Hey Everyone!
Who's ready to conquer this week? I am! Spring has sprung and it has been feeling great to start using my Corefirst outside!
Don't forget, if you're joining us in The Kick Off micro-challenge, remember to complete one of the videos TODAY! While not all of the challenges will have a time limit like this one, THIS challenge requires you to complete one video per day! Build that consistency! 

At Corefirst, we get a lot of questions from those curious about Pilates, resistance training, and our training methods in general. Like any new fitness endeavor, trying something new can seem intimidating! The good news is, Corefirst puts approachability, clear direction, accessibility, and wellness at the forefront of both our product and fitness programs.

1. WHAT IS PILATES? In short, Pilates is a low-impact fitness practice that focuses on strengthening and conditioning the body to improve balance and harmony between the body and the mind. Pilates improves posture alignment through repeated strengthening movements and conscious breaths. While Pilates is known to target the core, it is more than just abs: Pilates connects the whole trunk. Strength and stability in the deep core, hips, knees, and back mean better posture, greater flexibility, greater mobility, and, therefore, longer life in general.

2. WHY SHOULD I TRY PILATES? Pilates offers numerous benefits both physical and mental which I’ve been supported by research it can improve posture flexibility general strength can assist in weight loss and it teaches techniques of healing and breathing through discomfort. Furthermore, it stabilizes the body by increasing strength in the core.

3. DOES SOMEONE HAVE FITNESS EXPERIENCE PRIOR TO STARTING PILATES? No way! Pilates is safe for anyone and does not require prior knowledge or experience in the practice. We have a vast array of clients with different backgrounds, ages, body types, genders, and goals. Our Corefirst programming works to meet you where you are and guide you toward your unique goal.

4. IS PILATES JUST FOR WOMEN? Being that Pilates is not high-impact regimen and does not include the use of heavy weights, it is often classified as a more feminine exercise, which is completely ridiculous. This preconceived notion is absolutely not true. Joseph Pilates developed Pilates as a physical training conditioning program. Since then fitness enthusiasts of all kinds (and of all sexes) have incorporated Pilates into their high impact training. Pilates continues to gain popularity and diversity because of how it strengthens the core, encourages conscious breathing, stabilizes and improves your balance, and it’s gentle on the joints.

5. IS MY BODY RIGHT FOR PILATES? WHAT IF I’M NOT FLEXIBLE OR FIT ALREADY? Absolutely yes! All bodies are suitable for Pilates. Pilates helps people of all ages including children, pregnant people, those in physical rehabilitation due to injuries or surgeries, and people of all shapes and sizes. While it helps to improve flexibility, there is no need to be super flexible in order to join, as Pilates will always meet you exactly where you are today. Within our Corefirst programming, our trainers make a conscious effort to consistently demonstrate modifications to make movements easier or more challenging to fit your daily goals and concerns.

6. WILL PILATES MAKE ME SWEAT? Although not typically labeled as a cardio exercise, I can’t help you sweat and build long, lean muscle. Each Pilates routine is different, and on the Corefirst first app we have a wide spectrum of various programs to meet your needs, ranging from the low-impact Stretch Program to the non-stop Burn program that will make you drip with sweat! 7. HOW MANY DAYS A WEEK DO I NEED TO TAKE A PILATES CLASS FOR IT TO WORK? Studies of showing that people benefit most from Pilates when it is practiced at least three sessions per week for a full 30 minutes per session. However, every session is that much closer to your goals. Also, well it’s good to focus on your physical goals, it’s also important to focus on how Pilates makes you feel. So whatever regiment feels best for you is what you should stick with. They don’t include that in the research! 8. WHAT MAKES COREFIRST PILATES DIFFERENT? Corefirst is a values-based company that prioritizes People, Purpose, Play, and Growth. It’s all about moving and LIVING from the core of who you are and we strive to elevate WHY we want to be healthy every day. In regards to our product, the Corefirst System has the world’s first-ever grip-free neoprene wraps that auto-adjusts to fit around your wrist, ankle, foot, and palm so you can let go and really focus on your core! The wraps are attached to commercial-grade resistance bands that have patented safety sleeves to keep you and the bands safe. Our bands have been tested by a third party to last 15X longer than standard bands on the market.

Additionally, we have high-quality programming with hundreds of exercises, workouts, and programs shot in gorgeous locations. More importantly, our content is coached by world-class instructors with decades of experience and certifications. It’s important to us that not only do our clients have a high-quality, well-researched, and expertly manufactured product, but also have access to thorough and professional guidance to assist in the success of their long-term goals.

Alright challengers, it’s time for THE KICKOFF Micro-Challenge!!!

YOUR TASK:  Complete one of the following videos per day (no specific order). All videos have also been added to the Corefirst calendar.

#1: Workout 3 BURN- https://training.mycorefirst.com/programs/video-9-51945e?categoryId=115970

#2: Workout 4 Program 3- https://training.mycorefirst.com/programs/collection-xcb1d837ojm?cid=2871797&permalink=3-9d9295 

#3: Workout 6 Program 1: https://training.mycorefirst.com/programs/collection-bd_12xrtfyg?cid=2709264&permalink=16-pilates-50e646 

#4: Full body Stretch: https://training.mycorefirst.com/programs/full-body-390e16?categoryId=115968 

#5: Core & Arms Workout 2 https://training.mycorefirst.com/programs/workout-2-91c7df?categoryId=136611

WHAT YOU’RE PLAYING FOR: 5 winners chosen at random will get the choice between receiving one of these accessories for FREE (with FREE SHIPPING TOO!):

- A set of the Corefirst Blocks

-The Corefirst Circle bands

-A set of Sliders

ALL participants will also receive an exclusive discount!!

