SolCoreFitness

May 25 2016

Personal Training Success- Julia Gelbart

Consistency, Commitment, Results—Meet Julia Gelbart, May Member of the Month

Sometimes success in personal training isn’t complicated at all: it’s about taking charge, showing up, and doing the work—just ask Julia Gelbart. Her outlook is refreshingly clear: as she gets older, she refuses to let her body slow her down, and with a positive attitude, she makes it happen day after day.

Julia’s motivation began with a friend’s recommendation, but her long-term results are her own. Prior to SolCore, she mixed in yoga, swimming, and walking, but wanted targeted strength and muscle “wake up”—especially in her upper body.

Q&A With Julia—What Works, What’s Hard, What’s Worth It

Q: What made you decide to start?
“I needed to wake up my muscles and strengthen my upper body—my friend Vikkie’s enthusiasm really pushed me to try!”

Q: What did you do before?
“I did yoga once a week, loved to walk, and swam regularly.”

Q: What results are you proud of?
“I wanted a preventative program for graceful aging and strength. I noticed my posture and movement improved over time, but one day going up stairs, I tripped—yet had the awareness and strength to catch myself and get right back up! No tiredness and no injury. That’s how I knew all the work was paying off.”

Q: Favorite (and least favorite) exercise?
“Frogs! So good for me, but always a challenge.”

Q: Biggest challenges or current goals?
“I’m always working on building and keeping my strength.”

Q: What do you like best about the program?
“Three things: the group energy (I didn’t want to quit when others kept going), constant corrections in class, and accountability—you notice when people miss and check in!”

Q: Advice to other SolCore Fitness members?
“Don’t quit!”

Q: What would you say to someone considering joining?
“If you want a program that will truly empower you as you age—keeping your body strong and balanced—this is it. Commit to yourself and your health. It works!”

Feeling motivated by Julia’s story? Learn how SolCore Fitness can help you commit to real, lasting change in Santa Fe:
https://www.solcorefitness.com/personal-training-and-manual-therapy/

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Apr 26 2016

ELDOA, Along With A Holistic Personal Training Program Will Eliminate Back Pain

Not All Back Pain Advice Is Created Equal

Anyone who’s battled back or neck pain knows how confusing the advice can get: try this stretch, take this pill, maybe even consider surgery. It’s refreshing to see more people challenging the “quick fix” mindset in favor of holistic, long-term solutions—like ELDOA and fascia-informed training.

From Personal Experience to Professional Practice

SolCore Fitness was founded from necessity—persistent back pain (L4-L5 bulge, sciatic pain) that simply didn’t respond to meds, chiropractic, yoga, or standard PT moves. Only by exploring smarter, more biomechanically precise methods—like ELDOA—did lasting relief finally happen. Instead of masking pain or ignoring the rest of the body, this approach asks: “How is everything connected?” and “What’s really causing the imbalance?”.

Why Most “Standard” Exercises Fall Short

It’s not just about stretching or getting stronger: it’s about doing the right movements for the body’s unique compensation patterns. Many popular exercises (forward folds, rotational twists, or cobra press-ups) might seem good in theory but can actually send pressure to the wrong spots and make things worse for some people. Most back pain isn’t fixed by generic routines—it needs a specific, individualized approach based on real biomechanics and fascia health.

ELDOA = Targeted, Lasting Change

ELDOA, when woven into a holistic training program, actually gives the spine space, decompresses the right areas, and normalizes tension throughout the whole chain. While the internet is full of “one-size-fits-all” advice, well-applied ELDOA works because it gets specific—think of it as precision stretching and strengthening that fits actual structure, not just a theoretical spine. No formulaic fixes: just science, awareness, and the right kind of movement for long-term health.

If back pain has been stubborn or “unexplained” by MRIs or generic PT, don’t settle for surface-level answers. SolCore Fitness specializes in this kind of nuanced assessment, program design, and ELDOA instruction—transforming countless members’ pain and performance.

Ready to try a truly different approach to back pain and better movement?
https://www.solcorefitness.com/eldoa-the-ultimate-spine-and-joint-exercises/

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Mar 28 2016

What Not To Do for More Energy

Tired? Ditch the Energy Drinks—Here’s Why

There’s a reason those colorful cans and tiny shots have become big business. But are energy drinks actually helping in the long run? Sure, you’ll get a quick rush, but the real story isn’t so simple—or so safe.

