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It’s not your genetics, your age, your job, your family, or your schedule holding you back. It’s your mindset. We all have the same 24 hours in a day. What separates those who reach their health and fitness goals from those who don’t is how they choose to use that time. Yes, we all have work, family, and countless obligations, I get that. But if you look closely, you’ll find you have far more time than you tell yourself to go after what matters. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the highest performers during my time in the military, at the firehouse, and here at Axis Strength Training. What I noticed wasn’t that they had fewer demands on their time. Often, they were busier than everyone else. The difference was simple: they made the decision to make it happen. They didn’t wait for the perfect conditions. They didn’t hope someone would do it for them. They didn’t blame their families, their bosses, or life’s circumstances. They showed up—especially when it was hard. When life got stressful, they still went to the gym. When it was cold and raining, they still went for that run. When they had to shuttle kids to practice, they still found time to train. Whatever it is you keep putting off, do it. Find a way. If one person can overcome obstacles, so can you. You are not a special snowflake with uniquely insurmountable challenges. We all face adversity. Those who rise above are the ones who consistently choose action over excuses. It all comes down to mindset. Are you going to let your thoughts tell you, “I had a rough day; I should take it easy,” or will you acknowledge the struggle, pull yourself together, and do what needs to be done anyway? That moment is a choice. High performers choose to show up tired. Others choose to believe the story in their heads that they need to wait until it feels easier. That’s the real difference. Those small decisions, made day after day, compound over time into either more wins or more losses. The choice is always yours. Every time you cave in to excuses, you move backward. Every time you take action despite discomfort, you move forward. Those small daily decisions will define your outcome. Which will you choose?

Man, it’s everything. Mindset can literally determine the path of your life. If you refuse to take action because you’re scared, you stay stuck exactly where you are. On the other hand, when you take action—even when you’re scared—you learn, you grow, and you build a more fulfilling life. It all comes down to acting. It’s not that the person who stepped forward wasn’t afraid. They were probably just as scared as the one who didn’t move at all. The difference? They did it anyway. They did it scared. There is so much power in doing it scared. It builds you. It builds your confidence and creates momentum. Each time you act in spite of fear, you gain a little more belief in yourself. That makes it easier to do the next thing scared, and the next after that. Before you know it, you’re stacking win after win and creating a life you’re proud of. But if you let fear run the show, you stay stuck. You never improve or move closer to your goals. It’s easy to point fingers and blame your circumstances or other people, but the truth is, it’s on you. No one else. You are responsible for your actions. You are responsible for your failures. You are responsible for your wins. You must take ownership. Until you take ownership over every aspect of your life, you will remain stuck. The victim mentality keeps you exactly where you are. It hands you the perfect excuse to avoid change. If you’re happy with where you are, fine. Stay there. But if you want to grow—if you want to improve in any area of your life—take ownership of where you are today. Take action to change, even if it scares you. You can do it. But you have to act. Act in spite of fear.

Is the workout too difficult—or is it just in your head? Are you really too tired—or is it just in your head? Are you not feeling well—or is it just in your head? These are important questions to ask yourself—and to answer honestly. I had to ask myself those very questions this morning. I didn’t want to go to the gym. I didn't sleep well and told myself I was too tired. Then I tried convincing myself I wasn’t feeling well. It would’ve been easy to believe it and stay home—but I didn’t. I made myself get up and go. As I started warming up, the voice in my head whispered, “You didn’t eat enough to train today.” Once the workout began, it told me, “You should scale back. Just do fewer reps.” I almost listened. I almost gave in. But instead, I told myself, “Just get through this round. If it’s still rough, we can scale the next one.” Then the next round came. I told myself again, “Push through this one. You can ease up on the next.” By round three, something had changed. I felt better. Stronger. Focused. That voice in my head? It had been lying to me all morning. I finished the workout—every rep, every round—and felt better than I had all day. My heart, lungs, and muscles were on fire. Sweat was pouring down my face. And I felt amazing. After the gym, I went home, knocked out my daily run, push-ups and practiced shooting my bow. I was drenched in sweat, exhausted—but proud. I had done what I set out to do. This is how you win. You silence the voice in your head that tells you you're too tired, too weak, or not enough. That voice is a liar. It will lead you down a path of comfort and mediocrity. You are capable of so much more than you think. Sometimes, greatness starts with one simple decision: Don’t listen to the voice. Just go. Ignore the doubt in your head—and sometimes, the doubt from others. Put in the work. Do the hard things. And go do something great.

