Issue No. 18: 11 Value-Driven Gym Promotions to Build Loyalty and Boost Revenue

Good Morning! Welcome to this week’s edition of Morning Cowbell. Let’s take a look at the top stories and coolest trends shaping fitness and health.

💪 11 Value-Driven Gym Promotions to Build Loyalty and Boost Revenue: Discover innovative, non-discount strategies to attract new members, enhance their experience, and foster long-term loyalty while preserving your gym’s revenue this New Year.

IN THIS ISSUE:
1. Unlock Performance with Hypoxic Training
2. Cowbell Launches Hydration
3. Why Kayla Itsines is ditching HIIT for LISS
4. Mo/Go Pants: The Future of Hiking Gear
5. Are Full-Body MRIs Worth It?
6. The 15 Best Protein Powders
7. Adventure and Wellness in Alberta

🐄 🐄 🐄John, Nolan and Josh

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Unlock Performance with Hypoxic Training

Hypoxic training, the trendy and science-backed method of reducing oxygen availability while exercising, is all about transforming how your body adapts to physical stress.

  • The big picture: Hypoxic training, often called altitude or low-oxygen training, reduces oxygen availability during exercise to stimulate physiological adaptations like increased red blood cell production and enhanced endurance. The concept revolves around challenging the body with less oxygen through methods like altitude training, hypoventilation (breathing less during workouts), or intermittent hypoxic exposure (alternating between normal and low oxygen levels). These strategies train your body to use oxygen more efficiently. This type of training improves cardiovascular fitness, boosts energy utilization, and enhances athletic performance, making it a go-to method for elite athletes, mountaineers, or anyone pushing their physical limits.

  • The verdict: Hypoxic training isn't just for the pros — it’s a powerful, science-backed approach to building endurance and unlocking new fitness potential.

Cowbell Launches Hydration Beverage

The ultimate shameless plug - guilty as charged. Cowbell rolls out a new, clean hydration beverage designed to keep you fueled, refreshed, and performing at your best.

  • The big picture: Crafted with real cane sugar and simple ingredients, Cowbell Hydration delivers great taste and balanced nutrition. Featuring a scientifically based 4:1 sodium-to-potassium ratio, it supports optimal hydration, mirroring the body’s natural electrolyte loss during exercise or other activities. Sodium 200 mg: derived from Pink Himalayan sea salt, replenishing sodium lost through sweat to support fluid retention and muscle contractions. Potassium 50 mg: works with sodium to regulate electrolyte balance, muscle, and nerve function. Chloride 300 mg: vital for processes like breathing, digestion, and cellular fluid balance. Magnesium 20 mg: aids in muscle relaxation, energy production, and restful sleep, essential for overall recovery.

  • The verdict: Suitable for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, kids, and even those who just want better hydration on a busy day, Cowbell Hydration is versatile enough to cater to every lifestyle and hydration need.

Why Kayla Itsines is ditching HIIT for LISS

Kayla Itsines is putting LISS training on the map, proving that fitness can be approachable, effective, and kind to your body all at once.

  • The big picture: Low intensity steady state. Imagine walking, cycling, or swimming at a steady pace that doesn’t leave you gasping for air. That’s LISS. It’s all about movement that’s easy on the joints and accessible for everyone, from fitness newbies to seasoned pros needing a break from intensity. Kayla highlights the importance of balancing high and low-intensity exercises. By alternating LISS with strength training or even occasional HIIT, you give your body time to recover while still building endurance, strength, and overall health.

  • The verdict: The LISS revolution proves that fitness doesn’t have to leave you drenched, drained, or dreading your next workout. It’s a reminder that moving at your own pace isn’t just okay — it’s a game-changer for long-term health, happiness, and consistency. Sometimes, slowing down is the ultimate power move

 

This Holiday Season, Give Yourself the Gift of Nike Air Max.

