Discovering new strength to combat chronic back pain.
I have endured back pain on and off for years. During a time when my back was so bad and I could barely walk, I worked with Anne Marie in conjunction with a physical therapist. Anne Marie took the time to speak directly with my physical therapist to make sure the information I was receiving was consistent. She was able to make sure I was doing the prescribed exercises specific to my body. This gave me new awareness around movement and building strength along with ways to modify in order to keep myself moving forward. I am now able to use that information in my daily life with a better understanding of how to help myself when my back is feeling vulnerable. Thank you, Anne Marie!
Endurance and strength to run the Boston Marathon.
As a Division 1 long distance runner, I struggled with a slew of injuries that plagued me, including IT band syndrome, a debilitating back injury, tendinitis of the knee, and 2 simultaneous femoral stress fractures that required me to be on crutches. I always wanted to run longer distances and complete a marathon but with my history of injuries, I wasn’t quite sure how I could ever accomplish this feat. And after having 2 children which weakened my already unstable core, this seemed like an even loftier goal. I shared my concerns with Anne Marie and right away, I knew her approach was completely different than any strengthening program I’d utilized in the past. Anne Marie was immediately able to assess what areas of my body needed to be activated and strengthened in order to help address my existing weaknesses and inefficiencies. I began to move more efficiently almost instantly.
Our training sessions are engaging, motivating, and challenging. Anne Marie has raised my level of awareness in regards to my body mechanics and running form. She has me actively engaging my brain with my body’s movement during our sessions together. I feel mentally and physically stronger and more aware of how my body is moving now and am taping into muscles groups in my body that have been been “turned off” for quite a while. I have completed several road races over the last year including a half marathon while working with her, something I never thought would be possible. She has been such a motivating coach and partner in my return to running, and I am truly grateful as I know I wouldn’t have accomplished any of this without her! I am now training to run my first marathon in hopes of qualifying for the Boston Marathon and have never felt more confident in my body and mind to get me through 26.2!
Ski season conditioning & training.
A lifelong skier, I started working with Anne Marie as part of conditioning for a rigorous week long back-county ski trip in the Canadian Rockies. She activated and strengthened key muscles, helping with my endurance and general fitness during the trip. Thanks to Anne Marie, I had much less muscle fatigue and avoided any injury. Simply put, I couldn’t have done the trip without her help!
The path to “strength” isn’t linear, but exploratory.
Anne Marie trained and supported me as I was studying to become a Pilates Teacher through the rigorous Pilates Center program. During my weekly lessons, Anne Marie helped me escape the stress of my studies and applied what I was learning in a clear and simple way. Not only did she prompt me to work harder than I ever had, but she had me laughing along the way. I developed an understanding and awareness of my movement patterns and felt them changing, and my confidence increased. Anne Marie is a teacher who will help you realize the path to “strength” isn’t linear, but exploratory. She held me accountable for my goals and inspired me to remain curious in my studies and my workouts. Most importantly, Anne Marie taught me as an equal; I could always approach her with a question and engage lively discussion about our practice as teachers of movement.
