Tell me about yourself...

The other day someone interested in coming to the studio for the first time asked me about our classes at Thrive...about our philosophy.

I paused - sometimes it's hard for me to put Thrive's mission into words.

Safety,  I began, and fun. It is most important that everyone leaves Thrive feeling good, feeling proud. Having moved in a way that is healthy and safe for their body.

After this conversation I thought more and more about what makes Thrive different. Why exactly we needed our own place.

Thrive stands in opposition of the sense of pressure that seems to surround much of fitness today.

Work harder, lift heavier, run farther, contortionist yoga poses. Push, push, push.

To what end?

Although I support and respect anyone who pursues a fitness goal safely, I worry about the injuries that I see every day.

Knees, shoulders, spine. Tears, sprains, strains.

At Thrive we hope to offer fitness that respects the body.

Joints have a healthy range of motion. It is important to maintain as much range as possible throughout our lifespan. Each joint has little muscles that stabilize it and keep it safe - we have to strengthen these muscles - even if these types of exercises don't leave us gasping, sore and shaking. They are still important.

Flexibility should be as sought after as strength. Though we don't need to twist ourselves in knots - we do want to be able to tie our shoes as we age, don't we?

Our spine should be mobile, tall and strong. The spine can flow beautifully and fluidly - if we ask it to regularly. The spine should move in all planes of motion - it should bend forward, backward, side-wards, and it should twist.

If we don't use it - we lose it. Both the range of motion and the stability. Leaving us tight, immobile and at risk for injury.

Balance - both literally and figuratively. We should exercise our ability to balance. These muscles weaken without use - just like any other. Once again, putting us at risk for injury.

Balance in a less literal sense - balancing strenuous exercise with rest, impactful movement with non-impact, strengthening with stretching, movement with stillness.

And what about our mind? Our heart? Our spirit? Should we leave them at the gym door?

It is our hope that Thrive is safe for our bodies and our spirits.

Each class should be welcoming. Each participant should be free to modify for more or less intensity without feeling pressure or judgement. Accomplishments large or small should be shared and celebrated.

Laughter should be frequent and questions should be asked without hesitation.

It is our belief that safe movement is crucial for overall health and wellness and safe movement can be healing on multiple levels.

All this my friends, this is Thrive.

Comments

  1. You've put into words what I love about Thrive! Your knowledge of anatomy and awareness of each participant's strengths - providing modifications - has allowed me to progress in strength and flexibility - WITHOUT INJURY!!! Slow and steady is winning this race! I'm so grateful to have a friendly, welcoming atmosphere for my heart and body to THRIVE!!!

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