Woman performs Russian twists with a kettlebell at AFAC gym

How Exercise at AFAC Gym Can Boost Your Immune System

As the seasons change and the weather cools, many of us brace for the inevitable rise in colds and flus. While there are countless remedies and supplements marketed to “boost your immune system,” there’s one approach backed by solid research—regular exercise. By making a routine of heading to AFAC gym, you can bolster your immune defenses and set yourself up for a healthier winter.

AFAC gym owner Susan Schaffner stands by a Power Plate

How Power Plate at AFAC Gym Can Boost Brain Health

Whole Body Vibration (WBV) training, especially when done using the Power Plate, has been gaining attention for its potential benefits to both the body and brain. Recent research suggests that it could play an essential role in slowing down cognitive decline, a finding that may bring hope to those at risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. But how does this work, and what exactly is the science behind it? Let’s dive into the study and what it reveals about the effects of WBV on brain function.

Venn diagram graphic with three circles - one for carbs, one for protein, and one for fats - with colorful drawings of foods in each category

How Macronutrients Fuel Your Fitness Potential at AFAC Gym

To achieve your fitness goals at the gym, your nutrition plays just as crucial a role as your workout routine. One of the most essential aspects of nutrition is understanding macronutrients, or “macros.” These are the building blocks of your diet, and how you balance them can significantly impact your gym performance and overall results. In this blog, we’ll explore the role of macronutrients—carbohydrates, proteins, and fats—in fitness, why they matter, and how to use them to maximize your workouts at AFAC gym in Thornton, Colorado.

AFAC gym owner Susan Schaffner watches as a gym member exercises on a balance board

Build Your Balance & Cultivate Your Core at AFAC Gym

Staying active is about more than just lifting weights and running on a treadmill—it’s about creating a body that’s resilient, balanced, and strong from the inside out.

At AFAC gym, our Balance-N-Core class is designed to help with just that. This unique class blends innovative exercises that challenge your balance with powerful core-strengthening movements, allowing you to achieve better stability, coordination, and overall fitness.

Whether you’re aiming to prevent injuries, improve athletic performance, or simply feel more confident in your daily movements, Balance-N-Core is the perfect addition to your workout routine. Join us and discover how building a stable core and enhancing your balance at AFAC gym in Thornton, Colorado, can transform the way you move.

Dark-haired woman dressed in black workout clothes kicking a long, black punching bag at AFAC gym

Knockout Fitness: 19 Benefits of Kickboxing at AFAC Gym

Kickboxing is more than just a high-energy workout—it’s a dynamic, full-body exercise that combines martial arts techniques with cardio conditioning. It merges the power of boxing punches and kicks inspired by martial arts like Muay Thai and karate. Whether you’re aiming to improve your flexibility, learn self-defense, or simply enjoy an intense calorie-burning session, kickboxing is a workout that challenges your mind and body. When you participate in kickboxing at AFAC gym in Thornton, Colorado, you’ll engage all major muscle groups while sharpening your focus, coordination, and strength.

Front view of a Power Plate at AFAC gym

Benefits of Using a Power Plate at AFAC Gym

In today’s fast-paced world, gym-goers are always on the lookout for fitness equipment that maximizes efficiency and delivers rapid results. One such piece of technology is the Power Plate, a cutting-edge vibration platform that offers a wide array of health benefits. From building muscle to enhancing blood circulation, the Power Plate is gaining popularity for being a low-impact, high-efficiency workout tool that can be used by individuals of all fitness levels. Whether you’re looking to improve balance, increase metabolism, or recover from muscle soreness, the Power Plate could be the answer. In this blog, we’ll explore what a Power Plate is, how it works, and the many benefits it provides to members of AFAC gym in Thornton, Colorado.

Photo of a boot camp class at AFAC gym with several participants on spin bikes

HIIT vs. Boot Camp Workouts: Which One Is Right for You at AFAC Gym?

When it comes to fast-paced, intense workout routines, HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) and Boot Camp workouts stand out as two popular options. But how exactly do they differ? And which one is the best choice for your fitness goals? Let’s break down the similarities and differences between these two powerful workout styles offered at AFAC gym in Thornton, Colorado.

