YOU are responsible for your health.

Don't miss the forest for the trees!

What to Expect When You Start CrossFit at CrossFit Odyssey

The M.A.H.A. (Make America Healthy Again) movement has brought health into the spotlight like never before. I’m not mad at them for it. For the first time in decades, people are paying attention to health and those of us who have been shouting it from the mountain tops are just relieved people are listening. But despite the positive shift, much of the movement needs focus. The Problem: A Distracted Focus One major issue? The obsession with things like food dyes. While it’s great to be mindful of what we consume, the reality is that there is virtually no direct evidence that red dye causes health problems in humans at normal consumption levels (Layne Norton). Yet, many people who once distrusted government agencies are now treating the FDA’s word as absolute truth, when in reality, the answer—like most things—lies somewhere in between. The Big Picture: What We’re Missing America’s health crisis isn’t about food dyes, seed oils, or whether your snack is organic. The real issue? Overconsumption and inactivity. Junk food without red dye is still junk food. And no amount of “clean eating” will fix a sedentary lifestyle. The Common Mistakes: Missing the Forest for the Trees I once had a client proudly tell me she ate “really healthy” because all of her food came from Whole Foods. But organic ice cream is still loaded with fat and sugar—nutrient quality doesn’t cancel out overconsumption. Another client swore that Cheerios were great for heart health because the box said so. The truth? It’s still processed junk marketed as a health food. The Reality Check: What Really Matters Health isn’t about trendy buzzwords or fear-mongering over ingredients. The key to long-term success is calories in vs. calories out, combined with consistent movement. Instead of hyper-focusing on minor details, shift your energy toward: ✅ Eating mostly whole, nutrient-dense foods (Eat meat & vegetables, nuts & seeds, some fruit, little starch) ✅ Prioritizing protein, fiber, and hydration ✅ Managing portion sizes—yes, even “healthy” foods ✅ Moving your body daily—strength training, walking, and cardio Health doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require personal responsibility. Small, sustainable habits will always beat quick fixes and fear-based trends. Own your health, make informed choices, and focus on what truly matters.

Here at CrossFit Odyssey, we talk a lot about the Journey to Extraordinary. Looking for inspiration? My next adventure is set—Machu Picchu for my 56th! I’m planning a four-day trek on the Salkantay Trail, finishing at the breathtaking Incan citadel. A journey filled with history, culture, and adventure!

by Ellie Bishop McKenzie Welcome to Part Two of our weightlifting and strength training series, designed specifically for women—especially those navigating the peri- to post-menopausal years. Today, we’re tackling an issue that affects every woman over 40: bone health. The Truth About Bone Loss By age 40, most women begin experiencing bone loss. If you didn’t build strong bones in your younger years, don’t worry—it’s not too late. You can still take powerful steps to improve bone density and protect yourself from fractures and frailty. According to Dr. Peter Attia, author of Outlive , a woman over 65 who suffers a hip or femur fracture has a 15-30% chance of dying within a year. Of those who survive, 50% will experience permanent loss of function and a diminished quality of life. Why is this so critical? Sarcopenia—the loss of muscle mass—combined with frailty, is one of the leading causes of death in older adults. How Muscle Loss Can Be Life-Threatening Without adequate muscle, you lose balance, coordination, agility, and stability. This makes simple actions—like stepping off a curb—potentially dangerous, even life-threatening. A fall that once might have left you bruised can now result in broken bones, hospital stays, long-term disability or even death. The solution? Strength training, movement, and proper nutrition. How to Build Stronger Bones and a Resilient Body

I remember watching a famous athlete on TV in high school who said he never asked to be a role model—he just wanted to play sports, make money, and have fun. I don’t recall his name, but I do remember my reaction: What a wasted opportunity. Because whether we like it or not, we all have a responsibility to be role models and to inspire others to greatness, no matter what we do. The Power of Sharing Your Journey When I first started my fitness journey and dove into CrossFit, I began sharing my experiences online. I hesitated at times, wondering if I was posting too much or if anyone even cared. But I kept going because I believed in the power of fitness and wanted others to see how life-changing it could be. Then, something incredible happened. Messages started rolling in—people telling me that my posts inspired them to start prioritizing their health. I was shocked. I had assumed that only my close friends and family (if that!) were reading what I shared. But here were strangers, taking action because of my words. And then I started seeing it in my clients. Over the years, I’ve worked with so many men and women who walked through the gym doors full of apologies—Sorry, I’m not an athlete. Sorry, I’m clumsy. Sorry, I’m weak. My response has always been the same: If you already knew how to do everything, I wouldn’t have a job. I’m here to teach you, and I love doing it.