Hey, it’s Ekemba from SolCore Fitness again, answering one of the top fitness questions—should you just start running to get in shape? Absolutely not. You want to build a strong, balanced foundation before you go pounding the pavement. Why Preparation Matters Let’s start by looking at simple walking. For someone weighing 100 lbs who does 10,000
Foam rolling is widely used to “loosen” muscles and relieve tension—but evidence now shows it may actually damage your fascia, the tissue connecting every part of your body. The Science: How Foam Rolling Impacts Fascia Fascia is a sensitive, dynamic system that absorbs shock, communicates feedback, maintains posture, and coordinates movement. Forceful rolling—especially with dense
When starting a health journey, the lure of the latest fad diet is everywhere. “Lose 10 pounds in two weeks!” “Detox, cleanse, transform!”—but as science and long-term results show, fad diets are rarely sustainable and can leave big holes in your nutrition and health. WEIGHT MANAGEMENT Fad diets promise quick results but almost always rely on
Getting “fired up” at the start of a new health or fitness program is fantastic—the initial motivation is like fuel that propels you forward. But as research and experience show, progress comes not from motivation alone, but from consistent, manageable steps and the right approach to goal-setting and progress. Why Consistency Matters Most The real challenge
My name is Brian DeBenedetti, and I teach construction skills to young adults earning their GED along with a construction certification. I’ve always been tall, athletic, and (honestly) sometimes clumsy, working in the trades most of my life. For as long as I can remember, my lower back was always giving me trouble. I tried
Many people over 50 looking to “get strong” start by joining a gym, using machines, walking the treadmill, or doing isolated exercises. But real functional strength isn’t about how much weight you curl or how long you spend at the gym—it’s how much of your body you can access, connect, and use in harmony. What Does
Regular exercise is much more than burning calories. Fitness improves the way your body and mind feel at any age—and research shows it’s even more essential than just losing weight. Check out eight trusted benefits: Eight Trusted Benefits Fitness for Every Age and Level Anyone can practice fitness. Whether it’s flexibility, strength, or movement, there’s
Watch this video to find out. Warming up before activity isn’t optional—it’s the secret to safer movement, better performance, and long-term results. But not all stretching is created equal. Science shows that dynamic stretching is best for warm-ups, while static stretching fits only after exercise. Dynamic vs Static Stretching: Key Differences The Gold Standard: Myofascial
Being in the fitness field, it’s impossible not to get attached to the people you work with. Some of my greatest joys come from getting to know each person, hearing their stories, and seeing the progress they make. Janette’s journey especially exemplifies this process—her determination inspires me daily. Janette, about 40 years old, arrived at
Every magazine talks about “superfoods”—but what’s the science, and which superfoods really help? Superfoods are foods packed with essential vitamins and minerals, and some truly live up to the hype. Here are nine proven picks you should include in your diet: The Shortlist of Super Superfoods Bonus: Next-Level Supplements Whey Protein Whey provides a powerhouse of bioavailable
How Exercise and Sleep Are Connected Sleep is one of the most critical—but often overlooked—pillars of lasting health. How, when, and how much you move during the day can shape the quality and length of your sleep for better or worse. The Science Behind Exercise’s Effect On Sleep Moderate Activity Equals Better Sleep When Exercise
Real Results with SolCore Fitness Rosanna Dill’s Story There’s a running joke in the midday group exercise class at SolCore Fitness: around 12:32, Rosanna comes screeching in with her workout gear and high heels, grins, and says, “Great, let’s do it!”—no matter the activity. But Rosanna’s story is much more than cheerful energy; it’s about
Is Sitting Really the New Smoking? It’s no secret that modern life means too little movement. Research shows that sitting more than six hours a day leads to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, disability, and early death. The American Cancer Society’s 18-year study of 123,000 subjects found higher death rates in those who
Splenda, Sucralose, and Unexpected Health Risks Splenda® (sucralose) has been marketed as a calorie-free sweetener for weight loss and diabetes management. However, recent studies show that drinking even a minimal amount of sucralose affects the body in unexpected and unhealthy ways. Research Reveals a Hidden Danger Surprising Effects on Insulin and Blood Sugar A study
Why Thoracic Spine Mobility Is Key for Neck and Shoulder Health Many people struggle with rounded shoulders, difficulty with good posture, and recurring pain during movement. The underlying culprit is often poor thoracic spine mobility—an issue that leads to compensatory stress in the lower back and shoulders and amplifies neck, shoulder, and rotator cuff pain.
Meet Pat Murphy — Proof That It’s Never Too Late If you’ve ever met Pat Murphy, you know her for her glowing, contagious smile. It’s easy to think she’s never had a care in the world, but in reality, Pat’s faced her share of challenges—and come through stronger. After many years working in South Beach
Click on the image to watch the full video How to Choose the Right Personal Training Program—Santa Fe’s Expert Guide Let’s start with a simple fact: your workout should help you move better in life—not just in the gym. That means focusing on full-body, functional movements. At SolCore Fitness, we use the seven primal moves
Everyone Starts With Excitement—But Staying On Track Is The Real Challenge Most people kick off a new exercise program in Santa Fe with strong intentions—new gear, a fresh schedule, and high expectations. But it doesn’t take long for that sneaky, negative voice to show up: “You can skip today,” “One treat won’t matter,” or “Sleep