As a pilates and mobility coach at incorpo studio, I’ve seen firsthand how our unique approach can transform lives. Today, I want to share with you our method that blends mindfulness, personalized assessments, and innovative techniques to help individuals achieve long-term results. Let me take you through how we’re changing the game in personalized exercise programs for individuals and corporate wellness solutions to improve employee well-being.
THE POWER OF MINDFULNESS IN MOVEMENT
At incorpo studio, we believe that mindfulness is not just for meditation and yoga – it’s a crucial component of effective physical training. I always stress to our clients that “Mindfulness is crucial in exercise. While we often associate it with fitness training, yoga, and meditation, its essence extends far beyond those practices.”
We’ve observed that a person’s mental state directly affects their nervous system, and vice versa. By aligning the nervous system with the demands of exercise, we create a more effective and sustainable fitness routine.
BREAKING THE PAIN-STRESS CYCLE
One of the primary benefits we’ve seen from incorporating mindfulness into physical training is its ability to break the vicious cycle of pain and stress. I often explain to our clients, “We’re stuck in a vicious loop where pain makes us nervous and agitated because we’re always under stress. But then because we’re always nervous and agitated and stressed, our muscles are always tight and we’re always in pain.”
By emphasizing mindful movement and aligning the nervous system with exercise, we help our clients:
1. Create trust in their bodies
2. Understand their physical limits
3. Work just under those limits to challenge the body effectively
This approach empowers individuals to push themselves safely, avoiding both under-exertion and the risk of injury.
PERSONALIZED ASSESSMENT: THE KEY TO EFFECTIVE TRAINING
At the heart of our approach at incorpo studio is our commitment to personalized assessment. We ensure that each individual receives a tailored program that addresses their specific needs and goals.
Begin with a Personalized Onboarding:
SELF-ASSESSMENT FOR MEMBERS
When joining incorpo studio as a member, we ask individuals to complete a self-assessment. This questionnaire covers crucial areas such as:
• Presence of tension, stiffness, or pain
• Specific locations of discomfort
• Any diagnosed conditions
• Available time for exercise
This information forms the foundation of a personalized program, ensuring that each member’s experience is tailored to their unique situation.
PROFESSIONAL JOINT ASSESSMENT
For those seeking an even more personalized approach, we offer professional joint assessments. These assessments, which we can conduct via Zoom, use the Functional Range Conditioning (FRC) method to identify:
• Joint restrictions
• Muscle tension issues
• Potential imbalances the individual may not be aware of
This comprehensive evaluation allows us to create highly customized programs that address both immediate concerns and long-term goals.
BUILDING SUSTAINABLE HABITS FOR LONG-TERM SUCCESS
At incorpo studio, we understand that creating lasting change requires more than just a good exercise program; it demands the formation of sustainable habits. We’ve developed several strategies to help our clients build and maintain healthy exercise habits over time.
THE "TODAY" SECTION
One of the key features of our app is the “Today” section. This daily guide includes:
1. A quick 5-minute morning routine
2. Evening stretches to release muscle tension
3. A customized workout routine
This structure provides flexibility for users with different schedules while ensuring they have options for maintaining their fitness routine even on busy days.
Your Personalized Daily Program:
CALENDAR INTEGRATION
To further support habit formation, our app allows users to schedule workouts directly to their external calendars. This feature helps our clients block off dedicated time for exercise, making it easier to prioritize their fitness goals amidst other commitments.
ADAPTABILITY FOR CHANGING NEEDS
We recognize that our bodies’ needs can change from day to day. That’s why our app also offers flexibility in workout selection. Users can communicate with a virtual instructor to adjust their daily routine based on how they’re feeling, ensuring that their program remains relevant and effective even as their needs evolve.
LONG-TERM RESULTS: BEYOND QUICK FIXES
While many fitness apps and programs focus on quick fixes, at Incorpo Studio, we take a different approach. Our goal is to address the root causes of pain and mobility issues, rather than just treating symptoms.
FULL-BODY APPROACH
I always stress the importance of looking at the entire body, even when addressing specific issues: “Even if you indicate something like a hip or neck pain, you will address the entire body with a specific emphasis on your neck. But we really take that full body approach and we look at all the other contributing factors that could be causing your pain, tension or discomfort.”
