March Boot Camp Details /  by Stephen Cooper

February 27, 2021

How do you measure your progress?

What numbers are important to you?

Are you measuring at all?

Figure out what matters to you, and keep track of those numbers. Do not fool yourself. You do not have time to waste.

Get after it!

March Boot Camp Details

Monday/Wednesday/ Friday Camps - 14 Classes for $175

Tu/Thur Camps - 9 Classes for $145

Hours:

Mornings: 5:45 AM - 6:30 AM

Evenings: 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM

No classes on weekends. 

Contact me with questions.

P.S. Continuing active clients, please contact me for your special price for this month.

Jan 2021 Camps, and Looking Back on 2020 /  by Stephen Cooper

January 2, 2021
Altadena, CA

We all know that 2020 was a challenging year. I'm usually a pretty positive guy, but this year brought serious and deadly events for so many that it was hard to keep positive both physically and mentally.

On the physical side, I'm happy to say that my health and that of my family were awesome...and I'm extremely grateful. I did my best to keep my eating, sleep, and nutrition on point as I felt a greater pressure to stay healthy for my family and for my clients.

Mentally it was a challenge. I heard from so many about sickness and deaths of friends and relatives that it was definitely hard not to get depressed. I dealt with it by limiting my time on social media and news, and paying attention to my own health.

I saw 2020 as a time for "maintenance" for many clients. Trying to keep off the weight gain creep, and trying to stay healthy. My hope for 2021 is that we can make some progress. Hopefully, as the vaccines roll out and the health of our society improves we can get back to achieving new goals and excellent health.

I've shared some more thoughts on my personal blog too...
https://www.stephencoopertraining.com/dailymessage

For those of you who will be training with me this month, make sure to bring warm gloves and dress in layers as the days can get cold.

Details for January...

MWF 12 classes for $165
T/Thur 8 classes for $135

Morning classes 5:45 AM - 6:30 AM
Evening classes 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM

Contact me with questions.

Thanks,
Stephen

December Boot Camps Start Tomorrow (Limited Spaces) /  by Stephen Cooper

November 30, 2020
Altadena, CA

Back from our daughter's wedding in WA, and ready for our last boot camp of 2020.

Restrictions may change, but as of now, we have our last camps for this year.

I encourage you to commit to taking care of yourself. Do your best to move, eat well, stretch, and get adequate sleep and recovery.

Details for December...

MWF 12 classes for $165
T/Thur 9 classes for $135

Morning classes 5:45 AM - 6:30 AM
Evening classes 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM

Contact me with questions.

Thanks,
Stephen

Filming Friday Morning, and a Midday Boot Camp /  by Stephen Cooper

October 1, 2020...

Two quick items.

For this Friday morning (October 2) clients only.  There will be filming going on, so we may need to park on the street.  

The second item - I may be offering a midday boot camp class.  Since the school is not being used for physical classes, I have received permission to hold classes during the day.

Let me know if you might want to train during the day, maybe take a break from your Zoom meetings.

If I have enough interest I will create a class.

Contact me with any questions.

New in October (Boot Camp and Nutrition Coaching with Alexia) /  by Stephen Cooper

A new boot camp class starts Thursday, October 1.

There are 9 classes in the Tuesday and Thursday camp and the cost is $135.

There are 13 classes in the Monday, Wednesday, and Friday camp, and that price is $175.

For those of you who were in the September class, I have been crediting clients who missed because of the smoke we had here in Altadena. Some of you have received refunds, and some of you have made up the classes. Assuming you will continue in this October camp, I will credit you for those classes. We’ll discuss it on a one-to-one basis.

I’m excited to introduce Alexia Galakatos who is joining us as a nutrition coach. She’s been a client of mine and a friend for many years. She is a strong woman who brings a lot to the fitness puzzle. You can read more about Alexia here. I’ll be writing more about her very soon.

Lastly, I highly recommend you watch ‘Rising Phoenix” on Netflix, link - https://youtu.be/-W7Bek4jvos. If you feel like you can’t train for any reason, I suggest you watch this and get inspired.

Enjoy today.

Contact me with questions.

September Boot Camp - Still Trying to Lose the COVID 15? /  by Stephen Cooper

September 1, 2020...

With an information overload showing no signs of letting up, I have a couple of ideas for you.

Tip 1:
Eliminate something. 

Take an honest look at your day.  What is getting in your way of committing yourself to better health or exercise?

