SolCoreFitness

Jun 14 2023

How to Make Your Dreams Come True

Everyone has a dream a vision for their future that sparkles with possibility. But what separates the dreamers from the “doers”? Why do some people achieve what they long for, while others see their aspirations fade with the seasons?

From Wishful Thinking to Real Action

“Someday, I’ll run a marathon.”
“One day, I’ll get my body—and my health—back.”
“Maybe, if things calm down, I’ll fix my back pain.”

Sound familiar? Dreaming is easy; follow-through is harder. In truth, many dreams remain just that because no realistic structure or daily action supports them.

Client story:

Take Carlos, a SolCore client with a “bucket list” of summiting Wheeler Peak, New Mexico’s tallest mountain. He dreamed of it for five years, but let a busy job, minor injuries, and family commitments delay action. The difference came when we broke his dream into real steps: training hikes, specific mobility routines, a nutrition plan, and accountability. Six months later, on top of that peak, he realized it was less about fitness and more about seeing himself as the kind of person who follows through.

Step 1: Decide Which Dreams Are Real

Before you sink effort into a goal, get honest: is this a fantasy, or your authentic desire?
Ask:

Do I truly want this, or does it just sound good?
Would I do this if nobody ever saw or celebrated?
Am I willing to do the work, or does the idea feel better than the action?

Exercise: Write down your main dreams. Circle the top one. Go deeper than “I want to get out of pain.” What life awaits you if pain is gone? What adventures, freedoms, or relationships?

Step 2: Paint a Clear Picture

A fuzzy dream can’t fuel you for long. Get specific:

“I want to play on the floor with my grandkids, pain-free.”
“I want to deadlift my bodyweight at age 60.”
“I want to travel solo, unafraid of injuries or setbacks.”

Specific dreams illuminate the path.

Step 3: Build a Realistic, Flexible Plan

Dreams need a backbone—concrete steps you can execute:

Short-term milestones: weekly or monthly progress checks.
Long-term structure: a 1-year or 5-year “why not?” outlook.
Course correction: Plans will shift; flexibility keeps them alive.

A good plan also includes support—friends, coaches, or peers sharing their journey, encouragement, and wisdom.

Step 4: Identify and Remove Obstacles

Every dream faces resistance.

Is it time? (Write your ideal and actual weekly schedules. Where’s hidden “scroll” time?)
Doubt? (“I never stick with anything.” Flip: “I always come back—I’m persistent.”)
Chronic pain/old injuries? Get them professionally assessed—don’t let “I can’t” win when “I could, with help” is true.

Step 5: Use the Power of Consistency

Consistent action, not perfection, is where dreams materialize.

Celebrate every healthy meal, workout, or mindful stretch.
Build streaks. Two weeks becomes two months—soon, you’re the kind of person who “just does this.”

Step 6: Recruit Accountability

Share your dream and plan with someone you trust. Check in regularly—wins and setbacks both. At SolCore, group classes and coaching accelerate results because community inspires, encourages, and gently nudges.

Step 7: Apply to Health (or Any Area)

Health dreams are the best mirrors for this process, because results are visible, experiential, and undeniable.

Want to age gracefully? Integrate daily mobility and resistance training.
Want full pain relief? Pair hands-on therapy with a gradual, progressive exercise plan.
Want to get outdoors more? Schedule weekly hikes, even in small groups, and reward yourself.

Growth Mindset: Embrace Detours

Dreams aren’t always linear. Relapses, new injuries, travel, or life emergencies will slow (but not end) your journey. The real “win” is remembering what author James Clear says in Atomic Habits: “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”

Client Example: Emma’s Return to Tennis

Emma came to SolCore three years after quitting competitive tennis due to rotator cuff pain. Her dream? “To play, pain-free, for fun.” At first, progress was slow—old pain flared, motivation dipped. With weekly check-ins, adaptive programming, and emotional support, she found herself back on the court for short games, then full matches. The sparkle in her eyes at each milestone proved the journey was as valuable as the dream itself.

Ready to Turn “Maybe” Into Mastery?

Every life you envy began with a dream—but was built by daily choices, accountability, and willingness to ask for help. Structure matters. If you want support and expertise, schedule a Free Consultation today. We’ll map your steps, identify obstacles, and ensure that next year, you’re not wishing—you’re celebrating.

It’s not just working out, it’s building a foundation for a better life.

Find out more @

Jun 13 2023

Mature Into a Smarter Way of Working Out

Youth is forgiving. In your teens, 20s, and maybe early 30s, nearly any routine “works.” Missed warm-ups? No problem. Heavy squats, endless HIIT, little sleep, junk food, and somehow you still bounce back for another day. But rounding the corner into your 40s, 50s, and beyond, everything changes. The old “more is better, push through pain, go harder” is no longer a sustainable badge of honor. Working smarter—not just harder—becomes the key to lifelong strength and wellness.

