🟥 Forging After 40: Day Five — The Quiet Work

Not every day in the forge is fire and sparks.

Some days, you set the hammer down.

You don’t strike harder.

You don’t lift heavier.

You just… let the steel cool and temper.

That’s what today was about.

After four days of pushing, pulling, squatting, lunging, and gasping through circuits, my body spoke up. My lower back was tight. My quads were still heavy. My shoulders needed a breath.

And instead of ignoring it?

I listened.

Not because I’m weak.

Because I know better now.

Because strength isn’t just about knowing when to go harder — it’s knowing when to back off just enough to keep building without breaking.

The Work:

✅ 5–7 minutes light warm-up

✅ Mobility flow: hips, hamstrings, shoulders, chest

✅ Stretches I haven’t taken time for in years

✅ Deep breaths, not heavy lifts

It wasn’t sweat-drenched like yesterday.

But it was progress.

Because every bit of flexibility I regained today will make tomorrow’s lifts stronger.

Every deep breath and stretch today is a deposit in the bank of longevity.

That’s the kind of quiet work that nobody sees.

But I’ll feel it.

💡 If you’re reading this thinking a “rest day” is wasted time — think again. This is the day you heal. This is the day you sharpen without striking. And when you come back tomorrow? You come back better.

#ForgingAfter40 #DayFive #Recovery #Mobility #StrongerTomorrow

Why Every Dog Deserves a Leash That Works As Hard As They Do

At Unbroken Bond Designs, we believe every dog — from the family couch potato to the hardest-working K9 — deserves a leash they can depend on.

For years, we watched cheap leashes fray, fail, or simply feel… uninspired. And in those little failures, we saw something bigger: a missed opportunity to strengthen the bond between you and your dog.

That’s why we started crafting leashes by hand.

Each UBD leash is built with durability, functionality, and love at its core. Whether you’re hiking trails, training for obedience, or patrolling the streets, our gear is designed to hold strong and look good doing it.

We use quality paracord that can handle the elements and the excitement of even the most energetic pups. And because we know no two dogs (or owners) are alike, we offer customizable designs that reflect your style and story.

After all, your dog is more than just a pet — they’re family, a partner, and your most loyal teammate. Shouldn’t their gear be just as dependable?

So whether you choose one of our signature designs or dream up a custom creation, know this:

Your UBD leash is built to hold. Made to last.

Because your bond deserves nothing less.

📩 Ready to upgrade your leash?

Shop our collection or message us today for a custom design that tells your dog’s story.

👉 https://unbrokenbonddesigns.etsy.com

Hashtags:

#UnbrokenBondDesigns

#BuiltToHoldMadeToLast

#DogGearDoneRight

#WorkingDogGear

#ParacordLeash

#CustomDogGear

#DogMomLife

#DogDadLife

#AdventureDog

#K9Strong

#ShopSmall

#HandmadeWithLove

#SupportSmallBusiness

#DogLovers

#ManAndDog

#DogTrainingGear

#EtsyShop

🟥 Forging After 40: Day Four — Breathe, Burn, Repeat

This wasn’t about lifting heavy. This was about going deep.

Deep into the discomfort.

Deep into the burn.

Deep into the voice in your head that says “that’s enough”… and answering back, “not yet.”

Today’s workout was different — not a classic lift session.

This was a full-body circuit.

Cardio met conditioning.

Lungs met fire.

And I met another level of myself.

The Battle Plan:

✅ Kettlebell Swings (25 lbs)

✅ Push-ups

✅ Dumbbell Rows (25 lbs)

✅ Goblet Squats (25 lbs)

✅ Mountain Climbers

3 rounds — minimal rest. Maximum sweat.

Then I hopped on the bike for 10 minutes and rode the high. Or maybe just rode the edge of collapse. Either way, I finished.

By round two, I was huffing.

By round three, I was drenched.

But I didn’t stop.

Because this isn’t just about strength — it’s about stamina.

It’s about building an engine that doesn’t give up when life turns up the heat.

I don’t train just to lift more.

I train so I can handle more.

More stress.

More weight.

More life.

Today’s workout didn’t build muscle so much as it built resilience.

