the body is built to adapt: BAF Newsletter June 2025
June 1, 2025
Can you believe we’re nearly halfway through 2025? Time is flying, and I’m so excited to share all the latest updates as we grow together and prepare for a sultry New Orleans summer. Summertime is all about building resilience—mentally, physically, and environmentally.
What Does It Mean to Go Beyond Adaptation?
In everyday life, adaptation means changing behavior to better suit the environment. But if we’re not careful, we can adapt too well to comfort and routine—narrowing our experiences and limiting personal growth.
I grew up in Louisiana avoiding the heat at all costs—hopping from one air-conditioned building to the next. I hated (HATED) to sweat. I basically adapted to be an indoor cat.
At some point, I realized that living within such narrow environmental conditions wasn’t really living. There’s a whole world out there—and I wanted to be part of it.
In 2019, I trained Muay Thai in Phuket, Thailand. We trained four hours a day in an open-air gym. It was 30°C everyday. I don’t think I’ve ever sweated more in my life—but I got used to it!
Why? The human body is built to adapt. That’s why it’s important to actively shape our environment, rather than just react to it.
Going Beyond Adaptation means taking ownership of your path. It’s about choosing challenge, embracing change, and stepping into discomfort to become the strongest version of yourself. We’re not just passengers in our lives—we’re the engineers!
Thanks for being part of this journey. Let’s keep growing stronger—together.
-CJ
How Heat Acclimatization Works
Your body can learn to thrive in the heat. Here’s how:
Involuntary Adaptations:
Increased heat shock protein production, which:
Increases plasma volume and blood flow to the brain and skin
Helps prevent degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s
Enhances cellular stress resilience
Supports muscle growth and recovery
Improves heart health and detoxification
Helps delay aging by reducing cellular damage
You start to sweat earlier, making you more efficient at cooling off! (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9345296/#mco2161-sec-0090)
Voluntary Adaptation:
Deep diaphragmatic breathing helps release built-up heat
(Don’t be a baked potato—exhale the heat!)
If you keep jumping from one AC room to another, you never acclimate—and miss out on all these powerful health benefits.
Let’s live in harmony with our environment and find joy in movement even when it’s warm.
Gear Recommendations for class
to stay dry, strong, safe, & comfortable!
ARE BAF classes women only?
NO. While our classes are designed with women in mind, everyone is welcome. If your partner or friends want to join us, bring them along! We’re committed to maintaining a respectful and inclusive space for all identities.