Simple graphic. White dumbbell on purple background on the left. White bed on green background on the right

Exercising at AFAC Gym for Better Sleep

Achieving a good night’s sleep is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. Quality sleep can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, support brain health, and boost the immune system. Despite these benefits, many people struggle to get the recommended 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. This blog explores how exercise at AFAC gym in Thornton, Colorado – when coupled with a healthy diet – can improve sleep quality, helping you wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day.

Man standing in AFAC gym wearing a black T-shirt that says, "Everything hurts and I'm tired"

Common Gym Injuries and How You Can Avoid Them

When you step into the gym, your goal is to build strength, boost endurance, and improve overall fitness—not to get sidelined by an injury. But, even when you have the best intentions, gym injuries can happen. If they do, you may be forced to take time off to recover, hindering your progress. In today’s blog, we’ll explore some of the most common gym injuries and, more importantly, how to prevent them. This, in turn, will help you stay on track with your fitness journey at AFAC gym in Thornton, Colorado.

A glass full of blueberries sitting on a workout bench at AFAC gym

Blueberries: Your Superfood for Gym Recovery and More

Blueberries, often hailed as a superfood, are tiny fruits with an impressive array of health benefits. From boosting brain function to supporting heart health, these little berries are more than just a delicious snack. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, blueberries pack a punch of nutrients that can enhance your fitness routine and overall well-being. In this blog, we’ll explore the myriad ways that incorporating blueberries into your diet can help you achieve your health and fitness goals, whether you’re looking to maintain a fit lifestyle, support recovery, or improve your athletic performance at AFAC gym in Thornton, CO.

Two smiling men standing by a squat rack at AFAC gym

Returning to AFAC Gym After a Break

Returning to the gym after a long break can feel both exciting and daunting. Whether you’ve been away due to injury, a busy schedule, or simply taking some time off, getting back into a fitness routine is a powerful step toward reclaiming your health and well-being. However, it’s important to approach this transition thoughtfully to avoid burnout or injury. In this blog, we’ll explore practical tips to help you ease back into your workouts, rebuild your strength, and rediscover the joy of movement at AFAC gym in Thornton, Colorado.

Graphic with the words "Bad Carbs vs. Good Carbs" and photos in the background of high-carb foods. both healthy and unhealthy

The Role of Carbs in Your Fitness Journey at AFAC Gym

Carbs often get a bad rap, especially among health-conscious folks. But the truth is, our bodies need them. Carbohydrates provide the essential energy needed for everything from brainstorming at work to lifting weights at the gym. Contrary to popular belief, cutting out carbs can make it harder to achieve one’s fitness goals. However, this doesn’t mean that all carbs are created equal, nor should they be consumed with reckless abandon. Some carbs are better than others. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of carbs in your diet and enhance your workout routine at AFAC gym in Thornton, Colorado.

Woman outside on a sunny day drinking from a clear blue plastic bottle

Electrolytes, Exercise, and Staying Hydrated at AFAC Gym

Now that we’re at the peak of summer, each day seems hotter than the last. And, with this relentless heat, staying hydrated is more important than ever.

While you may be drinking plenty of water, another essential part of maintaining hydration is consuming enough electrolytes. Found in many different foods, sports drinks, and powdered supplements, electrolytes play a vital role in keeping our bodies functioning optimally.

While athletes are often the primary audience for electrolyte products, anyone can benefit from them, especially when sweating at the gym. In this blog, we’ll explore what electrolytes are, why they’re so important, and how they can help you stay hydrated and healthy inside and outside AFAC gym in Thornton, Colorado.

Spoonful of sugar with white square beads that spell out "no sugar"

Cutting Out Sugar to Improve Your Gym Performance – and More!

Do you have a sweet tooth? Or perhaps a mouthful of them? If so, the idea of cutting out sugar from your diet might seem unthinkable. However, the rewards of embracing a sugar-free, or even sugar-reduced, lifestyle can be transformative, particularly for those who frequent the gym and strive for peak physical performance.

Sugar, often labeled as a silent saboteur, not only affects our waistlines but also our energy levels, mental clarity, and overall health. By eliminating sugar from your diet, you open the door to a multitude of benefits that enhance both your workouts and daily activities.

