Blog | Innovative Results

Tell me who your best friends are and I will tell you who you are.

We are all influenced by people and when it comes to fitness, strength and performance, the people we surround ourselves with can make or break us. Getting in shape requires change and its not always easy. Most times it requires discipline, sacrifice and overcoming lots of obstacles to achieve our goals. If we have the wrong people around us, they can distract us, break us down or convince us that it cannot be done…BUT the right people can lift you up, challenge us to do better and keep our head in the game.

If you want to achieve great things, surround yourself with great people.

Surround yourself with people that believe in you – people can do incredible things when they have a support team. Life can distract us, beat us down and wear down our confidence, but, with good people around us, we can handle more, dig deep and conquer more than we ever dreamed.

Who are the most encouraging people in your life?

Surround yourself with people that lift you up – Some people are vampires and just wear us out, while others are a pleasure to be around. Usually the people that you enjoy the most are the ones who lift you up, congratulate you on accomplishments and lead you to doing better things.

Who do you enjoy being around the most?

Surround yourself with people that will hold you accountable – We all need people that can keep us grounded and tell it to us straight. No matter what the goal, it is easy to get distracted and stray off course. Keep people close that will hold you to the things that are most important.

Who is holding you accountable right now?

Surround yourself with people that know your flaws and support you anyway – I believe that we become closest to the people that we go through battles with and come out the other side. Maybe its from sports, the military, a traumatic life event or other hard times. However it comes about, there is trust and strength built during tough times.

Whose got your back?

Surround yourself with people that are disciplined – It is easy to be lazy, eat rich foods, party, etc. I believe that this desire for pleasure is what leads people astray and causes most of our headaches in life. Do you have the ability to avoid bad situations? I didn’t for a lot of years, but I do now and my life has changed for the better.

Do the people around you model good behavior or try to influence bad habits?

Surround yourself with people that work hard – Do the people you spend time with work hard? Are they afraid to break a sweat or do they actively seek out new challenges? There are a lot of valuable lessons from working hard. Get out there and get your hands dirty. It can clear your mind and build confidence.

“The harder I work, the luckier I get”

Surround yourself with people that are successful (in many ways) – You can break life down into a lot of different categories (spiritual, family, health, finances, etc) As far as health goes, do you surround yourself with healthy people? Are the people around you making good decisions, eating good foods, moving around, living healthy lifestyles…or are they gluttonous, lazy and constantly wearing themselves down?

Who are the most healthy people you know?

Surround yourself with people you respect. A lot of people won’t change for themselves, but they may change to earn the respect of someone they look up to or admire. Funny how this works, but I’ve seen it in business, families, martial arts, sports and many other areas.

Who are the people you respect most?

These questions are just thoughts that I have had over the last few weeks. They are designed to get you thinking about the people you spend time with and how they affect your life.

Think about the 5-10 people you spend most of your time with during the week.

Are they helping you become a better person or are they dragging you down?

Are they encouraging and supportive or always criticizing your efforts?

Take some time and give this some thought. If the people you currently spend time with are not helping you, then it may be time to find some new friends or people that can help. Building this support system can help all of us excel and become better people.

Leave us a comment and let us know about the people that have impacted your life in a positive way.

Kim is Back at IR and Conquering New Challenges

Kimberly Newnam came back for more!

In May 2010, I contacted Innovative Results through an advertisement on a wedding planning website. My plan was to get in shape for my upcoming wedding. What ended up happening was one month in I felt like I was in the best shape of my life! I was definitely nervous to begin the training, but by a stroke of luck, I was paired up with Jeff DeRitter who completely made me feel at ease and made the training fun. Honestly – I actually almost threw up the first couple of times! But it got easier as time went on and I was motivated to continue post wedding for the rest of my 6 month contract. The comments from friends and strangers on the transformation of my body didn’t hurt either!

I had continued working out on my own since I left IR, but it just didn’t feel the same.

Fast forward to a month ago. I contacted Jeff and begged him to fit me into his schedule. I even agreed to come in for morning workouts. Which as Jeff will tell you I am NOT a morning person! This time around it is easier to be motivated because I have seen the results and I want it back!

A couple of sessions in to my return to the gym, I was asked to join the Transformation Challenge. What a way to jump back in!!!! It has been a great re-introduction to the IR team and it is nice to see all the changes that have happened over the past year in the gym. I hope that in the months to follow I can change as much as the gym itself has. The Transformation Challenge has definitely kick-started that change and I look forward to continuing it!”

The Team Transformation Challenge helped Kim decrease her body fat by 3% in the first month! IR is thrilled to continue seeing Kim achieve each of her goals!

One of Our Favorite Snacks: Perfect Foods Bar

These days there are literally hundreds of different types of protein/energy bars.

How do you know what is good vs bad?

