30 minutes before your first session to ensure you have suited up correctly and get all the tips and tricks to help you have a fantastic time. Everyone will be surf-ready ten minutes before your session starts. Unfortunately, the sessions will begin with or without you, so arrive early! As an extra precaution, surfers must be at least 8 years old and weigh at least 70 pounds. All of the wave attendants and instructors are trained in first aid and CPR.
For those just wishing to watch and grab a good meal or a cold refreshment, Good Surf has plenty of seating around the surfing area to enjoy surfers riding the waves, including cabanas perfect for small group hangouts and team building adjacent to the surf pool. The huge big-screen TV at the top of the surf pool always has great sporting events,
and on many nights cool house music is provided by local DJs which can be heard throughout the entire outdoor complex.
Once you are done with the waves, shower up and get your pickleball game into shape. Good Surf has eight brand-new pickleball courts, with downtown views. Other outdoor activities at the complex include shuffleboard and yard games for individuals and groups to have a great time. Pickleball courts can be reserved online at www. goodsurf.co. Pickleball pricing is based on peak/non-peak hours there. All other activities are first come, first serve.
After you and your group have worked up an appetite, stay for lunch or dinner at the GoodSurf Restaurant. From traditional favorites with a Goodsurf spin to unique classics like a loco moco and chicken waffle cones, our food is cooked from scratch using good fats (beef tallow and butter). We have a number of kids’ items, desserts, gluten-free options, and vegetarian/vegan options that will delight all taste buds.
Good Surf is located at 317 South 2nd Avenue, Dallas, TX 75226. For more information call 214-550-0256 or visit www.goodsurf.co
THE POWER OF MINDFULNESS IN YOUR FITNESS ROUTINE
Mindfulness is gaining attention in the wellness world, not just as a mental health tool, but as an integral part of physical fitness. Incorporating mindfulness into your exercise routine can transform how you approach health, offering benefits that extend beyond the physical to include mental and emotional balance. This holistic approach to fitness is becoming increasingly popular as people seek ways to manage stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being.
THE BENEFITS OF MINDFUL MOVEMENT
Mindfulness in exercise involves being fully present during your workout, paying close
attention to your body, breath, and mind. This practice leads to a deeper connection with your body, helping you recognize its limits and encouraging a more compassionate approach to fitness. Whether you’re lifting weights, engaging in cardio, or practicing methodologies like yoga, Pilates, or barre, mindfulness can enhance the effectiveness of your workout and reduce the risk of injury. One of the key benefits of mindful movement is stress reduction. By focusing on your breath and being present in the moment, you can calm your nervous system and decrease stress hormone levels like cortisol. This can leave you feeling more relaxed and centered, both during and after your workout. Mindful exercise can also improve mental clarity. Engaging fully in your workout makes you less likely to be distracted by external thoughts or worries, leading to a more efficient and effective workout and a greater sense of accomplishment.
INCORPORATING MINDFULNESS INTO YOUR ROUTINE
Incorporating mindfulness into your fitness routine doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your current habits. Start by paying attention to your breath as you move. Try to sync your breath with your movements, allowing your inhales and exhales to guide the pace of your workout. This can help you stay focused and present, reducing the likelihood of overexertion or injury.
Another way to practice mindfulness is by listening to your body’s signals. If you feel pain or fatigue, take a moment to assess what your body needs. This might mean adjusting your form, slowing down, or taking a break. Over time, this mindful approach can help you build a more sustainable and enjoyable fitness routine.
Mindfulness is not just about being present during your workout—it’s about cultivating a positive attitude towards yourself. By practicing mindfulness in your fitness routine, you can develop greater self-awareness, improve your relationship with your body, and achieve a more balanced approach to health. This approach aligns with the philosophy of programs like barre3, which emphasizes mindfulness in movement. With locations in Coppell, Dallas, Frisco, Plano, and Richardson, barre3 integrates breathwork, self-awareness, and compassion into every workout, helping you create a fitness routine that supports both your physical health and your mental and emotional well-being. Plus, we offer your first class free, giving you the perfect opportunity to experience the benefits of mindful movement firsthand.
For more information and addresses of all DFW barre3 locations, visit: online.barre3.com/studio-locations/frisco
Hey Sister, I’m talking to you. My Generation Xers. Known for our feisty spunk and tenacity, work ethic, and ability to do all the things. We, as women of this generation, are facing a conundrum that no other generation in history has ever encountered. Somehow our culture has created a narrative that we are ageless. 50 is the new 30. And I have to say, I am NOT here for it.
