Are you a physical therapist? 

No, I am a movement specialist, with extensive training in anatomy and bio-mechanics and over three decades of teaching experience.  If you have completed your physical therapy but feel you need more help in your recovery,  I will create a program to help you safely continue with your rehabilitation based on your goals, my knowledge of the exercise approaches available for you to explore, and which movement styles you find most motivating.

Note: It's always a good idea to check with your doctor before undertaking any new exercise program, especially if you are currently in treatment for a medical condition. With your doctor's or p.t's permission,  I will coordinate what we do with their guidelines.

Why wouldn't I simply go to the gym? 

I specialize in working with people who say, "I hate going to the gym!" Maybe they feel bored by the repetitive nature of gym work-outs, or are put off by the lack of privacy.  Often, they are simply too busy to travel to the gym, or were disappointed by their lack of results in the past.  My students appreciate the customized attention they receive during our sessions, which enables them to progress more quickly toward their goals. 

Can I get a good work-out from doing mindful exercise?

You bet! I would argue that mindful exercise is the only way to go, if you are serious about transforming your state of health and fitness. Mindfulness, by its nature, enables you to work smart, not just hard. On the other hand, exercising in an unconscious, habitual way, rarely brings good or lasting results.  Learning to exercise with mindful awareness will transform your out-look as well as your muscles. It's very motivating, too. My clients and I truly enjoy working together; we have fun and we get results.

How quickly will I notice results?

That depends on the results you are seeking. It is possible to learn how to reduce stress in the time it takes to draw 8 deep, slow breaths. In about 5 minutes I can teach you a simple technique which, if you practice it, will  make standing up from a low chair easier. Changing habits you have held for 40, 50, or 60 years, however, takes longer. Exactly how much longer will depend on how consistently you work at it. Most of my students feel a difference after just one session, and continue to improve for the duration of our time together. 

How do you work with older people?

 "Gentle but consistent wins the day" and , "No pain, no pain."

 I am extremely respectful of each person's comfort zone and encourage everyone to progress at their own speed, with my guidance and support. Interestingly, my dance background, with its emphasis on alignment, balance, breathing and flexibility has applied almost seamlessly to my work with older people, who are dealing with similar issues. 

 We all must face the fact that, given the medical advances of our century, we will live much longer than our predecessors. Research points in a compelling and unarguable way toward incorporating exercise into our daily lives as one of the most powerful tools we possess for enabling ourselves to live the next few decades in comfort and independence. As a baby boomer myself, I live and teach with this in mind, always.

Is there ever a time when its too late to begin working on exercise/movement therapy?

Absolutely not; this is the subject of my book Strength Training For Everyone (Dover Press in January 2018).  We humans have amazing powers of regeneration and self-healing. This process slows as we age, it's true, but doesn't end until we die.  In fact, some fascinating studies have recently proven that even men and women in their 90's can build muscular strength in as few as 8 weeks. We are meant to move. Many of the physical problems older people suffer are the direct result of inactivity. You can continue to grow and change no matter how old you are, once you understand how to do it.