Depends of your goals and how strict your eating habits are…

In our opinion, REAL food is better than fake, artificial or processed.

Most of the bars that are on the market have tons of funky ingredients that aren’t really good for you.

One of our favorites is Perfect Foods Bar…here’s why:

10. Simple Ingredients. Real Food. You can pronounce all of the ingredients without a chemistry degree.

9. Over 20 nutrient dense organic whole foods provide good vitamins and minerals on-the-go. Plus, with ingredients such as tomato, bell pepper, alfalfa and celery, you will finally be able to tell your mother that you’re eating your vegetables!

8. No Refined Sugar. Since the only sweetener we use is organic honey, your body can digest it slower than it would refined sugar. This means you’ll have long sustained energy without a crash.

7. Good source of fiber. Everyone knows fiber is important and aids in proper digestion.

6. Soy free. Research suggests soy consumption might be linked to several health conditions including: bloating, hormonal imbalance, unusual weight gain, and allergies. (Hidden Dangers of Soy by Dianne Gregg.) The problem with soy is that most products you find at the grocery store have some form of this ingredient – you have to know what to look for because it’s hidden in so many ingredients.

5. Handmade. These bars are handmade by happy people in sunny San Diego. We create jobs and support our local community. Besides, robots are kind of scary.

4. High in Omega-3s. Anti-inflammatory omega-3s are an important addition to your daily diet.

3. Gluten free. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with celiacs or have found that your body doesn’t digest gluten very well, we are committed to being gluten-free. We encourage everyone to read more about the ill effects of gluten on your body’s digestive system.

2. Refrigerated. Because there are no artificial ingredients or chemical preservatives these bars are stored in the fridge. Yum!

1. They taste amazing. PERIOD. Seriously, you really won’t even remember the 9 other reasons once you try a bar. They taste like cookie dough, but are packed with the nutrients your body needs to stay active!

These are great snacks that should be stored at the gym, at home and at the office.

You can pick up Perfect Foods Bars at the Pro Shop.

Be sure and ask for the box price and save $$

Gym, Jog, Yoga, Pilates, Bootcamp, Personal Trainer, Strength Coach: Which Workout is Best for Me?

Some people run or bike outside.

Others do hours of ‘cardio’ at the local gym.

Then you have the weight lifting crowd that uses a lot of equipment to develop a better physique.

Which is best?

Well, that completely depends on your goals and how that activity stimulates your brain.

Think about it, do you really enjoy going to the gym? Some do and they truly feel better when they leave. Awesome.

I can’t stand regular corporate gyms. Maybe its because I worked for so many years in that environment…or because I am not able to train the way I want to…either way I just don’t get a good workout in that type of place.

If you are a typical bodybuilder type lifter, you probably depend on that equipment to hit big lifts and focus on muscle hypertrophy.

If you are an athlete, then big gyms don’t usually hit all the pieces of the puzzle. Athletes should not train like bodybuilders and need more space and benefit from a variety of other tools to reach their potential. Big gyms don’t typically have sleds, sandbags, heavy ropes, and other tools that help build athletic performance

Maybe you enjoy yoga or pilates classes. If that’s your thing and you love the results, by all means get in there.

The key point here is this: Determine your goals and find a place that supports those goals.

Here are some things to look for in a great activity or gym:

Do you like the people? Honestly, do you enjoy the people that you workout with? Maybe you workout on your own, maybe classes, a bootcamp or with a trainer…but do the people encourage you and support you on your road to success? If not, you need to find a better place. The gym should feel like a community and you need to be a part of it.
Are you inspired? I have been in a lot of gyms…some big, some small. Only a handful were inspiring. I mean, when you walked in you could feel the energy. A place where you literally wanted to workout and looked forward to every session. Other people’s performance or energy can be contagious. Get around people that inspire you…your results will go through the roof!
Do you get RESULTS? This is why you joined in the first place, right? If you are just a member of a health club and DON’T get results, ask for help. If you are in a bootcamp, take classes, watch videos or workout with a coach…and DON’T get results, you have to try something new or assess other areas of your life.

So, does it really matter where you workout?

I know a lot of people that never set foot in the gym, but they are strong and healthy. I have other friends that thrive in health clubs.

Just find a place that you love, with people that encourage you and help you reach the goals that motivated you to join in the first place.

Where is your favorite place to workout?

Leave us a comment and tell us more about it…

SMR Can Help You Reduce Pain, Improve Athletic Performance and Recover from Tough Workouts

What the heck is SMR?

The majority of us, sit WAY too much.

I’m sure you’ve all heard that before, right?

THE COUCH, THE CAR and THE COMPUTER consume most of our waking hours. This lack of movement and sitting position takes it toll over time, making our bodies stiff, immobile and causes a world of other health issues.

