Functional strength training
Somatic Strength
Strength training is very important as we age.
I believe that any mind-body practice is about consistency and intention - and never forced.
Aligning with the teaching principles of yoga and pilates ie. moving with awareness and the breath (and not in that 'gym-pumping-iron-kind-of-way'), functional strength exercises will help you feel more capable, stronger, balanced and resilient - on and off the mat!
What is functional strength?
Functional Strength Training (FST): performing exercises that mimic real-life activities and movements. There are 5 areas of essential functional movements for human-beings that all come together to get us to move and walk in our relationship to earth and gravity.
What does Somatic mean?
When we bring strength training onto the mat in our pilates/yoga practice, we do it from a sensory perspective. This body-centred approach is called 'somatics' - slowing down and feeling the movement from the inside out. No timers - numbers - no loud music. No ignoring your body’s signals to stop. No pain and not performance-driven. It's a whole mind-body approach!
How does it work?
The body is assessed in all areas of the 5 core functional movements. The body is then loaded and strengthened by using your bodyweight, resistance bands and light dumbbells (all accessible equipment to have at home), with a set of exercises that are modified and appropriate for your baseline starting point.
Train with me weekly, monthly or as and when you need.