At Axis, our coaches design workouts with intention—each session is crafted to challenge and support your growth. But what happens if the day’s workout doesn’t quite match your current needs or abilities? Whether you’re working around an injury or feeling intimidated by the movements, it’s completely normal to need a few adjustments. The good news? Our coaches are excellent at helping you modify workouts to fit your goals and limitations. Still, some days the workout might simply feel too  difficult or advanced. When that happens, here are three strategies to help you confidently navigate a tough session: 1. Relax and Remove the Pressure First and foremost—don’t stress. You’re not expected to show up and perform at any specific level every single day. Some days, the win is simply showing up and moving for 30–60 minutes. That’s how you build consistency, discipline, and long-term habits. You’re making progress just by walking through the door. 2. Focus on One or Two Key Elements It’s easy to get overwhelmed when looking at an entire workout. Instead, pick one or two things to focus on. For example, if the workout includes strength movements and a run, decide that your goal is to maintain good form during the lifts and keep an upright posture while running. Narrowing your focus gives you a sense of control and keeps you from pushing too hard just to “get through it.” Over time, this approach will improve both your technique and confidence. 3. You Don’t Have to Go All-Out Every Time Not every workout needs to leave you flat on the floor. While pushing your limits can be satisfying on occasion, it’s not the only path to progress. In fact, many goals—like building strength, improving mobility, or staying consistent—benefit more from smart, intentional training than from max effort. Prioritize quality movement and sound technique over intensity, especially when you’re learning or adapting. Next time you face a workout that feels intimidating, remember: Relax. Focus. Train smart.   Just keep showing up, and train with intention.

If we want to grow—physically, mentally, and emotionally—we can't chase comfort. Growth lives on the other side of discomfort. We must deliberately seek out hard things: waking up early, hitting the gym, going for that long, punishing run. These challenges shape us. They forge resilience. They make us stronger. Too often, we fall into the trap of comfort, believing it’s the goal. But that mindset is backwards. Comfort breeds complacency. Complacency breeds weakness. Challenges, on the other hand, demand effort—and effort transforms us. When we adopt the mindset that life should be difficult, that difficulty is necessary for growth, we begin to look for opportunities to push ourselves. Each challenge becomes a chance to evolve. In today’s world, it’s easy to forget this truth. Modern life is packed with conveniences and comforts. Society tells us to “take it easy,” to avoid stress, to relax. Compared to life 1,000—or even 100—years ago, we live in extraordinary ease. We don’t have to hunt for food, build shelters by hand, or defend ourselves from threats. And while those are undeniably positive developments, they also mean we’ve lost touch with the hard work our bodies and minds were designed to do. Without challenges, we get soft—mentally, physically, spiritually. So now, we must choose difficulty . We must create opportunities to test ourselves. To sweat, to strain, to grow. This is how we stay sharp. This is how we live with purpose. Doing hard things isn’t about punishment—it’s about pursuit. Pursuit of your best self. Start small if you need to. Wake up early. Push yourself in your next workout. Set a goal that scares you. Then go chase it. Because one day, your future self will look back—and thank you for choosing the hard road. Do hard things. Live with strength.

