fitcity-admin, Author at Fit City Magazine

CryoBarOKCServes Up Recovery Services for Every Taste

Oklahoma City welcomed its newest addition to the wellness community when CryoBarOKC officially open edits doors this February .The CryoBarOKC wellness experience is highly beneficial for everyone, no matter what their activity level. The services can radically improve different areas of one’s life. CryoBarOKC offers a variety of recovery and wellness services includingWhole Body Cryotherapy, RedLight andVibrationTherapy,CompressionTherapy, and Cryoskin 3.0 treatments.

During a Whole Body Cryotherapy treatment, the body is exposed to extremely low temperatures for approximately 2-3 minutes. The blood leaves your extremities and rushes to your core to keep your vital organs protected. The body reacts to the cold by undergoing vasoconstriction which allows the blood to be come super oxygenated which then rushes back through the body once you step out of the cryochamber. Among the many benefits of this treatment is a decrease in inflammation, relief from chronic pain and migraines, an increase of energy, and over all better sleep.

Light therapy involves the delivery of concentrated wavelengths of natural light to your skin without dangerous UV rays or excess heat, causing a strengthening of cell mitochondria. Our medical grade LEDs improve ATP energy production, which is the source of energy for every cell in the body. Light therapy is FDA approved for chronic joint pain, slow healing wounds, reducing wrinkles, hair loss, and acne treatment. It can help decrease inflammation, smooth skin tone, and is helpful in healing skin conditions while simultaneously enhancing mood and mental clarity. Infrared Therapy stimulates collagen production, which helps rebuild cartilage and repair muscle tissue. It has even been shown to reduce pain from sore muscles and injuries.

Vibration Therapy activates the cardiovascular, lymphatic, hormonal, and nervous system simultaneously, which helps to filter waste, dead cells, excess protein and toxins out of the body. NormaTec Compression & Recovery helps reduce muscle soreness and fatigue while improving circulation and mobility.

CryoBarOKC is proud to offer Cryoskin3.0 treatments. CryoSkin facials help stimulate collagen production, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, Cryoslimming permanently destroys fat cells, and Cryotoning helps to speedup metabolism, reduce cellulite, and improve collagen production.

CryobarOKC’s unique approach to wellness allows you to try a variety of services at your convenience.Much like diet and exercise, a regular wellness routine will provide faster, better results; however, individuals can still see the benefits of the service after just one treatment.

Upon arrival, a wellness specialist will bring you on a brief tour of the facility and answer all questions you may have regarding the offered services and their benefits.The facility itself is a welcoming, community-oriented space that encourages conversation and connection.

Ready to try it for yourself?First-time customers can try Cryotherapy, Red Light & Vibration and CompressionTherapy for $30!For more information, visitwww.cryobarokc.com or follow CryoBarOKC on Instagram at @cryobarokc to stay up-to-date on the latest developments and promotions.

VisitCryoBarOKCat7302 N. Western, Oklahoma City, OK,73116or give them a call at(409)-879-2445

Article by Samantha Rosenfeld

Much like physical health, financial health is a fundamentally crucial part of creating total mind and body wellness. Not only does a financially healthy lifestyle alleviate harmful stress, but it also lays the foundation for a safe, secure future. Valliance Bank, headquartered in Oklahoma City, is educating and inviting the local community to access healthy and stable financial futures.

Valliance was established in 2004 with a focus on financially partnering with business owners and executives throughout the community. Valliance Bank is uniquely positioned to make quick decisions, offer unparalleled customer service, and a personalized banking experience.

In 2020, the fastest growing business segment across the United States is comprised of women business owners, contributing over $1.8 trillion to the economy each year. Yet it’s also been reported that women receive only 7% of the venture funds available for startups. In recent years, female entrepreneurs asked for roughly $35,000 less in business financing than men and men receive an average loan of $5,000 more than women.

