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Whether you’re opening or expanding your practice, Core Stix is a pillar investment that many physical therapists are saying they wouldn’t go without. Here are five reasons why you need Core Stix for your practice:

1.) Core Stix is Ultra-Versatile

Core Stix safely builds functional strength for patients of all types and ability levels. In clinics that use Core Stix, it’s not uncommon to see an athlete on the system one minute and an elderly patient on it the next. It’s even used for patients in wheelchairs.

“Literally everyone can do it,” says Corey Rasmussen, owner of Physical Therapy Specialists of Idaho (PTSI). “We often have a line of patients waiting to use it.”

2.) Every Exercise Engages the Core

Core Stix is designed so that patients perform exercises in motions that correlate to their daily lives. There’s a big difference between doing a traditional bench press—a motion that doesn’t really translate to anything functionally—and doing an upright exercise that targets the same muscle groups while also activating the core muscles. Core strength is essential for every single patient, and Core Stix engages the core with every single exercise.

3.) It Picks Up the Pace

Particularly for injured or elderly patients, the time spent getting down on the floor for an exercise, standing back up and moving from one machine to another limits their ability to get into a rhythm. The same goes even for healthy patients—the lost minutes needlessly extend their workout. And, over the course of a day, you might find yourself seeing fewer patients, running on a tight schedule, or both.

Core Stix enables everyone in your population to crank out a variety of exercises without the in-between time. They get more engaging and higher intensity exercise, and you can move patients in and out of your facility more efficiently.

4.) It’s a Space Saver

For those who are in the process of opening a practice for the first time, it can be tough to gauge how big of a space you should rent (and can afford). Even once your practice is up and running, you’ll always find yourself wanting more space.

Many commonly used machines, such as cables, swallow up large portions of your usable space and provide limited capabilities in return. Core Stix is a space saver in several ways: 1) The possibilities, in terms of exercises and workout combinations, are endless; 2) The platform itself is compact; and 3) It’s storable. Use the extra space you gain with Core Stix for additional equipment, increased capacity, or even just to create some breathing room.

5.) It Will Set You Apart from Your Competitors

Buying new equipment is always a big decision. In order to gain an edge over your competition, you have to be an early adapter and make the right investments at the right times.

If you’re looking for a true competitive edge—something that will set your facility apart from others—look no further than Core Stix. Versatility and effectiveness aside, patients actually enjoy using it. Why would they ever consider going to any other physical therapist when you’re the only one in town with Core Stix?

Learn More

Ready to take your practice to the next level? Contact us today to see if your clinic qualifies for a limited time offer on our popular Core Stix One Therapy Package.

The post Opening or Expanding Your Physical Therapy Practice? 5 Reasons You Need Core Stix appeared first on Core Stix Fitness System.

But don’t just take it from us. Six top physical therapists from around the country explain how you can get better outcomes and better return on investment with Core Stix than with any other therapy device on the market.

1.) Jonathan C. Sum, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS, CSCS

Director of USC Physical Therapists Associates

“Core Stix is one of the most frequently used products in our facility.  It works for patients across a very wide age range and is easier for our older patients to get on than treadmills, reformers, and similar equipment.  The patient only has to pick up their foot two inches to get on Core Stix, and doesn’t have to think very much to use it.

We use Core Stix a lot on our knee and hip patients for squats. I love Core Stix because you can do assisted or resisted squats. And for shoulder and upper extremity patients, Core Stix is great because it enables partial closed chain strengthening, as compared to the standard dumbbells, cables or bands. It requires the patient to activate the scapulae and the core musculature along with the shoulder musculature.”

2.) Amy Lee, PT, MPT, OCS

Owner, PT Central of Chickasha, Blanchard, NW OKC and North Edmond

“Just about all of our patients use Core Stix in some fashion or another. I haven’t found anything like it, nor have I seen anything that can match its versatility or accomplish the same goals across such a wide variety of patients. Core Stix has given my clinic a whole new dimension of strength and balance training, and it seems like the possibilities of creating new exercises are endless.”

3.) Tyler Burcham, PT, DPT, Cert. MDT

Owner & Rehab Director, RehabAuthority

“There’s nothing comparable to Core Stix, which is why we have them in all of our clinics. I can start an 87-year-old grandmother on it, and then have a 25-year-old athlete doing the same exercise, with both patients accomplishing their own training goals. Core Stix also works seamlessly for Neuromuscular Re-Education, maximizing insurance reimbursements and the level of care for our patients.”