You don't have time?
Are you spending time scrolling on social media?  Hours watching TV/Netflix?

A phrase I keep in mind comes from ex-Navy Seal Chadd Wright, "never, ever die in the chair". (Link to video)

If you shared your daily calendar with me, do you think I could find some time-wasters to eliminate?

Slash at least one activity that is seducing you to stray off target.

Tip 2:

Take action.

And take action today.  Be it walking, 10 push-ups, taking the stairs, just get moving.

Find something that is sustainable.  Start small, but get moving.

Do these two things and check-in with me.  What did you do?  Don't let another month (newsletter) pass you by.
 

September Boot Camps begin today, and Wednesday, depending on if you are coming twice or three times a week.

The cost is $165 for 3x a week and $135 for 2x a week. 

No classes on Labor Day.

Get after it. Life is short.

Email me if you have questions.

Welcome to August 2020 /  by Stephen Cooper

Flowers from a hike in Altadena.

Flowers from a hike in Altadena.

I read an interesting article in the REI magazine today.

The author told of when he used to live in Los Angeles, and that when walking home from work he would try to walk a different route each time. He noticed what was going on around him, and really “saw” the city.

He goes on to share that he moved to a rural and snowy location, and within the first month of living there, he fell on the ice which caused a brain injury. He was able to recover the use of his limbs, but his brain functions are still a challenge.

A strong reminder to take advantage of each day.


I’m very grateful to those of you who have continued to train with me during these challenging times. I appreciate your business more than you could know.

So looking at the August Boot Camp - our Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning Camp is almost full. All other days and times do have spaces.

Camp begins Monday, August 3, and Tuesday the 4th, depending on if you are coming 3 time or twice a week.

The cost is $175 for 3x a week and $135 for 2x a week.

Get after it. Life is short.

Free Headspace Membership for Los Angeles County Residents /  by Stephen Cooper

Thanks to one of my clients for passing along this information…

Mental health- meditation free for Los Angeles County residents

LA, we’re all going through the current crisis together. To help you during the pandemic, Headspace and the LA County Department of Mental Health partnered to provide support and resources during this challenging time.

Residents of Los Angeles County can sign up to access Headspace Plus at no cost until December 31st, 2020. 

If you are in Los Angeles County and do not currently have a paid Headspace membership, please follow these steps to redeem:

  1. Visit https://work.headspace.com/lacdmhresidents/member-enroll

  2. When prompted, allow your browser to share your location 

  3. Once your location has been confirmed, you can log in to your existing account or create an account if you are new to Headspace

  4. Enter the email address where you would like to receive your activation email (Make sure this is an email address you currently have access to) - you will then receive a link to activate the subscription

  5. Click the "Verify" button in the activation email to activate your new membership

Please note: Headspace will only access your location during the activation process and will not have access to your location once the subscription has begun. 

To redeem the free membership, you will need to allow your browser to share your location during the activation process and you must also be physically located in Los Angeles County at the time of activation.

July 6 - Reopening Details /  by Stephen Cooper

Like you, I am trying to navigate through the new rules that COVID-19 has brought upon our lives.

My goal now just as it has always been since I’ve been a trainer, is to improve your fitness and your health, while keeping you safe. Now more than ever, I believe it’s critical to take care of your health to be as strong as possible during these challenging times.

Attention to exercise and a good diet are especially important now for your mental health and your physical health.

Knowing this, I’m trying to make our training together as beneficial and as safe as possible.

I've reviewed, implemented, and signed the reopening guidelines for fitness facilities which L.A. County has required. (An electronic copy is available for you to see if you like, just let me know.)

I’ve reviewed many other documents including “COVID-19 Industry Guidance for Fitness Facilities” which is put out by the California Department of Public Health and CAL/OSHA.

New Guidelines:

  • Clients please enter through East gate of the campus and stay away from classrooms whenever possible.

  • I will monitor my own health/temperature and stay home if I show any symptoms.  I will wear a face covering as long as is required by the recommending agencies.

  • Expect a verbal check-in to ask you if you have any symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, fever, etc. or have knowingly been exposed to Covid-19. I may do a temperature check if feasible.  I will record client clearance info. on my attendance roster. (This if we have an outbreak, a public health dept. may ask for this detail) If high temperature is discovered, client will be requested to depart.

  • Upon arrival, clients will be asked to wear face coverings, and maintain at least 6 feet apart.  Ground markings may be indicated to ensure.

