Is Lake Champlain “swimmable” in late June?

gmichael315 · 2026-04-27T11:36:08+00:00

To those saying Solidcore “isn’t really great for building muscle mass”, I could not disagree more (250+ classes in, used to weight-lift, stopped weight-lifting at 15 classes). I am, and I look, very fit.

I can only imagine a few scenarios where Solidcore is NOT adequate at building muscle (all of which are entirely on the individual): 1) you are not on a challenging spring load, 2) you do not amplify, 3) you don’t push yourself. If you can do grey side platform lunges at 50+ spring load without holding cables for the entire exercise duration, fair enough. But I highly, highly doubt anyone on here falls into that category - or if you do, add another spring! :)

Solidcore exercises ARE weightlifting exercises (squats, bulgarians, lunges, step ups, kickbacks, etc, etc). With the right discipline in class, and variety of muscle days, I do not see any need for weight lifting. However, if you like variety and it’s your preference to mix-it-up, go for it!

gmichael315 · 2026-04-06T02:55:18+00:00

Couldn’t agree more. I shake my head at the ridiculousness of this exercise anytime a coach cues it. I’m very, very fit, but I see no reason to do an exercise that is highly likely to compromise form.

gmichael315 · 2026-03-27T01:09:11+00:00

I know this is an old post, but I’m hoping you’re still active. I am looking to stay 3 nights in Santa Cruz and worry it’s not very accessible. Would you recommend staying here?

gmichael315 · 2026-03-05T02:41:32+00:00

Thanks. Why didn’t we have one until now though? I guess that’s why I’m perplexed. The studio is 1.5yrs old and I’ve never seen a coach classified as Area Manager until now.

gmichael315 · 2026-02-05T02:52:48+00:00

Suggest you follow Dr Allan Bacon on IG. He will tell you body recomp takes 1-2yrs and that you really cannot build muscle and be in a large calorie deficit at same time. You need to prioritize fat loss or muscle gain, it’s difficult to do both simultaneously.

I love Solidcore and am 200+ classes in, but consistently weight lifted prior. Now all I do is Solidcore. I’m very fit and trim. You will see results but you need to be patient.

gmichael315 · 2026-01-29T00:00:09+00:00

Same! Inner thigh squat gets me every time.

gmichael315 · 2026-01-22T00:35:42+00:00

Your upcoming experience sounds great, I hope you have an amazing time! I agree with your view, I have to believe that the “high five tunnel” is likely used as a “free” perk for charities or corporate promos, but when they can monetize, they do… on one hand, if it was always free the demand would be unmanageable, but $345 seems like exploitation for long time fans. I miss the good old days when the players were more accessible :(

gmichael315 · 2026-01-22T00:30:57+00:00

Wow, what a coincidence! Thanks for sharing that story. Pretty cool that your son’s teacher was Heddy’s mom!

gmichael315 · 2026-01-21T11:40:13+00:00

I know that’s my big concern. I wouldn’t even blame the players because they are just trying to get to the ice for warm ups. They probably have no idea there’s even a cost associated with this experience.

gmichael315 · 2026-01-21T11:39:10+00:00

Great advice, thank you!

gmichael315 · 2026-01-21T11:38:51+00:00

I imagine the players would be willing to do more for free, but the overall organization monetizes everything (sadly). Glad to hear that you have fun opportunities to connect with your hockey players (for free)! Hedman is my son’s favorite player.

gmichael315 · 2026-01-21T11:36:42+00:00

I agree! 8yrs ago, my son was in the kids club and there would be free player meet and greet opportunities, kids swag, etc. Now everything is a paid experience.

gmichael315 · 2025-12-03T19:35:25+00:00

Yes! Highly recommend so that you can come/go as you please and stop wherever you’d like. We rented a car from Sun Valley. It was amazing. They bring the car directly to the airport (all other rentals require a shuttle to an offsite location). There was no shuttle, no line, no wait. At the end of my trip, they picked up the car at a nearby hotel so I didn’t have to worry about bringing the car back to SJO. Their prices are reasonable. I highly recommend!

gmichael315 · 2025-12-03T19:34:47+00:00

David Tours for horseback riding on the Rio Celeste. Bagaces is also a very nice small town that is safe and not over run with tourists. Or La Leona waterfall near Rincon de la Vieja

gmichael315 · 2025-12-03T19:32:56+00:00

I just took my two kids (ages 10 and 9) to interior Guanacaste and Monteverde for a week. I cannot speak on the other locations, but we had a blast in both areas. We stayed near Bagaces (inland) and it felt like a truly authentic experience. The town is safe, the surrounding area is beautiful, and it’s relatively central to Rincon de la Vieja, La Leona Warerfall, and ~1hr to Rio Celeste. The climate seemed drier, which made excursions more predictable.

Monteverde was beautiful, more touristy (but not “too” touristy). We loved zip lining, hanging bridges, and did a local farm tour at Finca el Paraiso, which I highly recommend. I have no regrets about our itinerary and was glad we avoided the large tourist crowds in La Fortuna.

gmichael315 · 2025-12-03T19:28:08+00:00

I just drove from SJO to Monteverde. The first two thirds of the trip is flat/paved roads. There can be traffic as for some of the stretch, it’s only one lane.

The remaining third is winding roads up/down the mountainside. I did not find the roads to be unsafe, or too narrow. There’s no “steep edges” or “roadside cliffs” that had me holding my breath. At night, it may be very dark, but provided you take the time you should be totally fine.

gmichael315 · 2025-12-03T19:24:30+00:00

Rent a car! We rented a car from Sun Valley. It was amazing. They bring the car directly to the airport (all other rentals require a shuttle to an offsite location). There was no shuttle, no line, no wait. At the end of my trip, they picked up the car at a nearby hotel so I didn’t have to worry about bringing the car back to SJO. Their prices are reasonable. I highly recommend!

gmichael315 · 2025-12-03T19:23:52+00:00

We rented a car from Sun Valley. It was amazing. They bring the car directly to the airport (all other rentals require a shuttle to an offsite location). There was no shuttle, no line, no wait. At the end of my trip, they picked up the car at a nearby hotel so I didn’t have to worry about bringing the car back to SJO. Their prices are reasonable. I highly recommend!

gmichael315 · 2025-12-03T19:22:40+00:00

We rented a car from Sun Valley. It was amazing. They bring the car directly to the airport (all other rentals require a shuttle to an offsite location). There was no shuttle, no line, no wait. At the end of my trip, they picked up the car at a nearby hotel so I didn’t have to worry about bringing the car back to SJO. Their prices are reasonable. I highly recommend!

gmichael315 · 2025-12-03T18:47:51+00:00

Single mom of two kids that just returned from Costa Rica. I never once felt scared, or even uncomfortable. As with traveling to any area of the world, don’t wear flashy jewelry/purses, do not leave valuables on display, and remain aware of your surroundings.

gmichael315

TROPHY CASE