503-705-4762

Tag: standing balance

“Anne saved my life!” How I got unstuck out in the middle of nowhere.

“Anne, you saved my life!” This was the first thing one of my clients said at the start or our Monday 6 pm yoga class.

He told a story about being out in the middle of nowhere, falling and not being able to get up. I believe his exact words were, “I’m screwed.” He then remembered some of the ways we have practiced going from the floor to standing, and was able to regain his composure, and figure out how to stand up (and not be bear food).

I know the old commercials where the little old lady says “I’ve fallen and I cant get up” were funny, but seriously, unless you have fallen and not been able to get up off the floor, you may not realize how terrifying this is, especially if you are alone.

My client is active, he loves to be outdoors, fishing and golfing. He’s been coming to our yoga class for several years. Occasionally his low back flares up and he does a few one-on-ones with me. He sees the value in strengthening, stretching, and mobilizing his spine, as this helps him stay out of pain, and allows him to do the things he loves.

After class I asked him if I could write a post about his story and he sent this email along with some photos from his trip:

“Hey Anne; A little story about my fall fishing trip:

My favorite fly fishing spot is the Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park.

This September I was fishing on kind of marshy, soft and mucky ground. Standing half in the water and half on the land tying on a new fly I lost footing and fell onto the bank. Initially on my back and side I could not get up, and after a number of minutes felt I might be screwed. Then a vision crossed my mind of Anne demonstrating a yoga standing move, butt in the air walking one’s hands towards ones feet. I managed to get on all fours, walked my hands backward and I stood upright.

Funny how things intersect and of course Anne is a hero.”

If you struggle with your balance or mobility, or feel you’re no longer able to do the things you used to do, our Monday yoga class is for you! We start with mobility work, incorporate a few standing strength and balance exercises, then the last half of the class is devoted to stretching. This is a great stress reducer, and a fantastic start to your week.

Still not sure if this is for you? Reach out to me and I’ll send you the code to try your first class for free.

xoxo

Anne

(503) 705-4762

Downward Facing Dog yoga shoulder and leg stretch

The June Five Exercises

About the Five: Each month I offer five exercises to improve your strength, balance, flexibility, and mobility. My hope is that you will go through these either on your own or with me two to three times a week. Some moves (like this month’s standing twist) you could do every day.

Click here to watch the June Five video.

  • Standing Twist
  • Weighted March
  • Side Lunge
  • Overhead Press
  • Down Dog

 

These photos are meant to remind you of work we have done together. Please see your medical professional prior to beginning a new exercise program.

If you’d like more detailed information on these exercises, click one of the links below:

Join Fluid’s Fit Club

Join a live class

Schedule a 1:1 with Anne

September Five Exercises For Leg And Back Strength And Standing Balance

Last month we worked single sided movements. This moth we cover a lot! Standing balance, back strength and stabilization and a really difficult Pilates move that requires core strength, hamstring flexibility and control. Can you do these with me right now? If you have gear at home gather a mat, a yoga block, a towel or small pillow to pad your knees, and weights (5, 8 or 10 lb.).

The September Five

 

  • Squat/ side kick

 

 

It’s hard to see what my leg is doing so here’s another view…

  • Swimming

  • Camel

I’ve been setting up against the wall for this back extension. The wall keeps me from pressing my hips too far forward. Hard to tell what I;m doing, so check out the next photo below…

 

 

  • Corkscrew

Oh boy, this one is a difficult, complicated move that requires strength, flexibility and control. Please do not attempt this if you have not already done it with me in a class or a training session. I’m showing bent knees, but you can also do it with straight legs.

 

  • Plank Rows

 

Anne McCranie is a Portland, Oregon based Personal Trainer and Licensed Massage Therapist. She offers these exercises as a reminder of what you have done with her in a private training session or a class. Please see your medical professional prior to starting a new exercise program.

Vinyasa Yoga This Saturday at Sellwood Yoga

Come flow with Anne this Saturday!

Cultivate awareness, strength and flexibility. Improve your balance. Link your breath and movement in this 75 minute Vinyasa flow.

Anne Astoria

  • Vinyasa Yoga at Sellwood Yoga
  • 4 – 5:15 pm
  • $15 drop in
  • all levels welcome

Preregister here, or just show up at 4. The studio provides mats, blocks, straps and bolsters.

Anne McCranie is a Portland, (Sellwood) Oregon based Personal Trainer and Licensed Massage Therapist. She offers weekly fitness classes, one on one sessions as well as Fluid’s signature Movement + Massage sessions.