  • A trash bag where clients and I will dispose of any supplies pre & post workout will also be available

  • Authorized disinfectant and related supplies will be available to myself and my clients.  

  • Onsite restroom is off-limits except in case of an emergency, Clients will be provided proper disinfectant materials in case of an emergency.

Client Materials:

  • Clients bring their own water bottles, so we do not use a communal water fountain.

  • Clients will be reminded to wash their mats, and replace and or clean their face coverings for every class.

Post Class:

  • After class, clients will leave any equipment where they were working out, and I will sanitize as necessary.

My commitment to you:

Clients will be reminded of these procedures frequently in-person and online.

If by chance a client or myself tests positive for COVID-19, I will alert the necessary authorities. Lastly, I will keep abreast of any changes and consult with our doctor and my public health expert.

Client confidentiality will be adhered to with as much care as possible.

My goal here is to keep people safe! 

Know that you can pay electronically to reduce close contact. Payments are due on the first class meeting.

I’m also consulting with doctors and public health experts on an ongoing basis.

Contact me with any questions or concerns.

Keeping you updated /  by Stephen Cooper

June 12, 2020...

I'll save you the details of an email from the school but will summarize.  They are reviewing their policies and guidelines and will "meet" with me Tuesday.

Here is the email I sent them...
 

I appreciate you getting back to me.

I can imagine that you have concerned parents.  

You can share with them that one of my current clients is an infectious disease doctor 

Dr. Marc Lariviere - https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/southern-california/physicians/marc-lariviere-8976762

He has been advising me about reopening and is supportive.

And one of my other clients just sent me this email this morning.

"You can let them know you have a trained public health expert as one of your clients.

I will provide you the spray disinfectant for concrete​ ​& fencing, wipes for your equipment & protocol for Pasadena​ and Los Angeles public health Dept. 

​You can refer to my linked in profile for my ba ground certification on Covid19 & contract tracing.​

Dr. Tracey Veal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/traceyveal32840a176/

​I've read and can apply the necessary steps from the recommendations from the City and county of L.A..​

https://corona-virus.la/sites/default/files/inline-files/20200610%20LA%20Resuming%20Operations%20Toolkit%20-%20Fitness%20Centers%20-%20vShare.pdf

​Clients drive or walk in, and touch their mats or my equipment.  They don't use bathrooms, water fountains, nor the hall.  We basically use the pavement.​

I'm fortunate to know and consider these experts my friends.  

Hopefully, this clears up some of the concerns that parents have.

Let me know what other concerns you or they may have.

Thanks,

Stephen


So that's where we stand.  It's quite frustrating for me in that I'm anxious to get started...but I just have to deal with these circumstances.

In the meantime, I will continue to offer personal training in person and online.  I'm also doing small group training at a few residences.  If any of these interest you and fit into your budget, contact me.

If you know of or have a location that might like to have me do my classes there, please let me know.  I ask just in case the school decides they don't want me there.

Thanks,
Stephen

"Safe at home" COVID 19 Update March 20, 2020 /  by Stephen Cooper

March 28, 2020 - Update

Our Outdoor Boot Camp Classes are Temporarily Closed

But, I am sharing online classes via YouTube. I’m posting updates and videos on my main site, StephenCooperTraining.com. If you have questions about at-home workouts, or I can help in any way, reach out.

626-509-9958, or stephen@bootcamppasadena.com

March 20, 2020

Good morning,

Having read through the “Safer at Home FAQ” https://corona-virus.la/faq, and having many clients choose to stay at home, I am stopping the in-person boot camp classes.

I will be providing videotaped classes beginning on Monday the 23rd.

I will be sending out more info soon, and also a special webpage and email newsletter with tips and suggestions for training at home.

I’ll try to keep messages short and succinct, as I realize that everyone is filled with lots of information.

The best way to contact me - as always, is to email me at: stephen@bootcamppasadena.com

I’ll update here as the day goes on.

Take care,

Stephen

P.S. I’ll be here, just reach out.