And you know what?

That’s the kind of strength I need more of.

That’s the kind of strength that lasts beyond the gym.

💡 If you’re reading this thinking cardio circuits are just for weight loss… you’re missing the bigger win. This kind of work? It makes you mentally bulletproof. And in the real world, that’s the edge that matters.

#ForgingAfter40 #DayFour #CircuitTraining #MentalToughness #Unbreakable

Unbroken Blog 003

🎨 

Tied to Style: How to Choose the Perfect Colors for Your Unbroken Leash

At Unbroken Bond Designs, we don’t just craft leashes — we craft statements. Every dog-owner pair is unique, and the colors you choose for your custom leash are your chance to showcase that bond in full color. Whether you’re repping your pup’s working spirit, your favorite sports team, or just want to make strangers stop and say, “Wow, that’s a gorgeous leash,” here’s our guide to picking the perfect palette.

🐾 Why Color Matters

The leash you hold is an extension of you and your dog. It’s one of the first things people notice on your walks, at training events, or on duty. Colors can communicate:

1. Strength & reliability (blacks, grays, navy)
2. Energy & playfulness (neons, bright reds, oranges)
3. Calm & trustworthiness (earth tones, pastels)
4. Pride in a cause or identity (flag colors, department colors)

And let’s be real — it just looks good when your dog’s collar, your leash, and your vibe are in sync.

🐕 Tips for Picking the Perfect Combo

1️⃣ Match Your Dog

Does your dog have rich golden fur? A deep royal blue or bold red pops beautifully.

Got a black or gray-coated K9? Consider bright neons or silver tracers to stand out.

Light-colored dogs? Go dark and classy for contrast — or pastel for that soft, friendly feel.

2️⃣ Show Your Pride

We love working with first responders, military families, and sports fans. Choosing colors that honor your department, your team, or even your alma mater is a powerful touch.

(Yes, we’ve made plenty of blue & silver Detroit Lions leashes — and they look sharp.)

3️⃣ Be Seen

If you walk early mornings or after dusk, a bright primary or neon tracer can improve visibility. Functional and stylish.

4️⃣ Think Long-Term

Trendy colors come and go, but some combos (like black & red, navy & gray, OD green & coyote tan) are timeless. If you’re not sure, you can’t go wrong with the classics.

🧵 Our Specialty: Custom Work

At the end of the day, we build to hold and made to last. Every leash is handmade, and we’ll help you pick the right colors for you and your four-legged partner. Send us your ideas — even if it’s just “I want it to scream confidence” — and we’ll craft something worthy of your bond.

✍️ Ready to design your leash?

Check out our shop https://unbrokenbonddesigns.etsy.com

or DM us with your dream colors.

Your dog deserves more than “just a leash.” They deserve one that tells your story.

1. #UnbrokenBond
2. #UnbrokenBondDesigns
3. #BuiltToHold
4. #MadeToLast
5. #StrongLeashStrongBond
6. #HandmadeForDogs
7. #CustomDogGear
8. #DogLeashDesign

🟥 Forging After 40: Day Three — The Foundation

Some people skip leg day. I used to be one of them.

Why? Because legs are hard. Because they hurt. Because nobody walks up and compliments your quads the way they do your arms or chest.

But here’s the truth I’ve come to realize:

Strength doesn’t just stand on your shoulders. It stands on your foundation.

Today was all about the foundation. The base that holds up everything else. My legs, my core, my center of gravity — the parts of me that keep me upright when life tries to knock me down.

Here’s what I built today:

✅ Warm-up: 5-minute walk, bodyweight squats, leg swings, hip openers

✅ Bodyweight Squats: 4x12

✅ Romanian Deadlifts (25 lbs): 3x10

✅ Walking Lunges: 3x12

✅ Glute Bridges: 3x12

✅ Leg Extensions (70 lbs): 4x12

✅ Leg Curls (70 lbs): 4x12

✅ Plank: 3x30 seconds

✅ Russian Twists: 3x15

✅ Bike: 15 minutes to finish strong

It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t easy. But damn if it wasn’t effective.

By the time I got off that bike, my legs felt like molten steel — heavy, hot, and forged.