Over the past three decades, women have evolved at blistering speed. Not only are we still badass nurturers, but we are now taking control of our bodies and our minds in healthier ways than ever before. We are heads of households, executives, and entrepreneurs, raising young adults and becoming parents to our own parents as the tide changes and Father Time takes its toll. Our plates are overflowing as we consider what the back half of life should look like.
I counsel women in this phase of life, my phase of life, and it is some of my absolute favorite work. To look across our cozy counseling office and quietly ask someone a simple question, “What do you want for yourself?” Such a simple question yet so entirely complex when the focus has been solidly on doing all the things for everyone else. It’s like accidentally opening your camera phone in selfie mode. Rarely has the camera turned to face us when we don’t recoil in horror.
What do you want for yourself? That question is always met with silence at first. And then typically followed by “I don’t know” accompanied by either tears or laughter. You know what has never been said as an answer to
that in my office? “Botox, lip injections and a butt lift.” Why? Because if we’re being honest, no one wants those things for themselves. They want those things for others to approve of them. It becomes a cycle of never-ending addiction to committing to procedures to desperately cling to the notion that youth is forever. Med spas have become as ubiquitous as nail salons. This is not where we are going to find our joy, our true self, or our purpose in our 50s and beyond.
It is a fun flirty flex to realize that this is not our Momma’s version of 50, but what if we started to reject the ageless idea and leaned more into true beauty? Do you know why we are beautiful in our 40’s and 50’s? Because we are strong and courageous. We’ve come through hard times that have shaped us into knowing we have worth far beyond the surface of our skin. Our beauty runs deep in our knowledge of the world. Our wisdom comes from knowing that both success and failure are powerful teachers, having experienced both profoundly in our lifetimes. Our bodies and fine lines bear the marks of warriors who have created life and experienced the joys and sorrows of watching it all unfold. THAT. That is our beauty.
So now what? As the time nears that our parents are no longer here and our children will be embarking on their own lives, now what? A completely foreign landscape of freedom to choose what you want for yourself. For some, it feels like a new exciting adventure. For many, a terrifying and unfamiliar place they are not sure they want to be. I came here to say – it’s time to get excited about the possibilities.
Reject the idea that it has to look or feel a certain way. It can look like YOU want it to. A blank canvas waiting for color that brings joy and peace to your heart. Time to explore hobbies or passions that have been silent for too long. Time to reconnect with friends and partners and explore the world. Time to let things go, hold boundaries, and accept only what enhances your life.
Some embrace this notion with gusto and are ready to cliff jump right into the middle of Act Two. But for a lot of women, this is a paralyzing transition that is met with anxiety, deep grief, and sometimes even depression. Who am I if not serving the needs of others? When wrapped up in caring for others has become your identity, the loss of that leaves a tremendous void and feeling of isolation.
If you are setting up your tent in the second camp, counseling can help you feel confident to explore yourself. Having a safe space to say things out loud that you would never admit anywhere else is a pretty amazing experience. Having someone you trust to hold a light to the path as you decide where to step is less scary and more empowering. I often use expressive art with my clients as they explore the depths of themselves because art helps the subconscious have a voice. Your voice. And the only person who needs to give you permission to use it is you.
Lori Kennedy is the Owner of Expressions Play Therapy and Family Counseling in Plano, TX. For a consultation, contact Lori Kennedy at 469-850-2712.
Hi, I’m Whitney! A registered dietitian-nutritionist (a dietitian, RD, and RDN!) and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) focused on the improvement of metabolism, gut health, and blood sugar through high-touch functional nutrition programs.
My virtual practice, Whitness Nutrition, takes a functional approach to nutritional counseling for individuals ready to radically improve their health through; empowered education, simplified implementation, and high-touch virtual accountability. I support individuals who want to lose fat/gain health without calorie counting & fad diet BS utilizing my proven #bloodsugarbliss protocol that focuses on a real food, first, approach.
I’ve been voted best Dallas Dietitian since 2019 and featured in media segments for ABC, Real
Simple, NBC & Business Insider. Over the past 7 years, I have supported over 3,000 individuals on their journey to optimal, sustainable health change.
Whitness Nutrition focuses on real-food-rooted nutrition with an emphasis on balance, diversity & evidence-based empowerment. But, I won’t ever condemn your love of chocolate milkshakes or Sunday morning donuts; we can make all foods work. Whitness Nutrition incorporates both intuitive eating and functional nutrition in virtual 1:1 sessions with patients. Education always comes first; we cover the basic principles of intuitive eating to move away from labeling foods as “good” and “bad”.
