Body Movement & Physical Fitness
Alexander Technique The Alexander Technique is a somatic method for improving physical and mental functioning. Excessive tension, which Frederick Alexander, the originator, recognized as both physical and mental, restricts movement and creates pressure in the joints, the spine, the breathing mechanism, and other organs. The goal of the technique is to restore freedom and expression to the body and clear thinking to the mind.
Ki Aikido & Ki Development Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying (with) life energy or as "the Way of harmonious spirit. Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to defend themselves while also protecting their attacker from injury.
NIA NIA is a movement form of exercise, combining various movment styles, sound, and music to "open" the heart and mind and integrate body, mind, and spirit. "N.I.A." stands for "neural intermuscular action."
Personal Training/Fitness Coach Personal training involves having an accountability and instructional coach to in develop and implement an individualized approach to exercise, strength building, stress reduction and toning.
Physical Performance Development
Pilates Pilates is an exercise system focused on building strength without bulk, improving flexibility and agility, and helping to prevent injury. It was developed in the 1920s by Joseph H. Pilates, who was a physical trainer and involves a series of controlled movements that engage both the body and mind. Pilates utilizes specifically designed exercise apparatus and is supervised by highly trained teachers.
Somatic Movement Therapy Somatics, from soma, a Greek word for living body, is a movement therapy that employs mind-body training to manage muscular pain and spasticity, improve balance and posture, and increase ease of motion. It presents an alternative to treatment by osteopathy, physical therapy, chiropractics, and/or massage therapy.
Tai Chi T'ai chi consists of a sequence of flowing movements performed very slowly. Movements emphasize posture and the flow of the body's energy (qi). Although considered a martial art and consisting of fighting postures, tai chi is used more as a meditation and health technique. Tai chi improves health and flexibility, in addition to being effective for healing and prevention of illness.
Yoga & Yoga Products Yoga comes from a Sanskrit word that means yoke or union. Traditionally, yoga is a method joining the individual self with the Divine, Universal Spirit, or Cosmic Consciousness. Physical and mental exercises are designed to help achieve this goal, also called self-transcendence or enlightenment. On the physical level, yoga postures, called asanas, are designed to tone, strengthen, and align the body. These postures are performed to make the spine supple and healthy and to promote blood flow to all the organs, glands, and tissues, keeping all the bodily systems healthy. On the mental level, yoga uses breathing techniques (pranayama) and meditation (dyana) to quiet, clarify, and discipline the mind. However, experts are quick to point out that yoga is not a religion, but a way of living with health and peace of mind as its aims to create balance and a flexible approach to life.