Energy drinks aren’t regulated like regular sodas, so companies can load them up with whatever they want. Let’s break down their three main ingredient groups:

Caffeine: Some cans pack up to 500mg—a heart-racing load that can cause jitters, irritability, or even a 14-point bump in heart rate. With blood pressure or any heart concerns, steer clear.
B Vitamins: Overloaded with B’s? Unless you’re actually deficient, you won’t see a boost…and too much B3 (niacin) or B6 could cause side effects like blurry vision or nerve pain.
“Natural” Stimulants: Guarana (double the caffeine of coffee!) and under-dosed ginseng join the party, along with heaps of sugar—often over the recommended daily limit in a single drink.

Real Risks—And Smarter Solutions

The scattered “energy” you buy is rarely worth the risk. ER visits tied to energy drinks have skyrocketed; side effects can range from insomnia and headaches to agitation and seizures. Even healthy adults can face a crash, and no one should ever mix these drinks with alcohol or use them before/during/after exercise.

So what actually works for more energy? Start with the basics:

Sleep by 9:00–10:30pm and log 7–8 hours
Drink half your weight (in ounces) of water daily
Eat for your metabolic type

If you still need a boost, try simple, organic coffee or tea—nothing fancy, just the real thing. Energy drinks aren’t your friend, and they’re never worth the potential fallout.

If you’re ready to swap risky energy drinks for a sustainable, holistic plan, check out SolCore Fitness’ nutrition and lifestyle programs:
https://www.solcorefitness.com/holistic-nutrition-weight-loss-program-santa-fe/

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Mar 21 2016

Personal Training Success Story – Denise Johnson

Santa Fe personal training success client shares her journey

Meet Denise Johnson—Turning Setbacks Into Success

Some people just know how to work hard, and Denise Johnson is the definition of that spirit. Years of emergency room nursing, logging 250 cycling miles a week, and raising a family—Denise knows hustle. But when back pain hit and “working harder” didn’t fix it, she found herself at a frustrating crossroads.

With a nudge from her friend Amy Weyrauch, Denise gave SolCore Fitness a shot. She met challenges head-on, moving from skepticism to hope—and ultimately, to a brand new kind of success. Instead of giving up when the “just stretching” approach felt hard, Denise stuck to the process and proved that real results come from trusting the journey.

Q&A With Denise—Insight, Wins, and Encouragement

Q: What made you decide to start?
“My back was in constant pain from spinal stenosis, and I wanted to get back to real health and fitness. If you don’t have your health, you can’t enjoy the life you’ve worked for.”

Q: What did you do before?
“I was a spin instructor, racer, and avid walker, but nothing stopped the pain. I tried every modality out there, always with lukewarm results.”

Q: Results you’re proud of?
“My back feels fantastic! Myofascial stretching and ELDOA made a huge difference. I now know how to move properly, and I’m more connected to my health and fitness.”

Q: Favorite and least favorite exercises?
“I love all strength exercises, especially lifting weights. ELDOA and myofascial stretching? Still tough, but I know they’re what I need.”

Q: Challenges or current goals?
“Myself—continuing to grow and reconnect.”

Q: What do you like best about the program/trainer?
“The education. Learning how to move the right way and correct pain has been invaluable.”

Q: Advice to other members?
“Stick with it. The mental adjustment as you age is real, but support makes all the difference.”

Q: For someone on the fence?
“If you can’t commit to yourself, you can’t commit to anything. This program will help if you’re in pain.”

Feeling inspired by Denise’s commitment and results? Find your own strength and relief with SolCore Fitness:
https://www.solcorefitness.com/personal-training-and-manual-therapy/

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Mar 07 2016

How Training The Pelvis Helps Lower Back Pain

Pelvis alignment exercise for back pain relief Santa Fe

Why Your Pelvis is the “Base” of Back Health

It’s easy to assume fitness is all about cardio or visible muscle, but real movement starts with the pelvis. This unsung “base” affects daily posture, power, and how you feel after everything from desk work to hiking or skiing. Even with good cardio, surprising imbalances in the pelvis can trigger—or worsen—lower back pain, kyphosis, and neck or shoulder strain.

After hands-on ELDOA training (and a wake-up call about spinal health!), it becomes clear why skilled trainers prioritize pelvic tucks and alignment at every warm-up. The pelvis is like the junction box for all chains in the body—slight tilts send stress rippling through the spine, creating compensations and, ultimately, pain.

