Let’s Open Up (about Fascia work)
Leading a Fascia Maneuvers workshop to help others heal their body, on-the-go.
As part of my ELEVATE4 program, ladies are asked to commit to daily mindful movement. This can be physical exercise, cardio or weights, yoga, walking in nature, or fascia releases. I leave it up to them. The program is four weeks. Additionally, I’ve had opportunities to lead live workshops and share fascia maneuvers, which leads me to this blog. People are closed up and stressed out right now!
I have my share of stress, but in 2019, I curated my self-care Tool Box (I wrote about it in High Performance Detox.) When I feel stressors pop up, I know what to do. For me, it’s back up (like physically take a step back, so my body feels the shift) and breathe. I get into trouble when I get too focused on whatever task or situation is in front of me, and my brain starts to play tricks on me, showing me what can go wrong with said task or situation. This is how I’m wired, so I know breaking that momentum right away works for me. I know moving my body flushing out negativity from my awareness and being. I know music helps. I know laughter helps.
A bird’s eye view of fascia maneuvers workshop.
This is my personal tool box. Fascia maneuvers come into my life at a time I felt stuck. My body felt like it closed up on me. My posture changed, my joints were achy, and I wasn’t recovering from my “fire workouts” as quickly. I was annoyed. Learning a few (at first) simple self-performed maneuvers to unlock my neck, shoulders, and hips hooked me for life on fascia releases. I studied with a group out of Mexico for a year, completing a few certifications with them, and then spent some year integrating all of it into my life. I slowly started teaching some fascia releases in my yoga classes and other fitness workshop opportunities. I was just having fun with it. I saw the results in my students. It was enough. Then I ran the Authentic Athens Marathon in November 2024.
Crossing this finish line was one of the coolest experiences I’ve had!
Recovery was interesting at 46 years old. I immediate went back to my fascia releases and re-connected with my former coaches. I learned even more maneuvers to help me, and share with my students. I see now where sharing more of these healing maneuvers may be in my future. For now, I want to share this simple “Twist and Pull” method below. Give it a try, and let me know what you think. Mostly, I wanna know how you feel afterward.
