Weekly Schedule 1/9/2023 — Feeling Down Can Have Multiple Causes
Image via the Endocrine Society website
It felt great to be back in the studio with you last week! It certainly feels invigorating to move my body and to feel my muscles working in a targeted way.
At the start of last week, I started thinking about the concept of adrenal fatigue after hearing how "down" and "low energy" some of you felt during our time off. The description of the condition from this Harvard Health Magazine article by Marcelo Campos, MD brought me clarity:
The adrenals are two small glands that sit on top of the kidneys and produce several hormones, among them, cortisol. When under stress, we produce and release short bursts of cortisol into the bloodstream. The adrenal fatigue theory suggests that prolonged exposure to stress could drain the adrenals leading to a low cortisol state. The adrenal depletion would cause brain fog, low energy, depressive mood, salt and sweet cravings, lightheadedness, and other vague symptoms.
The main issues the conventional medical community takes with adrenal fatigue as a diagnosis are:
1. There are no strong, evidenced-based studies backing current testing methods for adrenal fatigue,
2. potential misdiagnosis of other similarly presenting illnesses (depression, obstructive sleep apnea, heart and lung problems, etc.) and,
3. how symptoms are treated with untested and unregulated supplements that may do more harm than good.
As Dr. Campos mentions in his article (emphasis mine):
The lack of a biological explanation can be disappointing. To make things worse, it’s not unusual for doctors to say "there is nothing wrong with you" or "this is all in your head." ... Symptoms associated with adrenal fatigue probably have multiple causes. Frequent follow-up visits and a strong patient-clinician partnership are critical elements for success. Alternative and complementary clinicians often have better results, because the appointments tend to last longer and they view patients through a more holistic lens.
In my opinion, I can see how a diagnosis of adrenal fatigue -- even if it is a "placebo" diagnosis -- could be helpful in the following cases:
1. A diagnosis can help you take your symptoms seriously. We all know that we need to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep to aid optimal body function, especially in times of stress. That knowledge alone is often not enough to convince us that making what can be simple yet very difficult lifestyle changes. A diagnosis of adrenal fatigue might get some people to acknowledge the toll their current lifestyle places on their body, and initiate these changes. Often these lifestyle changes also help with other health concerns as well.
2. The stigma surrounding mental health diagnosis can inhibit treatment. Despite the strides we've made culturally to reduce the stigma associated with mental health diagnoses, some people might resist treatment for an underlying mental health condition (PTSD or depression, for example). There is a small chance that without the stigma associated with a diagnosis of adrenal fatigue these people might initiate treatment that may then lead them to feel comfortable with a mental health diagnosis with the guidance of the right medical provider.
The Gyrotonic Methods have their own exercise protocols for addressing a body exhibiting these symptoms, whether we believe they are caused by adrenal fatigue or other conditions. The questions we need to ask ourselves, regardless of any medical diagnosis, are:
"Am I worthy of making the effort?"
"Am I worthy of honoring my time, energy, and stress levels?"
"Do I deserve better sleep, a better diet, and generally feel better in my body?"
I think you know what I'm going to say.
YES YOU ARE!
Additional reading:
Here’s what’s on the schedule this week:
Monday, 1/9/2023
10:30am PST - IN-PERSON Prenatal and Postnatal GYROTONIC® Pulley Tower Class (Harriet)
A 50-minute group equipment class open to new parents and birthing people using Gyrotonic exercise on the Pulley Tower as well as additional props to help support the body. Pre-crawling infants welcome. Space for four (4) individuals.
Focusing on the ability of the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® to increase circulation, mobilize and strengthen joints, and increase proprioceptive awareness, this in-person class focuses on connecting participants to their bodies as the demands upon it evolve and change.
Sign-up: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=16934439&appointmentType=34790781
Tuesday, 1/10/2023
9:30am PST - ONLINE Mixed Level Pilates Mat (Harriet)
We are using the fitness ball, wall space, and kneeling padding (towel or the like) for our January sequence. Our focus is posture and inspiration -- in all senses of the word. Video available if you can't attend live.