Valliance Bank is changing the way women business owners bank by providing financial guidance, education, and resources to improve their financial health easily. By making the process of funding less intimidating, coupled with extensive resources and customized support, Valliance Bank can partner with businesses of all sizes to create a healthy financial future.

Relationship banking is an overarching concept for the Valliance Bank team. The principle guides the organization’s loyalty and customer service by fully understanding each individual’s goals and objectives. Together, both parties can strategize and develop a business plan that will bring future financial goals to fruition. This principle allows Valliance Bank to act as a robust partner, growing relationships over and above the typical transactions that usually occur within a bank. If a patron needs help setting up their mobile banking app or has questions about a business loan application, a Valliance Bank employee is always ready to assist!

Valliance Bank is also shining a spotlight on phenomenal women in business throughout the community. On March 8, 2019, in honor of International Women’s Day, the organization launched the Valliance Bank Women Trailblazer movement, a tribute to the amazing women business owners and entrepreneurs who are consistently blazing a trail for their fellow females to follow to success. For more information on the Trailblazer movement, follow it on Instagram at @BeATrailblazer.

It’s never too late to start preparing for the future. Need help assessing your current financial health and planning ahead? Schedule a complimentary account statement analysis and learn how to get started with Valliance Bank by visiting www.vbank.com or stopping by any of their locations.

Article by Samantha Rosenfeld

Sources:

https://www.vbank.com

https://www.fundera.com/resources/women-owned-business-statistics

If ever there was a time to consider new vision correction possibilities, 2020 may in fact be that year. With vision correction treatment options at an all-time high, individuals who were once told that they were not a candidate for LASIK procedures may now have other options to consider. But where would someone start this journey to a clearer life?

ClearSight, located right in Oklahoma City, is one of the United States‘ most advanced vision correction centers and is also home to Oklahoma’s only full-time vision correction specialist team. As vision correction patients themselves, Drs. Luke Rebenitsch and Kasey Brown are very aware of the limits to life without glasses or other corrective measures. ClearSight is committed to providing the best experience for patients and has invested in state-of-the-art technology that increases accuracy and safety during all procedures.

The doctors at ClearSight are committed to providing an easy and comfortable LASIK experience, free of puffs, drops, or dilation during the complimentary LASIK assessment exam. They also offer procedure appointments on Fridays, unlike many other centers, so you can have your follow-up visit on Saturday and be back at your desk on Monday, ready to go. The treatment itself is virtually painless, and it will take around fifteen minutes to be permanently free from contacts and glasses for the remainder of your life! It really is that simple.

Although LASIK is often the most popular vision solution, there are other treatment options, depending on your age and current prescription. If you’ve been previously told that you were not a candidate for LASIK, there is a possibility that you are a candidate for Visian Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL).

The Visian ICL is an advanced vision treatment technology and alternative for LASIK for patients who experience significant nearsightedness, astigmatism, dry eyes, thin corneas or any combination of such issues. The Visian ICL is created from Collamer, an exclusive lens material that is bio-compatible and provides enhanced vision. Unlike traditional contact lenses, Collamer lenses are maintenance-free and won’t dry out, trap dirt, or ever get lost!

Since there are more vision correction options than ever, it can also be overwhelming to find the right one for yourself. Luckily, ClearSight has developed one of the most cutting-edge diagnostic exams throughout the country, so their staff is well-qualified to walk you through your options. If you’re interested in finding out if sight without glasses is a possibility for you, take their free online evaluation to better understand what they may recommend. Find it at: http://www.clearsight.com/self-evaluation-test/

When you’re ready, schedule a complimentary on-site diagnostic exam to confirm your vision problem and further discuss your options. Visit them online at www.clearsight.com or call 405-733-2020 to take the first step to a new, clearer life, today!

Article by: Samatha Rosenfeld

Ingredients

· 1 scoop of whey protein

· 1/4 cup egg whites from a carton + 2-3 tablespoons or more of water for a thinner consistency

· 1-2 tablespoons (about 20 grams) mashed banana or pumpkin purée from a can

· 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon or pumpkin spice

· 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Heat waffle iron.