Wednesday March 18, 2020 - Today's At Home Workout - No Equipment Necessary /  by Stephen Cooper

March 18, 2020 - Class # 8/13

Equipment needed: None

Warm Up: 60 sec

  1. Tai Chi arm swing

  2. Single leg deadlift stretch/touch

  3. Squat, then reach both arms above head as high as possible, got to tiptoes

  4. Split lunge, fingers laced above your head, as you drop one knee stretch up to the sky, lunge with next leg then tilt to one side

Work: 30/60/90 sec (see the time before each exercise) Repeat 2x, rest as nec between sets

  1. 60 - Push-up to plank

  2. 30 - Jump lunge

  3. 30 - Sprawls

  4. 90 - Alternating lunges

  5. 30 - Burpees

  6. Rest as nec, repeat this set one more time

  7. 60 - Push-up

  8. 60 - Handstand hold

  9. 30 - Jump squats

  10. 60 - Squat hold

  11. 90 - Alternating lunges

Core:

  1. 90 - Regular crunch

  2. 90 - Bicycle crunch

  3. 90 - Hips up, shoot heels up to the sky

  4. Rest as necessary

Tyson Squats:

Squat 1 time - squat deep and both back of hands must touch the ground
Take one step, then same deep squat as above but 3 squats
Repeat the step, then 5 squats
Keep repeating this one step while increasing the reps on each by 2 reps
So 7x, 9x, 11x, and so on till you reach 19x
100 total squats :)

STRETCH:

  1. Dragon (one big step forward)

  2. Pigeon

  3. Puppy dog

Contact me if you have any questions. Or comment below.

A Letter To My Clients Regarding COVID-19 /  by Stephen Cooper

March 14, 2020

When I first began personal training over 25 years ago, my personal reason for training was mostly for vanity. It’s fun when people give you compliments on your looks, it becomes who you are. The health benefits just came along as a bonus for me. That’s not to say or discount that I’ve always thought that fitness training and diet were important for the brain, mood, and physiological health.

But over the years and as I age, my own reasons for training have changed. My goal for many years has been to be as strong and as healthy as possible to live life to the fullest. To create a strong foundation from which I can travel, ride my motorcycle with my son, hike, and be there for my family. Basically, I want to be in a position to ask my body to due whatever I want, and it will respond without hesitation.

Boot Camp Will Continue With Regular Classes

We are fortunate to have a client who is an infectious disease specialist (MD), and I’ve spoken with him about any additional precautions I need to adhere to along with any advice from the WHO and CDC.

Class Precautions

  • If you come early to class, you may have already seen that I have a habit of wiping down the equipment with Clorox wipes. This has been consistent before the new coronavirus. This, of course, will continue with special attention. If I run out of wipes, I will make a hospital-grade disinfectant with Clorox.

  • We will refrain from using the boxing gloves as not to encourage contact in this manner.

  • Keep 3 feet or more distance from one another. This is pretty common for us in class, but just to keep in mind.

  • If you or someone in your home is sick, use common sense and stay home. (Contact me for workouts to do at home. I can help.)

  • Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or tissue.

  • Use hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) before and or/after class.

But, Do Exercise

I wouldn’t start a vigorous exercise program right now, which could cause even more stress…but I would continue to exercise. The coming together, sharing and talking does help. Mentally and physically.

Financial Strain

I’ve already heard from clients who have lost multi-million dollar contracts. In my own family, my son’s job hours have been cut by 30% and my daughter who works in Port Townsend, WA found out that her work is closing today and they aren’t sure when they will reopen.

Having said this, I hope that we can help each other. If you want to train, and you do not have the money coming in, we can work out a deal. Train now - pay later.

On the flip side, if you can pay for multiple months ahead, I will give you a fair discount.

Wrapping Up

I always try to look at the bright side of things. My hope is that this “pandemic” can bring us closer. What makes my boot camp classes is YOU, and your involvement. Sharing, laughing, ribbing…it’s a community that I truly treasure. I’m here, strong and healthy and ready to help.

Contact me

Please contact me (email) with any questions.

Free TRX Workout - Workout From Home /  by Stephen Cooper

Equipment needed: TRX

Warm Up: 30 sec - each side

  1. Sit in low squat

  2. One leg cossack squat stretch

  3. Work/stretch - lean side to side while in cossack stretch

  4. Deep kneeling lunge, front leg wobble in/out

  5. Deep kneeling lunge, then rock back on the heel for a hamstring stretch

Work: 50 sec

  1. TRX 1 arm back row

  2. Dips from wall

  3. TRX 1 arm clock chest press

  4. Push-ups from wall

  5. TRX “Y” fly

  6. Pike press

  7. TRX front squat

  8. Plank

  9. TRX Mountain climber

  10. Crunch

  11. TRX side plank

  12. Side plank

  13. TRX hamstring curl

  14. Side plank

  15. TRX hip lift

  16. Banana rock

CORE:

  1. Crunch/plank at least (Alternate 30 sec/30 sec, at least 6x)

STRETCH:

  1. Dragon

  2. Pigeon

  3. Puppy dog

  4. Twisted chest cross

February Boot Camp Details, and Floppy Finned Orcas /  by Stephen Cooper

I was reading from "Move Your DNA..." by Katy Bowman (Book link) where she was talking about "diseases of captivity".  She mentioned how the dorsal fins of captive orcas have this "folded or floppy fin syndrome".