Sign-up: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=16934439&appointmentType=13574506
1:00pm PST - IN-PERSON Posture Focused GYROTONIC® Pulley Tower Class (Sophia)
A 50-minute group equipment class exploring Gyrotonic exercise on the Pulley Tower. No previous experience required. The class is ideal for those who are working on improving posture with the goal of maintaining a healthy and active life. Space for four (4) individuals.
The GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® is a form of deep abdominal strengthening, focusing on the body’s natural movement in three dimensions, breathing, as well as continuous motion that is smooth and uninterrupted.
Sign-up: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=16934439&appointmentType=35517966
Wednesday, 1/11/2023
NEW CLASS 11:45am PST - IN-PERSON GYROTONIC® with Rigor! Pulley Tower Class (Sophia)
A 50-minute flow class focusing on the strength and continuous movement aspects of the Gyrotonic Methods. Previous experience using the Gyrotonic Pulley Tower required.
Sign-up: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=16934439&appointmentType=39228914
5:00pm PST - IN-PERSON DTC/SF Level 5/6 Conditioning GYROTONIC® Pulley Tower Class (Sophia)
A 50-minute group ballet conditioning class for DTC/SF dancers using the Gyrotonic Pulley Tower. This class is included in DTC/SF semester tuition. Sign up still required as space is limited to four (4) individuals.
The GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® is a form of deep abdominal strengthening, focusing on the body’s natural movement in three dimensions, breathing, as well as continuous motion that is smooth and uninterrupted.
Sign-up: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=16934439&appointmentType=37158530
Thursday, 1/12/2023
9:30am PST - ONLINE Balance and Flow GYROKINESIS® (Harriet)
Still sliding! We are continuing our workouts using furniture sliders (carpet/rug) or slippery socks (wood/laminate floors) to work hip mobility while seated, to facilitate abdominal strength, and are adding upper body work which can be done kneeling, standing, or seated at a table. Please keep your stool and bath towel ready for class as well, in addition to any supplemental padding to support kneeling. Video available if you can't attend live.
Focusing on the ability of the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® to increase circulation, mobilize and strengthen joints, and increase proprioceptive awareness, this Zoom class prepares the body for more confidence in standing balance work.
Sign-up: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=16934439&appointmentType=13778332
6:05pm PST - IN-PERSON GYROTONIC® Pulley Tower Class (Sophia)
A 50-minute group equipment class exploring Gyrotonic exercise on the Pulley Tower. Space for four (4) individuals.
The GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® is a form of deep abdominal strengthening, focusing on the body’s natural movement in three dimensions, breathing, as well as continuous motion that is smooth and uninterrupted.
Sign-up: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=16934439&appointmentType=11540424
Please be prepared to provide updated proof of vaccination when visiting the studio. Here's a useful link to have on hand when you've forgotten your paper vaccination card:
https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/
Remember that bivalent boosters are available to those who are eligible, and we encourage you to stay current on your vaccinations to help keep our community healthy.
We are continuing to wear masks fully covering the nose and mouth while in the Movement For Everyone studio. Our window does not open, our space is very intimate, and we're prioritizing hands-on work during in-person sessions. Online sessions are available for those who are unable to mask for 50-minutes. Thank you for your cooperation.
NEXT WEEKEND!
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR GYROTONIC®INSTRUCTORS:
2-Day Workshop for Gyrotonic Instructors at ABOW
Assessment techniques for GYROTONIC® Trainers
with ITT Pilates Master Trainer and Certified Gyrotonic instructor Jean Sullivan
10:00am-5:00pm Saturday, 1/14/2023
10:00am-5:00pm Sunday, 1/15/2023
Cost: $425
Location: A Body of Work
569 Ruger Street
SF, CA 94129
This 2-day workshop is designed specifically for Gyrotonic instructors. Learn techniques that give you clarity on how your client is adapting to the Gyrotonic movement system. We’ll look at the spine, pelvis, hip joints, feet, and shoulder girdle. Jean hopes to make this an experiential lab where we learn from each other.
Space is limited to 8 students
Register here: https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/asp/main_enroll.asp?fl=true&tabID=8
Looking forward to seeing you online and in-person this week! Until then, GET YOUR BOOSTER, breathe deeply, stay socially distant, healthy and sane.
Warmly,
Harriet
