Battle Flag Apparel

Man-beast Monday: Recently had the incredible privilege of meeting Heisman Trophy winner/All-Pro Ricky Williams. He looked like he could still lace up tomorrow 😂, and knows more than a thing or two about comebacks. More importantly, he was as kind as a man gets, and a genuine inspiration.

Happy Father’s Day to all the strong, courageous, and inspiring dads out there! Today, we honor the heroes who lead by example, showing strength, compassion, and resilience every day. 🫡

We have to fight for self-care and a balanced, productive life. People who have this are not just magically in a better place. Seeking resources and holding yourself accountable can make huge improvements to your quality of life. We believe in you. 🖤🏴‍☠️

Oppressive winter blast headed your way?? No problem 😉 Warm your cranium and slay dragons in lockstep. Grab a beanie make a move.

Happy New Year, y’all. Go get ‘em.

It’s Battle Flag CEO’s birthday today! This also means Battle Flag Apparel is a Sagittarius too.

Ever felt like time is slipping away faster as the years roll by? Turns out, it’s not just in your head! 🧠 Studies confirm that children perceive time differently. Their brains are still developing, processing info at lightning speed. Days feel longer because each experience is new and enriching, creating lasting memories.

The brain’s processing speed slows down with age, making minutes feel like seconds. 😅 The culprit? Routine. Monotonous days devoid of exciting or memorable moments create a time warp. Despite people experiencing time faster as they age, more than 80% of participants of a recent U.K. survey felt time moved differently during lockdown. 

The takeaway: novel experiences and mindfulness are the secret sauce to combat this. Enjoy every moment you can. Memories of unique events stretch time, creating a rich timeline.

With fewer memorable events, time slips through our fingers. Be intentional today. 🖤

You can’t always have the eye of the tiger, but there’s always the eye of the husky…or beagle. Chase your goals as aggressively as our dogs try to break off their leash. 😂

Starting a new journey or habit can feel daunting, but you have to start somewhere. Some tips for being successful include: Start small, set clear goals, and be consistent. Gradually increase the difficulty, and celebrate small victories along the way to build momentum. Accountability partners and reminders can also help you stay on track.

Ladies, and anyone on hormone replacement/altering compounds, listen to your body! For women who are not on any type of hormonal contraceptive, working WITH your body is crucial to take care of yourself.

Key points during the follicular phase:
🏴‍☠️Rising Hormones: Estrogen levels gradually increase, contributing to an increase in energy and overall strength.
🏴‍☠️Optimal Time for Intense Workouts: Many women find this phase conducive to more challenging workouts, including strength training and high-intensity exercises.
🏴‍☠️Improved Recovery: The body’s ability to recover is often enhanced during the follicular phase, supporting more intense and frequent training sessions.

During the luteal phase, which occurs in the latter part of the menstrual cycle, hormonal changes can influence factors like ligament laxity and joint stability. This may potentially increase the risk of injury during intense or high-impact workouts:
🏴‍☠️Joint Laxity: Hormones like relaxin, which increase during the luteal phase, can affect joint stability by increasing ligament laxity. This may make joints more prone to injury, particularly in activities that involve sudden changes in direction or impact.
🏴‍☠️Decreased Recovery Capacity: Some women may experience increased fatigue and decreased recovery capacity during the luteal phase. Pushing too hard without adequate recovery can elevate the risk of overuse injuries.
🏴‍☠️Potential for Discomfort: Women may experience physical discomfort such as breast tenderness or bloating during the luteal phase, which could impact exercise performance and increase susceptibility to injury.

Listening to the body, adjusting workouts based on how one feels, and seeking guidance from healthcare or fitness professionals can contribute to a safer and more tailored approach to exercise throughout the hormone cycle. 🖤

We see you, fam.

Inflammation is a natural and essential part of the body's immune response to injury, infection, or harmful stimuli. However, chronic or prolonged inflammation can have detrimental effects on health…not to mention it just feels terrible. Vibration therapy is one tool for you to utilize in your health and recovery to push through it. Vibration is believed to help reduce inflammation through several mechanisms:

🏴‍☠️Improved Blood Circulation: Vibration can enhance blood flow to targeted areas, promoting better circulation. Increased blood flow may contribute to the removal of inflammatory byproducts and toxins.
🏴‍☠️Lymphatic Drainage: Vibration may stimulate the lymphatic system, which plays a crucial role in removing waste and excess fluids from tissues. This can aid in reducing swelling and inflammation.
🏴‍☠️Muscle Relaxation: Vibrations can induce muscle relaxation, reducing muscle tension and stress. Relaxed muscles are less likely to contribute to inflammation and discomfort.
🏴‍☠️Enhanced Nutrient Delivery: Improved blood circulation facilitated by vibration can enhance the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to tissues. This may support tissue repair and reduce inflammation.
🏴‍☠️Neuromuscular Stimulation: Vibration may activate sensory receptors in the muscles and tendons, influencing the nervous system. This stimulation can have positive effects on muscle function and reduce inflammation.

Annnnd for the part everyone hates the most, it’s also always best to combat your inflammation through your diet choices as well. 🖤 We will be depriving ourselves of sugar with you should go this route.

Our CCO, Bean, watched Harry Potter and now she’s convinced our Houdini tee is a cloak of invisibility…we won’t tell her if you don’t.

Starting new habits is really hard…especially during the holiday season. Remember that forming new habits is a process, and it's okay to face challenges along the way. Consistency, patience, and self-reflection will contribute to the long-term success of your new habits. Here are some tips to help you get started:

🏴‍☠️Start Small: Begin with manageable changes to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Gradual adjustments are more likely to become lasting habits.
🏴‍☠️Be Specific: Clearly define your new habit. Instead of a vague goal like "exercise more," specify a concrete action like "walk for 20 minutes every morning."
🏴‍☠️Set Realistic Goals: Ensure your goals are achievable within your current lifestyle. Unrealistic expectations can lead to frustration and abandonment of new habits.
🏴‍☠️Establish a Routine: Incorporate your new habit into an existing routine. Consistency is key to forming lasting habits.
🏴‍☠️Use Triggers: Associate your new habit with an existing habit or a specific trigger, making it easier to remember and integrate into your daily life.
🏴‍☠️Track Your Progress: Keep a record of your efforts. Tracking your success reinforces positive behavior and helps identify areas for improvement.
🏴‍☠️Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate small victories along the way. Recognizing progress boosts motivation and reinforces the habit.
🏴‍☠️Accountability: Share your goals with a friend or family member who can provide support and encouragement. Having someone to be accountable to increases the likelihood of success.
🏴‍☠️Learn from Setbacks: If you slip up, view it as a learning opportunity rather than a failure. Understand what led to the setback and adjust your approach accordingly.
🏴‍☠️Patience is Key: Habits take time to develop. Be patient with yourself and focus on the progress you're making rather than perfection.

You don’t have to always kill it in the gym to reap benefits from moving your body. On days where you don’t feel great, try yoga instead. Practicing yoga can offer a range of health benefits, including:
🏴‍☠️Stress Reduction: Yoga incorporates mindfulness and deep breathing, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels.
🏴‍☠️Improved Respiratory Function: Breath control, a key aspect of yoga, can enhance lung capacity and overall respiratory function.
🏴‍☠️Pain Relief: Yoga has been found to be beneficial for managing chronic pain conditions, such as lower back pain and arthritis.
🏴‍☠️Increased Energy Levels: Regular practice can boost energy levels and reduce feelings of fatigue.
🏴‍☠️Enhanced Mental Health: Yoga has positive effects on mental health, reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and promoting overall well-being.