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If you are a resident of Northern Michigan your Facebook feed is just a short time away from being filled with "grip and grin" pics of large antlered whitetails. Before you stop reading (if you are a non-hunter), bear with me here...
The rifle opener for the 2017 whitetail deer season is coming up; a massive celebration of small town culture. For some, hunting season is a tradition passed on from one generation to the next. For others, it may be a glimpse into a foreign tradition viewed with shock and horror. Aside from photos of obvious celebration for downing a large buck, it's important to remember why hunting is a thing, and why harvesting food sources from minimally-adulterated environments leads to healthier sustenance for our bodies.
When we see that smiling pic of someone holding the antlers of a large buck, we only see one still frame of a much bigger story. Some share pics of deer and talk about antlers but the real celebration is something else entirely.
Hunters are grateful for an excuse to get outdoors prior to the season to plant food fields for the deer to eat, secure tree stands and fortify hunting blinds. Hunters enjoy time spent at the range with family and friends to hone marksmanship skills with the intent of bringing an animal down quickly, with no suffering. Time is spent researching and learning the migration patterns of wild animals, how to help control disease and illness in wild populations, and identifying the age of potential targets so young hearty bucks can continue to pass on their strong genes to future generations and not be taken too soon.
For many, the enjoyment comes directly after the harvest as every usable part of the animal is salvaged for use so the animal will not have sacrificed its life in vain. Hunting is harvesting. Harvesting of natural food sources is one of the healthiest ways to fuel our bodies. It is the circle of life.
For me, hunting is an opportunity to be more connected with the food we need to feed our family. Through this connection comes respect for the circle of life and each animal's place in the food chain. From a culinary aspect we are provided with a number of "organic" ingredients where there is no mystery as to their origins or quality. For my kids it is an opportunity to teach them sustainable living practices, appreciation and respect for the bounty of Mother Nature, and that a kitchen and a little extra work are not to be feared when seeking to provide our bodies with nutrients for continued healthy living.
For all the hunters out there who may be heading out for a hunt, good luck! I hope you find that your training at Performance Locker allows you the improved strength and mobility to walk the woods, bear the weight of harvest, and serves up a quieted mind to fully appreciate the opportunities we have for gathering our own food sources.
-- Casey
L
ike What You See?
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Busy Schedule? Chalkboard Sessions Are Made For You!
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Our Chalkboard workouts are the perfect solution for those with unpredictable and ever-changing schedules. Each Chalkboard workout has a little bit of everything your body needs in each workout; strength, mobility, core stability, soft tissue work and conditioning all-in-one. Chalkboard workouts are offer
ed Monday through Friday at both Noon and 6:30pm every week.
Each workout begins with one of our coaches leading you through mobility and breathing work to get your body and mind ready to move. You will be then be guided through a 10 minute warm up block. This section serves two purposes; we can prepare your nervous system and tissues for the work to come. Second, it gives our coaches an opportunity to work with you on improving the efficiency of your foundational movement patterns on a regular basis.
Then our coaches will guide you through your 20 minute working block. These blocks usually consist of 2 strength/stability movements with a strong core focus and a conditioning drill or modality (such as the RealRyder stationary bike, water rower or heavy ropes). Each individual has the opportunity to apply the level of challenge that fits your movement abilities during the working sets, our coaches work hard to help you create the perfect experience where you can work at the "edge of your box".
Click Here
» To Learn About Our Health Investment Options!
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Center Your Mind + Body with Yoga
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New! Foundations
Monday's 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Work to build a strong foundation in your practice with this beginner style Yoga class. We welcome all shapes, sizes, and ages. Great for both new-comers and seasoned practitioners who want to refine their practice! There are always new layers to uncover in our ever-evolving bodies and lives.
Click Here
»
to Sign Up for Foundations Monday at 5:30pm!
New! Slow Flow Vinyasa
Monday's 7:00pm - 8:00pm 
A comfortable rejuvenating flow for all ages and ability levels. Slow progressive sequences and longer, deeper holds. Poses build one upon the next offering you the opportunity to modify or advance depending on your needs. Peaceful and meditative with a focus on breath, balance, and body awareness.
Click Here
»
to Sign Up for Slow Flow Vinyasa Monday at 7:00pm!
Community Yoga
Tuesday, November 7th at 7:30pm with Paige Trikso RYT 200hr
Saturday, November 18th at 11:30am with Maureen Mead RYT 500hr
Everyone is welcome to our Community Yoga Classes! Free for members or $10 for non-members. Class length ranges between 60 and 75 minutes. Community Yoga is offered twice a month. You can sign up ahead of time or just pop-in. Bring your own mat/props or borrow ours.
The classes are appropriate for all levels and provide an environment of welcoming camaraderie.
Click Here
»
to Register for Community Yoga on November 18th!
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Are Your Hamstrings Tight?
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If we had a nickel for every time someone said or was told, "stretch your hammies" let's be honest, we would have a sh*t load of nickels.
