Sommet Fitness

I just finished my prolong fasting yesterday. Working on lowering my inflammation and activating autophagy.

Autophagy, the process by which cells break down and recycle damaged components, offers several benefits such as cellular renewal, removal of harmful substances, and supporting overall cellular health. It’s linked to improved longevity, reduced risk of certain diseases, and potentially aiding in weight management.

I just finished my fast yesterday. I’m trying to stimulate a reaction from my body. Prolong fasting benefits include reducing oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, decreasing LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides levels, promoting autophagy (cell cleanup) and cellular health, boosting the secretion of human growth hormone (HGH), improving blood sugar.

Looking forward to speak today at ACEL Business Conference.

Are you about to go through a change?
Are you recovering from a change?
Are you in a middle of a change?
“Breathwork is the art and science of applying breath awareness and conscious breathing as a tool-a force, a bridge for health, growth and change in body, mind and spirit.”

The loss of flexibility in our bodies can be attributed to factors such as aging, reduced physical activity, muscle imbalances, and certain medical conditions. As we age, our connective tissues become less elastic, leading to decreased flexibility. Lack of regular stretching and exercise can cause muscles and joints to become stiff and less pliable. Muscle imbalances and poor posture can also contribute to reduced flexibility over time. Engaging in regular physical activity auch as PILATES and incorporating stretching routines like Yoga can help maintain or improve flexibility. Katrina showing her form on the PILATES Reformer.

I’m getting ready for my online clients in Iowa and Alabama. One great about online training is I can train clients all over the world.

One of the many benefits of PILATES is Injury Prevention: Pilates exercises can help strengthen the muscles and improve joint mobility, reducing the risk of injury during physical activities. Additionally, Pilates can help address muscle imbalances and postural issues that can contribute to injury. I started Pilates due to my back pain but that was 16 years ago. I continue to do Pilates to prevent injuries especially with my Jiujitsu practice.

Deliver Value to Someone’s Life. Here’s what’s important to me more than what money can buy. Is for my company’s name to appear in someone’s testimonial.

“There’s a lot to be said about a studio that offers you a private first Pilates class free . . . . not to sell you on becoming a client, but to truly assess whether the studio and the instruction are the right fit for you. This customer-centric approach is at the heart of every experience that I have had at Sommet, and it is truly a place where you feel important and valued as a client every time that you walk in the door. As an avid Pilates student for 13 years, I am amazed at how every class is uniquely challenging, with positive, motiving and highly trained instructors delivering a (literally) head to toe Pilates experience. I have achieved amazing growth in flexibility, strength and sculpting, and always walk out of the studio feeling inches taller than when I walked in! Instruction is always what differentiates a Pilates experience, and every instructor at Sommet is brilliant and aware of the latest developments in Pilates instruction. Before I started taking classes at Sommet, I was seeing orthopedic physicians and physical therapists for chronic knee pain. Since I have been taking classes at Sommet, the strength and flexibility that I have gained in my entire body has given me more relief than any treatment had been able to provide. The studio is immaculate and open, and “group class” is a term only – their small class size allows every student to get personal instruction and attention. This is not a place where an instructor is standing in front of students barking out instructions – Sommet provides a challenging, motivating, supportive Pilates experience that makes it an absolute pleasure to attend, where results are achieved, and where I feel like I am part of a very, very special place.

Beth S.

I’m proud of Sommet client Mike starting Jiujitsu at age 82. I’ve been training him in the last 3 yrs. Mike got his health back despite not exercising in the last 50 years.

Working with Arinze with his hip mobility and spinal stability on the PILATES Rehab V2 Max Reformer to improve his sports performance in basketball. This machine is great for athletes who are 6 feet and over like Arinze who is 6’7.

Getting a quick ride. Thankfully there are clouds to lower the temperature.

Some things I’ve been learning lately during these difficult times. “A good reputation is better than a fat bank account. Your death date tells more than your birth date. You learn more at a funeral than at a feast— After all, that’s where we’ll end up. We might discover something from it.”
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭7‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭MSG‬‬

My father-in-law had passed 7:55 pm last night. I’m very thankful for him for accepting me as son-in-law despite we just met for the first time on our wedding day 28 yrs. ago. He is the one who sponsored me to be in the United States 🇺🇸. He was a good man who doesn’t say much but showed his love through his actions. May you rest in peace George.

For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.”
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Happy 4th of July! This photo was taken by Sommet Client Professional
Photographer Marc Martinez.

Preparing for my blood work today. I’ve been fasting since Sunday evening.
Q. What the benefit of fasting?
Fasting, when done properly and under appropriate medical guidance, can have several potential benefits. Some of the benefits associated with fasting include weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, increased metabolic rate, potential for autophagy (cellular repair), and improved brain function. However, it’s important to note that fasting may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions or nutritional needs. It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any fasting regimen.