Whether you're an experienced hunter or just starting out, one thing is certain: hunting can be physically demanding. Long hikes through rugged terrain, carrying gear, hauling your harvest, drawing a bow, or stabilizing a rifle—none of it is easy if you’re out of shape. That’s where a well-rounded gym routine comes in. At Axis Strength Training, we know that the off-season is the perfect time to build the strength, endurance, and mobility you’ll need in the field. Let’s break down why starting a strength and conditioning program now will pay off when hunting season rolls around. 1. Build Strength Where It Counts Bow Hunting:  Drawing a bow is a full-body movement. You’re not just using your arms—your shoulders, back, and core all play critical roles. A structured strength program that includes exercises like rows, face pulls, and shoulder presses will improve your draw stability and control, giving you better accuracy and reduced fatigue in the field. Rifle Hunting:  Carrying a rifle for hours, setting up for long-distance shots, and managing recoil all require muscular endurance. Strengthening your upper back, shoulders, and arms ensures you can stay ready and accurate without strain or shakiness. And let’s not forget leg strength . Whether you’re climbing hills or hiking through uneven terrain, strong quads, hamstrings, and calves will make the trek easier and safer. Weighted step-ups, lunges, and squats are essential. 2. Endurance = Better Tracking and Stamina Both bow and rifle hunting often involve long days on foot. If you're winded after a short walk, you'll be at a disadvantage. Incorporating cardiovascular training —whether through steady-state hikes with a weighted pack, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT)—builds the kind of endurance you need for extended stalks and tracking. We recommend mixing steady-state cardio  with interval training  to simulate the start-and-stop nature of stalking prey. 3. Injury Prevention and Longevity Hunting can be unpredictable—slips, falls, and sudden movements can strain joints and muscles. A consistent gym routine strengthens connective tissue, improves joint stability, and enhances overall balance. That’s your insurance policy for staying active and injury-free not just this season, but for many more to come. Additionally, mobility and flexibility work—like dynamic warm-ups and post-training stretching—are key to keeping your shoulders, hips, and knees moving pain-free. 4. Mental Grit and Focus Lifting weights and pushing through tough workouts build more than just muscle—they build mental toughness . That mental edge helps during early mornings, long sits in the cold, or when you're tracking for hours without a sighting. The discipline and resilience you gain in the gym directly transfer to your hunting mindset. 5. Carry Out With Confidence One of the most overlooked parts of hunting preparation? The pack-out . If you’re lucky enough to harvest a deer or bear, getting it out of the woods can be the hardest part. Training your posterior chain (glutes, hamstrings, and back) through exercises like deadlifts, farmer’s carries, and sled pushes prepares you for the heavy loads and uneven terrain you'll face. Your Off-Season Training Plan Starts Here At Axis Strength Training, we offer custom strength and conditioning programs that focus on functional fitness for real-world performance. Whether you’re prepping for archery season or a late fall rifle hunt, we’ll help you build the strength and conditioning you need for a strong, successful, and injury-free season. Start training today—hunt stronger tomorrow. Want help building your hunter’s strength plan? Click the link 👉 Contact | Axis Strength  to schedule a free consultation with one of our coaches. Let's get you field-ready before the first leaf falls. Jason Axis Strength Training

Coming back to the gym after a layoff can be tough—but it’s absolutely worth it. If you're not actively prioritizing your health and fitness, you're likely moving in the opposite direction. The truth is, staying inactive leads to further decline. So, if you've been out for a while, it's time to make your return. Yes, stepping back into the gym after an extended break can feel awkward. You might worry about people noticing your absence or cracking a few lighthearted jokes. But here’s the thing: if people noticed you were gone, that means you mattered—and your presence is missed. Embrace that brief discomfort, walk through the door, and focus on what really matters: rebuilding yourself. When you do come back, resist the urge to pick up exactly where you left off. That mindset is a fast track to burnout or injury—possibly leading to even more time away. Instead, shift your focus to re-establishing your routine. Prioritize consistency over intensity. Take the time to warm up thoroughly. Start with lighter weights, emphasize quality movement, and scale your workouts to match your current level of conditioning. Give yourself grace. You’re not starting over—you’re restarting, and that’s a powerful step forward. Understand that rebuilding takes time. Fitness is a lifelong journey, not a short-term sprint. No single workout will make or break your progress. What matters most is showing up, again and again, with intention and patience. So, this is your sign: come back. Reclaim your routine. Commit to showing up, and trust that the results will follow. Book your free "No Sweat" Intro today at axisstrengthtraining.com  and take the first step toward building a stronger, more consistent you.