• I address nutritional deficiencies and their root cause, by taking a deep dive into “feeling better”.
• I avoid overarching recommendations like “lose weight” and, “be healthy”.
• I create strategic action-based interventions to improve energy, mood, fatigue, insulin resistance, and hormonal imbalances.
All guidance is rooted in my commitment to ongoing nutrition education and research; Whitness Nutrition focuses on evidencebased research, backed by boardcertified licensure and national accreditation.
When I’m not at work (which, as a type A, Enneagram 3, is often), you’ll find me spending time with my son, mini Aussie, and husband. And, as much time as possible outside in my hometown sandwiched between Seattle and the Canadian border. I prioritize rest and as much as I used to appreciate the hustle culture, I now appreciate making dinner with my family every night and turning my phone completely off.
Whitney is a leading source in the DFW area for nutrition health blogs and educational articles on her website, www.whitnessnutrition.com. Visit her website for more information and to book a discovery call with the #1 DFW Dallas RD, RDN, dietitian, and diabetes educator offering virtual appointments for nutrition counseling on diabetes, blood sugar, weight loss, balanced energy, and meals.
Fuel your body, recover faster, and elevate your wellness with the latest in DFW Health + Fitness essentials.
In this October DFW Health + Fitness Products Showcase, we explore the latest innovations designed to boost your energy, recovery, and overall well-being. From UCAN’s sugar-free, long-lasting energy powders to Pickle Juice’s electrolyte-packed, cramp-stopping formula, these products will help you power through your toughest workouts. Biofreeze offers trusted relief for sore muscles and joints, while Beam Dream’s sleep powder ensures a restful night without the grogginess. And for a guiltfree treat, Magic Spoon introduces protein-rich, lowcarb cereals to satisfy your cravings. Discover how these products can enhance your health journey today!
For over 30 years, Biofreeze has been a trusted brand that provides cooling relief for sore muscles and joints, simple backaches, arthritis, sprains, strains, and bruises so you can get back to your best. Biofreeze is the #1 clinicianrecommended menthol topical pain relief brand. Pain happens when your receptors send a signal from your spine to your brain. Cold sensations, like menthol, stimulate receptors to block those signals to relieve pain. The fast-acting, menthol-based formula of Biofreeze provides you with powerful pain relief when directly applied to the skin. Biofreeze also comes as a patch for up to eight hours of consistent relief. The BioFreeze strips come in a comfortable and flexible fabric and are also sold in spray and crème applications.
Visit www.biofreeze.com to order online.
One scoop. 90 minutes of energy. Zero sugar. Ucan’s flagship workout fuel delivers sustained energy with no spike and crash, so you can finish as strong as you started. Powder packets are available in Tropical Orange, Cran Raz flavors as well as unflavored. Energy Tubs can also be purchased in Tropical Orange, Cocoa Delite, and unflavored. Ucan also offers energy gels delivering longlasting energy and a silky fruit smoothie experience that’s easy on the stomach, with zero water chasers. UCan Energy bar starter packs and hydrate starter packs are also available.
Visit www.ucan.co for more product information.
USDA Organic 100% All-Natural Functional Beverages, scientifically proven to stop muscle cramps. Pickle Juice has 10x-15x the electrolytes of common sports drinks, zero calories, zero sugar, and a proprietary blend of vitamins and minerals. It really tastes like pickle!! Pickle Juice is served in individual shots, eight-ounce bottles, one-liter bottles, and even 1-gallon jugs, and is produced in regular and extra-strength varieties. The juice is sugar-free, caffeine free, GMO free, gluten free and is noncarbonate, and is only 15 calories. The Pickle Juice store can be found in Mesquite, TX and select Walmart, Tom Thumb, and Academy stores and at various other running and cycle shops throughout the DFW Metroplex.
Visit www.picklepower.com for location addresses and to order online.
Meet Dream, clinically proven to improve sleep for 93% of users. Beam Dream comes in individual powder packets with a Night-time blend for better sleep. It’s sugar-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, and dairy-free, available in 18 flavors. Dream’s natural ingredients support all four sleep stages. Nano Hemp (or Apigenin in the hemp-free version) promotes relaxation, L-Theanine aids deep sleep, and Reishi and Melatonin enhance REM sleep. Just blend 1 scoop with hot water or milk, and sip 30-45 minutes before bed. Try it today to elevate your sleep quality!
Visit www.shopbeam.com for more product information.