Father’s Day ride. “Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, the step dads, the moms who are dads, the adoptive dads, the granddads, and the dads who are no longer with us.”

Gil and I received our 2nd stripe in Jiujitsu today. Happy Father’s Day to all the hardworking fathers out there.

Join us every Saturday 9:00 am with Claudia leading the PILATES Reformer class to Restore Balance and Coordination.
#1 In this class you will restore your postural balance to keep you standing up straight.

#2 Improve your movement coordination
One benefit of having coordination is Safety and injury prevention: Coordination helps in maintaining balance, spatial awareness, and coordination between different body parts. PILATES works the body as a unit not muscle isolation. This contributes to overall safety and reduces the risk of falls, accidents, or injuries. Good movement coordination enables individuals to respond appropriately to their surroundings and navigate obstacles effectively.
Claudia is an amazing instructor. Her attention to details will take your fitness to the next level.

Q. What is the condition of your posture?
Do you have an optimal or bad posture?
One reason joint stability is important is it improves your Postural Alignment: Joint stability contributes to maintaining good posture. Stable joints and connective tissue helps to distribute loads evenly throughout your body, reducing stress on specific structures and promoting optimal alignment. This can help prevent postural imbalances and related issues like back pain. I’ve dedicated my life to helping other people get rid of their back pain without surgery. One thing I learned is that our body has its own natural GPS that determines our body’s balance. Our natural autopilot is in tune with our center of gravity. It’s now been 20 years since I was advised to have surgery on my back. I’ve been pain free since.

Pls. welcome the new addition to our Sommet Team Tayler. Here is a little information about Tayler’s expertise and services.

He was born and raised in the Phoenix, AZ area. His family roots are in Hawaii. He is engaged to an incredible woman and they have two dogs, and will probably be adding another human in the (very) near future!

​He has grown in his personal and professional life, he continue to be inspired by the incredible design of the human body. His journey started in 2013 when he completed his program for Massage Therapy, which would lead him to pursue further education in the field of health and wellness. As a massage therapist, he have worked in various settings including spas, private practices and chiropractic offices. He had worked with countless clients and seen a wide variety of conditions and body types.

While he continued working as a massage therapist, he continued on with his education and received his degree in Exercise and Wellness in 2019. During his time at ASU, he decided that he wanted to become an expert in human movement, so he set himself up to pursue his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. He graduated and become a Licensed Physical Therapist this year 2023.

Looking forward to see him in action at Sommet Fitness and meet the various physical therapy needs of our clients.

Pls. welcome the new addition to our Sommet Team Tayler. Here is a little information about Tayler’s expertise and services.

He was born and raised in the Phoenix, AZ area. His family roots are in Hawaii. He is engaged to an incredible woman and they have two dogs, and will probably be adding another human in the (very) near future!

​He has grown in his personal and professional life, he continue to be inspired by the incredible design of the human body. His journey started in 2013 when he completed his program for Massage Therapy, which would lead him to pursue further education in the field of health and wellness. As a massage therapist, he have worked in various settings including spas, private practices and chiropractic offices. He had worked with countless clients and seen a wide variety of conditions and body types.

While he continued working as a massage therapist, he continued on with his education and received his degree in Exercise and Wellness in 2019. During his time at ASU, he decided that he wanted to become an expert in human movement, so he set himself up to pursue his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. He graduated and become a Licensed Physical Therapist this year 2023.

Looking forward to see him in action at Sommet Fitness and meet the various physical therapy needs of our clients.

Q. Why Flexibility is important?

One reason is we need it in our daily functions.
Daily Functioning: Flexibility is essential for performing daily activities with ease and comfort. Tasks like bending, reaching, twisting, or lifting require a certain level of flexibility. Being flexible allows you to move more freely and perform daily tasks without undue strain or discomfort. If you want to continue to enjoy your daily activities. Develop your flexibility. I develop mine with PILATES.

It’s great to be recognized as
one of the Top 5 PILATES Studio in Phoenix, Arizona. I’m grateful for the Sommet Staff and Clients for building the Sommet community.

Recovery day.

Why Fitness Recovery is important?

Fitness recovery is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it allows your body to repair and rebuild muscles and tissues that may have been damaged during exercise. This process helps to enhance your overall strength and performance over time.

Secondly, recovery helps prevent injuries and overtraining. Giving your body adequate rest and time to recover reduces the risk of overuse injuries and fatigue. It also allows your immune system to strengthen, reducing the likelihood of getting sick or experiencing prolonged illness. Enjoy your weekend. Find some time to relax.

Benefits of Flexibility
The exercise favorite of some PILATES practitioners is the Mermaid on the Reformer as seen in these pictures. It lengthens the sides of the your body.

The connective tissues that run along the sides of the body or Lateral Fascial lines.

#2 Enhanced Joint Health: Good flexibility helps maintain joint health and mobility. It allows joints to move through their full range of motion, which can reduce the risk of joint stiffness and degenerative conditions such as arthritis.

