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For nearly 30 years, Chuck and I poured our hearts into building something bigger than ourselves…
A shared mission to help people stay fit, sharp, and strong.
Most of you know me through that work.
But behind the scenes, I've always prided myself on personal hobbies that keep me grounded, centered, and genuinely fill my cup.
Because here's something that might surprise you:
Hobbies aren't just fun — they're one of the most overlooked tools for your health.
Research shows people who regularly make time for the things they love experience lower stress, sharper mental clarity, better sleep, and even a stronger immune system.¹
It turns out, doing something purely for the joy of it sends powerful signals to your body…
Signals which can help reduce inflammation, lift your mood, and keep your mind firing on all cylinders.
For me, my favorite hobbies are cooking clean meals, walking the ranch, swimming, morning prayer, and staying active with my Total Gym.
And while these routines are deeply woven into my days…
I’ve recently revisited an old hobby to help me through this season of heavy grief:
Gardening.
And what I’ve rediscovered in the soil has been massively beneficial to my health and wellness.
You see, hidden inside healthy earth lives a microscopic organism called Mycobacterium vaccae.
When your hands make contact with this good bacteria, your brain responds by releasing serotonin — the chemical responsible for stabilizing your mood, improving sleep, and easing anxiety.
Scientists at the University of Bristol in England have literally nicknamed it "the dirt antidepressant."²
And beyond the mood boost, gardening is a full-body workout in disguise — building strength, restoring joint mobility, and flooding your system with Vitamin D.
It's given me a clean, grounded space to process my grief, lower my stress hormones, and reconnect with something bigger than myself.
This makes me think God had more in mind than just food when He placed us in a garden to begin with.
"The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." — Genesis 2:15
This is why I recommend everyone get their hands in the soil and give gardening a shot.
Now, you don’t need a massive plot of land or an expansive ranch to enjoy the incredible benefits of gardening.
Even a small windowsill herb garden or a few pots on a back porch can trigger the same powerful chemistry happening in the soil beneath your feet.
The key is simply getting your hands in the dirt…
With intention, with presence, and with a little patience.
Chuck always reminded me that a resilient life is a balanced life — hard work, clean nutrition, and protecting your mental and emotional peace with the same discipline you bring to everything else.
Returning to the garden has become one of the most healing things I've done for my body and my heart this season.
I hope you'll give it a try too.
Thank you for walking this road toward strength and healing alongside me.
With love and for his legacy,
Gena Norris
