Fitness Approach
Holistic approach
Extensive research has been done on how our mind can affect our body. Neck tension, back pain and digestive problems are often related to mental stress and anxiety. Therefore, it is important to train the mind, as well as the body, to achieve the highest level of health. My approach to fitness includes using elements of yoga and breathing exercises to release tension, improve concentration and lower stress levels during and post workout.
Anthropological Approach
As human beings, bipedalism (walking on two limbs) is a relatively new way of moving in our evolutionary history. Our bodies have yet to fully adjust to this type of posture. As a result, many of us experience lower back pain, knee and hip problems, tight hamstrings, neck tension and weak stomach muscles. My approach works on strengthening and stretching those muscles that are most affected by our upright pattern of walking.
Core Training
The core muscles include: the lower back muscles, stomach muscles, hip flexors and extensors. These muscles are the “powerhouses” of the body and without strong and flexible core muscles you cannot achieve a balanced physique. In training my clients, I use the stability ball and resistance bands to challenge the deep core muscles while incorporating balance, strength and flexibility.
Functional Training
Exercises in a balanced fitness plan should reflect day-to-day movements and challenges that the body encounters. In other words, exercises should be functional. A squat is a functional exercise because it strengthens the leg muscle involved in sitting and rising from a chair. The lunge is another functional exercise because it strengthens the muscles involved in climbing stairs. Functional training is also important because it trains the smaller stabilizing muscles that support the major muscles in movement. The stabilizers are often neglected in machine based exercises that only allow for one range of motion.