Self-Improvement in All Areas of Life

Self-Improvement in All Areas of Life

“Those who succeed most pay the most attention to self-improvement in all areas of life”
– Bret Contreras

Did you catch that?

All areas of life.

Not just at the gym, or in the kitchen or at your desk… every single aspect.

The good thing is, exercise plays an important role in achieving this balance. The idea may sound counterintuitive – how could adding more to your already busy day help to alleviate stress and allow you to put more energy into other aspects of life? Exercise is a way to psychologically detach from work, while also reaping the physiological benefits! Movin’ and grovin’ boosts our happy chemicals leaving, us feeling invincible and ready to take on the world. This explains why many jobs encourage their workers to get exercise and stay active in the office. When you check back in, you will actually be a more productive and efficient employee! I say that is a win-win for everyone. Use a little activity to sprout that motivation to grow your abilities in a new area. Your potential doesn’t cap off at your job or in your sport. Keep improving yourself and the results carry over to every aspect of your life – family, running splits, stress levels…the possibilities for a better you are endless!

What can you do today to make you better tomorrow? 

Lift – Are You Mentally Ready?

Lift – Are You Mentally Ready?

“It does not matter how much weight it is to lift. If I’m ready mentally for it – then I’m ready” – Arnold Schwarzenegger

Sure is motivating when Arnold Schwarzenegger (bulging out of the very shirt he is trying to sell) is convincingly screaming – “YOU CAN DO IT TOO!”

That you too can be strong. That you can be fit.

Who better to follow than the swole-master himself?

However, don’t let this “movement” give you the idea that if you aren’t a body builder then you aren’t doing it right. You don’t need to be tan, defined, and aesthetically perfect to be obtaining the benefits of exercise. Certainly don’t let it be the definition of your success either.

The benefits of lifting extend far beyond increased muscle mass and an unrealistic bicep circumference – increasing mood and bone density, lowering your risk of diabetes, depression and heart disease, and overall improving your quality of life!

At COR we actively support the movement of fitness for everyone – starters, experts, big or small.

So come with us if you want to be lift. DO IT! Because, we too are trying to make the world healthy – concentrating on fitness for everyone.

Strength training also plays a key part in something new we are bringing to you. We have another little trick up our sleeve with a program we’re introducing – hiking …and we can’t wait to share with you next week.

What are your thoughts? Is lifting moving you toward motion or away from the gym?

2 Things to Help you Stay Healthy this Flu Season

2 Things to Help you Stay Healthy this Flu Season

“A healthy attitude is contagious but don’t wait to catch it from others. Be a carrier.” – Tom Stoppard

Here’s something you should be spreading this season (*hint* it’s not the flu) –

A positive attitude.

As flu season is still upon us – it’s time to grab a workout buddy and catch a good ‘tude. You’ll be making #gainz beyond the gym, but in the immune department.

Two big things will happen.

Recent research has found that not only is a positive attitude contagious, but being surrounded by it while exercising is a double whammy for your health.

1. Working out could help ups fight off colds and other infections by placing stress on the body. This triggers an inflammatory effect to help the body heal itself as it fights invading microbes.
   • A recent study observed the different effects of exposure to infection in mice who swam and those who didn’t. They found the infected swimmers had much lower levels of these pro-inflammatory cells than the non-exercisers AND the sickened swimmers were producing more antimicrobial immune cells. Two reasons this happened – 1. the reduced fatness in the swimmers lessened the excessive levels of pro-inflammatory substances and 2. the small amounts of continuous muscle damage and inflammation allowed the body to become used to this trauma and know how to best initiate healing.
2. Emotions are easily passed on from person to person…simply said, being around happy people makes you feel better.
   • A bad attitude is contagious . . . fortunately, so is a positive attitude. The choice is yours. That ol’ excuse on how you can’t get out of bed when sick…well….listen to your body, get rest, stay healthy but most importantly stay positive and active..because the flu isn’t the only thing you can catch and spread.

There is no better time than today to get healthy…and now there’s no easier way than at COR.

What are you doing this week to get your mind and body right? What kind of attitude are you spreading – are you the germ or the dose of Vit. C?

One Step Closer to Happiness

One Step Closer to Happiness

“Active natures are rarely melancholy. Activity and sadness are incompatible” – Christian Bovee

Anyone who ever said they didn’t feel better after a workout is lying. We weren’t meant to be stagnate individuals and a dose of activity does wonders.

Move your body. Move your mind. Move SOMETHING.

No matter if you’re on the beaches vegging on vacation or stuck indoors with snow and rain – simply don’t forget to move every now and then. Small bouts of movement repeatedly can be as beneficial as a long workout.

Harvard Medical Publications advise us to take advantage of what both physical and mental activities provide. On the physical side it could be anything as simple as getting up and taking a lap around the office. It could also be on the mental side – take a three minute break to do to a crossword puzzle, read a book, volunteer, doodle. The principle of active engagement is not only the top rated identifier in markers of successful aging but it enhances memory, decreases depression and risk of dementia.

