Fitness, Nutrition & Recovery Tips from Buena Vista, CO

Fortitude Blog

Train Smarter, Live Better

Training tips, nutrition guidance, and community stories from Fortitude Fitness.

Recent Blog Posts

Hand pouring beige protein powder into a black shaker bottle beside capsules and a white drink
By Brian England, CF-L1, PN1-NC; Lauren Hafner, CF-L1; Walter M. Hafner, PT, DPT, CF-L2, USAW-L1 July 7, 2026
Discover how smart supplementation with magnesium, creatine, and protein powder can enhance recovery, boost strength, and support long-term health for athletes. Learn evidence-based strategies to complement a whole-food diet, optimize performance, and address common nutrient deficiencies.
Two athletes jumping over wooden boxes in a competition area with an American flag backdrop at Fortitude Fitness
By Walter M. Hafner, PT, DPT, CF-L2, USAW-L1 July 7, 2026
Discover how to measure your workout intensities using heart rate, lactate thresholds, perceived exertion, and the talk test.
Two sleeping children lying under blankets on a bed, one holding a stuffed toy
By Walter M. Hafner, PT, DPT, CF-L3, USAW-L1 July 7, 2026
Learn why sleep is essential for mental health, hormone balance, recovery, and long-term wellness. Discover the stages of sleep, the science behind circadian rhythms, and practical strategies like the R90 method to improve sleep quality and consistency.
Abstract runners in red, gray, and blue sprinting left to right on a white background
By Walter M. Hafner, PT, DPT, CF-L2, USAW-L1 July 7, 2026
Learn how your muscles create energy at the cellular level. This article breaks down the three energy systems—phosphagen, glycolysis, and oxidative—and explains how they fuel movement, laying the foundation for understanding how different training intensities affect our body.
Baked oat and nut topping in a glass baking dish on a dark countertop
By Lauren Hafner, CF-L2 July 7, 2026
A lighter take on my favorite Thanksgiving side: a gluten-free, dairy-free Sweet Potato Soufflé with a crunchy pecan topping. Less sugar, big flavor. Plus, the history behind sweet potatoes at Thanksgiving and a full nutrition comparison so you can enjoy every bite guilt-free.
Open palm with white circles marking areas to trim on fingers and palm, labeled
By Walter M. Hafner, PT, DPT, CF-L2, USAW-L1 July 7, 2026
Protect your hands during CrossFit workouts with proper callus management. Learn why trimming calluses is essential, how to do it correctly, and what to do if you rip your skin. Discover the best hand grips and care tips to keep your palms healthy and your training on track.
Ingredients on a counter: shredded chicken, avocado, cilantro, onions, tomatillos, tomatoes, and a can of broth
By Lauren Hafner, CF-L1 July 7, 2026
Discover a delicious, nutrient-packed AIP chicken salad recipe inspired by my autoimmune journey. This easy meal supports inflammation reduction and fuels your body with healthy fats and protein. Perfect for anyone navigating autoimmune health or looking for wholesome eats!
Green citrus juicer beside dates, vanilla, cocoa, and coconut milk ingredients on a kitchen counter
By Lauren Hafner, CF-L1 July 7, 2026
An easy 4-ingredient AIP-friendly dessert.
Salmon salad with roasted vegetables in a bowl, with a jar of dressing on the side
By Lauren Hafner, CF-L1 July 7, 2026
Skip the store-bought bottles. These 3 simple, nutrient-packed dressings are AIP & paleo friendly, delicious, and ready in minutes. Learn why homemade matters & how to boost nutrition with every bite.
VO2max wellness graphic with heart, brain, lungs and cells icons; “Live Longer, Increase Performance, Stay Independent”
By WALTER M. HAFNER, PT, DPT, CF-L3, USAW-L1 July 7, 2026
VO₂max is one of the strongest predictors of longevity. Learn how it impacts health, aging, and how to improve it through training.
Hikers on a grassy mountain ridge with panoramic blue sky and distant peaks
By Liv Kroll, CF-L1 July 7, 2026
We live in Buena Vista because we love playing outside–but our work in the gym helps set us up for success on our adventures. Discover how CrossFit’s 10 general physical skills directly prepare you for every hike, ride, paddle, and climb. Train smart, adventure harder.
Two bowls of orange soup topped with seeds on a wooden board and a spoon, with a small cup nearby
By Lauren Hafner, CF-L2 July 7, 2026
Soup season is here, and I'm not mad about it. This creamy roasted butternut squash soup is the ultimate fall flavorful meal — plus adding mini meatballs or pepitas + beans gives you a balanced meal with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Give it a try!
Pink cocktail in a rocks glass with lime and mint, beside a strawberry slice on a cutting board.
By Lauren Hafner, CF-L1 July 7, 2026
Refresh and recover with our Salty Breeze mocktail! A bright, citrusy drink made with fresh citrus, mint, kombucha, and LMNT grapefruit electrolytes. Perfect for post-workout recovery treat or a summer mocktail moment. Cheers to hydration that feels like a vacation!
Orange torn paper with “BUILD HEALTHY HABITS” on a blue textured background
By Brian England, CF-L1, PN1-NC July 7, 2026
Discover how taking small, consistent steps can help you build lasting healthy habits. Start your journey to better health today!
Hiker standing on a rocky mountain ridge overlooking layered blue valleys under a clear sky
By Liv Kroll, CF-L1 July 7, 2026
The mind and body are deeply connected—stress in one affects the other. In this blog, I share a personal experience of how emotional stress impacted my performance in the CrossFit Open Quarterfinals and explore mindfulness techniques like nature, breath work, and meditation to improve resilience, recovery, and overall well-being. Learn how to train both your mind and body for a healthier, more balanced life.
Person stretching on gym floor at Fortitude Fitness in a kneeling forearm pose, wearing black top and purple shorts.
By Lauren Hafner, CF-L1 July 7, 2026
Mental fortitude is just as important as physical strength—especially during tough workouts like Murph. Learn how to train your mindset, stay focused under pressure, and tap into your inner resilience before taking on Murph this Memorial Day.
Massage therapist kneading a client’s shoulder during a treatment session
By Walter M. Hafner, PT, DPT, CF-L2, USAW-L1 July 7, 2026
Dealing with aches and pains? Learn how to manage minor tweaks at the gym while maintaining consistency in your fitness routine. Discover tips on modifying exercises, when to seek professional help, and how physical therapy and dry needling can aid recovery at Fortitude Fitness.
Stuffed roasted squash on a white plate, topped with mixed vegetables and herbs.
By Lauren Hafner, CF-L2 July 7, 2026
An easy stuffed acorn squash recipe with Italian sausage and vegetables—AIP friendly & perfect for meal prep, busy weeknights, and cozy winter dinners.
Two men posing with tools in a workshop-style space, one holding a helmet and the other standing by a tool wall.
By Brian England, CF-L2, PN1-NC July 7, 2026
The hardest step in fitness is often the first one through the door. Brian remembers lying awake the night before his first CrossFit class, wondering if he should bail. Three years later, he reflects on the journey that followed — the growth and breakthroughs, the inevitable setbacks, and the community that kept him coming back.
Man lying on a gym floor, arms spread out, wearing a beige shirt and dark pants at Fortitude Fitness in Buena Vista, CO
By Liv Kroll, CF-L2 July 7, 2026
Learn how ego in the gym can lead to injury and burnout—and how scaling, listening to your body, and trusting your coach leads to long-term progress.

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