MAGICSPOON.COM
Welcome to MagicSpoon, launched in August! The average American eats 100 bowls of cereal a year, but most options are loaded with grains and sugar. MagicSpoon reimagines classic Saturday morning cereal with a modern, guilt-free twist. Each bowl delivers 12-14 grams of protein, is keto-friendly, and has only 4-5 grams of net carbs. For a snack on the go, try their highprotein cereal bars with 1112g of protein, 1g of added sugars, and no artificial ingredients. Flavors include Fruity, Peanut Butter, Cocoa, Cinnamon Roll, Frosted, Blueberry Muffin, Maple Waffle, and Birthday Cake.
Visit magicspoon.com for more product information.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A PERSONAL TRAINER?
I’ve been a certified personal trainer for six years. I opened the Anytime Fitness McKinney franchise in December 2018 with my business partner, Mike Kovach. Additionally, I’m a corrective exercise specialist, working with physical therapy patients who need continued support with muscle imbalances that can cause joint pain and flexibility issues.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE AN ANYTIME FITNESS FRANCHISE?
Mike and I were already members of Anytime Fitness and appreciated their structure and operational model. The nationwide access and 24/7 availability of Anytime Fitness gyms really appealed to us, as it allows us and our members to maintain fitness goals no matter where we are.
WHY CHOOSE KODY AS A PERSONAL TRAINER AT ANYTIME FITNESS MCKINNEY?
What sets us apart is our commitment to supporting our members beyond the gym. We’re actively involved in local community events, such as company functions, little league teams, and PTAs. Additionally, we leverage the Anytime Fitness app to prescribe workouts, provide health advice, and stay connected with our members, ensuring they have resources and support even when they’re traveling or at home.
WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO SOMEONE TRYING A PERSONAL TRAINER FOR THE FIRST TIME?
Start with realistic expectations and ease into your program. It’s important to set achievable goals, stay consistent, and focus on steady improvement rather than quick
results. Consistency and patience are key to long-term success.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN IN THE COMMUNITY OUTSIDE OF THE GYM?
I’m passionate about working on cars and restoring houses and have started really getting into Pickleball lately. These activities help me unwind and bring a lot of joy to my life.
By Chase Tidwell
THE WORLD’S MOST FIT ATHLETES
BRING THE WORLD’S MOST FIT ATHLETES TO
rossFit recently brought its annual International CrossFit Games to Dickie’s Arena in Ft. Worth, as extreme fitness athletes from across the globe gathered for four days in August to be crowned the World’s Most Fit Men, Women, and Team in the world. This was the first year that Ft. Worth hosted this event, bringing thousands of the world’s most extreme and elite athletes and fitness enthusiasts to Cowtown.
The CrossFit Games are the ultimate proving grounds for the Fittest Man and Fittest Woman on Earth™ and are world-renowned as the definitive test of fitness. For the past 16 years, fans from around the world have attended the multi-day sporting event, streamed the competition online, or watched
on ESPN, CBS, or a wide range of international broadcasts. The international field of play has included athletes from over 120 countries.
Athletes from around the world are tested against a variety of unannounced events, each with different movements, equipment, and time domains. Competitors are required to train for the unknown, and the scores of events have included distance swims, obstacle courses, 1-rep-max lifts, handstand walking, sled pushes, rope climbs, and odd-object carries.
Male and female participants at the 2024 CrossFit Games compete in 10 different events in an all-around competition where players accumulate points in each event based on
how they finish each event. The ten events that participants partake in throughout the four days of competition include an 800-meter swim on Day One.
Day Two events include a deadlift and rope climbing event called the Midline Climb, which includes a combination of deadlifts, rope climbs, ski ergs, and sit-ups. After the Midline event, participants then rest up and gather for the third event called the Firestorm, which includes echo bikes and burpees over a barricade. If that wasn’t enough, the final event of Day Two is Track and Field, consisting of a series of obstacles including a 1,600-meter run, 50-yard sprint, 50-yard bag carry, 75-yard sprint, 75-yard bag carry, and a 100-yard event.
As the event headed into the weekend, contestants on Day Three had to race through three more obstacle events, which included a 1,000 step-up competition called the “Chad”, with a time period of 67 minutes to complete the required step-ups as event judges counted the step-ups of each contestant. Event Six in the competition was a weightlifting and deadlifting event. Day Three events concluded with the CrossFit “Push Pull 2.0” obstacle competition, which includes 45 handstand push-ups, an 80-foot sled pull, more strict handstand push-ups, an 80-foot sled pull seated from a platform, and 15 freestanding handstand push-ups.
