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Your Core is Core

December 3, 2018 by ZenRock Fitness Leave a Comment

By Anita George

I was the victim of a hit-and-run accident. A motorcycle crashed into me as I was walking on the sidewalk causing my left leg and ankle to break. Although that was almost 30 years ago, the older I get, the more frequently I get reminded of my injuries through pain in my ankle and knee.

I ran 5K races since I was 12 years old but gave them up in 2012 due to the pain and stiffness in my ankle from my injuries. I saw various doctors and physical therapists in recent years, but none really had a long-term solution for my pain that didn’t involve medication or surgery. Since 2012, I gradually reduced my physical activity and my leg pain continued to be a problem. Any time I knew I had to walk long distances (like taking the kids to Disneyland), I would carry a backpack full of different types of shoes, socks, and pain-relieving creams in the hopes that I could make it through the day without impacting our family fun.

A few years ago, my husband started coming to Zen Rock and training with Nova. I was skeptical of using a personal trainer. I belonged to the Pro Club for years and never used one. But like him, I was putting on weight and after a few months, he convinced me to come along. It was shocking all the things I couldn’t do, all the movements I couldn’t make. I started joining him twice a week for hour-long sessions, with one of those sessions being yoga. I started getting stronger and more flexible, but I still had my leg pain. The limited movement in my ankle made some yoga movements difficult, made it hard to keep a good form for squats, and made any higher impact exercises like jumping rope nearly impossible. Even grapevines down the hallway were done slowly and deliberately so as to avoid tweaking my knee and causing pain. At the start of every training session, Nova asks me how I’m doing. Granted she knows the answer is usually that my ankle or my knee hurts. The great thing is she was able to change my routine to accommodate for the pain and still make me stronger. Eventually, I realized I needed more exercise outside of the strength training and yoga, but what could I do? I decided I needed to start swimming and joined the Pro Club once again.

This is where things get interesting. The swimming in combination with the strength training was helping to strengthen my core. But then Nova did something I wouldn’t have expected from a personal trainer and suggested I do a triathlon with her and Petra. I could do the swimming part. Little did she understand how slow and out-of-shape I was in the pool. But it was the thought that maybe I could do one leg of a triathlon that really inspired me. I started swimming more laps and more often. I took a triathlon swimming lesson and bought a wetsuit so I could practice swimming in open water. Nova even took her paddleboard out on a cloudy, somewhat windy day in the Spring while I tried to swim in Lake Sammamish. All this activity made my core so much stronger and my strength training sessions changed to focus on core strength and upper-body strength. And I had to add in more yoga because my muscles were sore and tight. But the interesting side affect was that my knee and ankle didn’t hurt as much, and for many weeks, they didn’t hurt at all.

Now, unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), I decided to skip doing the triathlon. I didn’t really like swimming in open water and never felt that I had enough endurance to be out there without a wall (or paddleboard) to hold on to. And to practice for a summer triathlon means you need to be out in the water swimming when it is still cold and when the weather isn’t great. I didn’t find this as fun as I had expected. What it did do is jump start my swimming performance (and the fact that I miscalculated the distance in the pool to be double the distance of the triathlon helped too). 😊

When I say that your core is core, I truly see the results of this. Whenever I have some leg pain, I’ll engage my core while I’m walking or standing, and the pain goes away. By focusing on walking using my core instead of walking using my calves, I’ve reduced my leg pain significantly. I swim 2-3 times a week, and workout at ZenRock twice a week. Over the summer, I got a paddleboard and never fell in the water because I could balance well due to my strong core. In September, I hiked a 9-mile hike to Colchuck Lake (the entrance to the Enchantments) without any knee or ankle pain. During a recent yoga session, I was finally able to do Crow without immediately falling over (I finally have upper body strength!). And during my family’s recent Halloween trip to Disneyland, I walked 12 miles for 3 days in a row with no ankle or knee pain. Granted, I still carried my backpack of shoes with me, but old habits die hard.

What does the future hold? It’s hard to say if I may be more comfortable in open water this next year and if my endurance has increased. So maybe there is a team triathlon in my future. Or maybe I’ll try to do some running again. I definitely will be out on my paddleboard on the lakes in the area. Maybe I’ll see you there!

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Shonagh H. – October 13, 2013

I have worked out at a few different gyms in the area over the past few years. I found Zen Rock Fitness and haven't looked back. Firstly, there is an atmosphere of warmth and welcome to the place, and it's beautiful here. Petra couldn't be nicer. I have received caring and thoughtful guidance for my physical training from her as well as Heidi and Dwayne. I anticipate my sessions here with excitement, even when I know I'm going to get my ass kicked. ( I mean that in a joking way, of course). As a result of the training from these lovely people, I look and feel great. I haven't sustained any injuries from overzealous and ignorant trainers - they would never get hired at Zen Rock. I cannot recommend this place enough.