Ever had back pain?

Lack of energy?

Ankle problems?

Stiff neck?

Odds are you are experiencing one of these right now…

Well, without beating a dead horse, I will show you a simple way to avoid a lot of common aches and pains.

Most of us are familiar with massage. A good therapist can change your life, but most of us don’t want to part with a few hundred dollars a month.

Today there are lots of tools that you can buy and use in the comfort of your own home, before workouts, pre-game and even at the office.

You’ve probably seen the foam roller lying around your local gym or chiropractor clinic.

There are also a variety of other rollers, balls and other tools that you can use to break up knots and help release excessive tension in your muscles.

Companies like Trigger Point Performance, Tiger Tail and Rumble Roller have created some unique alternatives to your average foam roller.

Here is a video that walks you through a series of manipulations for the lower leg. If you have foot, heel, Achilles ailments, or even wear high heeled shoes this video could change your life.

Here are some of our favorite SMR tools that we use at Innovative Results:

Foam Roller
Trigger Point Performance Kits
Rumble Rollers
Variety of other balls

We will be releasing more videos soon, so keep your eyes peeled!

If you want any of the tools, feel free to swing by the Pro Shop…

We have Trigger Point Kits and Rumble Rollers in stock.

Antonio Johns Got the IR Mind and Body Make-Over, Drops 5.5lbs!

Antonio Johns lost 5.5lbs, and 4% Body Fat in 1 Month.

Here is Tony’s Story:

I found out about Innovative by mysteriously following the warrior training page on Facebook. To be completely honest, I don’t know how that happened. However, it is the greatest that could have happened. I took advantage of a deal and Aaron was very encouraging about having me start up. I hadn’t worked out for a year prior to me signing up, but I wanted to regain a useful, functional, fit body.
The first day, I thought I was going to die. I wanted to quit half way through, I was fighting vomit from coming up and my lungs wanted to leave my body! Aaron made sure I kept pushing though, and with his positively and completely amazing knowledge of how the body works, I got through just fine.

Its been a little over a month now and I’ve seen significant improvements!! Not just with my physique, but my mental attitude, energy levels throughout the day and overall health. Within the one month, my stamina, strength and speed have all improved. I even get to put my name up on the wall for the 300 feet in one minute Versaclimber achievement!! I couldn’t be happier with the results, and I couldn’t think of a better staff to stick with! With everyone’s friendly, positive attitudes and complete knowledge of body science, Innovative Results is hands down the best place for anyone to be!

What Can You Learn from Marine Grunt, a Drug Dealer and a Gang Banger?

We ALL go through rough times in our lives.

How we react to those tough situations can make us or break us.

Join us Sunday, May 20th to learn how three individuals battled through tough times, horrible situations and bad habits…

You will learn how to…

Transforming your thought process
Changing your perspective
Building new relationships
Breaking physical barriers
Learning through the mistakes of others so you don’t have to make them.
You to take time out for yourself because you’ve been neglecting the nourishment of your body, mind, and soul.
Accomplishing something great.

When was the last time you accomplished something great?

When is the last time you got an applause or a high five with a good job?

How did this make you feel?

On the other hand, when was the last time you saw someone accomplish something great?

When was the last time you “sincerely” gave someone a high five and told them great job?

Positive stimulation brings positive transformation.

Negative stimulation brings negative transformation.

The Intangibles of a Warrior and the Warrior and the Shot Caller is one of those things that will stimulate your mind and transform your life.

The Intangibles will have you walking out the doors shaking your head and shrugging your shoulders thinking about ways you can drastically improve your life.

You will have an awareness about the world and your current walk that you didn’t have before.

Motivation keeps us alive and progressing each day.

If you’re not motivated, someone else will be, and you’ll most likely be doing what they tell you to do whether you like it or not.

Motivation is the seed of success.

For more information, visit http://myepicmodel.com/the-intangibles/

Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!

10 Best Hills to Run in Orange County

Running hills is awesome….why? Well, first off, they are easier on your joints. They also challenge your lower body muscles and your cardiovascular system like nothing else! Remember Jerry Rice and Walter Peyton. Both of these athletes were known for their strength, power and conditioning on the field…and their hill workouts were notorious among players. If you are looking to get in top shape, then running hills has to become part of your program.

So, where do you start?

Could be as simple as run up, walk down…or you can utilize a heart rate monitor and focus on specific energy systems.

Here are a few ways to mix up your runs:

Alactic Bursts – 8-12sec sprint, followed by 1min+ rest, repeat 5-10 times.
Lactic runs – similar to 200-400m sprints. 20sec-1min run, followed by 30-90sec of rest, repeat 3-8 times.
Aerobic – typically longer, less intense runs. 3 min +

Orange County has a ton of great parks, trails and elevation changes, that can challenge any persons’ conditioning. There are a ton of hills, trails, steep streets and challenges around every corner.