Why Your Workout Needs to Evolve

Aging isn’t just about candles on a cake. Recovery systems slow, inflammation accumulates, joints lose some elasticity, and old injuries “speak up” more quickly. If you keep training like you did at 25, here’s what happens:

Small imbalances compound, leading to chronic pain/injury.
Progress stalls—even regresses—as fatigue trumps results.
Motivation dips, as soreness and frustration replace joy.

Instead, those who thrive in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond adapt—preserving energy, mastering technique, and making recovery as important as work.

Client Story: From Burnout to Brilliance

Consider “Kevin.” At 47, he was still training like a competitive athlete: max-effort bootcamps, skipping rest, using the same “push-through” tactics as college. By 50, not only were his knees angry but his old back injury was shutting him down. When he sought help at SolCore, we didn’t just scale back his sessions—we rebuilt his plan:

Prioritize mobility and posture every session.
Swap pure muscle-building for myofascial chain work.
Layer in active recovery and structural exercises.
Suddenly, his energy soared, his chronic aches faded, and (bonus) his work performance improved. “I train less, but I’m stronger and more capable than I was a decade ago.”

The Science: How Aging Bodies Change

Muscles: Lose mass and power if unchallenged, but respond well to smart, consistent resistance work—especially compound, functional movements.
Connective tissue (fascia): Stiffens and shortens with age or inactivity, needing stretching and hydration.
Joints: Cartilage thins, requiring joint-specific movement and less repetitive high-impact stress.
Hormones/Recovery: Recovery takes longer; sleep, hydration, and nutrition are now non-negotiable.

The New Playbook for Mature Training

1. Prioritize Joint Health and Mobility
Start every session with integrated movement prep (dynamic stretching, ELDOA, joint rotations, foam rolling). Focus on hips, shoulders, spine—where most compensations arise.

2. Quality Over Quantity

Use slower, controlled reps.
Master technique before adding weight.
Emphasize full range-of-motion—not just “how much can I lift?”

3. Mix Modalities

Blend strength, mobility, fascia training, and low-impact aerobic work.
Sample: Squat-to-overhead reach, push-pull combos, plank variations.

4. Build Structured Recovery In

Schedule rest days proactively (not as afterthoughts).
Use active recovery: walking, gentle swimming, yoga, or Personal Training guided stretching.
Truly rest—quality sleep, good food, thoughtful breathwork.

5. Incorporate Fascia and “Small Muscle” Training

Train stabilizers, not just big movers. Clamshells, balance work, banded holds, and manual therapy support.
Address connective tissue with specific myofascial release and stretching.

6. Respect Your History
Got an old injury? Give it extra love—modify to protect, not ignore.
Listen for “yellow lights:” fatigue, minor aches, sleep disruption—adjust before they become roadblocks.

Real World Results: Client Examples

“Samantha,” a competitive tennis player, refocused on core mobility and fascial health after 40. Result? Extended her playing years, reduced shoulder and hip pain, and even improved on-court speed.
“Linda,” who wanted to garden into her 70s, mastered hip stability, learning simple daily movements and stretches that kept her backyard her playground, not her nemesis.

The Power of Personal Training Over “One-Size-Fits-All”

A mature system means you don’t just copy the workouts of celebrities or pro athletes—you build from the ground up, with your body, goals, and realities front and center. That’s where SolCore’s [Personal Training] comes in:

Assessment: Where are your unique strengths, and what needs support?
Customized plans: Adjust for history, daily energy, and specific ambitions.
Progression: Every few weeks, gently ramp up challenge—never rush.
Education: Learn why you’re moving a certain way.

Benefits Beyond Injury Avoidance

Consistency: When joints feel good, you don’t skip.
Confidence: Each win builds belief in your body’s future.
Energy spillover: Improved focus at work, calmer relationships, higher mood.
Longevity: Decades of active, independent living—less time on the sidelines.

Mature Doesn’t Mean “Slower” It Means Smarter

A smarter approach often leads to (surprising!) leaps in strength and performance. You might lose “ego lifts,” but you’ll gain progress you can feel and measure for years.

Final Words: Play the Long Game

Stop battling your younger self or chasing internet trends. Shift your mindset:

You’re “building decades of adventure,” not counting reps for tomorrow.
You train so life outside the gym is richer—hikes, travel, play, community.
Invest in what matters: posture, mobility, strength, and joy of movement.

Ready to break the “old way” and build for the future? Explore our Personal Training options for science-backed, personalized programs designed for every phase of your life.

It’s not just working out, it’s building a foundation for a better life.