4.) Galen Danielson, PT, DPT

COO, RehabAuthority

“The beauty of Core Stix in the rehab setting is the ability to engage dysfunctional core stabilizers in different positions. By having patients on their feet and performing a variety of movements, nearly everything we do is functional and translated into “real life” activities.”

5.) Danny Smith, PT, DHSC, OCS, SCS, ATC

President/CEO, Physical Therapy Services, P.A.

“We have found Core Stix to be a wonderful product for our entire patient population, including most all of our ortho/sports, post-surgery, total joint (total hip, total knee) replacement, balance issue, and neuro patients. In addition to its many resistance-based exercises, Core Stix also gives our patients with balance deficiencies assistance so that they can be more independent while performing functional exercises.”

6.) Cara Troutman-Enseki, PT, DPT, OCS

Senior Phys. Ther., Centers for Rehab Services

“Core Stix is a very versatile piece of equipment that does not take up a lot of space in the clinic. It mimics functional movement patterns and allows a carry over to real movement patterns in your patients’ rehabilitation. Core Stix has allowed me to strengthen the scapular and core musculature of my patients with cervical impairments in a neutral position without a lot of cervical movement. As they progress, Core Stix allows for more dynamic movements and exercises with head turns. I strongly recommend Core Stix for all physical therapy clinics.”

Stay ahead of your competition with Core Stix. Click here to see how Core Stix works, and call or email us today to see if your clinic qualifies for up to a 50% limited-time savings on our popular Core Stix One Therapy Package.

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Check out Core Stix, the new fitness system that was developed here in Pittsburgh by Penguins Strength and Conditioning Coach Mike Kadar. It’s being tested in Pittsburgh with great results!

Full Story >

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When we began the challenge I started on all white or light stix. Even squats where a challenge! By our final week, I was able to do 50 squats using blue or heavy stix. Through progressive movements, I was able to build a solid muscle foundation.Also when we began the challenge, I was barely able to complete 8 burpees. Now, I can perform 50 in under 4 minutes! Additionally, as a casual jogger, I was able to shave 7 minutes off of my 5k time in only 3 weeks.Everything has improved.. my balance, stability, flexibility, mental clarity but most of all my confidence! Additionally, I have more overall energy, sleep soundly though the night and wake up refreshed no longer with aches and pains! Core Stix kept me in a ‘challenge and support’ state. Once you get a feel for the Stix and trust them, you can really start to go deeper into each workout!

I was able to lose 17 inches and 5 lbs in 12 weeks while using Core Stix. Areas where I lost were my:

Arms: 1″
Chest: 4″
Waist: 5″
Hips: 4″
Thighs: 3″

Cassandra, you’re a star!

Update: Talking to Cassandra this morning and she’s lost another 5 pounds… that’s a total of 10 pounds!

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Preview Chris’s Training on Core Stix at 17:15

The art and science of fight training is in the midst of a revolution, thanks in part to Core Stix, a revolutionary piece of equipment beloved as much by professional athletes as it is by everyday users. Core Stix has been gaining more and more notice in recent years and was recently featured on HBO 24/7 as part of the training regimen of WBO Junior WelterweightChampion Chris Algieri, who will be fighting future Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao on November 22.

As befits someone with a M.S. in Clinical Nutrition, Algieri has taken a similarly technical, yet holistic approach to training and conditioning, orchestrating a high-intensity workout meant to improve endurance, speed, and power. Core Stix has been integral to this effort. Though the Core Stix equipment appears simple — it consists of a base with a series of detachable rods of varying resistance — its virtue can be found in its extreme versatility and the way in which it allows fighters to train a wide variety of striking movements at a natural rate of motion.  According to his strength and conditioning team, Algieri has been using Core Stix to improve his overall metabolic conditioning, his localized muscle endurance (allowing him to throw more punches per round), and his rotational power and speed.