This winter, take your footwear game to the next level with Nike's Air Max collection for men. With a diverse range of models, this collection prioritizes comfort and functionality, perfectly tailored to meet your everyday needs. Whether you're hitting the gym or heading out for a casual outing, these sneakers deliver the support you crave without compromising on style.

Find the perfect pair that matches your lifestyle and get ready to make a statement with every step. Treat yourself to a fresh pair from the collection this holiday season—you deserve it.

Masimo

Mo/Go Pants: The Future of Hiking Gear

Tired of feeling like a pack mule on your hikes? Arc'teryx and Skip have conjured up Mo/Go pants, turning you into a mountain goat with a battery-powered exoskeleton that makes you feel 30 pounds lighter.

  • The big picture: Approximately 25% of adults suffer from knee pain, making outdoor activities challenging. Arc'teryx and Skip's Mo/Go pants feature lightweight electric motors and carbon fiber structures at the knees, providing a 40% boost to leg muscles on inclines. The battery-powered exoskeleton components are removable for washing, and the pants are available for preorder, shipping next year.

  • The verdict: Mo/Go pants are a game-changer for hikers, offering enhanced mobility and comfort for those with knee pain.

Full-Body MRIs: Health Game-Changer or Pricey Wellness Hype

The shiny new thing for 2025: full-body MRIs promise the ultimate health check, but do they deliver or just empty your wallet?

  • The big picture: The medical community isn’t exactly jumping for joy at this trend. Many argue full-body MRIs are prone to delivering false positives —flagging issues that aren’t actually problems — and false negatives, potentially missing critical diagnoses. Translation — you might end up losing sleep over nothing or, worse, gain a false sense of security. At $2,000-$4,000 a pop, full-body MRIs are a luxury most of us can’t afford and insurance rarely covers these elective procedures. Medical professionals recommend targeted screening instead — tests based on family history, age, or other risk factors.

  • The verdict: A full-body MRI sounds like the ultimate wellness hack, but the downsides — hefty price tags, uncertain results, and medical skepticism — make it more of a status symbol than a sensible health tool. Stick to proven methods, and save your cash for something more reliable.

The 15 Best Protein Powders

This guide cuts through the noise to spotlight the absolute best protein powders for all kinds of diets, goals, and taste buds.

  • The big picture: For fans of whey, the Momentous Essential Grass-Fed Whey Protein is a standout option. It offers smooth mixability, gentle flavors, and top-tier ingredients for a clean, no-nonsense supplement. The Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder is a must-try for plant-based diets, boasting a rich chocolate fudge flavor that’s as creamy as it is nutritious. Great for smoothies, baking, or straight-up shakes. Athletes craving a reliable protein powder will love the Klean Athlete Klean Isolate. It’s NSF-certified for sport, uses no artificial sweeteners, and provides pure whey isolate for optimal recovery.

  • The verdict: No matter your protein needs — whether it’s to fuel workouts, recover faster, or support a balanced diet — this roundup has the perfect powder to fit your goals and lifestyle. It’s time to power up with the best in the game!

Aventure and Wellness in Alberta

If your idea of a perfect winter escape involves transforming into a snow-loving adventurer by day and a cozy hot-chocolate sipper by night, Alberta is calling your name

  • The big picture: Alberta's winter wonderland offers a harmonious blend of nature, wellness, and culture, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a rejuvenating escape. Imagine trekking through Banff National Park to see frozen waterfalls or venturing to David Thompson Country to marvel at surreal ice formations. In Canmore and Kananaskis, “forest bathing” takes on a snowy charm as you walk through spruce-laden trails blanketed in white. Or unwind in one of Alberta’s outdoor spas, where hot pools and cold air merge into a uniquely rejuvenating experience. Winter wellness has never been this chic.

  • The verdict: Alberta’s winter getaway isn’t just a vacation; it’s an immersive experience where breathtaking nature, tranquil wellness, and cultural exploration collide.

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