This holistic view allows for more comprehensive and lasting results. By addressing underlying imbalances and tensions throughout the body, we help our clients achieve sustainable relief and improved function.
BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN THERAPeutic exercise AND FITNESS
For those recovering from injuries or transitioning out of physical therapy, we offer a valuable bridge. Our program provides a safe and effective way to progress from rehabilitation to more challenging fitness routines.
As I often explain to our clients, “We bridge that gap because we very safely take the person and meet them where they are with any injury or diagnosis that they might have and train them to a point where they can really resume life more confidently and be more in control of their body.”
Our approach typically involves three to five levels of progression, allowing individuals to advance at a pace that’s appropriate for their condition and goals.
INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUES FOR OPTIMAL RESULTS
At incorpo studio, we employ several research-based techniques to help our clients achieve their fitness and mobility goals. Here’s two of our 6 methods explained:
ELDOA
Developed by French osteopath Dr. Guy Voyer, the ELDOA technique is one of our go-to methods, especially for those dealing with spinal issues such as herniated discs or compression. I often describe it this way: “What ELDOA does is that it tries or it aims at creating space while putting the whole body under tension. So there are these active stretches that are really, really challenging even though they look quite simple.”
The ELDOA technique complements manual therapy by providing individuals with a way to actively maintain the benefits of treatment. This empowers our clients to take control of their spinal health and flexibility.
ELDOA Technique
FUNCTIONAL RANGE CONDITIONING (FRC)
FRC is another method we use extensively, focusing on joint-specific training and mobility. The principle behind FRC is simple yet powerful: “You can’t pull a muscle where the joint can’t go.”
Our approach with FRC involves:
1. Identifying joint restrictions
2. Addressing these restrictions through a combination of stretching and strength training
3. Using isometric and dynamic drills to increase joint mobility
4. Strengthening the entire range of motion
By systematically improving joint function, we help our clients achieve greater mobility and functional strength safely and effectively.
Functional Range Conditioning (FRC) Technique
CORPORATE WELLNESS: BRINGING HEALTH TO THE WORKPLACE
Our approach at incorpo studio isn’t just for individuals; we’ve found it offers significant benefits for corporate wellness programs too. With many employees facing the challenges of sedentary office work or physically demanding jobs, our method provides a personalized solution for each employee.
We address specific needs such as back pain, offering a middle ground between generic fitness options and rehabilitative approaches. By providing personalized exercise routines that take into account individual diagnoses and limitations, we help companies support their employees’ health more effectively.
I always emphasize the importance of this targeted approach to our corporate clients: “We look at not just the person’s goals, but their specific needs. So we will find out things like if they have any stiffness, aches, and pains in the body, and then we will ask where they are. And based off the answers that they give us all the way down to possibly a diagnosis, even something like a herniated disc in L3, L4, they can indicate that.”
This level of customization ensures that corporate wellness programs can cater to a wide range of employee needs, promoting better health outcomes and potentially reducing workplace injuries and absenteeism.
Perfect for Remote and Hybrid Teams
in Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Exercise and Well-being
At incorpo studio, our unique blend of mindfulness, personalized assessment, and innovative techniques offers a comprehensive approach to fitness and pain management.
By addressing the interconnected nature of mental and physical health, providing tailored programs, and employing cutting-edge methods, we help individuals achieve lasting results.
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic pain, or simply looking to improve your overall fitness and mobility, our method provides a path forward. We’re committed to empowering individuals to understand and work with their bodies more effectively, not only alleviating current issues but also setting the foundation for long-term health and well-being.
As we continue to navigate the challenges of modern life, approaches like ours that prioritize personalization, mindfulness, and holistic health will become increasingly valuable. By incorporating these principles into our fitness routines, we can move towards a future of better health, increased mobility, and greater overall well-being.
I invite you to experience the incorpo studio difference for yourself. Let’s work together to achieve your goals and unlock your body’s full potential.
mila aleshina
curator
STOTT PILATES INSTRUCTOR, FRC MOVEMENT SPECIALIST, ELDOA PRACTITIONER
“It’s not enough to just get fit, you should be building a body that helps you enjoy your hobbies and activities without limitations.”