Chains, Imbalances, and Fixing “Old Man Spine”

Many back issues are rooted in imbalances from repetitive motion or poor form: one muscle gets tight, its counterpart becomes weak, and faulty movement patterns emerge. The good news? You can retrain these patterns through technique, balanced activation, and repetition—just like re-learning a language, but for your posture.

Keeping the pelvis neutral means four major muscle groups stay balanced and the rest of the body can “stack” comfortably. Back pain remains the top workplace health problem in the U.S., costing billions, with prevention nearly always better (and smarter) than last-minute fixes.

ELDOA—Why Spinal Space Means Less Pain

While there’s no “magic pill,” ELDOA training promotes lasting change by normalizing muscle and fascia tension, strengthening posture, and making more space in the spine. Benefits include better blood flow, reduced disc pressure, spinal rehydration, improved tone, and a real sense of wellbeing. Maintain your “homework”—especially the L5-S1 wall stretch ELDOA—for better daily movement and far less pain.

Learn more about misalignment patterns and the best corrective strategies SolCore Fitness recommends—find your own path to pain-free living in Santa Fe:
https://www.solcorefitness.com/segmental-strengthening/
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Feb 24 2016

Personal Training Success – Leslie Weinstein

Santa Fe personal training weight loss success story

Meet Leslie Weinstein—Retired, Inspired, and Getting Stronger

Leslie Weinstein’s story captures what SolCore Fitness is all about: giving people support, structure, and a doable program to help them thrive—no matter what health challenges or life stage they’re in. Referred by her friend Barbara, Leslie joined looking for more strength, less fear, and a retirement full of living—not limitation.

With thoughtful support and hard work, Leslie turned a pre-diabetic diagnosis and years of pain into incredible progress—losing weight, feeling confident, and living without the shadow of her blood disorder. Alongside her husband and her beloved dog Alice, Leslie is now enjoying Santa Fe with more energy and strength than she imagined possible.

Q&A With Leslie—Wisdom, Wins, and Real Talk

Q: What made you start?
“I was overweight, pre-diabetic, and tired of feeling helpless. This was my chance to make real change and enjoy an active retirement.”

Q: What did you do before?
“Doctor visits, PT for knee/back/shoulder, and water aerobics. They helped, but didn’t move the needle.”

Q: What results are you most proud of?
“Better stamina, strength, posture, and balance. I’m not afraid of falling anymore—I’ve lost 15lbs, dropped 10% body fat, and my back and shoulder feel great.”

Q: Favorite and least favorite exercise?
“I love almost everything—except for cardio, but it’s worth the challenge.”

Q: Current goals or challenges?
“More weight loss, better balance, stronger knees and back.”

Q: What’s best about the program?
“True attention from trainers, flexible plans, going beyond just muscles and bones.”

Q: Advice for other members?
“Don’t compare; just keep positive movement forward and do the best you can.”

Q: What would you say to someone on the fence?
“Try it for a few months, do your homework, and let the results surprise you. Investing in yourself really does come back around.”

Ready for your own breakthrough? Book a complimentary consult to discover how SolCore Fitness can help you reclaim strength and health in Santa Fe:
https://www.solcorefitness.com/free-consultation/

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Jan 29 2016

Personal Training Success Story – Susan Bennett

Meet Susan Bennett—Strong, Resilient, and Redefining What’s Possible

Susan Bennett’s story is all about perseverance—and proving that hard work (and a sense of humor) go a long way on the journey to feeling truly strong. As a busy professional, grandma, and athlete, Susan battled spinal stenosis, back pain, and knee surgeries for years. Even eight Advil a day and PT couldn’t give her the wins she wanted—until she took the leap with SolCore Fitness.

Referred by other group class members, Susan found more than just a new program—she found a new outlook. Her progress? The stuff of inspiration: mini pull-ups, monkey bars play, better skiing, and spontaneous compliments about her “floating” posture. Exercise is now a non-negotiable part of her days, stress is down, and confidence is up.

Q&A With Susan—Goals, Wins, and Words of Wisdom

Q: What made you decide to start?
“I have stenosis and an L4-L5 herniation, plus past knee surgeries. I was in pain and taking Advil like candy.”

Q: What did you do before?
“Osteopath, PT, cortisone shots—none really worked. I even tried Pilates at home.”

Q: What results are you proudest of?
“I can do a mini pull-up, play on monkey bars with my granddaughters, and ski stronger than ever. My posture and movement just feel freer and better judged by everyone around me.”

