Author: Kelly Duncalfe
Ever done any ab work on the floor that requires either leaning back from a seated position (demonstrated below by Cailey) or lifting your legs into the air while lying on your back? Does it burn your hip flexors in a bad way? How can you help that? Here’s what you need to know.
We got together with our resident physiotherapist Haylie Lashta MacIntosh from Warman Physiotherapy to get the scoop on how to properly use our hip flexors in our workouts.
Your hip flexor is the muscle in charge of lifting your legs to the front. This means it has to work in order to do some of those ab moves. There is a problem, however, if your hip flexors – or any other part of your body – are straining to perform those moves.
Your likely culprits for hip flexor pain in seated and lying prone ab exercises? Poor alignment and muscle weakness.
If you’re leaning back from a seated position or lying on your back performing leg lifts, the majority of your stabilization needs to come for your core. This is to prevent any misalignment such as arching your back or holding tension in your stomach by pressing it outward.
If you regularly perform these moves with poor alignment, you could end up with back pain, hip pain, snapping hip syndrome, or discomfort from sitting on your tail bone.
It is possible that you’re not yet ready for these exercises! You might need to go back and focus on gaining more core strength so you can maintain a properly aligned position.
If you take Pound at We Move, minding your core and hip flexors is very important during the on-the-floor portion of the workout. If you ever find yourself performing high-knee marches, you can apply what you’ve learned here to that exercise as well.
Other quick tips:
- Hip flexors are generally weak, which can add to the difficulty of performing these demanding moves.
- Stretching your hip flexors is a great idea – if you do it properly.
- Stretching won’t help if you continue to perform exercises in poor alignment.
- If you perform the exercise poorly, you’ll either hurt yourself, or you just won’t get anything useful out of it.
So the next time you’re asked to perform an exercise from a seated or supine position that requires you to do some leg lifts, ask yourself if your core is engaged, if you’re in alignment, and if your body feels happy and safe.
If you want to learn more about Haylie Lashta MacIntosh, click here.
Remember to keep checking in to the blog for updates and promotions!
We play, We learn, We grow, We Move!
Interested in trying out Stretch with Me, but not sure what it’s all about?
Your pre and postnatal instructor will carefully explain each stretch exercise so you understand how it works and why it’s so important to your overall fitness. Proper breathing, form, technique, and timing are all part of what you learn from your instructor. Stretch class improves joint flexibility and range of motion. Increase your functionality and flexibility by joining a stretch class today! Must be 6+ weeks postpartum.
This week only, the first 5 students to use the code ‘Stretch with Me’ will get to try out our Friday November 2nd 12:15 pm Stretch with Me class for FREE.
Try out a Stretch with Me class Friday November 2nd at 12:15 pm for FREE if you choose the “drop in option” and use the promotional code ‘Stretch with Me’ at check out. This is for the first 5 students only, so don’t wait! (You do not need to be new to We Move)
Keep checking back on the blog for more time-sensitive class promotions!
We play, We learn, We grow, We Move!
Ever wanted to try out a Pound® class, just to see what it’s all about?
Pound® is the world’s first cardio jam session, inspired by the energizing, infectious, sweat-dripping fun of playing the drums! POUND® is a unique exercise method using Ripstix®, lightly weighted drumsticks engineered specifically for exercising. POUND® was designed to transform drumming into an incredibly effective way of working out. Students must provide their own mat, but Ripstix® are provided by the studio.
This week only, the first 5 students to use the code ‘Pound’ will get to try out our Tuesday October 9th 8:30 pm Pound® class for FREE.
Try out a Pound® class Tuesday October 9th at 8:30 pm for FREE if you choose the “drop in option” and use the promotional code ‘Pound’ at check out. This is for the first 5 students only, so don’t wait! ( You do not need to be new to We Move)
Keep checking back on the blog for more time-sensitive class promotions!
We play, We learn, We grow, We Move!
