Smith machine and other things you can try
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Hi friend!
Welcome to Strong Stuff, an experiment that seems to be going well enough for edition #2. I've writing to you about our studio's biggest gain yet, a pineapple drink, queer gyms across the nation, and a local breadmaker.
Like a machine
Last weekend, these five people did something pretty heroic: moving a combination Smith/cable machine from a basement in Painesville to our studio in Cleveland! This gorgeous equipment was an incredible donation by Out Fitness member Ara, and it would not be here without the brains and muscles of Mahlon, Rob, Christian, and Mariah.
When Ara offered the Smith machine to us, I initially declined, because I didn't think I had enough helpers or space for it. Then I reconsidered as I made plans to upgrade three strength rooms for our studio. I felt nervous putting out a call for help, but I shouldn't have worried; our community showed up strong!
Now we're well on our way to tripling our capacity for workouts in time for Out Fitness to start its fifth year in October. If you'd like to help Out, save the date of Sept. 5 for a "Get Involved" gathering.
The Smith machine is a great option for trying barbell-style movements as a beginner and without a spotter. Learn how with this eight-minute video demonstrating eight exercises. Then book a workout at Out Fitness to practice in privacy!
Drinking lighter to feel stronger
My fascination this summer is tepache, a low-alcohol pineapple beverage that's dead-simple to make. I like that it's naturally carbonated and a bit funky. In my thirties, if I replace even one beer or cocktail, I feel noticeably stronger and less lethargic the next day. So I’m sipping ice-cold tepache these evenings.
Because the pineapple skin provides yeasts that cause fermentation, making tepache gives me a hint of home-brewing beer. The drink has Mexican origins, but I'm sure it has been bastardized beyond recognition to become the recipe linked above, and I've furthered the sacrilege with my variation using brown sugar. The short version of the recipe is: Cut a ripe pineapple and put its skins and core into a container with spices and sugar water. Let it all sit for 1-3 days. Remove the surface yeast and stir daily. When it's slightly fermented, filter the liquid and refrigerate it.
Better world builders
Here are people I'm seeing use their strengths in ways that I find inspiring.
Put us on the map: The Out Foundation is a national nonprofit with a mission similar to ours: remove barriers between LGBTQ+ people and fitness. I've found inspiration in their network of queer-affirming gyms, so this year I underwent their affiliation process. Now Out Fitness is officially their first certified LGBTQ+ Inclusive gym in Cleveland. If you are outside Northeast Ohio, then check their Inclusive Fitness Finder for the certified gym closest to you.
Get that bread: My friend Julianne is baking the sourdough bread that I always needed but won't make myself! It's fresh, hearty, and has no added sugar. I'm on my third loaf, which is a seeded whole wheat. Julianne has always been an intrepid chef, but only recently did she launch her homemade business. You can order bread, granola, and cookies for pickup in Brunswick or delivery in Cleveland.
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Until next time, claim and enjoy your strength!