At Axis Strength Training, we believe your future isn’t determined by motivation or willpower—it's shaped by your daily habits . Take a moment to think about your current routine. What actions are you repeating every day? Where are those actions taking you? Like it or not, your habits are leading you somewhere—so make sure it's a direction you're intentionally  choosing. Start with the Goal, Then Build the Path When you're setting a goal—whether it's getting stronger, losing weight, improving energy, or simply feeling better—ask yourself this question: "What does someone who has already reached this goal do every day?" If your goal is to be healthy and fit, then your daily actions should reflect the lifestyle of someone who already is: They eat mostly whole, nutritious foods. They drink plenty of water. They lift weights regularly. They get quality sleep. They move throughout the day—even outside the gym. Once you identify the habits that support your goal, start living them. One step at a time. Eventually, these habits become second nature, and progress becomes inevitable. Habits Over Hustle The truth is, you don’t have to obsess over your goals . When your habits align with where you want to go, you're already on the path. This approach works for more than just fitness. Want to improve your finances? Build habits like tracking expenses, saving a percentage of your income, and spending intentionally. Want stronger relationships? Create time to connect, communicate, and show up consistently. It’s not the big, flashy effort that gets results. It’s the small things you do every day —the meals you prep, the workouts you show up for, the mindset you practice. What Are You Doing Today? Your daily routine either supports your goals—or pulls you further from them. Don’t leave your future to chance. Start today  by asking: What am I doing today that will move me closer to where I want to be? Ready to build habits that lead to real, lasting results? Visit axisstrengthtraining.com  and book your free “No Sweat” Intro  today. Let’s take the first step—together.

At Axis Strength Training , we’ve been in this game a long time — and if there’s one truth we’ve learned after working with so many people, it’s this: change doesn’t come easy . You already know what  you want — to feel stronger, healthier, more confident. You want to feel good in your body and proud of what you’ve accomplished. But wanting isn’t enough. You need a push. You need accountability. You need someone to tell you the truth. Let me be that person for you. Here’s the truth: You need to stop waiting for the “right time” or blaming others for why you’re stuck. You need to stop comparing yourself to people on social media or listening to every random fitness influencer online. None of that moves the needle. What moves the needle? → Doing the work.  → Showing up, even when you don’t feel like it.  → Making the small, daily changes that compound over time. Yes, you need discipline. But more importantly, you need to develop the right mindset . This isn’t just about lifting weights or hitting PRs. This is about shifting how you think. You need to start believing that you can change — and that it’s going to take time, effort, and consistency. I’m here to push you, to challenge you, but also to support  you. I’ll be the friend who gently calls you out when you’re making excuses, but also the friend who celebrates your progress and reminds you of how far you’ve come. You can  do this. Start today. Not next Monday. Not after the holidays. Not “when life calms down.” Today. Start by committing to small, meaningful actions:  ✅ Get your workout in.  ✅ Prep one healthy meal.  ✅ Go to bed 30 minutes earlier.  ✅ Drink more water. These tiny wins build momentum — and over time, they transform you. Remember, at Axis Strength Training, we’re here to walk this path with you. We’re not just about training bodies; we’re about training minds. And your strongest muscle? Your mindset. Let’s build it together. Jason Axis Strength Training axisstrenghtraining.com

Strength training is no longer just for bodybuilders or athletes. Whether you're in your 20s or your 60s, adding strength training to your routine can transform your body, boost your mood, and enhance your overall health. Here are 10 compelling reasons why you should start strength training today: 1. Build Lean Muscle  Strength training helps increase lean muscle mass, which not only gives you a toned appearance but also boosts your metabolism, helping you burn more calories even at rest. 2. Increase Bone Density  As we age, bone density naturally decreases, increasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Strength training stimulates bone growth and helps maintain strong, healthy bones. 3. Boost Metabolism  Muscle tissue burns more calories than fat tissue. By building muscle, you increase your resting metabolic rate, making it easier to manage your weight and improve body composition. 4. Improve Joint Health  Strengthening the muscles around your joints provides better support and stability, reducing the risk of injuries and easing symptoms of arthritis. 5. Enhance Mental Health  Strength training has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. It releases endorphins, which improve mood and promote a sense of well-being. 6. Increase Strength and Endurance  Everyday tasks like carrying groceries, climbing stairs, or playing with your kids become easier as you improve your muscular strength and endurance. 7. Improve Balance and Coordination  By training your muscles and nervous system, strength workouts enhance balance, coordination, and agility, which are especially important as you age. 8. Better Blood Sugar Control  Strength training helps improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, making it an effective tool for managing or preventing type 2 diabetes. 9. Boost Confidence and Self-Esteem  Achieving strength goals and seeing physical progress can significantly boost your confidence, body image, and overall self-esteem. 10. Promote Longevity  Research shows that maintaining muscle mass and strength as you age is linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases and a longer, healthier life. If you would like expert guidance on the best way for you to start strength training book your free “No Sweat” Intro here: Contact | Axis Strength Strength training is a powerful tool for improving your physical and mental health. Remember to start slow, focus on proper form, and gradually increase intensity. Your future self will thank you!

