How Functional Fitness Strengthens Your Real Life

November 13, 2025
← Back to Blog

Pickleball and Our Fall Party: Lots of Fun Planned!

Pickleball Mixer — Sunday, November 16 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Location: The Picklr Fort Collins, 1841 Jessup Dr #100

Join us for a morning of friendly competition and fun on the
courts. All members are welcome.

Fall Party — Saturday, November 22 | 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Location: Alloy Studio

Food, fun, and fellowship to celebrate the end of the Fall
Challenge — but everyone is invited.

If you’ve ever hauled grocery bags from the car or carried a
couple of suitcases through the airport, then congratulations!
You’ve done a farmer’s carry.

This simple, powerful exercise involves walking while holding
weights (usually dumbbells or kettlebells) at your sides. The
farmer’s carry builds grip strength, shoulder stability, core
control, and overall endurance. all in one move.

Talk to an Alloy coach and we’ll show you how to do it:

Stand tall with a weight in one or both hands, arms straight,
shoulders back.

Engage your core and walk slowly and steadily for a set distance
or time.

Keep good posture: chin up, chest proud, no slouching or leaning.

The farmer’s carry is a classic example of functional fitness, or
training that mimics the movements you actually need in everyday
life. It helps you lift, carry, and move with confidence, whether
that means playing with grandkids, tackling yardwork, or bringing
in all the groceries in one trip.

Let us show you in person. Call today for your free initial
consultation.

Easy as 1-2-3: Training Tips for Active Adults

Alloy delivers safe, smart, and effective training. Three
principles of our philosophy that are effective particularly for
adults over 40 or so:

1. Prioritize Strength

Strength training helps preserve muscle and bone density as you
age. It’s the single best way to maintain independence,
confidence, and daily energy.

2. Don’t Skip Recovery

Rest days give your body the chance to adapt and grow stronger.
Stretching, mobility, and proper sleep all play a huge role in
long-term progress.

3. Focus on Form

Proper technique prevents injuries and keeps workouts safe.
Controlled, intentional movements are more effective than lifting
heavier without good form.

We’ve got you covered at any age. Call today for your free
initial consultation.

The holiday season can be a tough time to stick to a healthy
diet, especially if you’re vegetarian or vegan. This festive
salad on the table ensures no one will feel deprived.
Heart-healthy, antioxidant-rich wild rice provides an earthy,
nutty-tasting base for a colorful mélange of cool-weather
produce. Apples, pears, pomegranate arils, and any kind of nut
could also make themselves at home here. Serves 4. – Susan
Puckett

Dressing:

* 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon honey
* Salt and black pepper
* 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Salad:

* 1 cup long-grain wild rice
* 2 navel oranges, peeled, pith removed, and cut in sections
between the membranes
* 1 cup green or red grapes, cut in half
* 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
* 2 scallions, white and green parts, chopped
* ½ cup roughly chopped toasted pecans
* ½ cup dried cranberries
* ½ cup chopped fresh parsley or mint leaves or a combination
(optional)

Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon
juice, honey, ½ teaspoon of salt, and a few grindings of black
pepper. Slowly whisk in the olive oil. Set aside.

Make the salad: Place the wild rice in a medium pot with 4 cups
of water and 2 teaspoons of salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the
heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, 45 to 55 minutes, or
until the rice is very tender but not mushy. Drain it well,
return it to the pot, cover and let it steam off the heat for 10
minutes.

While the rice is still warm, transfer it to a large salad bowl.
Add the orange sections, grapes, celery, scallions, pecans,
cranberries, and herbs (if using). Then add the dressing and toss
well to coat.

Taste and adjust the seasonings and serve at room temperature.
Cover and refrigerate any leftovers for up to 3 days; bring to
room temperature before serving.

Susan Puckett is an Atlanta-based food writer and cookbook

Road Ste 120 • Fort Collins,
CO 80525