SUPPLEMENT SPOTLIGHT

Throughout history, Shilajit has played a vital role in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Tibetan medicine. In Ayurvedic medicine, Shilajit is considered a potent natural remedy with multifaceted benefits. Referred to as a rasayana, meaning “rejuvenator,” it is believed to support overall well-being and enhance the quality of life.

Traditionally, it has been utilized for supporting physical strength. In Sanskrit, “Shilajit” means “destroyer of weakness and conqueror of mountains.” It is also known for promoting longevity, its anti-aging benefits, and supporting health through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, rendering it a cornerstone in Ayurvedic practices.

• Energy and Mitochondrial Function

  As we age, our mitochondria, the cellular powerhouses, may become less efficient at producing energy, which can lead to various health issues, accelerating aging and promoting oxidative stress. This decline is often linked to a deficiency of certain natural compounds like coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a powerful antioxidant, and dibenzo-alpha-pyrones (DBPs), which are metabolites of intestinal bacteria. Combining Shilajit (which contains DBPs) and CoQ10 is believed to support the cell's energy production and protect it from damage caused by harmful molecules. This combination has shown promise in improving cellular energy production, potentially supporting overall health and vitality as we age.

  In a 2019 study examining the effects of Shilajit supplementation on muscle strength and fatigue, recreationally active men were given either 250 mg, 500 mg of Shilajit, or placebo daily for 8 weeks. The results revealed that participants who took the higher dose of Shilajit showed greater retention of muscle strength after fatiguing exercise compared to those who took the lower dose or the placebo.

• Cognitive Function

  In Alzheimer's disease (AD), scientists are turning to Shilajit derived from the Andes mountains for its potential to support brain health. They found that certain extracts of Shilajit may support brain cell growth and reduce the clumping and tangling of harmful tau proteins, a key feature of AD.

  Another study focused on fulvic acid, the primary active compound in Shilajit. It demonstrated that fulvic acid can prevent the formation of abnormal tau proteins in lab cultures and break them down once they've formed. These findings indicate fulvic acid's potential as a supportive tool for brain health.

• Heart Health

  In a study involving healthy volunteers, daily administration of 2g of Shilajit for 45 days showed notable reductions in serum triglycerides and cholesterol levels, along with an improvement in HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels. Moreover, Shilajit improved the antioxidant status of the participants, elevating levels of key antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as vitamins E and C in the blood.

  A 2022 study that included postmenopausal women, a population at greater risk of heart disease, demonstrated decreases in markers of oxidative stress and increases in glutathione, a potent antioxidant molecule, with Shilajit supplementation.

• Male Fertility

  In a 2015 clinical study, researchers evaluated the effects of Shilajit on male hormones in healthy men aged 45-55 years. Participants were given 250 mg of Shilajit or placebo twice daily for 90 days. Results showed a significant increase in total testosterone, free testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels compared to placebo.

• Immune Support

  Shilajit has also been found to have positive effects on the immune system and inflammation. The complement system, an essential part of the immune system, helps fight infections and eliminate harmful substances from the body. Research indicates that Shilajit interacts with the complement system, enhancing innate immunity and regulating inflammatory responses, leading to immune-supportive effects.

  Shilajit also exhibits anti-inflammatory actions and has been shown to reduce levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), an inflammatory marker, in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

To ensure you get Fury member pricing (25% off all retail prices) from Thorne, email jordan@crossfitfury.com to be added to the client list. When purchased through Momentous, use code crossfitfury to get 14% retail prices.

MEDICAL MINUTE

New Research Regarding Health and Wellness

New Study Completely Changes What We Thought We Knew About Exercise Intensity

A lack of physical activity puts adults at greater risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes, type 2 diabetes, dementia and cancers such as breast and colon. But new research suggests a certain type of exercise could be more powerful in preventing these conditions than previously thought: vigorous-intensity activity.

The new data found vigorous-intensity activity to be six times more effective at lowering your risk of cardiovascular disease than moderate-intensity activities like brisk walking. In other words, for every one minute of vigorous-intensity activity you do, you would need to do six minutes of a moderate-intensity activity to have the same impact on heart health. The effectiveness for the prevention of diabetes is even more profound with vigorous activity being nine times more effective than moderate acticity.

The term “vigorous-intensity activity” is relative – depending on factors such as your age and fitness level, it could mean anything from a swim or cycle to a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout. The telltale signs are; your heart is beating fast; you are breathing hard to the point you can’t speak in full sentences; you can’t maintain this intensity for more than a few minutes at a time.

If you can reach this intensity a few times per week, you can reduce your risk of chronic illness. The World Health Organization recommends that, each week, adults do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity like brisk walking, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity like faster running or HIIT, or an equivalent combination of both. But this new research, published in the Nature journal, challenges the implicit 2:1 benefit ratio of the two intensities, suggesting you might need less vigorous-intensity activity or more moderate-intensity activity than previously thought to achieve the same health outcomes.

This study used wearable data from 73,485 UK participants to assess the health impacts of light, moderate and vigorous activity against a selection of specific health outcomes; cardiovascular mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events, type 2 diabetes and cancer.

The obvious conclusion here is that a time-efficient exercise routine should hinge on vigorous-intensity activity. If you prefer moderate-intensity activities like brisk walking, you can use these to obtain similar health benefits, but the time commitment required for the same gains will be considerably greater.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Heidi B.

How long have you been doing CrossFit? Although I've been showing up for the past 13 years with my parents, I started working out 11 months ago.

What has been your biggest win since coming to Fury? My biggest win was setting a back squat PR and a running PR in one week. I love how well-rounded CrossFit has helped me become!

What do you like most about Fury? The community! Everyone is always so positive and encouraging. There are so many people that I look up to, and they're always willing to talk to me and help me out. I have met such great people in the 7 AM class and Brandi's coaching is the best!

What are your favorite and least favorite movements when it comes to CrossFit? I love back squats and deadlifts! It's so rewarding whenever I can go up and wait and see the progress I've made. My least favorite movement is wall balls.

Any advice to someone looking to start improving their health and fitness? It's going to be challenging at first but staying consistent is very important. You'll see results and make friends at the same time. CrossFit Fury has amazing coaches and they always know how to help you out.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Mark your calendars for these upcoming events! All details are available at the front desk and on our website.

February 21 - Red Hot and Sweaty event

February 21-22 - CrossFit L1 certification (gym closed)

February 26 - March 16 - 2026 CrossFit Open

March 21 - 2026 Open wrap party (field day & potluck)

May 2 - Spring cleaning

May 25 - Memorial Day Murph WOD

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

Melissa Medina Feb 19

Pam Wilson Feb 19

Sean Clarke Feb 20

Jacinda Askew Feb 20

Kelsey Ress Feb 20

Ty Gray Feb 21

Steve Shearer Feb 21

Amanda Mercado Feb 22

Mark Cooper Feb 22

Shaun Alexander Feb 25

Mitchelle Taylor Feb 25

Nicole Hull-Hwang Feb 25

Leo Pingol Feb 26

Mike Muchlinski Feb 26

Luis Diaz Feb 28

Have a supplement you would like to know more about? Is there a wellness question or topic you are wishing you knew more about? Have a topic about fitness, wellness, or health or a favorite recipe that you want to share with the community?