Hamstrings get a bad rap. Many of us feel if they would only "loosen" we would unlock new levels of mobility and pain free movement.. but that might not be the case.
On this segment of Fitness Friday Founder of Performance Locker, Casey Stutzman explores the very issue of "tight" hamstrings and why stretching this muscle might actually be making the problem worse!
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Eating with the Seasons! What Mother Nature Intended!
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Sausage, Brussels Sprouts, + Potato Soup
What You Need...
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 8oz of Sausage (about 3 links) casing removed
- 1 cup of diced onion
- 1/2 cup of diced carrot
- 1/2 cup of diced celery
- 2 tablespoons of finely chopped garlic
- 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika
- 12oz of baby yellow potatoes, sliced
- 8oz of brussels sprouts, trimmed and slicedd
- 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
How To Make It...
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up with the spoon, until browned, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil, onion, carrot and celery to the pot; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and paprika; cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add potatoes, Brussels sprouts and broth; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender, 6 to 8 minutes.
- Stir in the sausage, vinegar, salt and pepper. Serve sprinkled with parsley.
Why You Should Be Eating with the Seasons
By consuming foods that are in season we give our bodies a wider variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Freshly picked fruits and vegetables are more nutritious. Simply put, Mother Nature knows best; she grows exactly what your body needs, when you need it most. Eating with the Seasons is a simple way to become more in tune and grounded with the world around you. Give it a try and let us know how you feel.
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We find ourselves in the Holiday Season, for most that means countless parties, dinner, treats, sweets all served with a heavy side of shame, guilt and regret.
But Why?
To be clear I am not a dietitian, nor do I play one on TV. I can however speak from my own personal experience that there are healthy and unhealthy relationships that can be had with food.
I have found for myself that it is ok to love to eat. It is also 100% acceptable to celebrate food. The true celebration of food encompasses the entire culinary experience; choosing and experimenting with fresh ingredients, preparing delectable dishes and finally enjoying them with people who enrich your life.
I feel like we confuse"celebrating" food with "gorging" which is perhaps why we feel the need to downplay or pretend we don't love food.
So as we approach the holidays allow yourself some guilt/shame-free indulgences. When you do choose to splurge be smart about it in terms of not only amounts but how it might affect you the next day or later during the week.
But most importantly, give yourself permission to gather in the kitchen with family and friends and create amazing dishes to share. Explore new herbs, sample different fruits and vegetables, try different meat preparation techniques and play Frankenstein with a number of new flavor combinations.
A family in our neighborhood started a Soup Group a couple of years ago. On a non-regular, regular basis (once every few months) we all take turns hosting a Soup Night at our homes. One family prepares two different soups and the others hop over after work for a stress-free soup dinner. The children play, the adults visit and catch up. There are lots of laughs and a true feeling of a sense of community. We all have different homes, different jobs, different views, and different dreams for the future. But, we all have the same desire to enjoy nourishing food with friends, support one another, and share life together in micro-moments, one bowl of soup at a time. There is shame-free dessert and wine served after soup and then everyone walks home to get ready for the next day.
Whether its a holiday, a neighborhood soup night, or just a random Thursday when the grocery store had a good sale; food is as soul nourishing as it is nutritious.
-- Casey
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Be The Change You Wish To See!
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Dharma Initiative | Yoga Sessions for Charity
Saturday, December 9th 2pm - 3pm
Suggested $10 Donation + All Are Welcome
Join us for an extra special Yoga practice lead by our Mind Body Team! All proceeds will to Hope Shores Alliance (formerly Shelter Inc.) No prior yoga experience required; all levels welcome. Yoga mats and props provided all you need to bring is an open heart and your donation for Alpena's local Women's shelter. Love the idea, but can't make it? Mail-in a donation! 1302 S. State Ave. Alpena, MI 49707
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Adventure Time! Norway Ridge!
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Get outside and explore the outdoors! Experience the rich colors, breathe in the fragrance of fall, and soak up the adventures of the great outdoors before the snow hits! Norway Ridge Pathway is beautiful. Ten miles of beautifully groomed hiking trails only five miles south west of Alpena!
Norway Ridge is the perfect spot for a hike or trail ride. There are several trail options you to choose from. You can make it quick visit or spend all afternoon out there. Norway Ridge Pathway is ideal for beginner trail riders too. Did you know hiking and being outdoors can greatly contribute to our happiness!? "Stress isn't ever going to go away, so it is important to have a way to cope with it.. Walking in nature is a coping mechanism-the benefits aren't just physical." Read more about how hiking makes you happier,
right here!
This isn't just a fall get-away spot! Soon the trees will be covered delicately with blankets of fresh white snow. Norway Ridge grooms trails for cross country skiers during the winter months. Escape the corporate world and
take a short drive out to Norway Ridge. You won't regret it!
DNR Recreation Passport Required.
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Choose From 4 Different Gift Options! Click the Photo to Get Started!
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