2. Stir all ingredients together in a small bowl, until batter is free from most clumps. Add as much water as needed to get a waffle batter consistency. The batter should be pourable, but not super thin.

3. Once waffle iron is heated, spray top and bottom of iron with non-stick cooking spray and pour batter over bottom iron. Natural non-stick cooking sprays do not work well in this recipe because this waffle tends to stick easily. Use the back of your spoon to spread the batter evenly over the iron.

4. When waffle iron goes off, transfer waffle to a plate and top with your favorites. Serve immediately or store in a covered container to reheat and enjoy later.

Top with sugar free syrup or jam. Add fruit for garnish.

Pure Barre offers a variety of challenges for athletes and individuals of all ages and capabilities, acting as an inclusive fitness environment for every person who walks through the door. Whether you are an experienced athlete or a beginner to exercise, Pure Barre’s variety of classes and unique style of teaching creates a safe and fun space to move. Before each class, instructors will discuss old injuries, sensitive spots or conditions and will then recommend modifications for individuals with specific needs.

Barre is a hybrid-style workout that is inspired by ballet isometric movements coupled with elements of Pilates, yoga and strength training. When muscles are reaching the point of fatigue, barre incorporates stretching exercises to elongate the muscle groups while they are still in action, leading to long, lean muscles!

Many athletes will incorporate barre into their cross-training exercise regimens to target the smaller muscle groups that are often overlooked. Runners will see their gait lengthen over time due to the incorporated stretching, which in turn will result in faster run times. The element of stretching is also important for general gym-goers to experience as it is often ignored in weight training and other exercise programs.

Pure Barre offers four different types of classes for its members: Foundations, Classic, Pure Empower, and Pure Reform. Newcomers are encouraged to try the Foundations class when they first visit, since it is a smaller group setting and the instructor will break down basic movements at a slower pace. The 50-minute Classic class takes you through a series of low-impact, high-intensity movements that will strengthen and tone your body over time. The Pure Empower class is a cardo-focused full body workout that utilizes weights and a small step bench to increase your heart rate and cardiorespiratory ability. And lastly, the Pure Reform class is a full-body workout that incorporates resistance training to target the major muscle groups while focusing heavily on strengthening the core.

When asked why Pure Barre is needed in someone’s life, Elizabeth Strickland, head instructor at Pure Barre Norman said, “It’s 50 minutes for yourself – 50 minutes where you really don’t think about anything else. It’s taking that self-care time for yourself and giving your body what it truly needs.”

If you’re interested in trying a Pure Barre class to see for yourself, don’t wait any longer. Contact Pure Barre online at www.purebarre.com/location/norman-ok or call 405-310-2118 to schedule your first class for free!

Location Information:

Pure Barre Norman
1680 24th Ave NW
Norman, OK 73069
norman@purebarre.com

If you’ve scrolled through social media lately, you’ve probably heard the buzz about Orangetheory Fitness (OTF). If you’ve never been to an Orangetheory class or are new to the whole fitness thing, the thought of participating in a class where the goal is to drive your heart rate through the roof for a one-hour workout can seem intimidating.

Orangetheory training sessions are coached heart rate-based interval training workouts that are functional and low-impact with exercises that are modified to fit individual needs, regardless of fitness level. According to Orangetheory franchise owners Nabilah Shamseddine and Eric Moerman, the gym prides itself on appealing to both newbies with limited training experience and to professional athletes aiming to maintain their competitive edge.

Orangetheory Fitness (OTF) workouts are based on a zone training philosophy. The goal of each session is to help members meet or exceed 84% of their maximum heart rate. If this zone is reached, the body will continue to burn calories for up to 36 hours after your workout, achieving what’s known as an afterburn. Nabilah even joked that she’s called OTF classes a BOGO (buy one get one) workout. The more classes you take, the more “free” workouts you’ll get from all the extra calories your body burns.

