What do you remember about the first time you took an eccentrics class?

I remember thinking about 10 minutes into it that I wished I would have started doing it when my mom first brought it up to me. I felt a certain amount of relief that I hadn’t ever gotten from doing any other type of stretching or release work.

Did you have a favorite Eccentrics instructor when you were a practicing student? How did that instructor help you in your practice?

My favorite instructor is named Gail Garceau and she is one of the main instructors and educators of the program. She works with athletes and is herself very active in many of the things that I am also active in. I find her classes informative, challenging when appropriate, and always helpful to my overall training.

What led you to pursue eccentrics teacher training? (In your answer include where and when plus current credentials and ones you are pursuing).

I’ve wanted to get this certification since I started doing the program 2 years ago but didn’t think I would ever have the opportunity to share this with anyone other than my personal training clients and family members. Kris has given me really exciting and unique opportunity to share this with the local community and I am thrilled to bring this modality of exercise to our area.

Define eccentrics in your terms?

I define it as a mix of tai chi, barre, and pilates that will change your body by working on the fascial network that covers every inch of us all. A lot of pain we feel is from kinks and sticking points in this particular connective tissue(fascia) and I have never found another way to work these kinks out so effectively.

If a person is brand new to eccentrics, what advice would you give them?

I would tell them to forget the idea of having to suffer through every workout and embrace that this type of movement is something that will change the way they feel and look if they give it an honest effort.

We all have superpowers when we are doing what we love…what is your eccentric superpower?

My superpower in this program is my ability to keep challenging myself even when doing the same movements, and I think that this will be the same superpower that others will find as well. The great thing about eccentrics is that you are in charge of the challenge and that there is no need to add weights or even change the movements because we can all find a way to strengthen and lengthen our bodies more as we advance in the program.

At Coastal Pilates and Yoga we are incorporating the healing modalities of heat, sound and colored light (chromotherapy) into our practice of Yoga: CHROMO YOGA. Tell me about your first experience in the room, what surprised you or stuck with you after that first session?

The first time I took a class in the room, I fell in love with the combination of movement, colors and heat. I love the way the colors can calm my active mind and how refreshed I feel mentally and physically when I leave the room.

Chromotherapy (color light therapy) is a healing modality that can improve the health of the body and mind. Explain how you weave color therapy into your yoga sessions.

I am very new to teaching with the color therapy lights but am excited to use each part of the color spectrum to help maximize the effects of breathwork, movement and finally relaxation into every class.

Often the color that we are most attracted to is the color we need. Do you have a color that you just seem to release into when doing essentrics?

The warmer colors like red, orange and yellow are the colors that I am most stimulated by when I am in the room. I especially feel like I am in my own personal groove when I work in the yellow color, like the sun is shining just for me.

Do you have a favorite pose while in that color?

Any movement I do while in the yellow color feels productive but peaceful for me. Like I said, I feel like I am bathing in sunshine, and have every opportunity in the palm of my hand.

What can a student expect when they join you for an eccentrics class here at Coastal Pilates and Yoga?

Students can expect a fun and positive movement experience with someone who genuinely wants to assist with their physical goals and overall wellness. All levels of fitness can participate in the eccentrics program and I would love to be able to guide anyone interested in this journey.

Tell me what you do when you’re not teaching essentrics? (other job, family, hobbies, passions…whatever you want to highlight)?

I love to run long-distances, lift weights, take yoga and pilates classes at the studio and really just love to be active. I am an avid baker and like to deliver treats to everyone I know. I am extremely hungry for knowledge, so I love to read and listen to certain experts in the fields of medicine, health and wellness. Most importantly, I love to spend as much time as I can with my boyfriend Mike and our sweet puppy Jack, who both bring all the best things into my life.