Q: Favorite and least favorite exercises?
“All the big moves—squats, pulls, pushes, twists, bends, rowing! Stretching is tough for me, but I know how much it helps, so I keep at it.”

Q: Current challenges or goals?
“Big pull-ups!”

Q: What’s best about the program?
“Specificity! Everything’s addressed. Having a set schedule means I always get a complete program.”

Q: Advice for other members?
“Don’t slack. Focus on your own needs—progress shows over time!”

Q: For someone on the fence?
“This is the place to reeducate your body, get rid of pain, and rediscover joy in your activities. Trust the process and you’ll progress.”

Want to discover how group exercise can help you reclaim posture, pain-free movement, and vitality in Santa Fe?
https://www.solcorefitness.com/group-exercise-classes-santa-fe/

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Jan 11 2016

Three Reasons your recreational activity shouldn’t be your whole routine

Why Fun Activities Alone Aren’t a Complete Plan

It’s incredibly common—especially in a place like Santa Fe—to fall in love with a sport or activity and hope that’s all it takes to stay fit. As a career personal trainer (who’s a bit obsessed with skiing), the truth is unavoidable: no recreational activity covers all the bases for balanced strength, lasting health, and injury prevention. Enjoyment matters, but a full, healthy routine is much more than simply repeating what’s fun.

Reason #1—It’s Not Tailored to Your Needs

Leaping into any activity without an honest, personalized assessment is like driving cross-country with no map—odds are, you’ll miss a turn. Fitness assessments cut through the guesswork by setting objective baselines for mobility, strength, performance, and function. This step clarifies weaknesses or imbalances that a favorite activity (skiing, cycling, tennis, yoga, etc.) won’t always reveal—until something hurts.

Skipping assessment and using generic programs means risking hidden compensations or movement faults. The repercussions? Years of subtle wear, faulty joint loading, or muscle imbalances that may only show up years later as pain or dysfunction.

Personalization is critical. A well-structured routine should take into account prior injuries, current needs, and realistic progression, mixing and matching with the seasons and the body’s feedback. No online class, YouTube video, or off-the-shelf program should ever replace that.

Reason #2—Endorphins Are Great, But Don’t Ignore Wear and Tear

Endorphin highs make activity rewarding—blood flows, mood lifts, and life feels better during and after the run or ride. But those good vibes can blind anyone to underlying risks. Without variety and structured maintenance, even the best-loved routine can mask nagging imbalances.

The classic example: runner’s knee (patellofemoral syndrome). Repetitive knee flexion in running, cycling, or skiing can slowly grind down cartilage, but early on it’s just a mild ache—easy to ignore over the endorphin buzz. Repetition amplifies movement faults; just because it doesn’t hurt now, doesn’t mean it won’t become a problem in the future.

Reason #3—Overuse, Stagnation, and Missed Recovery

Recreational routines by default tend to repeat the same movement patterns—and the body adapts quickly. Muscles, ligaments, and joints need stimulus in all planes of motion to be balanced, strong, and resilient. It’s not just about variety to avoid boredom (although that matters!)—it’s also about challenging your body beyond its favorite ruts.

A stale program leads to plateaus: the body stops responding, and improvements halt. More importantly, focusing on a single activity increases odds of overuse injuries, as some tissues absorb all the stress while others don’t get the chance to recover or strengthen.

Rest and cross-training are crucial. Mixing strength, mobility, stability, flexibility, and recovery (including sleep!) helps build lasting results, keeping both body and mind engaged. Overtraining or lack of recovery can disrupt hormone balance, rundown the immune system, and set the stage for burnout or injury.

How a Balanced Fitness Routine Sets You Up for Success

When you rotate foundational strength, mobility, assessment-based corrective work, and meaningful recovery days, you prepare your body for both your favorite hobbies and whatever real life throws your way. A great personal training program does three things:

Assesses where you are today (not where you wish you were)
Designs routines that fill your unique gaps, not just ride on strengths or preferences
Progresses you with variety, intensity, and recovery until you’re stronger, more confident, and resistant to injury

If you want to keep doing what you love for decades—without the slow creep of pain or injury—stop relying on one activity and start building a smarter, more holistically designed plan.