The final day of competition brings back approximately 30 males, females, and teams
who have jockeyed for position as the final three events culminated on Sunday afternoon. The Men’s competition was wide opening entering the final day of the competition, while on the Women’s side, the entire women’s field were chasing a six-time CrossFit Games G.O.A.T of the games, Tia Clair Toomey, from Great Britain.
Toomey is a six-time consecutive CrossFit Games Winner from 2017 to 2022. She took a break from the competition in 2023 after having her first baby. Toomey returned to the 2024 CrossFit Games in glorious fashion, leading from event one all the way through the final event of Sunday afternoon, running away with the title of the 2024 Most Fit Woman in the world, her seventh CrossFit
Games Championship title, and the first contestant that has ever won the CrossFit games after having a baby.
“I think this definitely the best one yet,” said Toomey, referencing her last eight years of competition. “I’ve always had a really strong support network, but this year we had to really rely on family to make sure Willow (Toomey’s daughter) had everything she needed during training. If anyone is ever wondering if their goals are achievable or not, just put yourself out there and give it a go.”
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The top 10 men then battled it out in the final round, an intense and exhilarating obstacle course known as the “Final 1815”. The event started with 18 thrusters, followed by 18 bar muscle-ups, and an 80-yard yoke carry of 525 pounds carried on the contestant’s shoulders and back. After the grueling 80 yards of yoke carry, contestants had to complete 15 more bar muscle-ups, and then 15 final thrusters before literally collapsing to the finish line in which they had seven minutes to complete from start to finish.
The Men’s competition came down to the very end of the final obstacle, as the leader heading into the final obstacle faded down the stretch. The crowd at the Dickies Arena all stood cheering for their favorites all the way to the very end of the obstacle. In the
end, one of the youngest Americans in the competition, James Sprague, at the age of 22 and only in his second CrossFit Games, was victorious, falling to the finish line in glory. Sprague entered the final two events in fourth place, and turned up the heat in the end, surpassing three contestants to take the crown as the World’s Most Fit Man.
“To be able to carry through so much adversity and to come out here and prove that it doesn’t matter what hits me mentally or physically, I know my spiritual strength is going to carry me through any challenge.” said Sprague.
It’s a tremendous accomplishment to even make it to the finals of the CrossFit Games. Over 10,600 local CrossFit gyms across the globe prepare and train the best of the best of these athletes to qualify online in the CrossFit
“Online Open” round of competition, beginning in February. Contestants who qualify in the Online Open Round then compete in the Online Quarterfinals in April, followed by in-person Semifinal Rounds in May where the top individuals, teams, adaptive, and age-group athletes vie for a spot at the games. The best of the best in the world then gather for the Finals at the annual CrossFit Games to compete in the Men’s, Women’s, and Team divisions.
The CrossFit brand and its annual games continue to grow in popularity every year, resulting in nationwide coverage of the Finals by ESPN that were held in Fort Worth for the very first time. The event is much more than the competition itself. Health and Fitness enthusiasts brought a huge economic boost to the city of Fort Worth over the four-day event. Festivities opened on Day One for
Dr. Riley Anderson helps you reconnect with your body’s innate ability to heal through gentle, individualized chiropractic care. No matter the stress or trauma, you can realign your nervous system and feel more balanced in life.
fans and enthusiasts of CrossFit, with opportunities for fans to join in the fun with spectator workout areas, and a Coaches Corner whereby CrossFit members could enhance their performance with a complimentary one-on-one, 10-minute movement tune-up led by CrossFit’s seminar staff. Health and fitness continuing education classes were also held the week leading up to the CrossFit Games, including classes for kids. CrossFit encourages youth participation in its mission and hosts a 14-17-year-old competition for teenagers as well at the even.
Spectators also had the opportunity to work out and experience the thrill of weightlifting alongside seasoned coaches and Olympic legends, such as Burgener Strength and Kendrick Farris. Some of the world’s best health and fitness brands sponsored the CrossFit Games, showing up in full force at the CrossFit Experience, where spectators interacted with over 45 CrossFit partners and health and fitness vendors.
The CrossFit Games culminated Sunday evening, memorializing the life of Lazar Dukic, a four-time CrossFit Games champion who tragically passed away earlier in the competition then transitioned into a ceremony to award the athletes of the 2024 CrossFit Games.
The DFW Metroplex has approximately 30 local affiliate gyms in Fort Worth and 80+ affiliates in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. If interested in joining a CrossFit gym, visit www.CrossFit.com and find the locations nearest you throughout the Metroplex.
