Happy Sunday!

You know what’s essential for a healthy group dynamic (and personal relationships too)? Communication. While this newsletter is fitness-and health-focused, our soapbox is that community is health. And lately, We’ve been reflecting on how vital effective communication is within our GOALszn community.

In large group chats, messages can often be miscommunicated, and it’s natural to get swept up in our emotions. Here’s a key takeaway that’s helped us communicate better over the past couple of weeks:

💫 Key Takeaway: In difficult conversations, lead with your feelings.

What this looks like: Say, “I feel ‘X’ when you do ‘Y.’” Using “I” instead of “you” comes across less judgmental and can lessen the chances of the other person feeling defensive.

Here are some other helpful resources on this subject:

• What to do when a joke hurts your feelings

• “Difficult Conversations” is a tried-and-true business bestseller

• Advice on difficult convos from a hostage negotiator (!)

This approach has positively impacted Ev’s relationships, and we encourage you to consider it. If someone says something hurtful, pull them aside and express how you feel — rather than focusing on their behavior and what you think it means about them. Then, see how you can navigate towards a resolution. If you want to see how Ev applied this formula to some particularly patronizing comments from a past GOALszn participant — or if you’re just here for the tea!🧋👀 —check it out here. This isn’t the perfect example, but Ev lead with her feelings, and it was a sign of growth. We hope you think about this approach next time you're navigating a tough conversation!

Additionally, as a participant in group discussions, it’s important to “read the room.” Easier said than done, but remember that a mix of personalities exists in any group setting. It’s wise to withhold assumptions—especially about humor—until a certain flow is established (think of it like a runner’s high). The original article that inspired this thought has disappeared, but here’s an entertaining read that touches on some good points: Group Chat Rules for a Post–Group Chat World.

WHAT WE'RE LIKING LATELY

🎉🏒 It’s a good week for women’s sports: The NHL got its first female assistant coach and Always Alpha, led by athlete Alyson Felix, launched a management firm focused on women's sports.

 🍇 Nikki is trying hard not to spend ALL the money on the new plum color collection at Year of Ours. What's your color crush going into fall?! 

👕 Speaking of apparel, we’ve seen and heard about a growing interest in plastic-free activewear.

🕒 Ev recently saw the CEO of Tally Health speak twice and was intrigued by the measurement of epigenetic age — a biomarker of aging that measures the biological age of a person relative to their chronological age. While she’s skeptical of supplements, she has to admit it feels good when Oura’s cardiovascular age comes in younger than her years…

OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: SOCIALLY ACCEPTED BURPS

How many burpees can you do in a minute? The challenge is to find out.

Film your max effort and tag us!

If you're in an active szn, use #challenge and submit by EOD Nov 2!

Watch the following video for a breakdown of the classic burpee.

A burpee beginner (or injured)? Check out modifications below, or many of the other variations.

CHALLENGE WRAP UP: SMIZE IN STYLE 😎

Kevin from Team '2 Legit 2 HIIT' has become infamous for his club-like smizing workout selfies, so our latest challenge was to recreate his iconic style! These challenges are meant to encourage you to try new things and boost engagement, and we think this one really delivered!

FAKE AD: BOOST ELECTROLYTES

One day, we’ll be sponsored by Nike, but for now, we’re spreading good vibes with our faux ad section! Check out Boost Electrolytes. What sets it apart? You can consume it without water!! 💧

The founder designed this electrolyte solution after his daughter had difficulty drinking liquids, leading to their innovative “Waterless Delivery” system. It’s currently trusted by athletes, hospitals, and the military — maybe it’s good for you, too.

Right now, it’s at the top of Ev’s list. Even though it’s technically waterless, she loves pouring it into seltzer!

GOALszn: WHAT IS IT?

GOALszn is a game to track the number of workouts completed with friends. Learn more by emailing us! 

LET’S CONNECT

Follow us on TikTok to find tips on starting your own group, wellness challenges, and more!

REAL WORKOUT SELFIE OF THE WEEK