Staying well requires making healthy choices and taking the time for self-care. These are some of my favourite health and wellness resources.
Movement Education:
Petra Fisher, Restorative Exercise Specialist: Petra offers both private coaching and an innovative Take10 program with weekly classes, ongoing support, and structured progressive learning in 10 minute sessions. All online!
Nutritious Movement: My go-to for movement education. Katy has a variety of books (Move Your DNA, Whole Body Barefoot, Diastasis Recti and more), DVDs and downloadable classes, including twenty-five different $5 Alignment Snacks. These resources are the perfect complement to your osteopathic treatment; I can help you choose the most appropriate for your needs.
Don’t Just Sit There: An online multimedia program with a series of 10 instructional videos and an eBook (including audio version). All designed to get you out of your chair and moving more.
Exercise Equipment:
Bolster: Perfect for floor sitting, shoulder stretches, supported twists and psoas releases. Halfmoon’s bolsters are very supportive, good quality and hold up to daily use; plus they’re made in B.C. They’re very popular so I keep a supply in the studio to save you shipping fees.
Bosu Balance Trainer: A blast for practicing balance and building strength. Want to challenge yourself? Balance Bootcamp has five one hour downloads – not for the inexperienced or anyone with extreme balance issues. PS. Kids love them too!
Half-Round Foam Roller: A must-have for the best calf stretch ever. The blue ones hold up to daily use better than the white. A full size is nice to have too – perfect for rolling out tight quads.
Yoga Tune-Up Balls: A favourite with clients. You can get a pair or a whole kit including Jill Miller’s The Roll Model book. Her website has lots of instructional videos too.
Yoga Mat, Blocks, Straps, Balls and Bands: Blocks, straps,balls and bands are useful for many corrective exercises.
Everyday Essentials:
Squatty Potty: Modern toilets don’t allow an anatomically correct position. This simple product helps you squat to align your colon for efficient elimination.
Minimal Shoes: I like Vivobarefoot, but they are hard to find in Canada. Another good choice, if your feet are on the narrow side, is Merrell. I also love moccasins! For more info about footwear read my post: The Shoes You Choose. If you’re still wearing heels you’ll need to transition slowly; Whole Body Barefoot is an excellent how-to guide.
Correct Toes: Anatomical toe spacers can help align your toes, strengthen your feet and restore normal function. They are very helpful for bunions, hammertoes or foot pain. Correct Toes can be worn barefoot or inside some wider, flexible shoes.
Living Libations: Nadine Artemis’ essential oils and botanical products are the reason my office smells so lovely! My favourites – roseglow face creme, lavender poetic pits, frankincense toothpaste and happy gum drops.
Lifestyle Apps & Wearable Technology:
Fitbit: I’ve been using my Fitbit for years and still enjoy the feedback and motivation. I don’t measure sleep – too much pressure, just steps/distance.
Map My Walk: A free app to help you plan, track and share your walks. With thousands of routes marked out around the world, you can always find somewhere new to roam. You can log other activity and what you eat too.
Headspace: An online meditation program that you can download to listen to anywhere. Andy has an excellent voice to guide you through your practice. They offer a free “Take 10” trial, or you can subscribe to access the entire Headspace collection.
Muse: A brain-sensing headband that gives you real-time feedback while you meditate. It’s fun to use and positively habit-forming. Bonus: Muse is a Toronto-based research and design team.