Paige Currie is one of our instructors here at We Move. You can find her teaching PiYo®, Pound®, Kettlebell, Conditioning, Music Together®, and Ballet/Jazz.
How long have you been teaching? Over 3 years. I was around when we were running classes across the hall before our current studio space was ready.
What do you like about teaching? I like to see people improving every week. You can definitely tell when it’s happening. Like when I see an adult move from a push-up on their knees to one on their feet, or see a kid realize that they can rise on straight legs instead of bent knees. It’s fun to watch that progress and be a part of it.
What was the first class you taught? 5:45 am PiYo®, Friday morning.
What do you do outside of We Move? I’m close to finishing up my Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language.
Favourite class to teach: PiYo®
Favourite class to take: Conditioning
Class you want to try: Adult Dance
Leggings or shorts? Leggings, ‘cause you don’t have to shave.
Do you have any pets? No, but I hang out with other people’s pets whenever I can.
Coffee or tea? Tea in the morning, coffee in the afternoon, and then tea later in the afternoon if I have a lot to do.
Favourite non-fitness related activity: Video games
Dream travel destination: Japan
Guilty pleasure: xoxo, Gossip Girl
Funniest teaching story or favourite memory: Conditioning class at the Coachman *wink*
If you’re interested in taking a class from Paige, here’s her teaching schedule:
Ballet/Jazz (various levels): Mondays 9:45-10:30am
Tuesdays 11:00-11:45am
Wednesdays 5:00-5:45pm, 6:00-6:45pm, 7:00-8:00pm
Thursdays 5:00-5:45pm
Saturdays 9:00-945am, 10:00-10:45am
Sundays 9:00-9:45am, 10:00-10:45am
Beginner Kettlebell: Tuesdays 7:15-8:15pm
Music Together®: Tuesdays 10:00-10:45am, 12:00-12:45pm
Saturdays 11:00-11:45am, 12:15-1:00pm
PiYo Live®: Wednesdays 8:30-9:30pm
Pound®: Tuesdays 8:30-9:30pm
Thursdays 7:00-8:00pm
Want to find out more about Paige? Check out her bio here.
We play, We learn, We grow, We Move!
So you woke up sick one day and had to miss your class at We Move.
Now what?
Make up your missed class at another time!
Here at We Move SK, we know that life happens, whether it’s illness, a fussy baby, or a holiday. We offer students who have enrolled in our sessions the ability and flexibility to make up their missed classes so they can truly get their money’s worth.
Here’s how to make up a missed class:
Step 1: If you know ahead of time that you’re going to be away, cancel your reservation for that day through your We Move account. (https://wemovesk.com/existing-clients/). If you’re having trouble accessing your account, let us know!
Step 2: Refer to your email: Make up classes for times you can attend. Alternatively, check out our drop-in schedule to find a class similar to yours to drop in to. If you’re unable to make those times, try out another class instead!
That’s it!
If you’re making up classes, you might end up coming twice or three times in one week, and that’s okay!
Watch out! All make-up classes need to happen before the end of term. New term = new attendance, so don’t miss out!
Important links:
Fall Schedule (you have until Week 3 to sign up for acro, kettlebell, and children’s dance!)
Email newsletter (get updates straight to your inbox once a month!)
We play, We learn, We grow, We Move!
We would also like to introduce you to a new feature at We Move. Unlimited Adult Fitness!
This is a program at We Move that allows for clients to have more flexibility within their schedules. If your schedule is often changing, or you want to try multiple class types at once, Unlimited Adult Fitness is for you.
For $119 (plus tax) every 4 weeks (sometimes every 6 weeks as you are not charged when we are on breaks), you can attend an unlimited number of our adult classes beginning Monday September 10, 2018, all the way to Sunday July 7th, 2019. This includes all of our adult fitness classes – conditioning, Zumba®, yoga, dance, acro, pre- and post-natal fitness, just to name a few!
