Our Philosophy

Pursuing health through exercise can be physically, socially and culturally challenging. Not only is the act of exercise difficult, knowing where to begin and what information is important can be confusing and leave you feeling overwhelmed. It can be difficult to decipher between science and popular culture. Not to mention that pursuing health is a socially loaded topic. Everyone has their opinion developed from various sources of media or what worked for them.

 

In this environment how can you navigate and find your own road to lasting change that works for you?

Real growth happens in the process not in the destination

After a decade in the fitness industry we’ve determined that to help people navigate the media’s contradictory messages, we need an approach that is rooted is concrete science and principles that our experience tells us work. While we understand the desire to find the perfect exercise routine or diet we know that these concepts are mythical and that no one program works for everyone.

A radical approach to health

Our work is a radical approach to what it means to pursue health through physical activity, exercise and nutrition. Our approach is a strengths-based, scientifically grounded model informed by shame resilience theory, relational-cultural theory and self-compassion working with the principles of Health At Every Size, Intuitive Eating and Body Trust.

We Believe

Exercise is medicine and medicine should be integrative (mind-body). The exercise experience is greatly enhanced with a mind-body approach (exercise physiology + exercise psychology).

Exercise coaching should be offered on a spectrum from exercise therapy to performance enhancement.

Exercise should support the development of physical literacy (Our ability to move with confidence and competence that impacts our motivation to move for life).

Exercise should be inclusive (age inclusive, size inclusive, ability inclusive, body inclusive, gender inclusive.)

Physical Literacy

“Physical literacy is the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge, and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life.”

– The International Physical Literacy Association, May 2014

Physical Competence

The ability to create motor patterns (movements) and develop skills that translate to many leisure activities and sports.

Motivation and Confidence

Feeling self-assured in one’s ability to participate in pursuits that are enjoyable and increase life satisfaction.

Behavioural

When we learn and grow in movement we increase the likelihood of participating in leisure and sport life long.

COMPONENTS OF PROACTIVE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING for whole health

All of the areas in the circle are important. They are all connected. Improving one area can benefit other areas in your life and influence your overall physical, emotional, and mental health and well-being. The human body and mind have tremendous healing abilities and we can strengthen these healing abilities.

YOU

The centre represents you, your values and what really matters to you. Being in a state of mindful awareness helps you see what matters to you.

Self-care

These are the circumstances and choices you make in your everyday life. This includes exercise, sleep hygiene, nutrition and other intentional health habits.

Professional Care

This may include tests, medications, supplements, surgeries, examinations, treatments, counselling. This also includes complementary approaches such as acupuncture and mind-body therapies.

Community

The outer ring represents the people and groups to whom you are connected.

Your challenge

Why you want health, and your personal health goals

You are the expert on you! The first and most important step in creating your roadmap to your healthiest life is to step back from your health concerns, and think about your life.

What really matters to you?

Why do you want or need your health?

we’re here to help. 

We’ll work with you to identify your unique approach for health and wellness.