Is Willpower Really the Key to Fitness Success? Willpower isn’t just a personality trait—it’s the engine behind every worthwhile transformation. According to Charles Duhigg, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The Power of Habit, self-discipline consistently trumps talent, I.Q., and even social skills when it comes to changing lives. Studies point to willpower as the single most
Are You Breathing the Right Way? Breathing is one of those things that should be effortless, but most people don’t do it efficiently. Proper breathing isn’t just about taking in air—it helps create energy, keeps the body’s pH balanced, and is crucial for eliminating waste like carbon dioxide. When you breathe well, your body manages
Deborah’s Story—Rapid Results and Lifelong Motivation Some members put big pieces together from day one—and Deborah Trouw is a prime example. Within the first month, she was already crushing workouts and advancing beyond her initial goals. In just three months, she needed a whole new set of targets! Deborah’s speed of success is a testament
Liz’s Story—Overcoming Daily Pain, Finding Lasting Fitness When Liz Cale started group classes at SolCore Fitness, she was no stranger to pain—facing neck, thoracic, and daily discomfort to the point she needed a standing desk. As President and COO of Santa Fe Properties, her job was counterproductive to her physical needs, and she’d already tried
How Did This Renaissance Man Change His Life? I met Roberto when I first came to Santa Fe and was teaching my class at BODY. He came a handful of times, and after I changed my format and moved to Railyard Fit (formerly Buddha Fitness Club), I didn’t see him for about four months. Roberto
Geri’s Story—Breakthroughs in Flexibility, Food, and Health Sometimes, a heartfelt client email says it all: helping people like Geri achieve a level of well-being they never imagined is why this career was chosen. Geri first trained with Ekemba in West L.A., then reconnected years later in Santa Monica. At their consult, her deep challenges with
Happy Holidays Why Gratitude Makes All the Difference Holidays can be stressful—travel, full calendars, family, and feeling stretched in every direction. The usual health and fitness advice about gaining “six holiday pounds” or sticking to water and moderation is helpful, but there’s something more important: gratitude. Taking stock of what’s truly good in life brings
The 3 Reasons Boot Camps Miss the Mark (and Wreck Your Body) Most fitness boot camps promise fast results and endless motivation—but the reality is that they usually bring plateaus, frustration, and more injuries than improvements. After two decades as a personal trainer, it’s clear: these environments rarely deliver safe, lasting change. 1) Pushing People
More Than a Finish—A Lesson in Persistence and Growth Even as a seasoned Santa Fe triathlon personal trainer, the local Santa Fe Triathlon taught me a humbling, powerful lesson. After years of setting—and missing—triathlon goals due to equipment setbacks or injuries, finally closing the loop became a personal milestone. Visualization, goal setting, and (most importantly)
Consistency > Intensity (Why “NFL Workouts” Aren’t the Answer) NFL players work hard, but their programs aren’t meant for most people—and don’t offer holistic results anyway. What these athletes do get right? Consistency, steady effort, and improvement each day. It’s not about doing epic, intimidating routines but about showing up, putting in focused effort, and
Skip “Diet Foods”—Real Food Is the Real Solution Clients often assume fitness professionals eat plain “diet foods” all day—chicken breast, cottage cheese, plain veggies. The truth: feeling great and staying lean comes from choosing real, high-quality food over restrictive “health foods.” Eating French toast, burgers, or the occasional treat isn’t off-limits when the focus is
The Mindset Shift—From “Have To” to “Want To” Three words—“I want to.” That’s the difference between dragging through a fitness routine and using an exercise motivation mindset, putting joy and energy into every session. Most people frame exercise as a chore: “I have to work out,” “I have to eat better,” “I have to stretch.”But
The phrase corrective exercise shows up everywhere in gyms, physical therapy clinics, and YouTube workout channels. But here’s the problem: most so-called “corrective” movements do very little to actually correct the body. They might stretch a muscle or make you sweat, but they don’t normalize posture, biomechanics, or fascia—the true foundations of movement. A real
Why Taking a Vacation Is a Fitness Superpower Going on vacation isn’t just fun—it’s a science-backed way to break through plateaus, recharge motivation, and even drop stubborn pounds. Many people return from relaxing trips energized, lighter, and excited to push ahead with new goals. The Power of Recovery—Don’t Skip It! Fitness gains happen when the
Why Spring Movement Demands a Real Exercise Program Santa Fe’s wild weather inspires people to get moving—but that rush outside comes with risk. Most returning hikers, bikers, and runners are unexpectedly de-conditioned, leading to a spike in injuries each spring. The Danger of Weekend Warrior Syndrome Winter inactivity, extra food, and a few “get up
NCAA Basketball and the Secret to Team-Based Success The dramatic upsets in NCAA basketball are more than sports headlines—they’re a masterclass in group mindset and support. Winning teams like UCONN push through setbacks and lean on a teamwork mindset to accomplish the improbable. Their rallying cry—“We are bred to cut down nets!”—isn’t just about basketball.
Nutrition Shouldn’t Be Confusing—Choose the Type That Fits Your Body There’s endless advice about diets and “best” foods, leaving most people overwhelmed and frustrated. The reality: weight loss and energy don’t require extremes. Eating natural, organic, and unprocessed foods tailored to your metabolic type is straightforward, sustainable, and energizing. Find Your Type—Eat for Your Unique