And yet… I walked out of that room standing taller than when I walked in.

That’s what this journey is really about.

Not the mirror. Not the compliments.

It’s about building something solid from the ground up.

Tomorrow’s not promised. But tomorrow’s legs will be ready.

💡 If you’re reading this, dreading your next leg day — don’t. Embrace it. That pain in your legs is the ground beneath your feet getting stronger. That shake in your core is the foundation you’ve been missing. And one day soon… you’re gonna feel unshakable.

#ForgingAfter40 #DayThree #LegDay #Foundation #Unshakable

🟥 Forging After 40: Day Two — Pulling My Weight

Today, I learned something.

There’s a quiet kind of power in pulling. Pushing is loud — it feels like you’re conquering the weight. But pulling? Pulling feels like reclaiming something the world took from you. And that’s exactly what I did today.

Day Two was all about the back, biceps, and that unspoken strength in your core. The kind of strength you don’t see in the mirror… but you feel when you stand taller, breathe deeper, and carry yourself like a man who refuses to shrink.

Here’s how I pulled:

✅ Single-Arm Dumbbell Rows: 40 lbs

✅ Band Pulldowns: 70 lbs x4x12

✅ Face Pulls: 70 lbs x3x15

✅ Bicep Curls: 30 lbs

✅ Hammer Curls: 30 lbs

✅ Kettlebell Swings: 25 lbs x20 x3 rounds

✅ Walk: 1.5 miles to cool down and clear the head

Not gonna lie — my forearms felt like they were on fire halfway through. My grip wanted to quit. My biceps screamed. But that’s the thing about forging yourself: the fire is part of the process.

I finished every set, every rep, every swing. Then I walked. And the entire time, this thought kept coming back:

You already carry enough weight in life. Now it’s time to carry it with strength.

This isn’t just about muscle. Or fat loss. Or closing rings on a watch.

It’s about showing up for yourself every damn day, even when nobody’s watching.

It’s about proving that you’re worth the effort.

Tomorrow? Legs & Core.

The old me would’ve skipped leg day.

Not anymore.

💡 If you’re reading this, wondering if it’s worth it — trust me. It’s worth it. Every pull, every step, every drop of sweat is one more link in the chain you’re building. And one less excuse weighing you down.

#ForgingAfter40 #DayTwo #PullDay #EarnedNotGiven #NoMoreExcuses

Forging After 40: Day One

🔥 Forging After 40: Day One — The First Strike

Today, I showed up.

No excuses, no overthinking, no waiting for “perfect.” Just me, a pair of dumbbells, and the decision to take the first swing at the old me.

Walking into this, I’ll be honest — I was nervous. It’s been a long time since I worked out with intention. But that’s the thing about forging steel: you don’t start with a perfect blade. You start with a jagged, bent, ugly hunk of metal. And you hammer the hell out of it.

Today’s mission was Push Day — chest, shoulders, triceps.

Here’s what went down:

✅ Flat Dumbbell Bench: 40 lbs — 4x10

✅ Incline Dumbbell Bench: 35 lbs — 3x12

✅ Overhead Dumbbell Press: 30 lbs — 3x10

✅ Side Lateral Raise: 15 lbs — 3x12–15

✅ Band Pulldown: 60 lbs — 3x15

✅ Push-ups: 2 sets of 15

✅ Cool-down walk: 10 minutes

By the end, my chest was on fire, my shoulders were smoked, and my arms felt like they’d been through a forge. And you know what? It felt damn good.

I’ve spent years feeling tired, weak, and frustrated — like life had worn me down without me even noticing. This blog, this journey… it’s about saying enough is enough. It’s about fighting back.

Not for anyone else. Not to impress strangers. Just for me.

Because the truth is, the hardest rep isn’t on the bench.

The hardest rep is walking through the door and picking up the weight for the first time.

And today, I crushed that rep.

Tomorrow, we pull.

💡 If you’re reading this and you’ve been thinking about starting… just start. Pick something up and move it. Your future self will thank you. I know mine already is.

#ForgingAfter40 #DayOne #PushDay #BuiltNotBorn #EarnedNotGiven