Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1538101
SUMMER / FALL 2025 25 living fit fitness vs. wellness McMillan's comment stimulated a great discussion. Other than the fast wear and tear on the body, high-level training can cause a high arousal state of the sym- pathetic nervous system. Prolonged and excessive stress response can damage the body and cause various adaptive patho- logical changes and even lead to disease. In response to this knowledge, athletes at all levels should remember to focus on rest, recovery, and rejuvenation along with peak performance. A healthy exercise routine combines movement and stillness. Meditation, yoga, tai chi, and breath work all provide great oppor- tunities to slow down and be still. Train- ing programs also should include times of moderate exercise, such as walking or jogging slowly. Unfortunately, many elite athletes and their coaches focus on strict regimens of calorie-counting, over-training, and under-emphasis on recovery. Although there is a time and place for utilizing these approaches, the lack of support for long-term health as well as mental and spiritual well-being undermines perfor- mance goals and longevity. A fun story I tell oen happened when a well-known tennis coach came home from a trip to several international tournaments with her top-rated player. She told me that going through customs at various international borders was one of the most challenging parts of the journey because the team was traveling with what she called a "mobile natural remedy store" in their luggage. ese herbs, ointments, and treatment devices were novel to many Western customs officials and needed to be declared with diligence. Although these remedies were oen examined with scrutiny, the coach insisted it was worth the extra time. When training for athletic performance of any kind—whether at an amateur level or on the in- ternational stage—remember to plan for rest and recovery. Training plans that fail to incorporate your overall wellness may serve you in the short-term but can leave a trail of lasting negative impacts. By incorporating functional and alternative approaches into your overall fitness plan, you can achieve higher performance and lasting benefits. —WAC Acupuncturist Dr. Rae Wang grew up in China, where her father was a professional tennis player and coached the national team. With early exposure to high-level athletes, Dr. Wang learned the importance of holistic health at an early age. Today, as an acupuncturist and prac- titioner of Eastern medicine, she focuses her treatment approach on the root causes of imbalance and illness. Learn more at wac.net/meet-rae. Fall Wellness Retreat Three-day escape offers deep dive on relaxation and well-being Join WAC Acupuncturist and Wellness Practitioner Dr. Rae Wang for a wellness retreat to the woods this fall. Dr. Wang will lead a group of 10–12 members to Fox Creek Falls from Friday–Sunday, October 10–12. The retreat center is located above the Skagit River, about 20 miles outside Mount Vernon. This three-day escape includes two nights of accommodations, all meals, and 24-hour access to the retreat's hot tub, cold plunge, and sauna. The weekend also includes: • Forest Bathing with Dr. Wang • Meditation and yoga sessions • Tai chi and qigong with Dr. Wang • Breathwork • Free time with access to 88 acres of forestland Meals will be prepared by a private chef with local organic food. Add-on treatments, including acupuncture and massage therapy, will be offered during scheduled free time. A campfire gathering will also be held on the second night. Fox Creek Falls offers various lodging options with single- and double-occupancy rooms. Retreat pricing: $1,395–$1,895 per person. Sign up on the WAC app. FINDING BALANCE AT THE WAC • Summon your strength during a one-on-one session with one of our personal trainers. • Get moving with a group fitness class, like Blitz 45, or drop in to a Pickleball session in the 8th Floor gym. • Refuel with a meal in the WAC Café, or meal prep with help from our Dietitian Liz Wyosnick. • Recover with a session in our cryotherapy chamber or infrared sauna. • Recharge through an acupuncture or Tui Na session with Dr. Rae Wang.