Workout Secrets from South of the Border and Local Happenings Right Here

While your Instagram feed fills with uncomfortable sombrero selfies this Cinco de Mayo, we're diving into something actually worth celebrating—fitness wisdom from Mexico that might level up your training, plus local updates to kick off your May.

INTERNATIONAL FITNESS: MEXICO EDITION
The "Move All Day" Approach

In traditional Mexican movement culture, physical activity isn't compartmentalized into dedicated "workout time."

Research on traditional movement patterns in various cultures, including Mexico, suggests that incorporating varied physical activity throughout the day (walking, dancing, actively engaging in daily tasks) supports impressive metabolic health. These movement patterns, woven into daily life rather than isolated as "exercise," create consistent physical demands that our bodies respond well to.

This isn't suggesting you abandon your gym routine, but rather complement it with consistent movement throughout your day. Your metabolism doesn't distinguish between "official exercise" and other movement—it simply responds to the cumulative stimulus.

MEXICAN SUPERFOODS: NATURE'S PERFORMANCE ENHANCERS

Traditional Mexican cuisine contains several nutritional powerhouses with research-backed benefits for performance and recovery:

• Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds were staples for messengers who needed sustained energy for covering long distances. Research shows their unique combination of omega-3s, fiber, and protein creates extended energy release and improved endurance. A 2023 study found pre-workout consumption improved time to exhaustion by 9.8% compared to control groups.

• Nopal Cactus: Research shows its unique fiber profile and antioxidant content helps stabilize blood glucose and may improve endurance performance by 8-12%. The cactus contains rare bioactive compounds that appear to optimize carbohydrate utilization during exercise.

• Chili Peppers: Capsaicin has been shown to increase fat oxidation during exercise by 15-23% and slightly boost metabolic rate. The thermogenic effect creates a mild but meaningful boost to calorie burning during activity.

• Mexican Herbs: Traditional herbs like epazote and cilantro contain compounds that may reduce exercise-induced inflammation significantlywhen regularly incorporated into the diet, potentially speeding recovery between training sessions. They also boast a number of anti-cancer properties.

Kitchen Translation: Try adding chia seeds to your pre-workout nutrition, incorporate nopal into breakfast before morning sessions, add some heat to your meals with quality chili peppers, and use fresh herbs liberally in your cooking.

LOCAL HAPPENINGS THIS WEEKEND

Hydromassage Bed: Back in Action

Our hydromassage bed is finally fixed and ready for your recovery needs! You might have seen Jay working on it to make sure it's up and operating at full capacity. Perfect timing as we head into the active spring season when recovery becomes even more crucial to performance.

New Shirts That Make Everyone Look Good — $20

Fresh gym tees have arrived! These new $20 shirts feature a stylish design you'll want to wear both in and out of the gym. Available at the front desk while supplies last.

St. Johns Parade – Saturday at Noon

This Saturday at noon, the St. Johns Parade kicks off. We're not participating this year, but we love seeing St. Johns show out.

Last Day for Cinco de Mayo Festival Downtown

Monday marks the final day of Portland's Cinco de Mayo Festival at the waterfront. Between the traditional dance performances, live music, and walking the festival grounds, it's a perfect way to experience Mexican culture while staying active.

The Bottom Line

Whether you're incorporating ancient Mexican nutritional wisdom or joining local weekend activities, movement is worth celebrating. This Cinco de Mayo, consider how you might integrate some of these time-tested principles into your routine for better results and more sustainable fitness.

Your gains are our gains,

Your West Coast Fitness Familia

PS: If you want to dive deeper, take a look at last year's newsletter for even more Mexican inspo.