Find out more @

Jun 09 2023

Building a Foundation for a Better Life

Imagine your body as a house. The foundation determines if the whole structure will be strong, resilient, and able to weather any storm. When the ground is solid, everything you build on top fitness, mental clarity, emotional well-being stands the test of time.

But what does it really mean to build a “foundation for a better life”? Let’s dig deep into what it takes, why most people miss it, and how you can apply this wisdom to create a sustainable, thriving future—no matter your starting point.

Laying the Groundwork: It’s Not Just Muscles

Most people approach fitness like they’d approach a new kitchen: add shiny appliances, throw on some paint, and hope for the best. But if the foundation is cracked—poor posture, inflexible fascia, weak stabilizers—the house will always be at risk.

At SolCore, we start with the roots:

Structural Alignment: Are your joints stacked properly? Is your spine in a healthy curve?
Breath Mechanics: Are you using your diaphragm? Do you know how breath drives posture and stability?
Myofascial Balance: Are your muscles and connective tissues able to move, lengthen, and stabilize dynamically?

Real-World Client: “Lydia’s Foundation Shift”

Lydia, late 50s, wanted to “get fitter for a hiking trip.” She had tried group HIIT, jogging, and random stretching—always hitting a wall with pain and fatigue. On assessment, her posture revealed a forward head, collapsed arches, and shallow breathing. Instead of just adding squats or cardio, we rebuilt:

Diaphragmatic breathing and rib mobility
Myofascial stretching routines
Simple posture drills and slow, controlled stabilization

Within 3 months, Lydia had better energy, reduced aches, and—surprise—a new love for movement. By the time her trip arrived, she hiked longer, happier, and with zero injury setbacks.

The Pillars You Need for a Lifelong Foundation

Posture Is Functional, Not Cosmetic
Good posture isn’t about military rigidity; it’s about stacked joints and relaxed readiness. We fix alignment with:

Cueing neutral spine in every exercise
- Balancing left-right movement
- Training in positions you use (standing, walking, climbing stairs)

Breath Drives Movement
Breath is your secret weapon:

Expands ribcage for better spinal movement
- Engages stabilizing muscles without conscious “bracing”
- Calms the nervous system (good-bye stress-induced tension)

Mobility Before Strength
You cannot strengthen what does not move. Many adults, especially over 40, “lose range” yearly. Restoration through precise stretching, controlled joint rotation, and fascia release is required before strength gains are truly possible.
Strength That Transfers
Isolation lifts matter, but resilience comes from multi-joint, integrated moves:

Deadlifts, lunges, reaches, loaded carries
- Movements incorporating balance, rotation, and control

Daily Habits Hold the Gains
What you do daily matters more than what you do rarely. 2-5 minutes every morning and night, small movement snacks throughout the day—these build the neural and structural “footings” of your foundation.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

“More is better”: Building without rest or skipping the mobility “boring stuff” is like piling bricks on unstable ground.
“Only strength matters”: Neglecting mobility guarantees you’ll eventually stall or injure yourself—especially as you age.
“Once I’m pain-free, the work is over”: Maintenance is forever. Your body needs regular tune-ups.

The Role of a True Holistic Exercise Program

At SolCore, building a foundation isn’t a slogan—it’s a science and an art:

Comprehensive assessment: posture, movement, breath, habit analysis
Programming that builds, not breaks down
Stepwise progression: structural drills, then mobility, then gentle strength, then power as appropriate
Integration of stretching, recovery, and education

Client story: “Daniel always skipped stretching. When he finally committed to fascia work and daily breath drills, he noticed both his deadlift and his shoulder aches improved. He called it his ‘five minute foundation fix’—and it kept him in the gym, injury-free, into his sixties.”

Your Foundation For Life

When you build from the ground up, everything changes:

Fewer aches and setbacks even as you push for bigger goals
Better balance and confidence in daily life
Improved mental resilience: a solid physical foundation quiets the mind
More adventure travel, sports, play without fear or fatigue

Ready to put first things first and finally experience the difference? Check out our Holistic exercise program the cornerstone to the better life you want.

It’s not just working out, it’s building a foundation for a better life.

Find out more @

Jun 01 2023

Fear Disguised as Practicality: How to Recognize It

“Once I do X, then I’ll…”
“Things are chaotic—when it calms down, I’ll start.”
“This works for my schedule better than that…”

We’ve all justified inaction with logic. How often is “practicality” just fear whispering in a business suit?

Understanding Fear’s Tricky Disguise

Our brains crave safety—and often seek it through rationalizations:

Not booking that health screening because “it can wait until after this stressful month.”
Delaying a new fitness routine until “work slows down.”
Settling for an old, ineffective stretch routine because “switching now might throw everything off.”

