Welcome back to CoLab Conversations! In this episode, we are joined by Denise Graef, an incredible NASM certified personal trainer and Balanced Body educator for Pilates and CoreAlign. Denise shares her insightful journey using movement as medicine, particularly in navigating and understanding rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Discover how CoreAlign and Pilates, alongside water fitness and strength training, can be powerful tools for building strength, enhancing mobility, and promoting healing for individuals with RA and related conditions. Learn about Denise's personal experiences and her approach to functional aging and holistic wellness. Plus, get a sneak peek into her upcoming CoreAlign CoLab workshop designed for instructors working with clients facing these challenges.

In this episode, we’re discussing…

• Denise Graef's Extensive Expertise: Denise brings a wealth of knowledge as a NASM certified personal trainer, Balanced Body educator for Pilates and CoreAlign, functional aging specialist, and certified health coach.

• Personal Experience with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Denise's personal journey with RA deeply informs her compassionate and effective approach to movement and wellness.

• Movement as a Vital Tool for Healing: Movement is presented not just as exercise, but as essential "medicine" for managing pain, improving mobility, and fostering a positive mindset for individuals with RA and similar conditions.

• CoreAlign as a Supportive Modality: CoreAlign is highlighted as a low-impact, supportive tool that promotes connection and is particularly beneficial for those with joint pain and mobility limitations.

• Importance of Individualized Approach: Recognizing the variability of RA and other conditions, Denise emphasizes the need for instructors to provide space, listen to individual needs, and offer modifications.

• Challenging Limiting Beliefs: A key aspect of Denise's work involves helping individuals overcome perceived limitations and discover their potential through movement.

• Integration of Pilates and Strength Training: Denise advocates for a holistic approach that combines the foundational stability of Pilates with targeted strength training to combat muscle loss associated with RA and aging.

  
  

Connect with Denise Graef

Instagram: www.instagram.com/denisegraeffitness/

Website: https://www.denisegraef.com/

Denise’s upcoming workshop: 

https://momence.com/s/115751122

Connect with CoreAlign CoLab:

@corealign.colab on Instagram

@arwenbrooke_pilates on Instagram

@ArwenBrooke_CoreAlignCoLab on YouTube

corealigncolab.com

colabmovement.com