Shonagh H.
October 13, 2013
Lorrin M. – September 10, 2009

Personal attention, great environment, AWESOME trainers... Results go without saying, of course you're going to get results there! You'll also feel valued, respected and motivated. The whole team rocks.

Lorrin M.
September 10, 2009
Elaine W. – October 16, 2013

Staff are knowledgable and terrific trainers! Great atmosphere! Bravo to them!

Elaine W.
October 16, 2013
Claire M. – August 13, 2009

ZenRock is a beautiful facility. I have worked out with each of the trainers here and they are all knowledgeable, encouraging, and inspiring in their own ways! I love their holistic approach to health and fitness. I am well on my way to reaching my fitness goals with their support.

They are located right next to the delicious Pomegranate Restaurant in Redmond so try and resist the lure of the sweet treats on your way out ;)

Claire M.
August 13, 2009
Larissa H. – September 16, 2014

ZenRock Fitness has completely changed how I look at exercise. I have gone from a person who hated any form of exercise to craving it and looking for ways to get exercise on vacation! ZenRock has helped me achieve all of my personal goals in a little over a year and helped me set new ones for the upcoming year.

Larissa H.
September 16, 2014
Erin M. – May 15, 2014

I've been going to ZenRock now for just over four months and I'm very pleased.  The studio is clean, organized and very inviting.  All of the trainers there are very nice and easy going; Heidi is my trainer and great enjoy working out with her.  This is the perfect place for anyone that needs that extra push and to have someone make them feel accountable.  I had a gym membership but would always have an excuse not to go (work, friends, family, etc.).  Now that I have a set schedule and someone keeping an eye on my fitness goals, I am actually staying committed to my health change and feel great.  I have changed my habits and overall heath tremendously since starting with ZenRock and I'm so glad I called them and gave it a shot.  I'm so happy with them that I have even gotten my husband to join me and train with me.

Erin M.
May 15, 2014
Jim M. – April 27, 2011

After months of encouragement from my wife, I finally tried ZenRock with the specific goal of improving my core strength and bulking up a bit, along with improving flexibility and overall fitness. I wish I would have started sooner. Wonderful, caring staff; beautiful, serene environment. ZenRock totally rocks!!!

Jim M.
April 27, 2011
Rochelle – October 10, 2009

What more could you ask for in a workout that is not only tailored just for you, but where the trainers are as committed to your personal fitness and success as much as you are!! You are missing out if you have not worked out here!

Rochelle
October 10, 2009
Pauline – October 9, 2009

ZenRock really ROCKS! There is no other way to describe the trainers. The environment entices you to workout. I wouldn't workout at any other place.

Pauline
October 9, 2009
Jon S. – October 9, 2008

Unbelievable attention to personal training! Comfortable, friendly, amazingly effective, couldn't ask for more! Anyone in Redmond, Sammamish area would be thrilled to work with ZenRock Fitness!

Jon S.
October 9, 2008
Tracy J. – October 9, 2009

ZenRock is a most unique experience in overall fitness. Their distinctive approach makes me look forward to going there every time! I am in better health and have never looked better because of ZenRock. ZenRock rocks!

Tracy J.
October 9, 2009
Robyn – October 11, 2009

ZenRock has the appropriate beginning to its name - Zen. That's what you feel when you walk through the door. The dark wood floors and furniture, the subtle colors of the walls. The quality equipment. And then you meet the trainers, Michael and Petra. They are warm and friendly. They focus on your goals and your needs. They are aware of your strengths and weaknesses (areas of injury, etc). They work you hard, but you feel great. It's a wonderful alternative to the "big gyms" it's like family.

Robyn
October 11, 2009
Jordan R. – August 15, 2009

The environment, the programs, the location are all fantastic. And then...you have the trainers who are BEYOND fantastic. It's the Cheers of personal training...everyone knows your name and treats you like family which translates to accountability. Thank you ZenRock for helping me to reach my goals & making fitness a part of my life forever.

Jordan R.
August 13, 2009
Susan R. – January 24, 2013

Have been going to Zen Rock for about a year now - have worked with one primary trainer and several others. All have been knowledgeable, encouraging and fun and I have gotten good results. The facility is very peaceful and comfortable and I enjoy the group yoga classes on Sunday.

Susan R.
January 24, 2013
Lisa T. – May 24, 2012

ZenRock has changed my life. I was an out of shape stay home mom who was too embarrassed to get into workout clothes. I also had no core muscles thanks to two c-sections which gave me chronic back pain. Happy to say I live in workout clothes, I have a wonderfully strong core, no back pain and I feel amazing. I owe it all to my trainer Dwayne and the loving, supportive atmosphere at ZR.  I highly recommend trying zenrock if you want to get in shape and feel great and actually look forward to working out.

