Remove the Friction to Achieve Your Goals

What does Olympic Curling have to do with achieving your goals?

The Winter Olympics just wrapped, and I know some of y’all were following skiing, ice skating and the dog who made a surprise appearance in the cross-country ski race.

Curling has got to be one of the strangest sports I’ve seen.

One of the players “throws” a heavy, polished granite stone, and two players sweep the ice in its path. This sweeping removes the friction so that the stone will travel farther. Sweeping can also affect the “curl” or trajectory of the stone.


So, what has this got to do with you and your fitness goals?

Starting (and maintaining) a new habit is hard! If you’ve tried to eat healthier, work out more, or go to bed earlier, and you just can’t make it stick, I have news for you. You are not alone. You are not a failure.

What if instead of trying harder, or beating yourself up over your failed attempts, you simply took away the friction?

How can you make this easier?

For example:

  • Want to move more during the day? Set a yoga mat next to your desk.
  • Want to eat more fruits and veggies? Buy precut veggies and put them front and center on the top shelf of your fridge.
  • Want to change your bedtime routine, and improve your sleep? Place the book you’re reading on your pillow to remind you to read instead of scrolling.

Need help?

Reach out today and we can discuss strategies to help you look and feel your best!

Anne

503-705-4762

Anne McCranie is a Vancouver, Washington based Licensed Massage Therapist and Personal Trainer. She offers guidance, gentle nudging, and encouragement. Appointments available via zoom or in person at your home, or her office in the Haxel Dell neighborhood in Vancouver.

Can You Hang for One Minute?

Can you hang from a bar for one minute?

One of your October Five exercises is hanging.

This week, can you look around your house or your neighborhood for a sturdy door frame, monkey bars, or other objects you could hang from?

Set a timer on your phone and see how long you can hang.

(these photos were taken in Sellwood park)

Studies have shown grip strength to be an indicator for longevity. Meaning those who have strong hands tend to live longer, have stronger bones, have better nutrition, fewer falls and fractures, and fewer mental health issues.

One way to improve your grip strength is by hanging.

In these photos I’m demonstrating a “dead hang”, where all your weight is supported by your arms.

If this is too much for your shoulders, start by reaching up and stretching your shoulders and back. Keep your feet on the ground so your legs can help support you.

Slowly over time you can build the mobility and strength to hang, and eventually to pull yourself up.

If you’d like help working your way up to a hang, please reach out to me this week. I have a safe and effective program to improve your shoulder mobility, upper back, and grip strength and you’ll be hanging in no time!

Anne McCranie is a Vancouver, Washington based Personal Trainer and Licensed Massage Therapist. She offers these exercises as a suggestion and encouragement to get moving. This is not a prescription, or specific medical advice. Please see your medical professional prior to starting a new exercise program.