Here are some of my favorite hills to run on around Orange County.

1. Salt Creek Park in Dana Point

This has a few different options. There is a grass hill (see picture), asphalt path next to it, stairs down the beach and a stair/hill combo at the end. You can even take a stroll or a swim when you’re done!

2. China Cove in Corona del Mar

Hot spot for trainers in Corona del Mar…some days are a bit crowded, but this is a great spot for short bursts of effort.

3. West St Trail in Laguna Beach

This is one of my favorite trails! You turn onto West St, off PCH and head up about half a mile or so. There is a trail head. This trail starts out pretty level, then shoots straight up to the top of a huge hill. This is steep! Bring your “A” Game!

4. Top of the World in Laguna Beach

Lots of people know about this one, but it has to go on the list. There are a few different routes that vary in difficulty and distance. Change it up and enjoy the views!

5. Victoria Beach in Laguna Beach

This is a beautiful, hidden beach, just off PCH and Nye St in Laguna. There is an asphalt street that pretty much goes from the beach all the way to the houses on the top. My car even gets tired when I drive this one!

6. Quail Hill in Irvine

I like this trail, just off Sand Canyon in Irvine. It is a 3 mile loop, but I like the gradual hill at the beginning of the trail. It isn’t too crazy, but running 10 150 yard sprints up that hill will wear you out quick!

7. Newport Coast Drive in Newport Beach

PCH to the top. This is popular among bicyclists, but this hill is a killer run. Steady horribleness for over a mile. ENJOY!

8. Peter’ Canyon in Orange

This is a great trail that is full of various hills and challenges. Definitely high on the list!

9. Crystal Cove in Newport Coast/Laguna Beach

Ok, you can pretty much go anywhere in Newport Coast and Laguna Beach and find a hill. Crystal Cove Park is another great trail.

10. Whiting Ranch in Trabuco Canyon

I really liked this trail. It started really level, then had a good half mile steady incline. Fun times!

Bottom line: If you want to get lean and be in top shape, running hills is essential to your training program.

Do you have any other suggestions?

Leave us a comment and tell us about your favorite hill

Where Have Our Nutrients Gone?

These days, the quality of food we have available to us is HORRIFIC.

Refined grains, sugars, artificial sweeteners, hydrogenated oils, packaged foods and other convenience foods have infiltrated our lives and are truly making us sick and overweight.

BUT, even though we eat too any calories, why are so many people deficient in certain vitamins and minerals?

Unfortunately, naturally-occurring foods rich in nutrients are becoming a thing of the past. Eons of vegetation growth and aggressive modern farming techniques have brought many of the earth’s minerals to the surface, where they have been washed away.

As the soils are depleted, the seas become enriched

The earth contains a perfect balance of all the nutrients humans need to be healthy and happy. The problem is soil-nutrient depletion. Over the years, soil erosion and aggressive farming practices have depleted the essential nutrients in crops, and human nutrition has suffered. Dr. U. Aswathanarayana states, “When people consume a diet derived from crops grown in nutrient-deprived soil, their intake of essential elements becomes inadequate. This leads to the impairment of relevant physiological functions and causes disease.”1

So, how do YOU stay healthier?

You can start by eating more organic fruits, vegetables and meats, but that is not very realistic for everyone.

You can also use some basic supplements to make sure that you’re covering your bases.

We carry Trace Minerals brand supplements at Innovative Results. You can check out more details about their product here:

Trace Minerals Website

If you’re interested in more information, stop by the pro shop, talk to your trainer or Leave us a Comment!

Happy Tuesday!

1. Aswathanarayana, U. Professor. Trace Substances Environment and Health. Science Reviews, London, 1:1994, pp. 222-223.

Wanna Get in Shape, Lose Body Fat and Perform Like a Champion? It All Starts Between Your Ears…

I have met thousands of people over the past 14 years…people that want to lose weight, drop bodyfat, gain muscle, improve their athletic performance and more.
Only a fraction of those people actually focused and attained their goals.

Why?

I believe its because they didnt have the right mindset.

Here is a great quote that I heard a few years back…

Be careful what you think…
Your thoughts become your words, Your words become your actions
Your actions become your habits, Your habits become your character
Your character is everything

Be careful what you think, for your thoughts become your words.
Be careful what you say, for your words become your actions.
Be careful what you do, for your actions become your habits.
Be careful what becomes habitual, for your habits become your destiny.

Be careful what you think, for your thoughts become your words.
Be careful what you say, for your words become your actions.
Be careful what you do, for your actions become your character.
And character is everything.

So, what does that have to do with your fitness goals?

Well, if everything starts from your thoughts, then getting the right mindset is crucial to your success in the gym.