Issue No. 28: Move More, Think Faster -The Science of Exercise and Brainpower
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.
💪 More More, Think Faster - The Science of Exercise and Brainpower: What if I told you that you're improving your brain every time you run, hit the gym, or even take a brisk walk? Science shows that physical activity doesn't just shape your muscles; it shapes your mind too.
IN THIS ISSUE:
1. 10 Ways to Grow Thicker and Wider
2. Does Pilates Help You Build Muscle
3. The Ultimate Gym Bag: PLUS45 KNKG Duffel
4. Men Think They'll Live Forever - Women Aren’t Buying It
5. Why We Love Intense Exercise
🐄 🐄 🐄 — John, Nolan and Josh
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10 Ways to Grow Thicker and Wider
Growing thicker and wider isn’t just about lifting heavier weights — it’s about training smart, eating right, and staying consistent.
The big picture: Compound Movements Are King: The best way to add serious size is by focusing on compound exercises like deadlifts, bench presses, shoulder presses, squats, and pull-ups. Progressive Overload is Non-Negotiable: If you’re lifting the same weight for the same reps week after week, your body has no reason to grow. Consistently challenge yourself by increasing weights, reps, or intensity. Small, incremental gains over time add up to massive changes. Eat Big to Get Big: No amount of lifting will help if you’re not eating enough. Prioritize high-protein foods (chicken, beef, eggs, fish) combined with complex carbohydrates (rice, potatoes, oats) and healthy fats (avocados, nuts, olive oil) to fuel muscle growth and recovery. Train with Intensity, Not Just Volume: More reps and sets aren’t always the answer. Instead of marathon gym sessions, focus on making every rep count with slow, controlled movements and proper form.
The verdict: If you want to grow thicker and wider, it’s not just about lifting heavy — it’s about training smarter, eating enough, and staying consistent.
Does Pilates Help You Build Muscle?
Can Pilates truly build visible muscle and strength, or is it better known for other body benefits? Here’s what you need to know about its role in muscle growth.
The big picture: Muscle Growth Reality: Traditional Pilates focuses on controlled movements and light resistance, which may not provide the load necessary for significant muscle hypertrophy. Strength and Endurance: While it might not bulk you up, Pilates enhances muscle endurance, flexibility, and core strength, contributing to a toned and balanced physique. Complementary Fitness: Incorporating Pilates into a broader fitness regimen can improve posture, prevent injuries, and support overall strength training efforts.
The verdict: Pilates is fantastic for building strength and flexibility, but if you're aiming for noticeable muscle growth, consider combining it with traditional weightlifting.
PLUS45 KNKG Duffel
The Ultimate Gym Bag: PLUS45 KNKG Duffel
The PLUS45 KNKG Duffel is a versatile and durable gym bag designed to meet the needs of serious athletes, CrossFitters and fitness enthusiasts.
The big picture: Whether you need space for shoes, gym clothes, or accessories, this bag has got you covered. Choose from Small (33L), Medium (45L), or Large (63L) to match your storage needs. The 45L version is a great middle-ground option for gym-goers who need ample space without going overboard. Constructed from high-quality, abrasion-resistant materials, the PLUS45 duffel is built to withstand intense workouts, travel, and daily use. It’s also reinforced stitching and heavy-duty zippers to ensure longevity. Two breathable shoe compartments keep sneakers separate, fresh, and odor-free. Removable dividers, multiple pockets, and magnetic closures offer flexible and secure storage. Padded straps and sturdy handles ensure comfortable carrying with balanced weight distribution.
The verdict: If you want a well-built, highly functional, and stylish gym bag, the PLUS45 KNKG Duffel is a fantastic investment.
Where to Find the Best Deals on Hoka Shoes
Are you a runner? More specifically, a road runner? Hoka was built for that. Meaning “to fly” in Maori, Hoka was founded in 2009 so that runners could get the ultimate experience with optimum cushioning and stability. Less than 15 years after its founding, Hoka is bringing in revenues topping a billion dollars a year, so it’s clear that people are loving this brand. But with quality comes high prices, and Hoka is no doubt in the high end price-wise. So we’ve rounded up the best stores to find the best deals for Hoka.
Men Think They’ll Live Forever - Women Aren’t Buying It
Men are more optimistic than women about seeing a significant increase in human life expectancy during their lifetimes, a recent survey reveals.
The big picture: The survey revealed a clear divide between men and women when it comes to expectations about longevity. More men than women believe that medical advancements will significantly extend human life in their lifetime, while women remain more skeptical about such a possibility. Experts caution that while progress is being made in areas like gene therapy and regenerative medicine, there is still no concrete evidence that humans will suddenly start living much longer than they do today. The survey results suggest that men may be more willing to embrace optimismabout scientific breakthroughs, while women might take a more cautious approach, focusing on what is currently known about health and aging. This difference in outlook could be influenced by factors like risk perception, personal experiences with aging, or trust in medical advancements
The verdict: While men may be more hopeful about witnessing leaps in human longevity, current trends suggest that extending lifespan significantly remains a complex challenge, with health quality being as crucial as longevity itself.
Why We Love Intense Exercise
Your mind might hate intense exercise, but your body is throwing a full-on celebration every time you break a sweat.
The big picture: Science says your body actually loves intense exercise —even if you don't. High-intensity workouts trigger a cascade of chemical reactions that improve cellular function, increase energy production, and even promote longevity. Intense exercise strengthens your cardiovascular system, making your heart more efficient at pumping blood and delivering oxygen. If time is your excuse, here’s some good news — brief, high-intensity workouts can be just as effective as longer, moderate ones. Sprinting, jumping, or pushing yourself for just a few minutes can unlock major health benefits.
The verdict: Even if your brain resists, your body lives for high-intensity exercise. It keeps your heart strong, your metabolism revved up, and your cells working at their best — so maybe it’s time to start listening to what your body actually wants.
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