Lisa T.
May 24, 2012
Mollie T. – October 15, 2013

I miss them so much! They were the best personal trainers I've ever had!

Mollie T.
October 15, 2013
Frankie R. – October 15, 2013

The trainers are great and care so much!

Frankie R.
October 15, 2013
Shriram R. – September 16, 2014

Really awesome, knowledgeable staff. They've helped me a great deal, and I love coming here every week even though I leave a little sore. :)

Shriram R.
September 16, 2014
Jen M. — August 2016

I am continually asked by family and friends what my secret is, how do I keep it up and I always tell them the same thing, “It’s easy, anyone can do it, you just need the right help.” For me, that help was in the form of ZenRock and my trainer, Nova, to which I am forever grateful for helping make the me I now see in the mirror match that picture of me in my mind. Thank you!

Jen M.

Lissette L. – September 15, 2014

Professional, fun and all around great group.

Lissette L.
September 15, 2014
Anita S. – September 9, 2009

From the moment I walked in the door it felt different. Very comforting and welcoming and Michael was friendly and informative. I knew I was going to sign up before I came back for my evaluation and Petra confirmed my decision. She was wonderful....these people REALLY care about you. I came back for a free training session with Jen and I love her. She is very educated in physical fitness and nutrition and simply the best!! Everyone there goes out of their way to remember your name and they are so kind, always. I could go on and on, but they make fitness fun and they are the best at what they do in my opinion!!!

Anita S.
September 9. 2009
Joshua C. – October 17, 2013

Zenrock has a great atmosphere for personal training and Yoga.

Joshua C.
October 17, 2013
Kamal S. – July 9, 2012

I came into ZenRock having no prior experience with yoga or any real athletic ability/experience (I sit in front of a computer all day at work and did the same throughout my childhood).

The trainers at ZenRock built me up from the ground up in a gradual, nurturing and very professional manner. Yet I was shocked with how quickly I progresses and how easy it was. In the last two months I've already lost 15 pounds and built a lot of new muscle, so I've probably lost 20 pounds of fat. As a consequence, I'm lighter on my feet. I have more energy. I'm more disciplined about what I eat; I've become more flexible and far more balanced. My lung capacity has increased and so I can now breathe in more deeply. I also get better sleep at night and no longer wake up with those knots on my back like I used to (which saves me a lot of money from no longer needing to go to the massage therapist).

If you're looking for excellence when it comes to personal training and health coaching, ZenRock is the place to go. The service will be tailored to your particular needs and skill level.

Kamal S.
July 9, 2012
Erin G. – September 21, 2011

Second to none. ZenRock has the best personal trainers. They have completely changed every facet of my health. I couldn't begin to explain how different these trainers are in their approach - they are holistically transforming every facet of your wellness from diet to lifestyle to physical fitness. This place is unprecedented and unmatched.

Erin G.
September 21, 2011
Ann S. – October 12, 2013

If you want tailored and motivating help in meeting your health and fitness goals, Zen Rock is worth any amount of effort to get there.  I signed up with Zen Rock in January 2013.  My purpose was to get supervised strength training to combat osteoporosis.  I got so much  more than that.  I lowered my BMI, lost weight, regained strength and flexibility I thought might be lost forever, and eliminated the back pain I thought would be with me for the rest of my life.  The yoga, the nutritional advice and supportive atmosphere are a few of the reasons you should make an appointment today.

Ann S.
October 12, 2013
Becky A. – February 6, 2009

The trainers at ZenRock are the best fitness professionals I've had occasion to work with. Michael, Petra, Dwayne, everyone is so great, inspiring, knowledgeable and super fun to work with too! I got badly out of shape and have a lot of weight to lose, and in 12 weeks I've dropped eleven pounds and a more amazing 24 inches! Petra is always careful of my knee issues and we are working towards getting stronger and less painful knees. I know there's better to come and with the help of these great people I know I will get stronger and healthier. I signed my teenagers up as well - age 15 (boy) and 17 (girl) and they are doing great. Very positive role models for them. Thanks ZenRock!

Becky A.
February 6, 2009
Leif D. – June 19, 2009

The ZenRock Team helps you out with everything you will need to reach your own goals, diet, yoga, free weights, some time on the punching bag. It's nice to deal with an outstanding and professional team for once, no egos here, just teamwork.

Leif D.
June 19, 2009
Charlene B. – December 15, 2013

If you read nothing else ...  Zenrock is worth the time & investment!

The facility is top notch with great equipment and peaceful surroundings.  The staff is also top notch, supportive and well versed in all aspect of health & fitness.  If you have the motivation and discipline and follow their guidance you will achieve your goals.

I am not a gym person and do not enjoy group exercise, private personal training has allowed me to build my core, reduce my body fat, weight and took off inches.  I feel better and have learned how to maintain a healthy lifestyle on my own.

Charlene B.
December 15, 2013

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