FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What should I expect during a private session?
Before your session, I’ll ask you to complete an intake form to let me know of any medical conditions or issues you’re experiencing. During your appointment, I’ll assess your body positioning, range of motion, and muscle strength through some simple movements (such as doing a forward bend, or standing on one foot), and by evaluating your typical posture. This will give me insight into how your body is functioning and allow me to begin to assess your alignment based on 25 skeletal alignment points.

During an Intro Session, we’ll evaluate the alignment of your lower body, including your feet, ankles, knees, and pelvis. The stretches and exercises you'll learn during this session will help you improve your standing alignment, gait mechanics, and help you begin to optimize how you use your body throughout your day. Because each aspect of your alignment affects the geometry and function of the rest of your body, the correctives that you work on in one area will have a positive benefit for your whole body.

Follow-up sessions will focus on areas such as the pelvis and hips, core, shoulder girdle, neck, etc, and are tailored to your body’s needs and any symptoms you're experiencing. I’ll work with you on specific stretches, corrective exercises, and simple lifestyle changes that will improve your body’s alignment and help you reach your wellness goals. We’ll also talk about how you use your body during the day, pinpoint what poor postural habits might be working against you, and teach you new movement habits. My goal as a Restorative Exercise™ Specialist is to help you build the awareness, knowledge, and habits you need to take control of your health and live better in your body. 

What should I wear to a session, workshop, or class?
Please wear comfortable clothing that you would wear for yoga or stretching. Alignment evaluation and corrective exercises are ideally performed barefoot. Pants that can be rolled up above the knee, or that are snug enough to show the outline of the knee, are ideal.

Do I need to be in really good shape? What if I have pre-existing condition?
Restorative Exercise™ is a therapeutic modality that meets individuals at their range of motion and level of ability and works to restore your body to optimal alignment so that you can move well, without pain. Running, jumping, or fancy equipment are not required. That being said, as with any fitness or movement program, not all exercises are suitable for everyone. Please ask your doctor's approval before beginning or modifying your exercise program. Additionally, while modifications are provided in workshops and group classes, if you are dealing with an injury or condition, a private session is usually a better fit. Please contact me at vanessa@aligned4life.com if you are wondering if Restorative Exercise™ is right for you!