There are varying theories about why the fins droop, but scientists hypothesize that missing loads (swimming in open oceans with currents and speed) and tight-circle swimming in captivity, amongst other things, causes this wobbly cartilage.

So what in the world does this have to do with you?

What is your environment like? 

  • How much time do you spend sitting while driving to work? 

  • How about sitting at your work desk?

  • Sitting and watching Netflix, sports, or consuming social media? 

My hope in creating the boot camp workouts is to give you a wide variety of activities in which to challenge your body. 

Different movements including sprints, jumping, movement with weights, balance exercises, and stretches.  All there to push your body to adapt to a healthier you.

Seriously check yourself to see if you are devoting time (yes, you have time) to moving your body.  Be it dance, hiking, or whatever that puts some load on your structure, and challenges you.

If you aren't getting it done on your own, come join us.

February Boot Camp Details:

MWF AM Camp 5:45 AM- 6:30 AM
PM Camp 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM 

12 classes for $165

Tu / Thur AM Camp 5:45 AM - 6:30 AM
 PM Camp 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM 

8 classes for $135

$18 (per drop-in)

Class: Each class is 45 minutes.

Out exploring the Pisgah Crater Lava Tubes with my son.

Out exploring the Pisgah Crater Lava Tubes with my son.

Best,
Coop

Current clients, if you haven't already, please confirm if you will be continuing in Feb..

Master the basics /  by Stephen Cooper

IMG_9430.png

I posted this pic on Instagram today.

So often on social media I see pretty wild stuff when it comes to exercise and fitness.  

Things like breathing exercises in ice baths, or whether or not to go “full carnivore” diet.

May I suggest mastering the basics, like getting to sleep early and actually getting out of bed when your alarm goes off.  

Start with that.

Once a Year Special Starts Today (Ends Dec 14) /  by Stephen Cooper

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park

I hope that you had a beautiful Thanksgiving.  My daughter recently moved to Washington State, so we spent a chilly few days near the Olympic National Park staying with her and her fiancé.

The promise used to be that technology would free up time so we’d have more leisure.  I don’t see this happening.  I only see more stressed out clients with more hectic days.

If you train with us you can check off having to think about what exercise and workouts you should be doing.  You just have to show up.

I’ll keep you focused on what works, like putting in consistent work and attention to the basics of training, sleep, and simple nutrition.  The real keys to achieving and maintaining long term results.

This brings me to the special for 2019/2020.

Starting today and ending on December 14th, you can prepay and save 15% on as many camps as you’d like for 2020.  You can buy as many months as you like at the discounted rate or pay for the whole year. It’s totally up to you. You’ll just need to decide how committed you are and how this fits into your budget.  (Regular prices for camps vary from $125- $175 depending on the number of classes per month.)

But, remember that this special offer ends on December 14th. Payments can be made in person or online, just let me know what works best for you.

December will be a pretty normal month where I’ll probably just take the 24th and 25th off.  It may change if I hear from enough boot campers that they’ll be out of town.

A chilly 22 degrees Lake Stevens, WA

A chilly 22 degrees Lake Stevens, WA

December Boot Camp Details:

MWF AM Camp 5:45 AM- 6:30 AM
 PM Camp 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM 

12 classes for $165

Tu / Thur AM Camp 5:45 AM - 6:30 AM
 PM Camp 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM 

8 classes for $125

$18 (per drop-in)

Note: No Classes Dec. 24th and 25th

Class: Each class is 45 minutes.

This will be my 11th year running my boot camp.  It’s not easy running a solo business, so to those of you who train with me month after month, and especially year after year, I really appreciate it and am very grateful to you.

Best,
Coop

Current clients, if you haven't already, please confirm if you will be continuing in December.  We can also discuss your preferred rate and how the above discount may apply.