But comfort (and its twin, “practicality”) can quietly block your growth, health, and happiness.

Why the Smartest People Get Tricked

“Mary,” a high-powered attorney, was a pro at planning. She never missed a deadline—with work. But her back pain program? “Not a good quarter to start.” Every season, the excuse shifted: a trial, a trip, a new training, the holidays. Behind her logic was fear—fear of failure, fear of discomfort, even fear of success (“What if I actually get better?”).

How to Spot Fear’s Favorite Phrases

“Now’s just not the right time.”
“Let me just fix X and I’ll start Y.”
“I just need more information/training/support before beginning.”
“What I’m already doing is fine—for now.”

These keep you in the comfort zone, repackaged as wisdom.

What’s Underneath Three Core Fears

Fear of Judgment: “What if I try and fail?” So you never start, and no one can criticize your efforts.
Fear of Discomfort: Change is work, and routines are cozy—even when unfulfilling.
Fear of Losing Identity: Many folks make being “busy,” “always struggling,” or “injured” part of who they are; growth threatens that narrative.

How to Break Free Action Steps

1. Notice the Script
Any “practical but perpetual” reason should trigger a red flag.
Jot down what you tell yourself, and note how often these “valid” reasons push your real health, fitness, or growth to the back burner.

2. Name the Real Fear
Ask bluntly: “If there were no obstacles, what would I feel if I started today?” Surfacing the fear robs it of power.

3. Write a Tiny, Immediate Plan
Commit to one simple, uncomfortable first step—book a consult, attend a single class, spend 10 minutes on a new routine.

4. Expect Resistance and Walk Through It
Every meaningful change brings anxiety. It feels like danger, but it’s just stretching the edge of your comfort zone.

Client Story: “Michael’s Leap”

Michael wanted to correct long-standing shoulder pain. Every month, a new reason popped up to stall. Together, we spotted the deeper pattern (fear masked as “scheduling conflicts”), set a single appointment, and started small. A year later, he’s pain-free, stronger, and now tells others: “Action—especially when uncomfortable—is always the right time.”

Why Osteopathic Manual Therapy Breaks the Pattern

[Osteopathic manual therapy] isn’t just about hands-on healing; it’s about assessment, facing your starting point, and accepting change at a safe, expert-driven pace.

You’ll get support reframing fears (“Is this pain, or just the sensation of new movement?”)
Adjustments are gradual, not overwhelming.
Small victories build genuine confidence, making action easier the next time.

Final Thought: Practicality Is Only Practical…If It Moves You Forward

Real practicality is growth-oriented—it’s about choosing the safest steps to move toward your goals. If your plans never risk, never stretch, never make you sweat (a little), you’re not being “practical”—you’re being cautious, and likely letting fear hold you still.

If habitual stress, tension, or “one day” thinking still has you stuck, take the next practical step schedule Osteopathic manual therapy.
You’ll build resilience, confidence, and movement one real, meaningful action at a time.

It’s not just working out, it’s building a foundation for a better life.

Find out more @

May 30 2023

Don’t Let a Therapist “Fix” You

There’s a myth in modern wellness: the “broken/fix” story. You tweak a knee, strain your back, or lose range in your neck. The impulse is immediate—go to a “fixer.” You hope, “If I can just find the right therapist or doctor, they’ll repair the problem and I’ll be whole again!” But that mindset, while understandable, is what sabotages real, lasting recovery.

Why Passive Healing Fails (and How to Take Back Control)

The “fix me” mindset reduces you to a passive recipient. It’s the medical model writ large: the doctor fixes, the patient waits. In reality, health is participatory. You are not a machine—where a mechanic swaps a part and sends you on your way. Instead, each pain, weakness, or restriction is built over years of choices, movement patterns, posture and habits.

Story: Rachel’s Journey
Rachel, 62, came to SolCore after multiple rounds of therapy, massage, even surgery for shoulder and neck pain. She’d try a new expert, feel a little better, but relapse again and again. It wasn’t until she shifted from “who can fix me?” to “how can I participate in my solution?” that she made permanent progress. Small, daily actions—her home exercises, posture reminders, intentional breathing—compounded over months into a real turnaround.

The Problem with Expecting a Quick Fix

Loss of Ownership: The outcome is always at the therapist’s mercy, not yours.
Repeat Failures: If “fixed,” you often slide into the habits or patterns that caused the problem, and the pain returns.
Emotional Letdown: When cracks remain, it’s easy to blame the therapist, not reevaluate your own role.

What DOES Work: Collaboration and Self-Responsibility

The right therapist doesn’t “fix you”—they guide, teach, and support. They provide a plan, but the work is yours. It’s the daily practice—movements, choices, consistency—that flips the script from victim to advocate.