“Very few single systems allow fighters to train in a whole host of biomotor abilities the way that Core Stix does,” stated Tony Ricci, a Fight Performance Coach and Algieri team member who created the first fight-specific Core Stix training program with Algieri nearly two years ago. “You can train the cardiovascular system, local muscle endurance, strength, power, and speed. You can do prehab and rehab work.  And you can vary the intensity for a uniquely individualized workout.” This is what Ricci loves most about Core Stix, in addition to its scalable, yet variable exercise options.

However, where Core Stix really shines for fighters like Algieri can be found in how it allows them to accurately mimic and train a variety striking motions in a way that improves their speed and punching power.

“Usually a machine dictates the range of motion,” explained Doctor Michael Camp, Head of Strength and Conditioning for Team Algieri. “However, Core Stix allows a natural range of motion on many strikes at fight-realistic velocities while still applying resistance. You can take one of the white Stix and fire out a right hand and it doesn’t inhibit the range of motion. You can’t do that on machines and you can’t do that on free weights. Core Stix also allows for all the rotational movements associated with a strike to be achieved naturally. With Core Stix, you can rotate the same way you would for any punch.”

Dr. Camp noted that he and Ricci’s favorite uses of Core Stix are the wide array of core rotational movements and the high velocity explosive deadlift due to its ability to improve triple extension.  Because this is where power, speed, and rotation are generated, it is extremely useful in improving fight performance and is an integral part of Algieri’s routine. In fact, that is one of the ways that Core Stix has been most valuable for Algieri as he prepares for his fight with Pacquiao.

“Core Stix has really helped Chris improve his rotational power, speed, and driving force from the ground up,” stated Doctor Camp. “He’s so well conditioned on his own that he doesn’t need as much heart rate work, so we use Core Stix to improve power and driving force.”

“What Team Algieri is doing is marrying the old style of skill training with advanced performance training protocols and nutrition,” Ricci concluded. “We’re complementing traditional methods with new techniques, strategies, and science… and Core Stix is a part of that. This is the future of fight training.”

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Course Overview & Objectives:

1. Learn over 100 unique and cutting edge Physical Therapy, Active Aging, and Functional Fitness exercises to challenge your patients/clients in new ways. 
2. Learn how to create exercise programming using Core Stix.
3. Learn how to teach the exercises to clients/patients.
4. Learn the science and theory behind Core Stix; how it applies to your specific population and demographic.
5. Learn how to teach the course(s) to your staff/customers (Master Certification participants only).

Dates: Saturday, July 6, 2013 – Sunday, July 7, 2013
Location: 5028 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20016
Instructor: Brian Richey, Core Stix Director of Education and Sports Medicine
Fee: $400 ($225 for single day) – lunch included

Preliminary Syllabus & Schedule:

Saturday, July 6, 2013
8:00-8:30 – Intro and Registration
8:30-9:30 – Workout
9:30-9:45 – Break
9:45-11:00 – Science behind the Stix
11:00-1:00 – Upper Body Exercises (Fitness)
1:00-2:00 – Lunch
2:00-3:00 – Upper Body (Fitness)
3:00-3:15 – Break
3:15-5:00 – Lower Body (Fitness)

Sunday, July 7, 2013
8:00-9:00 – Workout
9:00-10:00 – Upper Body (PT)
10:00-11:00 – Lower Body (PT)
11:00-12:00 – Core (PT/Fitness)
12:00-1:00 – Balance/Flexibility
1:00-2:00 – Lunch
2:00-3:30 – Exercise Creation
3:30-5:00 – How to instruct a Core Stix course

A limited number of additional spaces are still available. Please RSVP today to reserve your spot.  Email SportsMed@corestix.com to RSVP or for additional information.

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Here is what I have learned about making changes.

Don’t Make Assumptions!

I thought that everyone who was close to me would automatically support my efforts. This was NOT the case. Let’s face it; people grow comfortable with you, just as you maybe grew comfortable in your complacency. If you change – does that mean they have to? Change for some is scary and doesn’t feel so great.  There were several occasions that jealousy or uncertainty about my process turned into hurtful, biting words and sarcasm from people I would never think would be unsupportive of me. But that can and does happen. It’s a shame for sure, but as my confidence grew, I learned how to confront these individuals in my life.  Some I have been able to talk it out with and regrettably, others I simply had to let go.

Directly ASK for help and support!

