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Fitness, Nutrition Ashley Beaver Fitness, Nutrition Ashley Beaver

So You Want to Improve Your Body Composition

In this blog post, we’re breaking down key takeaways from our recent Black Iron Radio episode, where coaches Amanda, Lauren, and Ryann dive into one of the most common—and misunderstood—goals we hear from clients: improving body composition. Whether your goal is fat loss, muscle gain, or something in between, this conversation unpacks what body composition actually means, how to pursue it in a sustainable way, and why it’s about so much more than scale weight. They cover everything from protein targets and progressive training to recovery, stress, and the long game of physique change. If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start making real, lasting progress, this one’s for you.

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Fitness, Nutrition, Mindset Ashley Beaver Fitness, Nutrition, Mindset Ashley Beaver

Body Positivity vs. Body Neutrality

In this blog post, we’re breaking down key insights from our latest Black Iron Radio episode, where coaches Morgan, Joyce, and Acacia dive into the concepts of body positivity and body neutrality—what they mean, how they differ, and why each approach can serve a different purpose in someone’s body image journey. They explore everything from how these movements have evolved, to the pressures of toxic positivity, to finding peace with your body through neutrality. Whether you’re working through body image struggles yourself or supporting someone else, this conversation offers thoughtful perspectives and practical mindset shifts that can help create more freedom and flexibility around food, fitness, and self-image.

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Fitness Ashley Beaver Fitness Ashley Beaver

So You Want to Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor & Core

In this blog post, we’re unpacking the key takeaways from our latest Black Iron Radio episode all about strengthening your pelvic floor and core—what these muscles actually do, why they matter (way beyond just postpartum recovery), and how to train them effectively. Coaches Kristen and Chloe are joined by our pelvic floor DPT Whitney Doran to talk about everything from common dysfunctions like leaking during workouts to building strength from the inside out with diaphragmatic breathing, proper progression, and smart movement patterns. Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or just trying to move and lift with more control, this episode is packed with helpful insights you can start applying right away.

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Fitness, Nutrition Ashley Beaver Fitness, Nutrition Ashley Beaver

Why Fitness & Athleticism Aren't a "Look"

In this blog post, we’re breaking down the biggest takeaways from our latest Black Iron Radio episode on the myth of the “athletic look.” What does it really mean to look fit—or look like an athlete? If a specific image comes to mind, you’re not alone—but it’s time to challenge that narrative. Krissy, Kelsey, and Chelsea dive into where this idea came from, how media and the fitness industry have shaped it, and why true athleticism has nothing to do with aesthetics. Whether you lift, run, ski, or climb—if you do the thing, you are the thing. Keep reading for an honest conversation on identity, body image, and redefining what it means to be an athlete.

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Fitness Ashley Beaver Fitness Ashley Beaver

So You Want to Start Running Again Postpartum

In this blog post, we’re breaking down the key takeaways from our latest Black Iron Radio episode on returning to running postpartum. If you’ve recently had a baby and are eager to get back to running, you’re not alone—but the process isn’t as simple as just picking up where you left off. Postpartum recovery comes with unique challenges, from healing tissues to hormonal shifts, and rushing back too soon can lead to setbacks. That’s why we brought in pelvic floor PT Whitney Doran, along with BIN coaches Christin and Chloe—both moms and experienced trainers—to share what postpartum athletes need to know. Keep reading for expert-backed insights on a smart, sustainable return to running—and be sure to check out the full episode for even more!

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Nutrition, Fitness Ashley Beaver Nutrition, Fitness Ashley Beaver

25.3 CrossFit Open Nutrition Strategies

It’s here! The final week of the 2025 CrossFit Open. This workout has the longest time cap of all 3 open workouts- which means, for the majority of us, it will be the longest workout of the Open. Which means, pacing will be extremely important if you are looking to finish under the time cap. 

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Nutrition, Fitness Ashley Beaver Nutrition, Fitness Ashley Beaver

So You Want to Ditch the 'All or Nothing' Mindset

In this blog post, we’re breaking down key takeaways from our latest Black Iron Radio episode on ditching the all or nothing mindset. If you’ve ever felt like you’re either completely on track or totally off the rails with your nutrition and fitness, this one’s for you. We explore why this mentality can be so damaging, how to reframe setbacks, and ways to build a more balanced, sustainable approach. Keep reading for actionable insights—and be sure to check out the full episode for even more!

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Nutrition, Fitness Ashley Beaver Nutrition, Fitness Ashley Beaver

Finding Joy in Movement and Food

In this blog post, we’re breaking down key takeaways from our latest Black Iron Radio episode on finding joy in movement and food. We explore how shifting your mindset, staying open to new activities, and letting go of rigid rules can help you build a sustainable, fulfilling approach to health and fitness. If this resonates with you, keep reading for actionable insights—and be sure to check out the full episode for even more!

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Nutrition, Fitness Ashley Beaver Nutrition, Fitness Ashley Beaver

25.2 CrossFit Open Nutrition Strategies

Week 2 of the 2025 CrossFit Open is here, and the Black Iron Nutrition Performance Team is back with another nutrition strategy to help you fuel, recover, and perform at your best. Dialing in your nutrition can make all the difference in how you feel and execute this workout. Whether you’re adjusting your schedule, redoing the workout, or just looking to optimize your energy levels, we’ve got you covered.

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Nutrition, Fitness Ashley Beaver Nutrition, Fitness Ashley Beaver

So You Want to Maximize Recovery Days

In this blog post, we’re diving into key takeaways from our latest podcast episode on maximizing recovery. We break down the conversation with actionable strategies to help you optimize rest days, balance active recovery with full rest, and fuel your body for better performance. If this resonates with you, be sure to check out the full episode for an even more in-depth discussion!

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Nutrition, Fitness Ashley Beaver Nutrition, Fitness Ashley Beaver

25.1 CrossFit Open Nutrition Strategies

This is a fun workout to kick off the 2025 CrossFit Games Open, even though the pain is going to BE THERE. Pacing, grip management, and not coming out too hot will be BIG here. And the BIN Performance coaches are here to help you this week with your own Black Iron Nutrition strategy.

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Fitness Ashley Beaver Fitness Ashley Beaver

10 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Running

Whether you're lacing up your shoes for the first time or seeking to improve your performance, running coach Chelsea Myntti share valuable advice to guide your running journey. Explore essential tips on pacing, recovery, nutrition, and more to maximize your potential and enhance your running experience.

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Fitness Ashley Beaver Fitness Ashley Beaver

The Black Iron Run + Lift Program

If you’re a lifter, you’ve no doubt heard that cardio kills your gains. If you’re a runner, you’re probably familiar with the argument that lifting makes you bulky and slow. So, what’s the deal there? 

Running and lifting are indeed two separate disciplines with their own unique set of adaptations and training requirements, which has caused many to be worried about something called the “interference effect”.

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Nutrition, Fitness Ashley Beaver Nutrition, Fitness Ashley Beaver

The Best Way to Measure Body Fat

Manipulation of body composition is a common goal in a variety of pursuits, but how do we accurately and objectively measure and track changes over time? Body composition devices and techniques offer a solution here. However, people often place undue confidence in both the accuracy and precision of body composition values that they get from techniques that are regarded as high-quality.

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