Set a Clear Goal: Not just “get rid of pain,” but “return to hiking with stability,” “lift my grandchild safely,” or “sleep through the night with zero back stiffness.”
Do the Work: Learn each exercise or stretch, do them between sessions. Log wins, note discomfort or setbacks for adjustment.
Ask Questions: Understand the WHY behind every assignment—not for compliance, but ownership.
Monitor Habits: Are you sitting, sleeping, and moving in ways that support or sabotage progress? Journaling and self-reflection are vital.

What Makes Osteopathic Manual Therapy Powerful?

[Osteopathic manual therapy] is about more than hands-on corrections. It features:

Precise Assessment: Identifying the root cause, not just chasing symptoms.
Gentle, Dynamic Adjustments: Helping your body remember proper motion, but NEVER promising miracles overnight.
Education Side-by-Side: You’ll be taught why and how to move, stretch, and recover—making you the expert in your own body.

Clients who thrive come in ready to learn, not simply be worked on.

Avoiding Dependence and the “Healing Trap”

Too many people bounce from practitioner to practitioner, always searching for the “magic combo.” Resist the urge. Dangerous patterns include:

Only showing up for therapy, never following the home plan.
Blaming prior practitioners but not examining your effort.
Seeking each new gadget or trend in hopes of skipping the basics.

Client Example: “Sam’s Self-Turnaround”

Sam came in after a major sports injury. For months, he hoped each appointment would “do the trick.” When his therapist told him, “This work is 20% me, 80% you between sessions,” Sam bristled—but listened. He poured effort into daily stretching, obsessively corrected his posture at his desk, and tracked progress. Result? Full return to sport (and a lifelong sense of agency over his body).

The Real “Fix”: Consistency and Education

Healing happens with repetition, adaptation, and mindful progression—not emergencies or one-off interventions. If life throws you new problems, you’ll have tools—not just hope for a fix.

Checklist for Lasting Recovery

Leave each session with homework, not just relief.
Embrace small setbacks—they’re feedback, not failure.
Support sessions with quality sleep, nutrition, hydration, and stress management.
Celebrate your results—you earned them.

Next Steps

Ready to graduate from “patient mode” to “participant?” Book a session for [osteopathic manual therapy] partner with your provider, put skin in the game, and watch your body pay you back with years of freedom.

It’s not just working out, it’s building a foundation for a better life.

Find out more @

May 30 2023

Keep Promises to Yourself for Lasting Success

Most of us learned young that keeping promises to others is fundamental—part of trust, friendship, and reliability. But how often do you break promises to yourself, and what does it really cost? The truth is, your internal track record can make or break a fitness journey, impactful change, and ultimately, your own self-respect.

Why Broken Self-Promises Matter

Imagine promising a friend you’ll meet at sunrise and no-showing, week after week. Eventually, they’d stop counting on you. When you regularly break your own promises—“I’ll stretch every night,” “I’ll walk at lunch,” “I’ll avoid mindless snacking”—you teach yourself that your own word doesn’t matter. The cost? Growing frustration, lost momentum, and declining belief in future goals.

The Cycle of Letdown—and Why It’s Common

Life throws curveballs. You say you won’t overeat this weekend, but stress leads you to raiding the fridge. You swear to a new morning workout, but the alarm rings and you “accidentally” snooze. Each missed intention chips away at your confidence and identity as someone who follows through.

How to Break the Cycle (and Rebuild Trust in Yourself)

1. Re-evaluate Your Promises
Make sure what you commit to is what you truly want, not just what you think you “should” want. Real desires energize action; fake goals quickly fade.

2. Get Radical About Self-Honesty
What’s really sabotaging you? Lack of time, unsupportive routines, or maybe perfectionism (“I missed once—may as well give up”)?

3. Start Small and Over-Deliver
Choose the lowest-hanging fruit: a five-minute stretch, one healthy meal, a daily walk. Keep streaks manageable.

Under-promise, over-deliver. Small wins breed big momentum.

4. Make Promises Public
Tell a friend, colleague, or coach. Accountability increases commitment—doubly so when your reputation is on the line.

5. Celebrate Each Kept Promise
Tiny rewards matter: cross the task off your list, share progress in a group, or simply savor the feeling.

6. Stack Wins and Build Self-Trust
One day becomes a week, a month, a new standard. Suddenly, you expect to follow through—and you do.

Real Client Results: “Leah’s Integrity Streak”

Leah struggled for years with weight loss and stretching routines—endless cycles of “start strong, fall off.” When she committed to just three daily promises—drink water, five minutes of breathwork, evening stretch—her identity shifted. “I’m someone who honors her word. I finally trust myself.”

