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BETTERMENT SPOTLIGHT
and how long it typically takes you to recover from a workout. This assess- ment is ongoing, too. Supplements may help you temporarily or be a long-term addition to your regimen.
Becca and I have added supple- ments—such as joint formulas and
pre- and post-workout formulas—to
our plans. Michelle introduced Becca
to Arnika gel, a homeopathic substance that helps with strains and sprains, and she encouraged the use of Epsom salts. Enzymes and amino acids are important for Becca’s routine.
I’ve found I’ve taken a liking to Blue- bonnet Whey Protein Isolate, a supple- ment that helps fuel me for a long day at work and the gym. On days I reach for a morning yogurt, I add the powder with walnuts and blueberries—turning a snack into a filling meal. The powder also adds a great kick to oatmeal.
Among the many supplements I am now taking is L-glutamine to aid in
my post workout recovery. Scott really encourages L-glutamine to help with muscle pain and joint pain. In addi- tion, I now take 4000 mgs of Vitamin C—great for folks who don’t get enough sleep—and a multi-nutrient mineral supplement blend of zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B6 that is ideal for athletes who sometimes lose these nutrients during workouts. Coconut water, Scott tells me, is also excellent for post-work- out muscle recovery. I’m still working on getting used to the taste.
DIGGING IN TO COSMETOLOGY
As Transformation Knoxville further develops, I am beginning to understand that not every goal I set for myself can be achieved within the walls of the gym or within my kitchen space. As a result, I am beginning to explore the world of cosmetology.
Contrary to popular belief, cosmetic work does not only include procedures such as Botox injections or lip enhance- ments. After visiting Performance Medicine, a local company that uti- lizes integrative medicine—combining
Nathan and Becca have learned that exercise is not confined to the walls of a gym. The two have made sure not to miss a workout— no matter the exigencies of a busy professional life.
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alternative and mainstream medical therapies—I couldn’t believe there were so many options to help push me to optimal health. Performance Medicine’s mainstay is hormone balance and weight loss. [Additional information about mod- ern day hormone balance therapies will appear in upcoming issues of Cityview.]
Performance Medicine also offers skin needling. This minimally invasive treatment uses fine needles to create a tiny skin injury. In turn, these punctures trigger your body to heal by producing new collagen and elastin. Through this process, skin texture and firmness may improve and scars, pore size, and stretch marks may be reduced.
To supplement my options available at Performance Medicine, I looked into Nerium—a line of products that helps
to stimulate collagen growth. At my
age, many people begin to lose collagen in their cheeks. This loss is character- ized by distortions to the shape of the cheek and the line of the lips. I’ve added Nerium’s four products—a night cream, a day cream, a firming cream, and EHT (a mind enhancement supplement)—to my daily care.
EHT was of particular interest to me
as it is considered the first true homeo- pathic product that increases cognitive performances and decreases the effects of attention deficit disorder. According to the
manufacturer, the product is a “natural mix of bioactive molecules, isolated from cof- fee” that improves the neuronal functions of your brain as you age. In my opinion: If it uses coffee, it must be great! After read- ing about the product, and through the recommendation of a close friend, I have added it to my health routine. It’s too early to say if I am seeing positive effects, but, as with every new addition, I will be keeping a close eye on how my body reacts.
WORKING OUT THE KINKS
While I use natural products to
help my skin (and my brain), I’m using another deeply natural and personal therapy to tackle my spiritual and mental wellness: deep-tissue therapeutic mas- sage and healing. I first was introduced to Sara Griscom, owner of Gypsy Hands in Knoxville, while working on one of our past 2015 issues [“Sara Xochitl Griscom,” Conversations, January/February 2015]. Our introduction couldn’t have come
at a more opportune time; we met just before Transformation Knoxville began. Griscom has this incredible gift to be able to help people work through physical problems and relearn their bodies.
Our sessions include very deep- tissue massage—but if you truly give
of yourself to Griscom’s work, you’ll understand it’s so much more than that. Griscom works to help your body adapt