Functional Exercise Class

Our Functional Exercise Class incorporates The Egsoscue Method® exercises (also called E-Cises) requiring the body to move in all 3 planes of motion to restore or maintain integrity of the body's joint and structural design positions by synergistically engaging pairs of muscles, front to back and side to side.  This returns the body's actual center of gravity to the center.  (The Egoscus Method is grounded in the science of biomechanics, which analyzes the relationship between the structure, function and mechanics of the human body.)  We always work within the limits of the individual body encouraging the fullest possible range of motion in the moment for what the body will allow.  The E-Cises have a profound effect on the body and are amazingly simple yet sometimes shockingly difficult.  

The exercises are taking all the loading bearing joints, pelvis and spine through their primary functions - the functions they were designed to perform.  

A great deal of attention is focused on asymmetries in joint position, joint function and muscle engagement with the goal to make joints and muscles perform fully and engage symmetrically.  If students are asked to repetitiously squeeze and release their butt muscles, then the goal is to make sure both right and left glute (hip extensor) muscles are engaging simultaneously, with the same amount of power and without compensations from other muscles.  

People are often astounded to discover that what they thought would be easy and "normal" movements for their body are quite the opposite.  This can illuminate why a hip or knee is in pain because the movement and/or position is dysfunctional.  This is how students can make important connections between their joint mis-positions or misalignments and their pain.  The instructor helps students understand what patterns of function and position joint should exist and to identify their patterns of compensation and/or dysfunction so corrections can be made or increased control can be used to keep the compensation from sneaking in.  

For example, in class when the exercises are performed students are cued to place their ankle, knee, hip joints in vertical alignment, keep their feet straight ahead, or when seated to tilt their pelvis downward in front putting an arch in the lower back, and ensure the shoulder joint is stacked over the hip joint.  (The instructor may point out that a student's pelvis is not tilting forward to create the lumbar arch in sitting position but rather the sternum is lifting or upper back is leaning backwards in substitution for the pelvic-induced arch.)  These "design" or start positions alone can create balanced muscle pairs and alignment allowing the greatest opportunity for joints and muscles to work with full function and synergy.  
   

During each exercise students will be asked to notice what joint or muscle is not working fully or properly on one side like the opposite side.  Or they will be asked to notice how much weight is distributed in each foot before a sequence of exercises is started and then notice how the weight is equalized after seemingly unrelated exercises.

The class focuses on the whole body.  This is all about joint position and synergistic muscle balance.  This class is quite different in that the emphasis is on the body working as a unit.  No one muscle or area is more important to strengthen or use than any other.  It's the component parts that once aligned properly they can perform their own jobs optimally to create an overall total functioning kinetic chain.  Any one link that is weak or too strong will create a misalignment, center of gravity will shift, then compensations, dysfunctions, imbalance causing friction, wear and tear and injury will ultimately follow.

"Without exception, every time I leave this class I feel better than when I came in, usually exhausted and tired from the activities of the day.  I am energized, loosened up, and feeling renewed strength both physically and mentally.

Exercises are tailored to fit your personal need with close supervision to assure you are doing the exercise in a way that will most benefit each individual and their need. - which prevents injury (usually I overstretch when I have attended yoga and end up hurting myself)"

"I love Catee’s class! Each time we meet with Catee she asks us if we have any specific areas of pain or concern. She designs each class with this in mind. I always leave class feeling balanced, pain free and more in alignment!! It helps me to watch other class members do an exercise… We help each other and have lots of good laughter and smiles… I get to review my menu and make sure I am doing each exercise correctly… I always look forward to this class.. Yoga just stretches… Catee pinpoints areas of pain or concern and targets each exercise accordingly."


Call us at 772-559-1532 to let us know if you will be attending class for the first time.  The class is not a substitute for a private session.  Your doctor must have cleared you for exercise.  The class is for people who are not in pain which prevents movement and use of knees, hips, ankles, shoulders, spine and pelvis.