The Psychology: Self-Integrity as Motivation

Research shows that keeping promises to yourself boosts dopamine, creates positive self-talk, and literally rewires brain circuits for confidence, motivation, and resilience. Conversely, breaking promises repeatedly heightens shame and self-doubt.

If You Slip (And You Will)

Relapses and off-days will happen: the key is to forgive yourself quickly, reboot, and keep going. The “never miss twice” rule is powerful. Miss a morning? Double down at night.

Coaching/Guidance Amplifies Results

If you’ve tried self-motivation but keep tripping up, a coach or group can help:

You’ll map realistic promises and the supports needed to keep them.
You’ll have a sounding board for setbacks.
Progress becomes collective, not just private struggle.

Personified: Treat Yourself as You Would a Friend

Would you let down a close friend or child, again and again? Of course not! Act as your own best friend—sincere, honest, and persistent. Your self-respect is worth the effort.

The Simple Formula for Lasting Change

Make it meaningful.
Make it doable.
Track and reward.
Repair after stumbles.
Iterate as you grow.

Ready for Support?

Not sure where to start? Want a “trust rebuild” and real routine? Book a [Free Consultation] at SolCore Fitness. Let’s clarify your goals, map out simple promises, and lay down a track record that pays off for years to come.

It’s not just working out, it’s building a foundation for a better life.

Find out more @

May 30 2023

Positive Mindset Habits You Can Build

Introduction: Why Mindset Is the REAL Foundation

Ever notice two people can experience the same day and have opposite attitudes? “Ugh, Monday is a drag,” versus “Hey, new week, let’s see what happens.” The difference? It’s not the circumstances—it’s the mindset. Mindset is more than trendy “positive thinking.” It’s the foundation for how you interpret events, handle obstacles, and rebound from stress. At SolCore Fitness, we’ve found that everything—commitment, resilience, even physical health—starts with your story about what’s happening.

The Power of Perception

Perception is choice in action. Imagine you’re late for work and stuck in traffic. One mindset says: “My whole day is ruined.” Another reframes: “Great, I’ve got ten minutes of me-time.” Same event. Different perception leads to different stress, mood, and likelihood of eating breakfast or finishing a workout later.

The “Brain Reps” Theory

Just as you build strength set after set, you build mindset moment-by-moment, story-by-story. Every time you practice a more constructive thought—“Setbacks are feedback, not failure”—you lay down neural “tracks” that make it easier to choose helpful thoughts tomorrow.

Real-World Story: Sharon’s Shift

Sharon, a long-term SolCore member, was queen of negative self-talk. If a class felt tough, she’d say, “I’m so weak.” If the scale didn’t budge in a week, “It’s hopeless.” After coaching, Sharon built a new mental habit. She replaced every criticism with a countering truth: “It’s normal to struggle. I’m getting stronger every time.” Within two months, her stress levels dropped, she looked forward to tough days, and—bonus—her body changed faster because she stopped sabotaging herself emotionally.

Habit #1: Question Your First Story

Pause when you catch yourself making a snap judgment (e.g., “I failed at my workout”). Ask, “Is this absolutely true? What’s another story?” This unlocks new perspectives—“I showed up, pushed through, and learned what I need to focus on.”

Habit #2: Practice Daily Wins

At the end of each day, jot down three “wins”—big or small. Over time, this shifts your brain’s attention from what’s missing to what you’re building.

“I cooked a healthy dinner.”
“I took a walk.”
“I apologized instead of stewing.”

Habit #3: Choose Supportive Language

Transform “I have to work out” into “I get to move my body.” Instead of “It’s hard,” try “It’s challenging, which means I’m growing.” Language isn’t just communication—it builds reality.

Habit #4: Cultivate “Obstacle Immunity”

Resilient people expect setbacks. They develop a script: “This challenge is an opportunity to learn.” When plans get derailed—illness, work, unexpected travel—view it as training for real life, not a personal flaw.

Habit #5: Embed Mindset Shifts In Action

John struggled to maintain his routine when family stress peaked. We made a plan: for every negative thought (“I have no time”), anchor it to an action (“I’ll do a 5-minute stretch right now”). Action cements new mental patterns.

How Positive Mindset Fuels Physical Progress

The research is clear: optimistic people recover faster from injury, are less likely to develop chronic pain, and have better immune function. How? Lower cortisol, adaptive behavior, and a willingness to try again.

Caution: Positive Doesn’t Mean Fake

You don’t have to deny hard times. True “positive mindset” acknowledges pain, setbacks, and struggle—then seeks the lesson or opportunity, not just a happy face.

When Mindset Shifts Don’t Come Easy

If you’ve faced trauma, chronic pain, or have deeply engrained self-criticism, shifting mindset can be difficult. Support helps: journal, work with a coach, or join a group where positive stories are the norm.