By Chase Tidwell
WHAT IS RUCKING? Simply put, rucking is a form of physical exercise that involves walking or hiking with a loaded backpack or rucksack. It is a low-impact exercise based on military training workouts. Rucking is simply called hiking when done in the mountains and urban hiking when done in the city. The exercise was originally used by military personnel to transport their supplies and equipment between points.
Rucking counts as cardio. Rucking actually has an effect on your heart that’s comparable to jogging… without having to jog! Rucking also improves your all-around work capacity and endurance. It’s great for building an aerobic base or just getting your heart pumping.
GORUCK, a sponsor of the recent CrossFit Games held in Fort Worth, is making a splash in the DFW fitness scene. Four GORUCK
Challenge events were recently held in Dallas, TX last month. These challenges include team building fun organized by a Special Forces Cadre. Challenge teams of men and women stay with their class from start to finish, rucking in events from challenges lasting two to three hours, all the way up to 50-mile Ruck Challenge lengths. Participation can be either solo or in a team format. Joining a local GORUCK Club to train for these events in advance is highly encouraged and recommended before signing up to participate.
Local ruckers recently participated in four GORUCK Challenges, including the:
• 50 Mile (20-hour) GORUCK Challenge
• 26.2-mile (11-hour) GORUCK Challenge
• 12 Mile (XX-hour) GORUCK Challenge
• Horse Solder GORUCK Challenge, which is a 2-3 hour team “Friday Night Lights” themed team event. Teams are led by “Cadres”.
Over 145 GORUCK Challenges will be held across the country in major cities from August 2024 – March 2025.
For those who want to experience and join a GORUCK Club, the DFW area has 11 GORUCK Clubs to join and participate in their weekly activities. Dallas has two clubs, with the largest club being the DFW Rucking Crew, led by Doug Stryker. This particular DFW Rucking club meets weekly on Tuesdays and has over 1,300 total members, of which approximately 20 to 30 meet regularly at 6:30 pm on the Katy Trail. The group also has ruck special events, such as a Brew Ruck, a Taco Tuesday Ruck, and an Ice Cream Ruck.
Additional GORUCK clubs are located in Forth Worth, Frisco, McKinney, Little Elm, Garland, Granbury, and Ellis. Clubs are a mix of both men and women. To join a club and to
see a list of upcoming GORUCK Challenges across America, visit GORUCK.com.
Women have been the strong links at GORUCK events since forever. These events are designed as a getaway weekend in vacation settings that allow you the opportunity to pamper yourself with good livin’, laughter, and meeting some of the most like-minded badass gals on the planet! San Diego was the host this year for the 2024 Bad Ass Babes nationwide event. The event is hosted yearly in cities across America. This challenge is not for everyone but it can be for anyone who wants to push past their comfort zone and work as a team. You need to train hard with a rucksack and a sandbag prior to showing up. The weight will be heavy, the distance will be long, and there is no way to get through this without the people to your left and the people to your right. Strangers
at the beginning are a team by the end. This is a life-changing event, a rite of passage where you will learn about yourself. You’ll learn about leadership and teamwork and you get to take that back with you to your daily life. Women’s GORUCK also has a tactical training course meant to prepare you for anything and sharpen the best tool you have: your mind. GORUCK cadres have honed their skills by instructing hundreds of thousands of students in both training and war. But this training is not about them, it’s about and for people of ALL ABILITIES who want to become more capable, competent, and confident. The knowledge you gain makes you a hard target.
Once you have honed your rucking skills, you and your club members can participate in the GORUCK Games, which is a rucking, plus OCR, plus Functional Fitness Special
Forces competition, testing athletes across a broad array of activities to ensure wellrounded strength, agility, and endurance. The GORUCK Games harkens back to those roots in a 2-Day competition of grit that features an obstacle course, rucking, weighted challenges, running, sprinting, jumping, rowing, and sandbag work. This type of competition has not been done anywhere else.
Other challenges on GORUCK’s events page are Ambush Response, Basic Pistol, Counter Active Shooter Pistol Night, Basic Challenge events for first timers (4-5 hours), The Tough Challenge (12 hour+ rucking), the Heavy Challenge (a 24-hour long and 40+ mile event), and the grueling 50 Miler Ruck, which Dallas hosted recently downtown.
Begin their journey toward confidence, discipline, and personal growth.
At Professional Black Belt Academy in McKinney, Texas, we help children thrive through martial arts, building physical fitness, self-defense skills, and life-enhancing values. Our supportive community is designed to empower your child, both on and off the mat.