No matter if you’re the young athlete or weekend warrior, professional or that newbie just trying to get through one more rep –  this is where gains are made.

Small gains add up over time – persistence and movement is key.

You’re body and brain will thank you later.

A great day is only one step away – literally.

What are you doing this week to get movin? How do you monitor happiness?

Weight Loss Tip: Get in Motion, Stay in Motion

Weight Loss Tip: Get in Motion, Stay in Motion

“Great works are performed, not by strength, but by perseverance.”

– Samuel Jackson

From time to time we find ourselves in a rut – stuck, frustrated, bored, beat down or simply going absolutely nowhere. It’s during these times that we have the opportunity to discover some of our greatest abilities, deepest realizations and moments of growth! This truth is demonstrated through something as fundamental as the Laws of Physics.

Here’s a little Physics101: Newton’s First Law says that an object in motion stays in motion unless acted on by an unbalanced force.

This “Law of Inertia” makes it clear – in order to stay grinding on what you want to get done, you have to first get moving and secondly eliminate the unbalanced forced…persevere!

This is figuratively speaking (yes, there is much more to these laws of physics) – pushing through the tough times (weight loss, muscle gain, work stress, etc.) and relentlessly pursuing despite adversity – but literally speaking…GET MOVING! I’m asking you to stand up and take a walk.

The small act of activity can do wonders biologically to alter our states of mind, accelerate weight loss, improve our physical health, and transform small, subconscious behavioral changes throughout our day.

Einstein, the legend himself, even compares the act of exercise to these laws of life – “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving“. While Einstein relates the simple act of movement through a universally accepted law, his message conveys the criticalness of the staying in motion. Whether you want to finish a paper, start an exercise plan for weight loss, or take your performance to the next level, you must start somewhere. Whether it be small actions each day or simply taking a walk – stay continually active in your pursuit!

Great acts are surely performed with perseverance and finding ways to thrive despite difficulties, but add a little physical motion into the mix and you are providing yourself the best chance of optimizing your potential.

We have grown to become a society of convenience, and I am as much a part of it (and guilty) as any one else!

Staying active throughout the day, is just as important as the power hour gym sesh you squeezed in before work (still shout out to you for fitting that in!). Small bursts of movements are better than none at all!

So make that trip to the restroom, go talk to our friend in the office over, make that extra block for your mid-day Starbucks fix, or a second to step outside for five minutes – even if your’e not seeking weight loss, this makes a difference! Studies suggest it improves your memory and attention, reduces fatigue, tension, confusion, and depression! ..and it’s free! MOVE!

This movement spillovers to other areas of your life. Throw a ball with the kids, take a walk instead of scrolling through Facebook at lunch, or simply stand up for a couple minutes while you’re grinding out a paper.

How do you plan on incorporating little bouts of movement into your day to better improve your life?

Laughter, Exercise and Community – The importance of going on an internal jog

Laughter, Exercise and Community – The importance of going on an internal jog

“Hearty laughter is a good way to jog internally without having to go outdoors.”
-Norman Cousins

Physical activity does wonders for our body – lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, promoting cardiac health, releasing endorphins, boosting immunity – now what if I told you laughter did the same thing?

Laughter (or as Dr. Wiliam Fry coined the term “internal aerobics“) and physical activity (“external aerobics“) are both fundamental components to health. You can nurture yourself with the benefits of both at the same time.

What’s one of the most effective ways of achieving this two-in-one workout?

Group exercise.

A socially supported exercise leadership style increases participant self-efficacy, energy, and enthusiasm. Individuals experience less post-exercise fatigue and care for embarrassing themselves (that would explain why people come back for round two in the evening even when they knows what’s comin’!).

This increased sense of enjoyment integrated around the pursuit of a goal and satisfying social interactions fosters exercise adherence – as Mark Twain said, “He who laughs, lasts“. The creation of a cohesive exercise groups emerges – an atmosphere destined for laughter.

We encourage this aspect of health at COR by celebrating fun fitness everyday through challenges, games, personalized goal setting and a sense of community – but this Saturday we invite everyone!

On Saturday, October 31st we will be offering a full, fun morning of FREE events – Halloween Boot Camp from 7-8am, Pumpkin Carving from 8-10am and then our last Zumba class from 11-12am …. ALL FOR FREE!

Exercise doesn’t have to be boring. Find where fun and fit collide! Be happy, get healthy – “Humor is an antidote for all ills!” – Patch Adams

Here’s to a week of fun, exercising with friends and experiencing the power of a community!

How do you plan on getting your internal and external jog?

COR and the Cure – More than Physical Therapy

COR and the Cure – More than Physical Therapy

"There’s a great metaphor that one of my doctors uses: If a fish is swimming in a dirty tank and it gets sick, do you take it to the vet and amputate the fin? No, you clean the water. So, I cleaned up my system. By eating organic raw greens, nuts and healthy fats, I am flooding my body with enzymes, vitamins and oxygen.”