Building the Habit—One Day at a Time

Start every morning with a question: “What’s one thing I’m grateful for?” or “What could go right today?”
Pair your workout with a positive affirmation: “Every rep is me building capability.”
After tough days, ask, “What would I tell a friend?” Then say it to yourself.

Client Example: Rick’s New Week Ritual

Every Sunday, Rick writes two lists: “Last week’s wins” and “What I’ll attempt this week.” This simple review keeps self-doubt in check and sets him up for consistency, even when motivation dips.

Final Step: Get Help Turning Mindset Into Consistency

It’s one thing to read about these ideas; it’s another to practice them. If you want support, clarity, and a plan for weaving these new habits into daily life, book a [Free Consultation]. At SolCore, we’ll help you build the mindset that lays the base for the body you want.

It’s not just working out, it’s building a foundation for a better life.

Find out more @

May 17 2023

December 22st 2023 Live Q & A

May 15 2023

Why I Don’t Care What You Feel in Training

Yes, you read that right. It might sound harsh of course, I care about my clients. But I don’t trust your “feeling” as the best feedback when we’re retraining movement or building new mobility and strength. Why? Because the way you feel muscular or emotional can easily fool you.

The “Feelings Aren’t Reality” Principle

Let’s break it down:

Feelings are fleeting: Soreness is not the same as progress; ease is not always a sign of good form.
Old patterns “feel right” until you rewrite them: Most adults, especially those over 40, have ingrained compensations (chronic tightness, weak links) that “feel normal” but are anything but functional.

Example: Ava’s Shoulder Surprise

Ava had practiced yoga for 15 years. She swore she “didn’t feel” her left scapula in certain movements. When cued to use new muscle patterns, it felt wrong even though video showed improved alignment. Three months later, she reported, “That weird feeling is my new normal, and I’m stronger than ever.”

Why the Mind-Body “Signal” Gets Smudged

Neuromuscular pathways what science calls “neuro-engrams” get built by repetition, good or bad. If you spend years overusing quads and underusing glutes, “activating glutes” will feel awkward… until you do it long enough for your brain to remap.

The Wrong Question: “What Should I Feel?”

Instead, ask:

Is my form correct by external measurement (mirror, coach feedback, video)?
Am I consistent, able to repeat the movement cleanly under fatigue or stress?
Am I building range, not just “burn”?

The SolCore Holistic Approach

We cue the whole system, not just one muscle. A myofascial release may not “feel” as intense as a quad set, but works the network. Myofascial stretching resets connective tissue, releases stuck points, and encourages your brain to “map” movement differently.

Myofascial stretching is designed to help you rediscover correct sensation safe, sustainable, functional by breaking old compensations.

The “Proprioceptive Gap” and Why It Matters

Research confirms that adults often lose proprioceptive awareness (sense of internal movement/location) in injured or underutilized zones. Feel nothing? It’s not failure it’s the reason to keep going!

Analogy: Learning to throw with your off hand feels weird, awkward, “wrong” until the brain “remembers” the pattern.

Progress Comes With Patience

Trust the process: the feedback “I don’t feel it” is a normal start.
Work with structured, science-based cues. Trust video, mirrors, coaches.
Allow time for awkward to become organized, then efficient, then easy.

Story: Mark’s Squat Transformation

Mark always felt his “quads burn” in squats ever glutes or hamstrings. Video analysis revealed knee collapse and instability. Four weeks of mind-muscle connection coaching later, he “felt nothing…just the work.” But his squats became smoother, pain gone, jumps improved, and his “difficulty feeling” was actually his nervous system building new precision.

Don’t Get Fooled by Good or Bad Days

Sometimes you’ll feel “on top of the world.” Other days, you’ll wonder if you’ve made progress at all. This is noise in the system. Long-term results improved posture, increased load, reduced pain—matter far more.

How to Rewire Your Response

Practice repeatedly. The brain needs many reps to overwrite an old motor engram.
Embrace feedback. Seek external observation not just sensation.
Shift focus: “What can I control alignment, cadence, effort?” not “How intense is the burn?”

When Feeling is the Goal

Some modalities breathwork, relaxation do hinge on internal sensation. In performance and corrective exercise? The map is built by doing the work, feedback, and patience.

Ready to Break Out of “Feeling-Based” Ruts?

If you’re tired of chasing sensation (“am I doing this right?”) and want expert eyes and science-based progress, book a Myofascial stretching consult/session with us. Let’s remap your movement for long-term gains, not just fleeting feels.

It’s not just working out, it’s building a foundation for a better life.

