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Bibi & Me!

Writer's picture: Sarah MartensSarah Martens

I had the good fortune of meeting Bibi about a year and a half ago, when I started offering online group Movement classes for People with Parkinson's. Her curiosity in what we were doing became apparent from the observations she'd share during the period at the end of class I set aside for anyone who has any questions or reflections.


After some time, she reached out to see if we could meet for private sessions over Zoom. We found a time (now twice weekly), and got down to business!


(a quick aside)...In my experience in working with People with Parkinson's, I have found there are some students who struggle with the motivation to exercise, even knowing how it positively impacts their health. This can lead to feelings of shame and a sense of defeat. I want to stress here that this is very normal, as dopamine production directly affects our ability to feel motivated. This impacts some more than others, so if you can relate to this, please be gentle with yourself, and give yourself regular pats on the back for everything you are doing in the face of great adversity!


Bibi has made Movement and exercise a daily priority, and besides the classes she attends with me, she participates in aquafit, yoga and group fitness classes for seniors in her condo building. She notices, say after a vacation, how differently it feels to move, but eventually her sense of ease returns once she resumes her weekly classes.


In our sessions together, we spend some time working on gait mechanics, rhythm and coordinating patterns of movement (focusing on arm swings), strengthening from the feet upwards, as well as cognitive exercises. Everyone is unique- therefore everyone I work with has unique needs and priorities. There are definitely movements which overlap from class to class, though I strive in making each class feel fresh and new. The reason for this is twofold- every day is a new day, so what was required last week may be quite different from what is being asked for today, plus I want to keep students on their toes, so they stay present and open to trying new things (great for brain health!)


This past summer, we finally met IRL, which was such a delightful treat. Bibi and I spent a lazy, sunny September afternoon wandering through Riverdale Farm, close to where I live in Toronto's east end. I asked her if she'd mind sharing her experience in working with me, to help others gain a better understanding of how sessions with a Movement coach can support people living with Parkinson's. Below is Bibi's testimonial, which I am so grateful for, as I am for her passion and dedication to her practice.



"With the loss of motor patterns, such as proper walking, private lessons with Sarah have opened my eyes to understanding the mechanics behind the movements I have to invite my body to relearn which used to come easily. Take for example, the impact of weight shifting and the way it helps coordinate all movement. Without private lessons with Sarah, the importance of this would be lost to me. Sarah explains the mechanics behind the movements I am learning.  Sarah does this in a calm, encouraging manner, identifying any discord in my movement and gently correct me, creating easier acceptance and understanding. This has been very helpful in slowing the progression of the disease with much less frustration. I can wake up each morning grateful for the life I have."




If you are looking for someone to help support your movement practice, and gain a better understanding of your potential for growth, please contact me. I can be reached by email, smcircle4@gmail.com



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