|
Hello Reader, Here's something that people often don't expect about my work. Sometimes I'm not helping someone prepare for today's exercise. I'm helping them prepare for something that's happening weeks—or even months—from now. It might be a vacation. A hiking trip. Playing with grandchildren. Or, in one recent case... A snorkeling adventure. At first, you might think the concern was the snorkeling itself. It wasn't. It was getting there. Many snorkeling adventures don't begin by jumping off a boat. They begin with what's called a shore entry—walking from the beach into the water. Depending on where you are, that might mean navigating soft, shifting sand, uneven ground, small stones, or larger rocks before you ever reach water deep enough to float. This is something I see quite often. People prepare for the activity itself, but not always for what it takes to get there. So that's exactly what we worked on. We practiced walking on uneven surfaces. We challenged balance in a safe environment. We helped the ankles, feet, and the rest of the body learn how to adapt to constantly changing terrain. It may seem like an unusual request, but it's actually a wonderful example of what I love helping people do. Whether it's building the endurance to explore a new city, developing the strength to lift a suitcase into the overhead bin, or improving balance before a beach vacation, the goal is always the same. To help people confidently participate in the physical activities that matter to them. When we prepare for an activity, we usually think about the equipment. We remember our walking shoes. We pack our swimsuit. We make sure we have our snorkel and mask. Some activities make it obvious what we need to bring. What's less obvious is that sometimes our bodies need a little preparation, too. That's what this week's Real Moves for Real Life video is all about. I want to show you one simple exercise you can do at home using nothing more than a folded blanket or pillow. It's a practical way to challenge your balance and prepare for uneven terrain before your next beach vacation—or any adventure that takes you off smooth, predictable ground. Because the goal isn't simply to walk on sand. The goal is to feel confident saying "yes" to the experiences waiting on the other side of it. 🎥 Watch this week's Real Moves for Real Life video here: If you enjoy the video, I'd be grateful if you would like it, leave a comment, and subscribe to the channel. It helps more people discover these practical movement ideas. I'm also curious... What adventure are you preparing for next? I'd love to hear about it. Simply hit reply and let me know. Have a wonderful week! Stay well and happy moving, Lisa P.S. Real Moves for Real Life is a series of practical movement videos designed to help you prepare your body for the activities that matter most—from gardening and travel to everyday tasks and outdoor adventures. Supporting you in your physical activity journey.Together, we will use thoughtful and considerate movement to reprogram how you live in your body. Let's teach your brain to soften the intensity, and to grow your own ease.
Using exercise science, kinesiology, and yoga therapy, we can find a place that will not only allow you to move better and move more, but also increase the quality of your life.
www.lisaworkman.com |
Struggling to stay consistent with movement? Each week you’ll get relatable stories, practical strategies, and uplifting tips to help you move smarter, feel better, and bring more wellness into your daily life.
Reader, September is here. For many of us, that means returning to routines that may have looked a little different over the summer. That was the theme of our Community Conversation in the MedFit Movement Studio on Friday: RETURN. One of the things we explored was what might support us as we return to movement. And as we talked, that idea of support became much broader than I had anticipated. One person shared that when she really doesn't want to do some of her exercises, having a reward...
Reader, Sometimes finding what works means discovering what doesn't. I saw both sides of that in my clinical work this week. A few clients returned after some time away feeling really good in their bodies. There was less pain—or no pain at all. Movement felt freer and lighter. One person even commented that she felt like she could go for a run. What struck me wasn't simply the absence of pain. It was the sense of possibility that came with it. The usual activities of daily life weren't using...
Reader, This past weekend, I spent a lot of time at the pool. My son was competing at the Alberta Summer Swimming Association Provincial Championships, and it was an exciting weekend for our family. He became Provincial Champion in the 200-metre, 400-metre and 800-metre freestyle events in the 13–14-year-old age category. Yes, I am a very proud mom. Liam swimming the 400m Freestyle with a personal best finishing time. But as I sat in the stands watching race after race, I found myself...