Thought Leadership

Thought Leadership

Written by Kathleen Hayden It’s the end of the year. Did you write your goals down for this year? Did you make a mental note of them? Do you have a general idea of what you wanted to accomplish? What about your weight loss goals? Over the next few weeks, it’s the ‘holiday season’. We […]

Charlotte Merle-Smith, a seated adaptive athlete at Iron Legion, shares her inspiring journey to the 2019 Wheel WOD Games in Canada. Read how she and Coach Alex Ford prepared, overcame challenges, and built momentum toward future competitions like Wodapalooza.
Iron Legion is more than just a gym. Learn how we’re building a community rooted in leadership, service, integrity, and strength—inside and outside the gym. From backyard workouts to Saturday Flag Runs in downtown Ocala, discover what makes Iron Legion different.
Head Coach Jason Philyaw shares insight on why lifters often stall their progress by prioritizing speed over technique in Olympic lifts. Discover why a slower, more controlled approach builds better results—and how to shift your mindset from brute strength to precision and consistency in weightlifting.
Motivation isn’t just about having it—it’s about understanding how you’re motivated. Coach Dave breaks down the path from external to intrinsic motivation using relatable stories and explains how that journey can transform your fitness, mindset, and life.
Preparing for birth is like training for a marathon—it takes intention, consistency, and a smart plan. Isabelle Ramirez, BirthFit coach at Iron Legion in Ocala, shares how training (not just staying active) helped her have strong, symptom-free pregnancies, and how other women can feel empowered and ready for their own journey into motherhood.
What is the dreaded “butt wink” in squatting, and should you worry about it? Coach Jason from Iron Legion breaks down this common movement flaw, why it matters (especially for weightlifters), and how to assess, address, or adapt based on the lifter’s structure, mobility, and training goals.
At Iron Legion, we’re building a new strength culture—one where strong moms lead the way. From training through pregnancy to returning post-birth with purpose, our community sets the example for future generations through grit, growth, and relentless dedication.
Speed and strength aren’t built on maxing out every week. Learn how overloading too often or skipping technical refinement can stall your Olympic lifts—and what to do instead. Coach Jason shares insight on improving performance through balance, movement integrity, and smart coaching at Iron Legion.
Stimulants like cocaine and intense exercise are a dangerous mix—potentially leading to serious conditions like Rhabdo. Coach Jason Philyaw shares a real-life story and important advice about transparency, supplement safety, and why athletes must be honest about what they’re taking.

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