While the amount of calories burned during class is enough to pique anyone’s interest (women can expect to burn 400-700 calories while men can burn up to 1000 calories per class), it’s the environment that keeps everyone coming back. When asked what differentiates OTF from other gyms, Nabilah responded “Our member experience and community set us apart. The environment pushes people to be their best self and beat their previous times, reps, and workouts.”

The community experience starts the second you walk into the studio. First-timers can expect to be greeted by a coach whose purpose is to understand your exercise background, fitness level, training limitations, and individual fitness goals.

During the throes of the first workout, your goal is to acclimate to the training style and heart rate monitoring system and to build comfort and trust between you and the coaching staff.

In fact, Nabilah insists that it takes five to seven workouts to hit your groove and to become attuned to what your body is capable of accomplishing. Over the course of 20 workouts, the heart rate monitoring systems will actually personalize to you and your efforts.

Thinking about trying an Orangetheory Fitness class soon? Nabilah’s advice is straightforward and simple: “Go at your own pace, compete with yourself, and don’t worry about anyone else around you.”

Kristin Allen, owner of Cyclebar Classen Curve, is passionate about indoor cycling. Her first spin class was in college and she’s been cycling ever since. She says that it is an enjoyable way to care for your body, helping relieve tension and gives her a feeling of euphoria, and “It’s also an emotional ride and a mental exercise.”

Although stationary bikes are in many gyms, spin classes at CycleBar offer an experience. An instructor sets up your ride to music with a lively beat and encourages you along the way. Everything is rhythm- based; cycling to the tempo among other riders makes it more enjoyable. Says Kristin, “You can get a great workout anywhere but not an experiential journey. . . I often remind my Stars (CycleBar’s instructors are called CycleStars), ‘What do you want them to feel on their journey today?”

The sleek red and white reception area and hi-tech, high-energy surroundings set the tone. Online registration, electronic check-in, cycling shoes for rent, and CycleBar branded exercise gear for sale all add convenience. Dressing areas have large showers, hair dryers and other hair appliances, and every toiletry you might need. The CycleTheatre holds 50 bikes, each with a screen to display the riders’ stats and progress. Large screens above the Cycle- Star’s bike displays the top 20 riders progress and are also used to run races during classes. For those who are less competitive, opting out of being on the screens is easy.

CycleBar is the only spin facility in Oklahoma City that has a statistics system that records data into a rider profile. A computer algorithm calculates your appropriate spin performance, based on age, weight, and gender. All cyclists in the room are competing, but each bike’s position in the competition is adjusted to reflect appropriate performance. After each class, every rider receives an email with their stats for the ride, so track- ing your improvement over time is easy.

CycleBar provides more than just exercise; it has a welcoming and community like atmosphere. The desk assistants know everyone, and the energy of the staff is shared generously. Cyclists often hang around after a ride; they become friends with the CycleStars and with each other. Kristin encourages both employees and clients to “Find your Why! – why you are cycling, why you enjoy it, why it makes you better.” CycleBar provides a fun, meaningful experience as well as a workout.

Words: Olivia Hansen
Photos: Jordan Mobley + Aaron Snow

FIT405: What is a pelvic floor physical therapist?

Fyzical: A pelvic floor physical therapist has special training in treating the muscles of the pelvic floor, the muscles that are the foundation of your core and control our bowel, bladder, and sexual functioning.

FIT405: What type of education does a pelvic floor therapist have to obtain to practice this type of physical therapy?

Fyzical: To become a physical therapist, you must complete a doctorate degree in physical therapy (Doctor of Physical Therapy). Pelvic floor physical therapists then continue their education in their specialty. The two largest accrediting bodies for the specialty are the Section on Women’s Health of the American Physical Therapy Association (soon changing its name to the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy) and the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute

FIT405: What conditions are most commonly seen in your practice?