With the purchase of the Unlimited Adult Fitness package you’ll receive a 10% discount on We Move events and merchandise!—So many fabulous things are coming!!!!
And every time you attend a class with your Unlimited Adult Fitness pass, you’ll be entered into out monthly draws for prizes!
Spots are limited, so sign up for Unlimited Adult Fitness now! Check out our website for more details or email info@wemovesk.com.
We play, We learn, We grow, We Move!
Does your child like to dance? Do you want to try a low-maintence dance studio? Not interested in purchasing costumes, tights or leotards? Try out our ballet/jazz combination, Hip Hop or AcroDance dance classes for kids.
In our ballet/jazz dance classes, children will get the chance to learn the basic techniques of both ballet and jazz dance styles. We offer four levels of this class, allowing your child to explore new skills as they master old ones. Classes are offered beginning at age 3 and up to age 10.
This isn’t a typical studio-style dance class. We run four different sessions a year so dancers don’t have to wait until September to join. There are no uniforms, costumes, competitions or recital fees, but don’t worry, we do have a quick show-and-share at the end of the term for family members!
Dance classes include not only dance technique, but also movement, rhythm, and listening activities. While we don’t do plié at the barre like a “dance” studio class, we do them in our ‘hula-hoop houses’. Our classes are meant to be fun, while also teaching the students musicality, listening and social skills, and dance!
All of our instructors have danced at a pre-professional or professional level and are extremely knowledgeable in all dance techniques and genres.
For the next 48 hours we have a special promotion for you regarding our dance classes!
Join any Ballet/Jazz Combo fall enrolment and receive 25% off of your second dance enrolment (includes all Kinder AcroDance, AcroDance and Hip Hop dance classes offered by We Move)!
Cannot be combined with other incentive codes. Full payment minus 25% off must be completed at time of purchase.
This offer only lasts for 48 hours so don’t wait (July 26th at 6:00pm the promotion will expire)! Check out the Fall Dance Schedule, send We Move your desired class day/times and have us manually apply the discount. Do not want to email? Come register at our studios in Market Mall (Tuesday from 10:30am-6:30pm or Wednesday 9:30-8:00pm).
Remember we post every Tuesday…until next week,
We play, We learn, We grow, We Move!
This summer we are hosting workshops and trial classes to give the We Move community a chance to try out some of what our fall schedule has to offer!
Ever wanted to try meditation? Interested in learning more about acro yoga? Pediatric Pelvic Floor? Check out our workshop schedule:
- Bring a friend (who has never moved with us) and you both move and receive class for FREE! Valid on all Adult Summer Classes running from July 17-August 17, 2018. Simply show up and we will add you in.
- Kids Night out! July 24, July 28, August 7, & August 11- Drop your kids off for a class, a movie, and great night out…leaving you time for a date night!! Ages 4+
- Wednesday July 25th: Prenatal Yoga $5.00 trial with Lindsey Gardner @ 7:00-8:00 pm
- Wednesday August 1st: Pediatric Pelvic Floor with Haylie Lashta MacIntosh @ 7:30-8:30pm
- Wednesday August 1st: Introduction to Meditation with Nicole Riehl @ 7:00-9:00 pm- FULL:)
- Monday August 13th: Introduction to Acro Yoga with Nicole Riehl @ 7:00-8:30 pm
- Thursday August 16th: Introduction to Meditation with Nicole Riehl @ 7:00-9:00 pm
- Friday August 17th- 24th: We Move is excited to be part of Moving into a Mirage with CruzFM & Wyant Group. All classes will be $5.00! 100% of the donations will go to SPCA. All classes are family friendly…the more the merrier.
- Tuesday August 21st: Introduction to Meditation with Nicole Riehl @ 9:30-11:30 am
- Monday, August 27- Friday September 7: $5.00 Trial classes at We Move!