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For the most advanced ruckers in the world, GORUCK hosts the SELECTION, a 48+ hour individual event dubbed the toughest endurance event in the world. Cadre will enforce a standard adopted from our roots in Special Forces Assessment and Selection. Those participants who do not meet the standard at any point will be performance dropped at GORUCK’s discretion. It’s the world’s toughest endurance test, challenging over 40 civilian’s physical and mental limits. View the inspirational SELECTION promo video by clicking on the GORUCK Events tab and clicking on GORUCK SELECTION.
Kids have always been an important part of our GORUCK community - not as bystanders, but as kids who ruck alongside their families. Kids who like and need to lift heavy things. Kids who are looking to be of service to their community. In 2021, GORUCK introduced Tribe Kids designed to encourage children to enjoy the GORUCK way of life: get outside, sweat with your friends and family to stay fit, and find a way to serve something greater than yourself.
Tribe Kids members complete a workout (with video demonstration) and earn a monthly patch - delivered to your real-world mailbox every month. Tribe Kids also offers ageappropriate books that talk about the monthly theme. Each month there’s a book for kids 8 and under and another for kids 8-12. The monthly programming is designed by educators and parents who understand physical development, as well as social and emotional growth. Keeping workouts fun, and giving children minimal loads in their ruck that is age and developmentally appropriate is of the utmost importance.
GORUCK has a specialty line of clothing, gear, active footwear, and backpack apparel perfect for beginner and advanced ruckers alike. GORUCK has teamed up with world-class bowhunter, Cameron Hanes, to put together a collection of gear to help you train for any goal you want to achieve in life.
“I am a hunting athlete. I am trying to find the perfect storm for me, between insane endurance and being loaded with useful muscle mass that still allows me to get around the mountains athletically all the while having strength and muscle ready for the call to action,” said Hanes. “Using GORUCK products to ruck up the hill is my go-to training tool to sharpen my skills.”
GORUCK is proud to also offer the BUILT BY SCARS collection of ruck bags and gear. Check out all the rucking gear, as well as a complete line of active footwear and CrossFit shoes at GORUCK.com.
SEPTEMBER 27TH - OCTOBER 20: THE 2024 STATE FAIR OF TEXAS. This season’s most wellknown Dallas destination, The Texas State Fair, will feature a variety of health and wellness activities and resources. This includes health screenings, fitness demonstrations, and wellness workshops aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle. For more information, visit www.bigtex.com
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4TH: 10 AM – 1 PM CST: CENTERWELL NW DALLAS PRESENTS - MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS FAIR. Join us for our 1st Annual Mental Health Awareness Fair! Mental health is an important part of our overall well-being and aligns with our mission to make the lives of our seniors healthier and happier each day. The fair will feature various community partners and agencies that will provide wellness activities, resources, and education around mental health and wellness. CenterWell Senior Primary Care, 3701 West Northwest Highway #Suite 191 Dallas, TX 75220
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12TH: 9:30 AM - 11 PM CST: TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF BLACK FEMALE PHYSICIANS 2024 HEALTH FAIR & SCHOLARSHIP GALA. Come join us for a day filled with health screenings, educational workshops, and networking opportunities, culminating with an evening of live entertainment, food and more! Connect with fellow physicians, learn about the latest health trends, and support our scholarship fund for aspiring doctors. 2200 N Stemmons Fwy: 2200 North Stemmons Freeway Dallas, TX 75207
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25TH: ALLEN AMERICANS ICE HOCKEY OPENING NIGHT. Take the family and head to Allen for opening night and to cheer on your local DFW Ice Hockey Team, the Allen Americans. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.AllenAmericans.com
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27TH: NOON - 9 PM CST2ND ANNUAL PARTY IN THE PARK FOR AUTISM AWARENESS. The Sound: Come join us for the 2nd Annual Party in the Park for Autism Awareness at The Sound! Let’s come together to raise awareness and support for individuals with autism. Enjoy a fun-filled day with live music, food trucks, games, and activities for the whole family. Help us spread love and understanding for those affected by autism. See you there! The Sound: 3111 Olympus Boulevard Dallas, TX 75019
