Through the years I try to share when I discover helpful people and strategies for living well.  Whether physiologists providing DEXA scans, programs to monitor glucose levels, the Prolon Fast, or simply a great yoga class, I love to share when I stumble upon someone or something that makes a positive difference in my life.  Stacie Barber, DPT, is one of those individuals.  A superb physical therapist, owner of The Physio Fix and the Physio Fix app she has developed a thriving business in Arizona but also online.  I recently invested in her online Stronger Aging Fix and am delighted with the ease of use and variety of exercises demonstrated via video with excellent form and instruction. There are nearly 20 different programs, whether you suffer from back or neck pain, need strengthening for hip, knee, or rehab of an old Achilles tendon injury, there is a program for you.  In addition, she offers many athletic strengthening programs and one specific for core function and strength. thephysiofix.com/

 I started following Dr. Stacie Barber on IG when I noted frequent posts of her helping her husband Logan rehabilitate from a massive stroke.  Like Stacie, he is quite young and fit. Stacie was by his side constantly for the months he was in the hospital as his recovery was also complicated by a severe case of pneumonia with adult respiratory distress. If you watch some of the videos from 18 months ago, you will see what a force she was plus the tenacity he demonstrated to enable a significant recovery. Initially, he was essentially paralyzed throughtout the left side of his body.  Their one child was also only 8 months old.  Though the process they added a detailed Stroke Fix program to the Physio Fix app and many of the exercises feature the sequence of Logan's arduous yet successful recovery. He returned to work and fast forward to this past month Stacie shared beautiful maternity pictures of her family as they prepared for the birth of their second child, a son, River. ​

Little River was born about 2 weeks ago and Stacie proclaimed, "He is perfect."  Within 24 hours of discharge home however, Stacie astutely recognized his labored breathing, inability to feed, difficulty managing secretions...a host of concerns and they were re-admitted to the hospital only to be emergently transferred to a pediatric special care hospital and the NICU.  Through multiple tests the specialists identified two holes is River's heart that will be surgically repaired tomorrow.  Upon further testing he has a retina problem in both eyes, colobomos (holes in the retina) that compromise his vision. Sadly, there is no surgery correction for this issue. He also failed his hearing test.  The doctor's suspect a rare chromosome abnormality called CHARGE syndrome.  

Just 18 months ago Stacie's community rallied to support her husband Logan via a GoFund Me site.  Now faced with another incredibly challenging situation, her community is again seeking to assist. If you listen to Stacie's videos you will immediately recognize she is a helper, a servant, a giver, a healer.  While she appreciates the monetary support, it would be of greater benefit to her family and business if you invested in one of her many strengthening programs.  I paid $50 for The Stronger Aging Fix and am delighted by the program.  It's a symbiotic relationship, as Stacie's family and business benefits from the investment and I get stronger from her professional teaching and experienced physical therapy background.  The app is useful whether you train at home or a gym. Check out her business, programs and social media sites.  While a GoFundMe donation would be helpful, Stacie emphasizes her preference is that if you wish to give, that you would gain benefit as well through a program to strengthen your body.  The app is easy to use and quite detailed with options to add  a meal tracker, benchmark measurements, daily check-ins with a coach, connect to your Apple Watch etc. This is the first time I have connected with an online coaching program and thus far the experience is one definitely worth sharing.  Check it out! 
​www.facebook.com/thephysiofix
www.instagram.com/thephysiofix/
 thephysiofix.com/ 
​www.instagram.com/docstacie
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​Dear Pilates Friends,
This is a friendly reminder that our 10-week Pilates Mat Series begins this week—Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. and Wednesday at 5:15 p.m. The Tuesday class is currently full, but a few spaces are still available for Wednesday. You’re welcome to register for the full 10-week session ($120) or attend as a drop-in for $15. To reserve your spot, please send payment via Venmo to @tiffany-larson-32.

Please dress comfortably. Mats are provided, though you’re welcome to bring your own to layer if you prefer. Bare feet or slipper socks work best for class. When you arrive, please let yourself in, leave your shoes upstairs, and meet us a few levels down on the sports court.

Each class will include a review of foundational Pilates principles, with exercises performed both on the mat and in standing. We may also incorporate props to enhance core awareness. If you have any questions or need directions, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Personal training sessions using the reformer, tower, chair, and ladder barrel are also available by appointment. These 50-minute sessions complement the mat work, using springs and pulleys to build strength, improve body awareness, and support flexibility. If you’re interested in exploring the equipment, I’d be happy to add you to the schedule.
Thank you for your continued commitment to the Pilates Method of Conditioning. I look forward to seeing you soon!
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Warm regards,
Tiffany Larson, MS OT, Power Pilates Instructor, 200 hour RYT

Home Training, Wisconsin is currently thawing out, but still practicing "home training," in Florida!  You don't need a gym or fancy equipment to meet your daily movement goals, but the warm, gulf air and sunshine is certainly an incentive. Fresh cold smoothies are an added bonus and currently a daily mainstay.  This morning it included celery, spinach, cucumber, strawberries and frozen blueberries blended with water and ice. In addition I added colostrum, Greek yogurt, and protein powder. I don't know if I am more amazed at its delicious flavor or the fact my basic Oster blender completely pulverizes it as smoothly as a milkshake. 

While I love Florida, it's where I was born and raised, I think of my Wisconsin Pilates friends everyday and look forward to resuming trainings in March. If you are interested in scheduling 1:1 personal training sessions on the Pilates equipment, please reach out. If you wish to create a personal, small group mat class with friends, this too can be added.  I am only available for a few weeks so this will be a "Spring Training Intensive" from March 4th-March 28th. Use this as prep time for Spring Break!  Email me at [email protected] 

The beauty of Pilates, is the more you connect with its foundations of breath, center/core, precision and body awareness, the more you can fuse Pilates into your everyday activity.  Can you deeply expand your ribcage with a full inhalation? (think of an accordion) Can you exhale so fully that you feel your lower abs contract? (think of wringing out a wet dishcloth) Can you lengthen the crown of your head to the ceiling while lightly ramping your head so that your ears align over your shoulders? Can you stand with weight evenly distributed through your feet as you elongate and lift your waistband off your hips?  All these actions and images create inner power and strength whether you are seated, standing, walking, or doing chores. It's mindful movement.

During an early morning walk today I listened to this wonderful podcast from Vonda Wright, orthopedic surgeon, on The Genius Life podcast.  She is generous with her experiences, observations and advice.  You might discover a few suggestions that are life-changing.  You're never too old nor too young to implement simple practices that yield stronger bones, stronger muscles, and better brain health.  Enjoy!

Over the years I have offered training to a variety of groups including athletic teams, families, co-workers, and mom's night out. It is especially meaningful when these groups gather during the holiday season.  Many holiday experiences tend to revolve around excess food and drinks. Gathering instead to move, breathe, stretch and strengthen is a wonderful alternative.  Contact me to create your own festive gathering in which we celebrate the gift of good health, friendship, and movement.