This too seems like a no brainer but this one works on a couple of levels. First, when you know the goals you are pursuing and can accurately articulate them to your friends and family, it goes a long way to keeping you accountable.  The additional bonus of having direct conversations is that you can hopefully avoid the point above. It was only after about 6 months into my journey that I had it in me to directly state my goals and ask for support. It takes the pressure off of everyone. Be willing to be specific about what you need as well. For example, I asked my sister Vikki to work out with me a few times a week. She’s got nothing on Jillian Michaels in terms of yelling to get me motivated. I really like working out with her because she has this “put your head down and go” attitude. She powers through entire workouts like a champ and is inspiring to watch.  My other sister Rebecca I asked to be available to me to just hear out my frustrations. I told her I didn’t need solutions or suggestions, simply an ear to listen. Both of them have been amazing for the last year and a half at this point in always being there for me. As my needs change, so do our conversations and expectations. It feels awesome and much less stressful to simply be open and honest.

Stand in gratitude!

I did not do this alone. I had help every step of the way. I have learned that recognizing these folks and taking the time to thank them is as much of this process as the lbs on the scale. I could not have gotten this far without my first round of trainers at LA Fitness (pre Core Stix). Danielle White is the first to kick my butt, hold my hand, and listen to me complain day in and day out about what was NOT happening. She showed an amazing amount of patience and support.  I owe Danielle probably more than anyone. She was with me at the start when it would have been easy to just give up, but she would not let me quit. Period. My first workout partners were Janice and Meg who day after day kept me going to class and working harder every day.  The second set of LA Fitness trainers are Lauren Cerqua and Rocel “Chi Chi” Perez who continue to motivate me 3 times a week in Hip Hop class. These girls keep exercise FUN, new and exciting week after week. I love them and their style of teaching so much that they have inspired me to get Hip Hop certified before the end of 2013!

Jennifer Hoffman (Core Stix Trainer) had an immeasurable impact on my life, not just fitness. Her lessons included helping me finding my voice, my breath, and my inner confidence. She trained me with more patience than I knew I needed. She would quietly stand by and just wait for me to tell her all of the reasons I was afraid, that I was unwilling, or not strong enough.  I never had the option to not try. Eventually, I would complete what she was asking of me… as the weeks went on, my protesting subsided after I realized that Jen never once asked me to do something she knew I would fail at…quite the opposite. The first time I completed a 300 (50 reps of 6 different exercises) with her, I was in awe because I knew I was a new person.  She is a gifted trainer without a doubt.  My Core Stix Challenge family also deserves a lot of credit in terms of keeping me going through 12 intense weeks. From being strangers at the start, we ended as a team- and I can’t find the words to express my gratitude!

As I move forward, I am interchanging the above trainers and adding some new folks to my ‘team’. I am grateful to Mike Kadar, for not only taking the leap to do the Core Stix/ Black n Gold Girl Challenge experience but for his additional “Good on you” responses to my nutty exercise related texts to him (sometimes that’s all you need to hear).  I have also added a Nutritionist to my team which I will detail in my next blog and highlight this process more specifically as we move forward.

Forgive YOU…. You will NOT BE PERFECT!

If you are one who has high expectations of yourself, I am begging you to let them go! This is a process and unfortunately, you have no other choice than to trust it if you are committed to seeing it work! Your diet will have days you “fall off the wagon”. Sometimes what will start as a run will end as a walk… life is life and this journey is full of ups and downs.. and you know what??.. THAT’S OK! It has to be! Your body will need just as much time as your brain to get on the same page. Learning to find BALANCE is a much better goal than trying to be “perfect” at it. Allowing it to be ok to start really hearing and LISTENING to your body is in the long run is a SUPER AWESOME THING! Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a permission slip to stop but sometimes you just have to let it be what it is. Celebrate the great days and let the bad ones go as quickly as possible! I wish I would have learned this one months ago!!!!

Embrace who you are becoming or have become!

Can’t lie, this is still a big challenge for me. I’m only starting to get used to the comments and the attention I seem to be getting these days. I certainly wouldn’t change it because it means that I am achieving my goal to become the healthiest version of me I can be. My voice feels calmer but more assertive, my actions seem more directed and driven, and I feel a strange resolve and confidence knowing that I will achieve my goals..especially given the village that I outlined above behind me continuing to challenge and support my efforts. To see them proud of me, make me proud and I know that my success is THEIR success!

By Cassandra Buncie

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