EPIC Fitness, LLC

08/09/2026

08/07/2026

Your Core Is More Than Just Abs
You’ve heard how important it is to keep your core strong. But if you think that means tons of time on your back performing sit-ups and crunches, think again.
The core involves more than your abs — and needs a more engaging set of exercises to keep it shipshape.
It’s your entire midsection, including your hips and glutes (butt). It is the foundation of your body, the area that directs all your movements. Your hips, abs and glutes all work together and provide support for your back. So, if the core is weak, it can lead to compensation, pain, and injury.
You want to train your core so it can send necessary force to your limbs. And sit-ups and crunches aren’t the best way to do that. (Which is great, because they’re also boring and can strain your neck and back.)
Your abdominals absorb force and produce force, most times in a rotational pattern, so it’s good to train them that way. For instance, a chop will strengthen that rotational pattern, making it easier for you to do just about anything, like household chores and your tennis swing. The hips require more mobility, generating movement in multiple planes of motion.
Your core is a team of muscles, and we can show you how to work them together for better ease, power, and protection from injury — and more fun than endless sit-ups!

08/06/2026

Healthy Recipe, Corn Salad
The simplicity of this vibrant salad (adapted from one in the New York Times) belies its deliciousness.
A crumble of feta adds a dose of protein, and you can serve this as a side dish to burgers or fish or mix in a protein you like. A dash of olive oil, lime juice or vinegar is all the dressing you need. Serves 4. – Susan Puckett
Ingredients
· 2 to 3 cups raw or cooked corn kernels (from 4 to 6 ears)
· 1 large or 2 medium ripe tomatoes (or 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes)
· 4 ounces (about 1 cup) crumbled feta cheese
· ½ cup chopped fresh mint or basil leaves
· 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper
· ½ lime, lemon, or splash of vinegar (optional)
Instructions
1.Place the corn, tomatoes, cheese, and mint or basil in a medium bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil and toss to coat.
2. Season to taste with salt and pepper. If it could use a bit more acidity, add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice or a splash of vinegar. Serve immediately or cover and chill in the refrigerator for a day or two.
Susan Puckett is an Atlanta-based food writer and cookbook author.

08/05/2026

♥️

08/03/2026

07/31/2026

Rock god Jon Bon Jovi has spent more than 40 years as one of the coolest – and hottest – guys around.
Now 64, he recently said he has no interest in Botox, cosmetic surgery or dying his hair.
"I had to come to terms with having gray hair," he said. "I just said, 'Screw it.'"
Compare that to the Internet’s new word, hotspan.
The term took off after a Bloomberg Businessweek story about middle-aged men seeking to remain as attractive as possible for as long as possible in life. Think testosterone clinics, GLP-1 drugs, hair transplants, etc.
There's nothing wrong with wanting to look good, of course.
But the men who age the best usually aren't chasing good looks first. They're chasing good health.
They lift weights, stay active, and eat well. They sleep enough and maintain a healthy weight – all to feel good, not just look good.
Call it your strongspan. That’s when you can still carry luggage, enjoy sports, and wrestle with your grandkids easily.
The bonus: Good habits make you look better, too.
Strength training preserves muscle as testosterone declines. It keeps your metabolism humming, supports healthy bones, and improves balance. It’s part of investing in something more valuable than a youthful appearance.
As Bon Jovi reminds us, fighting every sign of aging isn't much of a strategy.

07/30/2026

Watermelon is rich in citrulline and lycopene, powerful plant compounds linked to lowering blood pressure and relieving muscle soreness.
This salad, lightly adapted from a recipe on themediterraneandish.com, pairs it with cucumber, another thirst-quencher that adds fiber and other nutrients. Serves 8. – Susan Puckett

Honey-Lime Dressing:
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
Salad:
• ½ watermelon, peeled and cubed (about 8 cups)
• 1 English or hot house cucumber, cubed (about 2 cups)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh mint or basil leaves, or a combination
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Make the dressing: Whisk together the honey, lime juice, olive oil, and salt in a small bowl.
Make the salad: Combine the watermelon, cucumber, and herbs in a large serving bowl. Top with the dressing and toss gently to combine. Taste and season with a little more salt and freshly ground pepper, if desired. Sprinkle the feta over the top. Keep chilled until ready to serve.