- Friday, October 26 4:30-5:30 pm, 5:45-6:45pm, or 7:00-8:00pm
Saturday, October 27 2:00-3:00pm, 3:15-4:15pm, or 4:30-5:30pm: Halloween Cookie Decorating
Nicole Riehl is our meditation and acro yoga instructor. She is a recent addition to the We Move family (although she was on our team way back in 2010/2011 teaching Zumba in Curves and other facilities for us). We can’t wait for you to meet her and see her back in action. If you want to learn more about Nicole, check out her bio!
Our meditation class will provide a space for you to breathe, reflect and find calm. If you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, try out one of our summer workshop times.
Acro Yoga takes the strength and balance gained from your yoga practice and combines it with the twists and turns of acrobatic movement. Though this class is a challenge, the reward is worth it, and you’ll be sure to make some new friends!
We are also offering a Halloween Cookie Decorating with Sharptooth Treats! Fun for the whole family! Sharptooth treats provide the cookies and icing – all you need to bring is your creativity! You can also pre-order take home kits to decorate at home with your family.
$5.00 trial classes are a great chance to try out one of our new classes! Another way to get moving before the Fall begins. Our schedule of trials are:
AcroDance- Ages 5-8 years
Monday, August 27th: 4:30-5:30pm
AcroDance- Ages 9-12 years
Monday, August 27th: 5:45-6:45pm
Adult Acro Yoga
Monday, August 27th: 7:05-8:05pm
Thursday, August 30th: 5:45-6:45pm
Acro Yoga Teen
Thursday, August 30th: 4:30-5:30pm
Dance- Beginner- 3-4 years
Tuesday, September 4th: 11:00-11:45am
Wednesday, September 5th: 5:00-5:45pm
Dance- Level 1- 4-5 years
Thursday, September 5th: 5:00-5:45pm
Dance- Level 2- 6-7 years
Wednesday, September 5th: 6:00-6:45pm
Dance- Level 3- 8-10 years
Wednesday, September 5th: 7:00-8:00pm
Kettlebell- Beginner
Tuesday, September 4th: 7:15-8:15pm
Kinder AcroDance- 18 months- 3 years
Tuesday, August 28th: 10:45-11:30am
Thursday, August 30th: 2:30-3:15pm
Kinder AcroDance- 3-5 years
Tuesday, August 28th: 9:30-10:15am
Thursday, August 30th: 1:15-2:00pm
Meditation
Monday, August 27th: 8:30-9:15pm
Move with Me
Monday, August 27th: 1:30-2:30pm
Music Together®
Monday, August 27th: 2:45-3:30pm, 3:45-4:30pm, 4:45-5:30pm
Wednesday, August 29th: 10:30-11:15am & 11:30-12:15pm
Thursday, August 30th: 9:15-10:00am, 10:15-11:00am, 11:15-12:00pm
Friday, August 31st: 10:00-10:45am & 11:15-12:00pm
Tuesday, September 4th: 10-10:45am, 12:00-12:45pm
Thursday, September 6th: 9:15-10:00am, 10:15-11:00am, 11:15-12:00pm
PiYo® Live
Wednesday September 5th 8:15-9:15pm
Prenatal Yoga
Wednesday, July 25th: 7:00-8:00pm
Wednesday, August 29th: 7:15-8:15pm
Stretch
Tuesday, August 28th: 12:05-12:50pm
Stretch with Me
Wednesday, August 29th: 9:15-10:15am
Friday, August 31st: 12:15-1:15pm
Work out with Me- Postnatal
Friday, August 31st: 1:30-2:30pm
Work out with Me- Prenatal
Wednesday, August 29th: 4:45-5:45pm
Yoga with Me
Sunday, August 12th 11:15am-12:15pm
Zumba® Gold
Wednesday, August 29: 6:00-7:00pm
Registration for our workshops and trial classes are available both online at www.wemovesk.com or in person at our studio in Market Mall. If you’d like to learn more, email us at info@wemovesk.com.