Ep 13: Heather Umberger | Using play to improve fitness

In this episode, Nikki and Janet chat with integrative wellness practitioner Heather Umberger, M.S. counseling about the importance of play in movement and how play can be used as a tool to more effectively reach your fitness goals. They discuss how play can improve confidence and create an experience that keeps you wanting to return to an activity (like exercise) rather than avoid it. Heather explains how we've been evolved to use play as a tool to grow learn and develop. She offers tips for how you can incorporate play into your fitness program (even if you're super linear). Benefits of playful movement: It helps you work harder without the same level of discomfort More self confidence Improved mental outlook and decrease stress levels Less self consciousness - helps you take more risks Studies have found when movement is viewed as play and not exercise, then you're more likely to make healthy food choices More creativity and productivity  Examples of playful movement and fitness: Games (e.g. tag, adult frogger) Nia Laughter Yoga Three ways to bring play into any workout: Do something different (in exercise or during a part of your day) Go outside and explore, move, walk or go to a playground Explore what kind of play experiences are in your community (e.g. Nia, Laughter Yoga club, a new fitness class)   Heather Umberger offers innovative and effective mind/body experiences to improve overall well-being that are a result of her master’s degree in counseling, facilitation of the PSYCH-K® process 13 years in the bodywork field, as well as multiple other trainings. She’s trained in advanced bodywork methods including trigger point, myofascial release, cranial-sacral, lymphatic, Orthobionomy®, Trager®, Berry Method®, Integrative Reflexology®, Nurturing the Mother® fertility/prenatal/postpartum, Infant Massage USA®, Laughter Yoga, the MELT Method®, and Nia.  Her clients regularly meet goals such as increased fertility and positive prenatal experience; pain relief (from issues stemming from arthritis, fibromyalgia, pre/post-surgical procedures, headaches, neck/back/shoulder, sports injuries); relief from stress, anxiety and depression; athletic pursuit; graceful aging; management of symptoms with neurological disorders; and wellness.  You can find more about Heather and her classes, movement and massage services in Chesterfield, Virginia at http://www.fertilegroundmassage.com