If the idea of getting into shape seems too difficult or if finding the right nutrition or workout plan requires too much research, we’ve done some legwork for you. Here are alternative ways to achieve your wellness goals from two local gyms in the St. Croix Valley area.
Uncommon Age
Uncommon Age opened in 2011 in Stillwater and offers a wide range of large and small group classes. With unique offerings like Pilates, gyrotonics, suspension training, semantics resistance band training, yoga and more, you’re sure to find something you like. Uncommon Age incorporates a unique approach to exercise—the neurological way—that uses our brains. The brain works together with the body, talking to it and creating the movements we want. The brain also works to identify whether or not something is threatening and if you should have a fight or flight response. “Is my brain familiar with that movement, that speed, that kind of thing?” says owner Marty Larson. “If not, I can go into a threat response.” Uncommon Age leverages this by looking at each client and seeing what skills they are familiar with and what skills will cause an unwanted response. “If your nervous system senses a threat of any kind, it will put the brakes on. This means your range of motion and your strength will be reduced,” Larson says. By finding what skills people are unfamiliar with, they can work with clients to make them more comfortable, alleviating that threat response. This methodology also plays a huge part in finding ways to move that will prevent injury and makes it easier for people who struggle with pain. By focusing on the brain, Uncommon Age creates a lasting impact and establishes a long-term change to help clients progress.
Peak 5 CrossFit
Peak 5 CrossFit opened in 2017 with a handful of classes. They strive to make people stronger and faster by offering CrossFit, core and cardio, yoga and more. Although Peak 5 CrossFit does not do meal planning, staff members recommend the Zone Diet, a diet established by biochemist Barry Sears, to many clients concerned about nutrition. “It’s a physiological state in your body,” co-owner Tom McAlpine says. “And you can actually measure it. So there’s markers that you can use to measure whether you’re in the zone or not.” By measuring these areas, you can figure out what’s best for you. The Zone Diet focuses on three areas: protein, carbohydrates and fat. Your body needs about 40 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent protein and 30 percent fat in your meals. You’re encouraged to enjoy five meals a day. “You’ll need so many blocks of protein, so many blocks of carbs, so many blocks of fat in each meal, based on the number of calories, your weight, your age,” McAlpine says. With the Zone Diet, you’ll find results, whether you’re trying to lose weight or trying to increase your athletic performance.
