In a previous blog, I wrote about how to motivate yourself to train during the winter months. This time, I’d like to share a few points why I actually prefer to train in the winter! 1. There are less distractions during the winter! Because it’s so cold outside, there are less events held outdoors - less barbecues, less, outdoor concerts, less beach volleyball days! People organize less social outings so that gives you more
Read more0
I’ve blogged a lot about the power of the community, and why it’s so important to have a social support network. There’s even a study that says improving your social support network is valued up to £85,000, and your health worth a whopping £300,000! Okay! You’re ready for a change in lifestyle, you’re motivated and ready to kick some ass in life! But how do you go about building one up so you and your
Read more0
It happens to all of us. We can’t always have high motivation in working out, eating healthy, and life in general. Inevitably, things slow down and our moods change. Having a good strategy to manage your high’s and low’s will help in keeping you focused on the long-term goals that you have set out for. But what if your low’s are prolonged with no end in sight? You know you’re in a rut, but you
Read more0
The lead-up to the Tough Mudder weekend was full of excitement! We were looking forward in running the mud course together as a team as we all spent a lot of time and money training up for this event. The energy we put in to organizing a team, coordinating with each other to get the details in order, reaching out to sponsors for support, committing time to meet together for training, all required energy from
Read more0
With less than a week to go before the the debut of Tough Mudder in China, Team Olive Branch is ready to take to the obstacle course and test what they’re made of. It’s only fitting that this week’s blog post be centered around being ‘tough’. So what does it mean to be tough anyways? From Merriam-Webster Dictionary: physically and emotionally strong : able to do hard work, to deal with harsh conditions, etc. Sounds
Read more0
Now that October Holidays are over, and we’re all back to the regular swing of things, some of us struggle to get back on the regular workout routine. It could be due to the depressing weather here in Shanghai, or the mundane day-to-day tasks of working again, or perhaps it’s because we’ve lost ground on our once awesome fitness level. One way to ease the transition of getting back on your workout routine is
Read more0
“I am not trying to scare you, but if you aren’t cautious with your exercise form, you may be injuring your lower back.” Joe Zhang Olive Branch Personal Trainer Today, Joe Zhang, personal trainer at Olive Branch, will show you some examples of basic exercises. Learn to keep your back straight! Back Squats Function: This is an awesome exercise for your whole body because not only does it enhance your strength and
Read more0
I have blogged on multiple occasions the need for everyone to do strength training (here, here, and here), so here is a basic article to get you started on the “King of All Exercises” - the squat (barbell back squat to be exact). If you’ve never performed a back squat before using a barbell, then please exercise with caution as you do not want to risk injury to your back, neck, knees or anywhere
Read more0
Download podcast here to listen! Very pleased to share with you my good friend, John Vallis' podcast interview on Olive Branch's beginnings as we discuss on his wellness platform: Wellness In China The Wellness in China podcast speaks with the top movers and shakers in the booming Chinese health and wellness industry, with host and Doctor of Natural Medicine, John
Read more0
We’ve all been there. It’s been over 6 months since I’ve done any exercise and I’m out of shape, and out of motivation. Why is the first step getting into shape, so hard?! For some of us, starting to a new fitness routine can be as daunting as public speaking. It’s worse than going to see the dentist because at least that’s over in 1 hour and you don’t have to go back for
Read more0