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29TH: 10 AM - 3 PM: VIRTUAL REALITY AND HEALTHCARE DEMO TOUR. Join us for an exciting event where we explore the incredible possibilities of virtual reality in healthcare! On October 29, we will be hosting a demo tour at the Center for BrainHealth at the University of TexasDallas. Immerse yourself in the world of virtual reality and witness firsthand how this cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing the healthcare industry. From surgical simulations to mental health therapies, virtual reality is transforming the way we approach healthcare. Center for BrainHealth at University of Texas-Dallas: 2200 West Mockingbird Lane Dallas, TX 75235
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND: 10 AM - 2 PM CST FOURTEENTH ANNUAL HEALTHY HARVEST FESTIVAL. Health and wellness expo with free health screenings, fitness challenges, cooking demonstrations, free flu shots, church challenge (largest group), free food and more! Baylor Scott & White Health and Wellness Center: 4500 Spring Avenue Dallas, TX 75210
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28TH: 7 AM - NOON CST. ANNUAL DALLAS TURKEY TROT. Downtown Dallas. For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit www.ymca.org/turkeytrot
DECEMBER 13TH-15TH: BMW DALLAS MARATHON WEEKEND. Join us for the 53rd Anniversary Weekend. For more information and a complete schedule of activities, visit www.dallasmarathon.com
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17TH: 2024 SCOOTER’S COFFEE FRISCO BOWL. The 2024 college bowl season returns to Frisco, Texas, as the Frisco Bowl will be played on Tuesday, December 17 at Toyota Stadium. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.thefriscobowl.com
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29TH: 10 AM-12 PM CST: THE FUNDAMENTALS OF MACRONUTRIENTS & THE POWER OF GUT HEALTH. Learn how to fuel your body with the right type of macronutrients and harness the power of gut health to thrive! 926 Middleton Avenue Grand Prairie, TX 75051
WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR CHANGES IN LOCATION, DATE, OR TIME. PLEASE ENSURE YOU VERIFY EVENT DETAILS IN ADVANCE. SUBMIT AN EVENT FOR CONSIDERATION, CONTACT US AT: CHASE@ DFWHEALTHANDFITNESS.COM. PLEASE NOTE THAT SUBMISSION DOES NOT GUARANTEE PLACEMENT.
F
or over 30 years, the Heart of Texas IFBB Pro League/NPC Championships competition has been one of the most anticipated and celebrated events in the Texas bodybuilding scene.
Organized and hosted by Texas NPC Promoter of the Year Prince Harrison, the competition has carved a legacy of its own, symbolizing passion, hard work, and the celebration of human potential. Harrison’s unwavering dedication to the sport and its athletes has transformed the Heart of Texas into more than just a contest — it’s a tribute to the art and science of bodybuilding.
One of the reasons the Heart of Texas has maintained its prominence is the elegance and sparkle displayed by every competitor on stage. From the moment they step under the spotlight, each participant embodies grace, power, and discipline. Whether it’s the sculpted physiques or the impeccable presentation, the athletes
captivate the audience with their physical artistry. The dazzling show of muscle definition, combined with the competitors’ poise and confidence, creates an electric atmosphere at this event.
Beyond the aesthetics, it’s the shape and tone of the athletes that draw the crowd. Harrison’s Heart of Texas emphasizes not just bulk and strength, but also balance, symmetry, and proportion. The careful attention to detail that each competitor puts into their training is apparent in their welldefined bodies and positively focused mental state. It is this precision that sets the competition apart, turning the stage into a canvas where bodybuilding is celebrated as both sport and art.
However, what truly makes the Heart of Texas IFBB Pro League and NPC (amateur) Championships special, is the excitement that radiates from each competitor. The athletes aren’t just showcasing their physical strength;
they are sharing their passion and commitment to the sport with friends and family in the crowd rooting them on! The atmosphere is charged with energy as competitors push their limits, aiming to stand out in front of the judges and audience. This excitement is contagious, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone in attendance.
Prince Harrison’s vision for the Heart of Texas has always been about more than trophies and titles. It’s a platform where athletes can showcase their best, where the spirit of competition meets the beauty of the human form. Harrison’s continuous dedication over three decades ensures that this competition remains a cornerstone of Texas bodybuilding, celebrating both the athletes and the sport itself.
To contact Optimum Fitness owner Prince Harrison for contest information and coaching, check his website www.optimumfitness.com or call 214-674-6239.
Thursday January 23, 2025 6-8 pm Times Ten Cellars
Join us at Times Ten Cellars in Lakewood as we celebrate the inaugural issue of DFW Health and Fitness Magazine. connect with health and fitness business owners throughout the DFW Metroplex.
Times Ten Cellars is a proud partner of DFW Health and Fitness Magazine and our entire DFW Health and Fitness Community.
Come network, learn, grow & celebrate the DFW Health and Fitness Magazine Launch Party at Times Ten Cellars! January 23, 2025 | 6-8 PM | Dallas, TX