| |
|
|
| |
Mission |
|
| |
One
of the most exciting things I have witnessed during my 15
years in Weston has been the increasing number of adults
who recognize the value of intelligent physical conditioning.
People are learning what the Romans and Greeks knew so very
long ago: “ Mens Sana in Corpore Sano”, a healthy
soul thrives in a healthy body.
Despite the constant stream of gadgets and fad diets, that saturates the market,
more and more people realize that regular exercise, and balanced diet is the
only way to sustain independence and health.
What mechanism is more complex, more unpredictable and more challenging to operate
than the human body? Our body is built for motion. The collaboration of the neurological
system, the bone levers and the muscle attachments is the ultimate testimony
to the brilliancy of our physique.
An imbalanced posture, faulty body mechanics, repetitive performance of incorrect
movements, lifting of an inappropriate weight, all of these will eventually lead
to unnecessary injuries.
Whether it is a high performance athlete, a growing adolescent, a baby boomer,
an elderly person or an accident victim, a well functioning human body is a Balanced
Body. A properly balanced body heals itself. A correct congruity between physical
effort, relaxation and balanced nutrition is the essence of “PHYSICAL INTELLIGENCE.”
The difference in age, in gender, in body size and ability must be taken into
consideration. The one size fits all approach is extremely counterproductive
and risky.
An effective and safe physical conditioning program ought to be based on a thorough
and accurate assessment of ones physical ability, taking into consideration all
the fitness components: Cardiovascular capacity, Flexibility, Muscular endurance/strength,
Posture, Body composition, Balance.
Through extensive evaluation of the personal history and present condition, a
customized fitness program is the key to building fitness. Although exercise
classes raise activity levels. in-depth instruction of correct motion, proper
resistance, posture, diet, and whole-body conditioning will provide the maximum
results, without injury.
Many in our community are in the “boomer” age bracket. I see many
people who have episodes of what is euphemistically called “boomeritis”.
In an attempt to pull their collegiate fitness levels out of the closets on a
sunny weekend, they injure themselves. In an effort to shed weight quickly, experimentation
with fad diets only weakens their health. Statistically, this age group is most
likely to injure themselves through such sporadic effort. However, the good news
is that many people who initially come for an injury, learn to progress beyond
recovery. With proper guidance and discipline, some of the 50 year olds –are
in better shape now than when they were 30-somethings.
The other exciting change I see is in our elderly population. Many of us know
older friends or parents whose sense of personal independence is threatened by
a sense of physical decline. It has been known for many years, but thankfully
it is now percolating into common understanding, that even elderly people, perhaps
even in their 80s or 90s can learn to exercise properly, build endurance, and
without the use of medication, maintain their personal strength and cognitive
abilities. The simple satisfaction of being able to move your own body when and
how you want to is available to us throughout our life, if we learn to do it
right.
For older people, fitness training does miracles. It changes the quality of life
more quickly and tangibly than most other things. There is a tremendous sense
of gratification from seeing a 80-year-old man walking on my treadmill. And,
for him, the feeling of physical ability was euphoric.
I was always fascinated with human performance and body engineering, even before
I understood that it could be the focus of my life’s work. As an adolescent,
I was able to identify someone by his body language or posture even if I had
last seen him years ago and sometimes in a different country. Growing up in cultures
where physical conditioning and performance were not just luxuries but necessities,
coupled with my natural ability and curiosity, led me to an academic and professional
path in its pursuit.
I have had the good fortune of having been exposed to a variety of learning experiences
that have molded my professional views and are the foundation of my professional
philosophy. My studies led directly to important work experiences. It gave me
great exposure to the full spectrum of areas that deal with physical fitness,
movement, injuries, and rehabilitation. I was very privileged to work with very
advanced people and gained experience in many different disciplines, including
Yoga, Pilates, and Martial Arts.
The physical fitness market is saturated with a multiplicity of exercise disciplines,
such as: Aerobics, Weight Training, Spinning, Yoga, Power Yoga, Pilates, Power
Pilates, Circuit Training, Etc. All of these programs have strengths and weaknesses.
I favor an approach that incorporates the best and most effective elements of
each.
After living in New York City, it was finally time to move to the country with
my family and create a fitness and lifestyle management center --- one that would
utilize my background and incorporate the philosophy: “A Healthy Soul in
A Healthy Body.”
So, I created an inviting and private environment where individuals of vast abilities
and a variety of physical challenges could address their specific needs and maximize
their potential. From rehabilitation of an injured Varsity soccer player to preparing
a high school student for an all state swimming competition to working with a
62 year old suffering from Parkinson’s Disease to getting a musician ready
for the next tour…. and this is only Monday afternoon.
The pure satisfaction of being able to move your body how and when you want is
physically and spiritually empowering, and it should be available to us throughout
our lifetime. I do not believe in quick fix solutions, miracle creams or kick
boxing for just anyone. But I do believe with the requisite discipline and professional
guidance “not only can you add years to your life, but life to your years. |
 |
|
|