When you have completed the challenge, COMMENT BELOW! Your entry will be validated and added to a drawing. You will be notified via email if you won!

RULES, RULES, RULES:

-Challenge window: Mondays, May 22nd at 12:00am until Friday, May 26th at 11:59pm.

-The challenge window will close on Saturday, May 27th at 12:00 am and no further entries will be accepted. 

-There can be no substitutions to any of the videos or prizes listed above.

-You must be a current subscriber to the Corefirst app. 

-All videos and applicable workout minutes must be watched/ completed in full (yes we can see this!).

You will be notified via email of your prize by May 31st!

Sometimes you need that extra “kick” to get you through the day! Are there any specific foods or drinks you use for extra fuel?

Accountability has never been easier! We now have a calendar feature on the Corefirst App! Plan out your week (month, year…) by adding your favorite videos to your own personal fitness calendar!

This is a brand new feature from our developers and we are so excited to share! There will be additional features added as time progresses as well! We look forward to also adding our challenge schedules to the calendar for easy access!

Please make sure your app is up-to-date as this feature requires app version 3.11.0 or later! Feel free to email us with any questions or to report any bugs at info@mycorefirst.com!

Please Note: The calendar does not currently sync with the web or when you sign in on another device. It will only be located on your local device. Additionally, this new feature is currently only available for the Corefirst App, not for the Training Platform web page (we’ll let you know when it is)!

Are you ready for our brand new Core Crushers Club Micro-Challenge series? We sure are! Check out this short teaser video and learn how the first "game" will be played! 

REMEMBER: All official rules, tasks, and every bit of information you will ever need will be posted on the Corefirst Community page (where you are right now) in the early hours of May 22nd– the first day of the challenge.

Let's #workoutandwin.

We are so excited to announce that a new bi-weekly series is coming to the Corefirst app! The Core Crushers Club is a new micro-challenge series where you can work out to win prizes and/or exclusive discounts each week!

Here’s the Rundown:

Starting May 22nd, every other week a new micro-challenge will begin in the Corefirst Community. Depending on the challenge rules, it can include anything from completing a specific amount of videos to accumulating a certain number of workout minutes per day – so make sure you read the directions! Those that complete the task in full and comment below the challenge when they finish will be entered into a pool to win a prize! Talk about a fitness scavenger hunt!

Rules, Rules, Rules:
-Challenge windows: Mondays at 12:00am until Fridays at 11:59pm.
-The challenge windows will close on Saturdays at 12:00 am and no further entries will be accepted. 
-We will begin advertising the next week’s challenge the week prior.
-There can be no substitutions to the requirements we list to complete within the challenge.
-You must be a current subscriber to the Corefirst app. 
-All videos and applicable workout minutes must be watched/ completed in full (yes we can see this!).
-Depending on the challenge,1-5 winners will be chosen at random (depending on the individual challenge) and will be notified via email. Don’t worry participants, you will get a fun prize too!!
-Prizes may vary week by week.

We hope you enjoyed our 2-Week Spring Fling Challenge! We loved seeing you all interact and grow within this intense and refreshing challenge, and now that it has concluded, we’d love to know what you think! Comment below and tell us what you want to see in the future!

Join us in congratulating the following challengers on winning 1 Month Free of the app! 
-Kate Orsinger
-Alison Wong
-Denise Glaser
-Patinka Tari

-Kim Arevalo

Everyone did a fantastic job interacting with the challenge and each other. Keep it going and continue to grow and learn through the Corefirst Community!

Sufficient sleep is an indispensable aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, many underestimate the significance of sleep, despite its crucial role in maintaining physical and mental well-being.
1. Augments Immune System Functionality  Adequate sleep plays a vital role in strengthening the immune system. During sleep, the body produces cytokines, which serve to combat infection and inflammation. Failure to achieve sufficient sleep can lead to a reduction in cytokine production, making the body more susceptible to illness.
2. Enhances Mental Well-being Satisfactory sleep can have a beneficial effect on mental health. While asleep, the brain processes the events of the day and consolidates memories. Sleep deprivation can give rise to erratic mood swings, anxiety, and depression.
3. Facilitates Weight Management Sleep is a critical component in the management of body weight. When one fails to acquire adequate sleep, the body releases more of the hunger hormone ghrelin and less of the hormone leptin, which signals that one is full. This hormonal imbalance can result in overeating and weight gain.
4. Reduces Risk of Chronic Diseases Sufficient sleep can reduce the likelihood of developing chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Sleep serves to regulate blood sugar levels and blood pressure, both of which are risk factors for these conditions.
5. Improves Athletic Performance Sleep is of paramount importance for athletes, playing an important role in both performance and recovery. While asleep, the body repairs and strengthens muscles. Sleep deprivation can lead to decreased reaction times, impaired decision-making, and reduced endurance.

It is advisable for adults to aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Those experiencing difficulty with sleep may benefit from establishing a consistent sleep routine, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, and creating a comfortable sleep environment.

Our lives are extremely busy, and when they aren’t, sometimes mentally it can be a lot to deal with, especially with the numerous distractions we have daily. Personally, I know it can be difficult to make working out a priority. How do we do it, friends? What do you do to “make it happen?”