Ready for a comprehensive assessment, custom plan, or advice about optimizing your favorite activities?
https://www.solcorefitness.com/free-consultation/

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Dec 07 2015

Personal Training Success Story – John Bennett

Meet John Bennett—Tenacity, Curiosity, and a Comeback After Surgery

Some people set the bar for toughness—and John Bennett is one of them. From racing motorcycles to tackling five spinal surgeries and still living life at full speed, his story proves that grit alone isn’t enough for lasting health. It was pain—nagging and everywhere—that finally got John through the door at SolCore Fitness.

Unlike many, John chose curiosity over stubbornness. By trusting expert guidance and getting clear assessments, he moved from endless pain to real, measurable gains. The transformation? Remarkable: for the first time in years, he can touch his toes, breathe deeply, and get out of a chair pain-free. Flexibility, balance, and overall conditioning are better than ever—even after decades of “hard living.”

Q&A With John—Wisdom, Wins, and Hard-Earned Advice

Q: What made you decide to start?
“Pain! My back, legs, neck, hips… everywhere was hurting.”

Q: What did you do before?
“Always active—gym, weights, Stairmaster, PT, spinal surgery (five times!), but my body just felt broken.”

Q: What results are you most proud of?
“My overall conditioning is the best ever. Flexibility has improved—touching my toes is a big win. I can now get out of a chair without pain. And breathing, especially, is so much better.”

Q: Favorite and least favorite exercises?
“Wall squats and all the big muscle moves are my favorite. Ab roll-ups? Not so much!”

Q: Biggest goals or current challenges?
“Rolling up my abs is a work in progress!”

Q: What’s best about the program?
“The leadership and knowledge. Trusting expertise instead of guessing what my body needs.”

Q: Advice to other SolCore Fitness members?
“Do your homework!”

Q: What would you say to someone on the fence?
“Do it—this program genuinely helps. It’s made a world of difference for me.”

Ready for your own comeback—no matter your age or injury history? Discover how SolCore Fitness can help with pain, strength, and full-body confidence:
https://www.solcorefitness.com/personal-training-and-manual-therapy/

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Oct 21 2015

Exercise Helps Keep Your Body’s Rhythms In Check

Why Exercise Is More Than Physical—It’s Rhythmic

Exercise isn’t just about toned muscles or calorie burn—it’s a reset button for the body’s built-in rhythms. Beyond all the well-documented benefits (mood, weight, heart health, sleep, energy), research shows regular movement has a powerful link to our circadian rhythm—the 24-hour body clock that governs not just sleep and wake times, but hunger, energy, hormone levels, and even how we heal.

Sticking to a consistent exercise schedule acts as an “anchor,” keeping the body’s cycles more regular. Daily activity can help prevent the slow drift toward disrupted rhythms, which often shows up as trouble sleeping, afternoon crashes, brain fog, or even reduced immune health.

What the Science Says—“Body Memory,” Age, and Activity

A 2009 study led by Dr. Frank Scheer (Harvard Medical School) showed that movement patterns—even outside of exercise—are reinforced by regular activity. Young people who consistently exercised developed healthy, predictable cycles of movement and rest. Older individuals, or those who became sedentary, experienced more random, disrupted patterns.

When researchers removed the exercise “cue,” even young bodies lost their rhythm—but adding it back restored the pattern. The takeaway: exercise is one of the most powerful ways to create healthy cycles at any age.

When Should You Work Out?

Experts have long debated the best time of day to exercise—and the answer is both scientific and deeply personal. Some research shows afternoon workouts take advantage of peak body temperature, flexibility, and natural hormone surges (usually around 4-5pm), possibly improving performance and decreasing injury risk.

On the other hand, morning exercisers build a habit and often have greater consistency—since nothing can “pop up” to derail that sweat session. Plus, getting moving in the AM boosts calorie burn and mental clarity for the rest of the day.

The Smartest Move—Be Consistent and Listen to Your Body

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer: everyone’s circadian rhythm is unique. The real key is to prioritize movement most days, notice what time makes you feel best, and stick with a schedule that fits your lifestyle. Morning people, just take care with a gentle warm-up if you’re rolling out of bed to work out—muscles and connective tissue tend to be tight after sleep.

Bottom line: routine movement at your chosen time syncs your internal clocks, boosts mood and brain health, and contributes to long-lasting wellness. Try a few times, see what feels natural, and make exercise a rhythmic, enjoyable part of daily life.

Ready to align a sustainable routine with your body’s own rhythms and needs? SolCore Fitness makes “consistency” simple and results long-lasting:
https://www.solcorefitness.com/personal-training-and-manual-therapy/

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