The Movement Wake-up Call: What My Body Really Needed
Discovering how the right kind of movement can restore mobility, flexibility, and strength at any age.
The Moment I Realized Something Had Changed
I didn’t think anything of it at first.
I was sitting cross-legged on the floor at my parents’ house, catching up with family while the kids played nearby. It was probably Christmas, though I can’t quite remember. Sitting on the floor had always been second nature to me.
Then, I went to stand up.
“Are you okay?” my stepdad asked.
I wasn’t in pain, but his question made me realize what I was doing. Instead of popping up effortlessly, I was shifting around, adjusting my position, and pushing myself up slowly. And once I was standing, I had to take a few steps before I felt normal again.
Without thinking, I said, “I’m okay. It’s always like this now.”
And then it hit me—I’m awfully young for this to feel hard.
The Misconception About Staying Active
I was in my early 30s, a mother of several young children, constantly on the go. I assumed because I was always moving—chasing toddlers, picking up toys, pushing strollers—that I was staying in shape. I thought movement was movement and that taking care of kids was enough.
But apparently, it wasn't.
Not All Movement is Created Equal
For years after that moment, I thought the solution was simply to "get in shape." I assumed exercise was exercise—that as long as I was working out, it didn't matter what kind of movement I was doing.
And honestly? Any movement is good movement. If you're exercising—whether it's walking, strength training, a sport, or dancing—you're doing something great for your body.
But what I didn't realize at the time was that how you move matters too.
Finding the Right Movement Solution
For me, it wasn't until I found Essentrics—almost ten years later—that things truly clicked. It helped me understand something I had never considered before:
That using all of my muscles and joints is key to keeping them strong and mobile.
That if I wasn't moving my body through its full range of motion, I could actually lose mobility, even if I felt strong in other ways.
That strength and flexibility work best together, not as separate things.
That rebalancing the body—making sure no muscle is overworked or underused—is the key to moving well for life.
Essentrics made all of that make sense to me. The way it stretched and strengthened at the same time, the way it made my body feel both powerful and free—it was exactly what I needed.
The Benefits of Full-Body Movement
What makes Essentrics different is its focus on:
Dynamic stretching that improves flexibility while building strength
Full range of motion exercises that maintain joint mobility
Balanced muscle engagement that prevents imbalances and pain
Gentle yet effective movements that work for all ages and fitness levels
But no matter what kind of movement you choose, the key is using your body fully and consistently.
If You've Noticed It Too…
Maybe you're reading this and realizing you don't pop up off the floor like you used to. Maybe you've noticed you don't just stand up anymore—you have to brace your hands against your thighs for extra support, or rock forward to gain momentum before standing, or hesitating before kneeling down because you're not sure how it will feel.
Here's the thing: you don't have to accept it.
Movement is a gift. A blessing. And it's one we can't take for granted. If we stop using it, we lose it. But the good news? We can get it back.
Start Today, You’ll be so thankful Tomorrow
So today, I encourage you to move.
Get up and go for a walk.
Do something you love for 20 minutes.
Thank God for the ability to move.
And if you're ready to start moving in a way that keeps your muscles balanced, your joints mobile, and your body strong for life—my Essentrics workouts are designed to do just that.
Ready to Move Better?
Your body is designed to move—let’s make sure it stays that way! My Essentrics classes will challenge your muscles, improve flexibility, and help you feel strong in every movement. Check the Class Schedule Here!