At Axis Strength Training, we believe that success in the gym is not just about the workouts you do – it’s about the mindset you bring. Whether you’re lifting weights, doing conditioning, or focusing on recovery, your mental approach can make or break your progress. Today, we want to talk about how to get your mindset right for training and why taking a long-term approach to fitness is the key to lasting success. Why Mindset Matters Your mindset sets the tone for every workout, every meal, every recovery session. When you approach fitness with the right attitude, you create consistency, resilience, and motivation that lasts. Without the right mindset, even the best training program can fizzle out, leaving you frustrated and stuck. A strong mindset means understanding that results take time. It means embracing the process, not just chasing the end result. It means showing up on the tough days, celebrating small wins, and seeing setbacks as part of the journey. Short-Term vs. Long-Term Thinking Short-term thinking is all about instant gratification. It might look like: - Crash dieting to lose weight quickly. - Overtraining in hopes of seeing fast muscle gains. - Getting frustrated when you don’t see results in a few weeks. While these approaches might deliver quick changes, they rarely last. You might burn out, get injured, or simply lose motivation when progress slows down. Long-term thinking, on the other hand, is about building habits and consistency that last for months and years, not just weeks. It looks like: - Prioritizing sustainable nutrition over fad diets. - Following a smart, progressive training program instead of pushing to extremes. - Understanding that progress is not linear, and patience is essential. The Benefits of a Long-Term Approach 1. Sustainability:  Long-term thinking keeps you from burning out. You’re not racing to the finish line; you’re building a lifestyle. 2. Injury Prevention:  By training smart and pacing yourself, you avoid the common injuries that come from overdoing it. 3. Mental Resilience:  You learn to stay motivated even when progress is slow, and you build the mental toughness that carries over into other areas of life. 4. Greater Results:  Ironically, the long-term approach often delivers better results because you stay consistent. Small, steady progress adds up to big changes over time. How to Cultivate the Right Mindset - Set Realistic Goals:  Focus on goals that inspire you but are achievable. Break them into short- and long-term milestones. - Celebrate Small Wins:  Every rep, every workout, every healthy choice counts. Recognize your progress along the way. - Stay Consistent:  Make training a non-negotiable part of your routine, even on days you don’t feel motivated. - Be Patient:  Understand that meaningful change takes time. Trust the process. - Surround Yourself with Support:  Community matters. Train with people who encourage you and hold you accountable. At Axis Strength Training, we’re here to help you develop not just your body, but your mindset. Remember, fitness is a lifelong journey. Take the long-term approach, embrace the ups and downs, and stay committed to the process. Your future self will thank you. Ready to commit to your long-term fitness journey? Come train with us at Axis, where we help you build strength inside and out. Book your FREE “No Sweat” Intro here: Contact | Axis Strength

If you’re ready to change your life — to get stronger, feel better, and boost your energy — the very first step is simple but powerful: 👉 Take ownership of where you are right now. No more blaming your schedule, your past, or your circumstances. You are 100% responsible for your life, and that’s a good thing  — because ownership gives you power. When you keep pointing fingers outward, you’re giving away your control. You’re telling yourself, “I can’t change because of them / that / this.”  But the moment you own your past decisions and habits , you take back control over your future. That’s the real difference between people who stay stuck and people who transform. The stuck ones say, “It’s not my fault, I was just dealt a bad hand.”  The ones who change say, “This is on me, and that means I can change it.” At Axis Strength Training , we believe in that power — and we’re here to help you harness it. ✅ Start making better food choices.  ✅ Commit to regular, effective workouts.  ✅ Surround yourself with a community that supports your goals. It’s all in your hands. You’re the captain of your ship, the one steering your life forward. So why wait?  Start today. Take ownership. Take back your power. Join us at Axis Strength Training  and let’s build the strongest, healthiest version of you — together. 👉 Visit axisstrengthtraining.com  to get started. Book your free consultation, meet our coaches, and take the first step toward real, lasting change. You’ve got this. No one else can do it for you — but you don’t have to do it alone.