Vanquish Newsletter May 8, 2026

Steve Jarecki • May 8, 2026

Vanquish Newsletter

"Real confidence starts when you stop trying to look like everyone else"

ο»Ώ-Ilona Maher

Week 8 of the Medusa Cycle is here—and it’s time to lean in.


We’re just two weeks away from the end of this cycle, and this week is designed to help you make the most of everything you’ve been building. You’ll see a consistent theme across each day: sustaining effort even when you’re a little tired. That means lifting with intention, pushing your conditioning, and continuing to sharpen your skills.


This isn’t a week to go through the motions. Each workout has a purpose, and understanding what you’re aiming for will help you get the most out of your training.


Here’s what to expect:

  • Monday: Heavy back squats followed by a challenging, grip-heavy workout that tests your pressing strength and posterior chain.
  • Tuesday: A high-skill interval workout featuring bar muscle-ups, double unders, and lunges—focus on pacing and managing fatigue.
  • Wednesday: Bench press strength paired with a fast-paced, high-intensity row and barbell workout.
  • Thursday: A longer endurance day, combining cardio and core work over an extended session.
  • Friday: Clean technique work leading into a fun but spicy AMRAP.
  • Saturday: Partner workout focused on pulling strength, grip, and teamwork.
  • Sunday: Build to a 1RM strict press, then finish with a muscular endurance piece to close out the week strong.


This is where progress really starts to show. Stay focused, trust your training, and bring a little extra intention to each session—you’re closer to the finish line than you think.


β€ŠπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ MURPH IS COMING — ARE YOU IN? πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

One of the biggest, most electric days of the year is almost here. Show up, throw down, and take on Murph with your crew.

  • πŸ“… 5/25
  • ⏰ Heats at 7, 8, and 9am
  • πŸ‘§ Kids Heat at 10am
  • πŸ”₯ All levels welcome — scale as needed
  • πŸ‘¨‍πŸ‘©‍πŸ‘§ Parents: sign your kids up using this link, and please complete the waiver (both are included in the sign-up form and linked here).
  • πŸ₯— Potluck to follow — bring something & hang out


Big energy. Big effort. Big community.


Let’s pack the house πŸ’ͺ


Loneliness Is as Harmful as Smoking—Are You Training Your Social Health?

You already know social connection matters—but knowing it and prioritizing it are two different things.


We plan our workouts, dial in nutrition, and protect our sleep… but social health often gets pushed aside.


Here’s the reality: research from Julianne Holt-Lunstad found that social isolation can carry a similar health risk to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Loneliness isn’t just a feeling—it’s a physical stressor that can increase inflammation and impact long-term health.


And in busy seasons? It’s easy to go weeks without real connection.


So treat social time like training:

  • Schedule it. Protect it. Show up for it.
  • Dinner with friends. A walk and talk. A quick call.


Those reps matter too.

Fix What’s Holding You Back

Got a nagging shoulder, cranky knees, or tight hips?


At Innovate Sports Medicine, Lara (your on-site Athletic Trainer + Gym Manager) will assess what’s going on, treat it, and give you a simple plan to keep training—not sit out.


No quick fixes. Just real solutions that keep you moving. If something’s been bugging you, let’s take care of it πŸ’ͺ

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH LARAο»Ώ

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“You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try.” - Dolly Parton β€ŠπŸ§  Hercules Week 3: The Mandela Effect Things may look familiar this week… but don’t trust your memory. Week 3 is all about The Mandela Effect —when we collectively remember something that never actually happened. Each workout takes something recognizable and adds a twist, flips the script, or sends you in a different direction. Expect power snatches, toes-to-bar, burpees, wall balls, double-unders, strict handstand push-ups, deadlifts, bench press, back squats, running, and plenty of barbell work. The big focus this week? Pacing and execution. A workout may look familiar, but the demands are different, so don’t let your memory dictate your pace. Coaches will help you spot the difference during the whiteboard brief. Listen for what’s changed, understand the intended stimulus, and attack the workout that’s actually in front of you—not the one you think you remember. 🧠πŸ’ͺ β€ŠπŸš§ Brookfield Road Construction Update Starting September 3 , Brookfield Road will be closed to through traffic for approximately 2.5 weeks. Vanquish will remain accessible , but you’ll need to approach the gym from the south during this phase of construction. Please follow posted detour signs and flaggers and allow a few extra minutes for possible delays. Thanks for your patience! β€ŠπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Labor Day Schedule We’re keeping things simple this Labor Day! There will be no regularly scheduled classes , but we’ll have one all-levels class at 8:00 AM for anyone looking to get their holiday workout in. Open Gym will remain available 24/7 as usual, so you can train on your own schedule. Enjoy the holiday! πŸ’ͺ β€Š STOP TRAINING AROUND PAIN. FIX IT. That shoulder that won’t quiet down. Knees that hate squats. Hips that feel locked no matter how much you stretch. You don’t have to work around it anymore. At Innovate Sports Medicine, Lara (your on-site Athletic Trainer + Gym Manager) will pinpoint the real issue, treat it, and give you a clear plan to keep training—without guessing or sitting on the sidelines. No band-aids. No fluff. Just real answers and real progress. If it’s been bothering you, it’s time to handle it. πŸ’ͺ MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH LARA ο»Ώ β€Š Show up. Put in the work. Let’s go. πŸ’₯
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