Q. What part of your body is undergoing strain?
PILATES can improve your flexibility.
I’m doing a straddle stretch with my head towards my knee.

Flexibility is important for several reasons:

1. Injury Prevention: Maintaining good flexibility can help prevent injuries, especially those related to muscle strains or joint sprains. Flexible muscles and joints have a wider range of motion, making them less prone to strains when performing physical activities.

Q. What part of your body is undergoing strain?
PILATES can improve your flexibility.
I’m doing a straddle stretch with my head towards my knee.

Flexibility is important for several reasons:

1. Injury Prevention: Maintaining good flexibility can help prevent injuries, especially those related to muscle strains or joint sprains. Flexible muscles and joints have a wider range of motion, making them less prone to strains when performing physical activities.

I attended the Celebration of Life of one of my client Catherine Tang she passed at 93 years old. This quote was shared during the event.

“If you want happiness for an hour — take a nap...If you want happiness for a year — inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime — help someone else.”

Chinese Proverb.

It’s been exactly 8 years since I received my U.S. citizenship.

The month of May is Asian/ Pacific American Heritage Month which started in 1979. Asian American like my son have a bright future in the United States. He graduated today Masters in Computer and Information Technology in prestigious Ivy League School University of Pennsylvania.

Let us not forget Filipino activists like Larry Itliong who fought for Filipino rights for equal pay and opportunities.

For some historical context—In the 1920s and 30s many Filipino men immigrated to the U.S. They could not become full citizens, but they were allowed to immigrate despite exclusions of many Asian immigrants because the Philippines was under U.S. colonial rule. They were promised equality and opportunity, but instead faced racial discrimination, limited work opportunities, low pay, and poor working conditions. They migrated around the West Coast, Alaska, and Hawaii, going wherever there was work. By the time of the Delano Grape Strike, many of these workers were in their 50s and 60s. They were referred to as manongs, a respectful Ilocano term for ‘older brother.’
We have come a long way.
I’m grateful to be an American citizen and to be living in this day and age. The future is bright for us Asian Americans.

Master Cedric.

I’m proud of this young man graduating today at University of Pennsylvania Masters in Computer Science. Cedric is now working as a Data Scientist at CVS Health. He finally got his own big boy place. I’m thankful to be able to come to America and change the destiny of my family. I want to thank all the people along the way who paved the way for me to come here. Special thanks to Steven M. for getting me an appointment with the U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines after I was denied entry into the U.S., I thank my Father in law George N. for sponsoring me so I can get my green card and all the friends and families who gave input to Cedric to be the amazing man that he is right now.

Having tea with Cherie and Sicily. There is nothing like drinking great tea! What’s the benefit of drinking tea?
Drinking tea can have a number of potential benefits for your health and well-being.
1. Anti-oxidants 2. Reduced risk of chronic diseases
3. Improved brain function.
4. Improved brain function
5. Relaxation
6. Improve digestion

This picture was taken at Devil’s Bridge Sedona, Arizona before sunrise with some friends. The rock was so smooth I decided to do some grounding by taking off my shoes and socks and walked barefoot.

What’s the benefit of grounding?

Grounding, also known as earthing, refers to the practice of connecting your body to the earth's surface, typically by walking barefoot on grass, sand, or soil. The idea is that when your skin comes into contact with the earth, you absorb its electrons, which have antioxidant effects on your body and can neutralize free radicals that cause cellular damage.

Here are some potential benefits of grounding:

Reduces inflammation: Inflammation is linked to numerous chronic diseases, and grounding has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body.
Improves sleep: Grounding has been found to improve the quality of sleep by regulating the body's circadian rhythm, reducing cortisol levels, and promoting relaxation.
Reduces stress: Grounding has been shown to reduce stress levels by promoting the release of the feel-good hormone serotonin and reducing cortisol levels.
Improves mood: Grounding has been linked to improved mood, increased energy levels, and reduced feelings of anxiety and depression.
Improves immune function: Grounding has been shown to improve immune function by increasing the production of white blood cells, which help fight infections and disease.
Reduces pain: Grounding has been found to reduce pain and improve circulation in the body, potentially due to its anti-inflammatory effects.
It's worth noting that some of these benefits are supported by scientific research, while others are based on anecdotal evidence. However, there is little downside to grounding, so it may be worth trying if you're interested in improving your health and well-being.

Steve can help me with to get me ready for the Ironman World Championship in Kona in October! This Physical Therapist 100% recommends Steve for not just athletes, but anyone looking to improve mobility, strength, coordination/balance, those trying to avoid surgery or really anyone!!

Owen, Ralph and myself 13 yrs. ago and present. Serving the homeless at Andre’s House Phoenix, AZ

I need a drink. Trying this out Cantarito. Cheers! (Blanco Tequila, citrus, chamoy, Tajin.