Fyzical: Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy treats a wide array of concerns including urinary problems, pelvic pain, bowel incontinence and constipation, tailbone pain (coccydynia), and pelvic organ prolapse. The most common condition we treat is bladder leaking, but we also treat interstitial cystitis, general pelvic pain, coccydynia, endometriosis, and erectile dysfunction.

FIT405: What should patients expect during a visit with a pelvic floor physical therapist?

Fyzical: You should expect a thorough examination. Your core muscles affect your pelvic floor muscles, which include your abdominals, gluteals, and low back muscles, so we need to examine all those structures. You can also expect an in-depth external hip evaluation.

Education will play a vital role in your evaluation. Once we have discussed the why, we will encourage you to undergo an internal musculoskeletal pelvic floor examination.

To finish, we will go over some stretching or strengthening exercises to help jump start your treatment and prepare you for your second visit.

FIT405: Do you treat both men and women for pelvic floor conditions?

Fyzical: Absolutely! Men have pelvic floor muscles too! Men can experience incontinence, debilitating pelvic pain, and bowel dys- function. Even erectile dysfunction is, at times, appropriate for pelvic floor physical therapy.

FIT405: I know a majority of women have pelvic floor disorders after having children, but are there physical therapy techniques women can do to prevent pelvic floor injury from having children?

Fyzical: The more a woman can have control of her pelvic floor muscles prior to giving birth, the better. So being able to hold a strong pelvic floor contraction or kegel for 10 seconds, 10 times, and being able to do 10 quickly is a good start. Not all birthing injuries can be prevented, and having good control of your pelvic floor muscles does not guarantee an injury free birth, but a strong pelvic floor can improve the chances of a healthy birth.

FIT405: What is a Kegel? When should patients be performing Ke- gels?

Fyzical: A kegel is a pelvic floor muscle contraction. The pel-
vic floor has the muscles that stop and start the flow of urine,
so stopping your flow of urine is a good way to figure out what muscles to contract. Having said that, do NOT start practicing starting and stopping your flow of urine routinely! If you routine- ly practice stopping and starting your flow of urine, you could end up retaining urine, which is NOT something you want. You can try imagining that an elevator is lifting up from your sitz bones up to your pubic bone to contract. To relax you can imagine the elevator lowering, or you could imagine a flower opening, as these mus- cles are circular. People who are not in pain should do kegels; they are beneficial for people experiencing incontinence of the bowels or bladder (without pain) and also for people with pelvic organ prolapse. Kegels are not for anyone with any sort of pelvic pain. Generally, people with pelvic pain, even just experiencing painful intercourse, have pelvic floor muscles that are partially contract- ed, so contracting them more can worsen their condition.

FIT405: Do you also practice other specialized physical therapy other than pelvic floor therapy?

Fyzical: Our clinic also specializes in balance therapy and vestib- ular rehabilitation that focuses on people experiencing dizziness, vertigo, or just general imbalance. Balance training is also helping our patients with pelvic floor dysfunction, especially our patients who are having trouble walking or balancing.

FIT405: What do you recommend to women who may have pelvic floor dysfunction but who live in areas without access to a pelvic floor physical therapist?

Fyzical: For people experiencing pelvic floor pain dysfunctions,
I would greatly recommend taking the time to travel and at least attend a couple of sessions with a pelvic floor physical therapist, as teaching yourself how to let go of a pelvic floor contraction can be quite difficult. There are kegel or pelvic floor strengthening devices that have smart phone apps that could also be helpful be- cause they give you feedback on the strength of your pelvic floor.

FIT405: Do I need to see my doctor and obtain a referral in order to schedule an appointment with a physical therapist if I believe I have a pelvic floor issue?

Fyzical: The short answer is: No, you do not need to see your physician first. In the state of Oklahoma you have 30 days to see at physical therapist prior to needing a physician referral. How- ever, Medicare and some commercial plans do require having a physician sign off on the treatment. Many pelvic floor cases can be complicated and are best treated with a team of doctors, ther- apists, and other health care providers.

Interview by:

Erika Oliveira

Photos:

Jordan Mobley