– Kris Carr

Many of us have become accustomed to flooding our bodies with “dirty water” and then going out to “amputate the fin” – yet, we fail to address the root of the problem.

The norm is to feed our bodies with processed, sugary foods and then focus on dealing with the repercussions. This frustrating process of addressing the consequence rather than the cause can be experienced in countless dimensions. If you think about how COR approaches injury during physical therapy – we make sure to question *why* (i.e. video, biomechanical analysis, understanding the entire picture) rather than only fixing the effect – it is no different than the way we should look at our health. Remember, at all our Santa Clara, CA physical therapy sessions, we put out the fire, we don’t just take the batteries out of the smoke alarm.

Diet is one of the many pieces to the puzzle. However, too often we resort to altering our perception and approach to nutrition only when we’ve reached extreme and alarming lows in our health.

The growing support and advocacy to highlight certain diseases has been huge for awareness and progress toward a cure. My favorite opportunity this awareness presents is the chance to make clear the role of health in each of us – using the examples and proof through others to ignite change within ourselves.

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s the perfect excuse to provide wisdom from some of the many, incredible examples of men and women who inspired change after being diagnosed with cancer. Whether or not you or a loved one has been personally impacted by disease, we all relate in sharing and contributing to one thing – an ownership of a machine that demands care – our body.

Diagnosed with an incurable Stage 4 cancer, Kris Carr has become one of the leading health advocates and cancer inspirations. It was over ten years ago this wake-up call encouraged her lifestyle change and efforts that sparked a wellness revolution!

It Isn’t Just About Physical Therapy and Personal Training!

A couple pieces of wisdom she discovered through her experiences:

“I knew when I was diagnosed with cancer the only thing I could control was what I ate, what I drank and what I would think.”

“The ability to feel clean and healthy resides in our control. The thoughts and nutrients you allow to pass through your body.”

“Change your plate. Change your fate.”

As we continue getting down to business to support Cancer, we encourage you to join us. Heading into week 1 of our 30 day challenge for Prostate Cancer, let us not forget that October is also Breast Cancer Awareness month! October has become the perfect excuse to adorn ourselves in pink ribbons, race for a cure, share stories and come together to support a cause. Stay tuned on how you can join the COR family in doing so!

For COR, these 30 days allow us to continue striving for a cure. We want to reach new health horizons and you to experience peaks in your well-being. Help us workout for a cure this month, use our hashtag #30MOCOR to raise awareness, donate to our group, or attend our workshops and events. Remember, step one is about making yourself feel better, whether it is with physical therapy or personal training, then it involves helping the community!

How are you going to better fuel your body this week? Which way are you choosing to get involved to spread better health?

Mo’ stache, Mo’ Moves, and Mo’ Motivation!

Mo’ stache, Mo’ Moves, and Mo’ Motivation!

"I’ve always made a total effort, even when the odds seemed entirely against me. I never quit trying; I never felt that I didn’t have a chance to win. “ – Arnold Palmer

62 PGA Tour winning legend, drink connoisseur and World Golf hall-of-famer – but among his array of accolades, Palmer’s proudest to date is his triumph over prostate cancer.   

“Success in golf depends less on strength of body than upon strength of mind and character.”

This “strength of mind and character” Palmer built through disciplined practice later applied to a whole new challenge. Through success as an athlete, Palmer exemplified a resilient mentality…one that proved to be no different as he battled cancer. The mental and physical benefits built upon an active and athletic lifestyle set the foundation for Palmer’s determination and strength to survive – first in the game of golf, but later in the game of life.

Although retired from the game, Palmer is an advocate for lifelong exercise and healthy habits. So are we.

Do you know the key to battling prostate and other cancers? A healthy lifestyle.  

Maybe you’ve begun to notice the super rad beard John’s [soon to be ‘stache] been sporting. #30MOCOR That’s because COR is taking on the Movember Challenge – and we want YOU to join us! For the month of November, we will track everyone’s attendance at COR. This includes yoga, double workouts, workshops, boot camp, Zumba, (sorry not physical therapy, stay healthy!), etc. The members with the highest attendance will win a prize…excited yet! Also, we’ll be raising money for Cancer Research Institute. Donate to our team here!

Knowledge is power right? Next time you see us rocking the ‘moustache’, ask us what a good diet and life in motion can do to prevent cancer and lead a life free of health issues.

At the heart of COR, we strive to foster growing, giving and moving…now we are taking it to a whole new level. Every day we focus on optimizing lives, but these next 30 days we are committed to tackling the biggest health issues faced by men – prostate cancer, testicular cancer, poor mental health and physical inactivity.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b63egyOo4lE

So mo’ stache, mo’ moves, and mo’ motivation!

How are you going to step it up?