There are two types of clients - those who ask for homework and those who don't. The ones who don’t, they come into my studio with the expectation that we’re going to work some magic together. We’ll reintegrate their body during the session, and they can keep on living their best life. Doing all the stuff they love—yes, even the things that probably got them twisted up in the first place. ( Golfers, you know who you are. ;P ) With them, it’s all about getting into the nitty-gritty of their physical quirks, weaving in exercises that build them up where they’re lacking, and unwinding the torques in their tissues. But truthfully—I’m not about to tell them to overhaul their lifestyle or the way they move through their passions. I’m not here to tell anyone how to live their life, I’m just here to help them enjoy it. Then, there are the homework seekers. These folks are looking for that solid proof they’re on a pathway to improvement, bolstered by their personal commitment. Now, if we’re being generous, maybe half of them dive into those exercises. The rest? They might forget, or maybe those exercises end up joining the collection of " hooks to hang some guilt on". And honestly, it's all fine with me. Let’s face it, having some kind of physical routine is key to staying on top of your game, health-wise. Some thrive on the discipline of a set routine, others find their groove in group classes, and then there are the "seekers" who find it on their own - through physical exploration driven by curiosity, movement meditation and play. That’s why the “homework” I hand out tends to look more like a suggestion and less like a set protocol. As opposed to directing someone to go through a set series of foot exercises, I might suggest that they spend a minute writing words in the air with their toes, then “glue” their foot to the floor and move around it as creatively as possible. Got a regular workout? Great, I might toss in a couple of tweaks or new angles to keep things interesting. Because the moment you start paying real attention to how you move, everything changes. You get stronger, more controlled, and naturally, the exercises evolve as you do, often morphing into something entirely new. One of the wisest things I’ve ever heard about exercise was about the importance of the attempt, not the execution. “It doesn’t matter what homework your client DOES, what matters is that they spent time trying to remember it.” And speaking of playtime, here’s my latest favorite suggestion for those seeking a bit of homework. I Call it the “Wall-Phabet” Grab a ball, tennis-sized, and push it against the wall with your arm straight out. Now, get artsy and trace the alphabet. Once you’ve got that down, mix it up—face a different direction, maybe give it a go sideways or even with your back to the wall. And for an extra bit of flair, why not switch to cursive? This little exercise isn’t just about stabilizing your rotator cuff. It’s an invitation to explore, to engage with your body in a curious, playful way. It’s about giving your body some freedom of expression and connecting the creative side of your brain to a part of the body that’s often overlooked. Remember, my goal here isn’t to prescribe a one-size-fits-all way to wellness. I’m all about infusing your journey with curiosity and delight, encouraging you to find that sweet spot where exercise feels less like a chore and more like a choice—a fun one at that. Have a beautiful week, Domini Anne Did someone forward you this email? No longer want to hear my deep thoughts? You can unsubscribe through the link below: |
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