In this blog, we’ll explore the sweet reasons to ditch sugar and how doing so can expedite your fitness journey at AFAC gym in Thornton, Colorado.

Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, decorated with the 5 Olympic rings

Train Like an Olympian at AFAC Gym

Olympic athletes make everything look so effortless. Whether they’re tumbling across a gymnastics floor or somersaulting into a pool from the high dive, Olympians leave us wondering, could I do that?

Of course, the answer is probably no. The only reason why Olympic feats look easy is because athletes have dedicated their entire lives to their chosen sport. They’ve sacrificed nights out, vacations, hobbies, and decadent meals to train relentlessly, go to bed early, and follow a stringent diet.

While most of us are not likely to compete in the Olympics any time soon, we can still adopt the Olympian training mindset. Whether your goal is to complete your first marathon, improve your golf game, build muscle, or lose a few pounds, we’ve gathered some valuable lessons you can learn from the best of the best – lessons that you can apply to your fitness goals at AFAC gym in Thornton, CO!

Man doing an overhead pull exercise on a cable machine at AFAC gym

Setting Yourself Up for Success with Weight Training Sets at AFAC Gym

Strength training not only builds muscle but also enhances overall health, boosts metabolism, improves mental wellness, and increases functional strength. But a successful strength training program is more than just lifting random heavy weights at the gym for an hour or two. It also involves keeping track of which muscles you’re targeting, how heavy your lifts are, how many times you lift a weight, and how many “sets” you perform for each lift.

If that doesn’t sound complicated enough, there are also many different types of strength training sets to choose from, and it can be confusing to know which type is best for you. No matter where you are in your fitness journey, understanding the variety of strength training sets available is crucial for maximizing your workouts and achieving your fitness goals.

In this blog, we’ll describe Straight Sets, Drop Sets, Supersets, Compound Sets, Pyramid Sets, AMRAP Sets, and more. We’ll explore what each set entails, how to perform them correctly, and the unique benefits they offer. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge you need to diversify your training routine, challenge your muscles in new ways, and make your sessions at AFAC gym in Thornton, Colorado, more effective and engaging. Let’s get started on this journey to a stronger, more resilient you!

Man at AFAC gym performing an overhead press using a barbell

Owning the Overhead Press at AFAC Gym

The overhead press, also known as the shoulder press and strict overhead press, is a cornerstone exercise for building upper body and core strength. Whether you’re a gym newbie or an experienced lifter, mastering the overhead press can significantly enhance your strength-training regimen.

In basic terms, the overhead press involves pressing a barbell, dumbbells, kettlebells, or another weight from the top of your chest to an overhead, arms-extended position. This motion not only develops brute strength in the shoulders, triceps, and upper back but also engages the entire body, from the abdominal wall to the hips and legs, promoting overall stability and strength. The lift’s simplicity belies its technical nature, as it requires careful practice and mastery. This compound lift also demands a strategic approach to ensure safety and effectiveness.

The strength you gain from the overhead press is not just beneficial for lifting more in the gym but also translates to everyday tasks, such as placing items on high shelves or lifting heavy boxes overhead.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the details of how to perform the overhead press correctly and safely, ensuring you reap all its powerful benefits at AFAC gym in Thornton, Colorado.

Man sitting on a bench at AFAC gym and lifting one dumbbell in his left hand

Maximizing Your Muscle Mass at AFAC Gym

Building muscle takes more than just lifting weights at the gym – it requires a holistic approach to fitness that encompasses exercise, nutrition, and rest.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to bulk up or an experienced lifter aiming to fine-tune your physique, understanding the fundamentals of muscle growth is essential for achieving your goals.

In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of building muscle, outline effective workout frequencies and intensities, guide you through the best gym equipment, and explain the concept of workout splits. Additionally, we’ll delve into the critical role of nutrition and provide realistic expectations on how much muscle you can build. Lastly, we’ll emphasize the often-overlooked importance of rest days in achieving your fitness goals.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be well-equipped with the knowledge you need to maximize your muscle-building potential and achieve your desired results at AFAC gym in Thornton, Colorado.