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May 15 2023

The Irony of Wanting to Get Out of Pain

“I just want to be out of pain.” It’s a wish nearly everyone has uttered whether after a bad night’s sleep, a gardening mishap, or years of nagging aches. But the paradox is this: truly escaping pain long-term doesn’t involve avoiding it at all costs. It almost always means moving through discomfort, addressing the root cause, and correcting imbalances even when it’s challenging.

Pain: Not the Enemy, but a Messenger

Pain is your body’s dashboard light an alert that something is amiss. At first, it’s a whisper: a twinge while walking, dullness after a workout. Ignore it, and the volume rises: throbbing, stabs, or loss of mobility. Eventually, untreated pain will disrupt sleep, mood, relationships, and even your vision for the life you want.

Client story “Paul’s Pattern

Paul loved hiking but developed recurring knee pain that started as occasional stiffness and morphed over months into chronic swelling. He tried band-aid fixes NSAIDs, ice packs, even a cortisone injection. Pain diminished… briefly. But the problem wasn’t gone it simply went silent until the next adventure.

Two Roads: Mask or Correct

There are really only two options:

Mask the pain: Medications, passive modalities (ice/heat), or quick treatments offer momentary relief but rarely address why the pain existed in the first place.
Correct the root: This path is more challenging. It requires assessment, addressing movement patterns, building resilience, and yes—sometimes working through discomfort to restore function.

Why the Quick Fix Usually Fails

Covering up pain or chasing only comfort leads to…

Reliance on escalating meds or procedures (Tylenol > opioids > cortisone > surgery)
Greater tissue breakdown behind the scenes
Loss of confidence in your body, fear of movement, and in time… more pain

It’s like duct-taping over a check engine light.

The Courage to Correct

Story “Terri’s Turnaround

Terri, a runner, had low back pain off and on for years. Every time it flared, she’d skip core work and double down on “rest.” She never got lasting relief because she never addressed why her back hurt: weak glutes, stiff thoracic spine, and poor pelvic stability. With support at Sol Core, Terri committed to a program focused on mobility, core strengthening, and gradual progress sometimes through discomfort. Did it hurt at first? Sure. But within three months, her pain was gone, running was easier, and her confidence soared.

True Recovery Means Facing the Source

Long-term change relies on:

Assessment: Find WHY pain is present (movement dysfunction, imbalance, weakness, compensation).
Precision: Use corrective exercise and manual therapy to restore optimal patterns—don’t guess or self-treat randomly.
Consistent, Targeted Effort: Improvements take time. Your nervous system, joints, and fascia adapt only with persistent, quality input.
Learning Your Signals: Pain is rarely “fixed” overnight. Honor signals—differentiate productive discomfort from warning pain.

Why Even “No Pain” Isn’t Always Good News

Some clients say, “But I don’t hurt now—do I need to change?” Yes. The body is good at compensating (masking imbalances by overusing other tissues). Pain is sometimes the last sign. Like thirst, once it hits you, you’re already dehydrated.

Client Example: Maya’s “Hidden” Knee Risk

Maya, a hiker, had great energy no pain yet but her squat form and stair gait were off. Early intervention with a holistic exercise and fitness program corrected these patterns, preventing the injuries many of her friends later faced.

The Mindset Shift: See Discomfort as Positive

Productive Discomfort: Good pain is what you feel when a tight muscle finally stretches, or weak tissue begins to fire correctly.
Destructive Discomfort: Bad pain is sharp, stabbing, or worsening with good alignment—signal to stop and reboot.
Growth Mindset: Understand that challenge yields resilience. The short-term test leads to robust, pain-free living.

Blending Therapy and Training

At SolCore, our [holistic exercise and fitness program] uses a blend:

Assessment: Functional screens, posture checks, history review
Osteopathic manual therapy: To restore joint and fascial mobility
Corrective exercise: To teach your brain and body new, pain-free movement patterns (ELDOA, myofascial stretching, core stability)
Progressive overload: Safe intensity increases to develop strength and function for real life

When Rest Becomes Harmful

Rest is crucial in acute injury, but rest without re-training fosters stiffness, weakness, and recurrence. The right movement is medicine.

Facing Fear: Why We Procrastinate

Many fear discomfort—“What if I make it worse?” The right guide helps you differentiate helpful pain from harmful, and supports you one step at a time.

Results That Last

Pain relief that doesn’t return
More confidence and strength for life’s demands
Skills to manage future setbacks, instead of cycling back to square one

Ready for REAL Progress?

Don’t settle for fleeting relief. Take the courageous route: address the root, learn the signs, and embrace the wisdom of discomfort. If you’re ready to truly break the pain cycle, start with our holistic exercise and fitness program you’ll gain more than just comfort; you’ll unlock lifelong energy and freedom.

It’s not just working out, it’s building a foundation for a better life.

Find out more @

Ready to feel  stronger and pain free?

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