Active Options specializes in Pilates, Yoga, Integrated Movement Therapy and Strength Training Classes. Classes are offered from the beginner level through to intermediate/advanced. Each class offers a “whole body experience” through movement.

Pilates

The Pilates Method is a full-body conditioning program that develops deep abdominal and back strength ( core strength), together with increased flexibility and ease of movement. Each exercise is carefully structured to strengthen and stretch complementary muscle groups encouraging the development of long and lean muscles and increasing the awareness of the breath during movement.

Yoga

The classical techniques of yoga date back more than 5000 years. The word yoga means, “to join or yoke together” as it helps to join the mind and body. The whole system of yoga is built on three main structures: asanas ( yoga postures), the breath ( Pranayama) and meditation. The physical postures and breathing exercises prepare the body for meditation. There are more than a hundred different schools of Yoga, all with a different focus. The most popular practised in the west is Hatha Yoga.

Integrated Movement Therapies

Integrated Movement Therapies (IMT) is a unique form of exercise that combines aspects of many different types of activities, such as yoga, dance and tai chi. Its focus on function is one of the aspects of IMT that makes it a unique form of exercise. Whereas traditional stretching exercises may focus on isolating one particular muscle, IMT movements involve the whole body and the breath. The exercises encourage us to release and let go of muscular tension and stress.

Benefits

The benefit of all of these exercises is stronger and longer muscles, improved balance and posture and awareness of the breath. At the end of a class you may feel like your shoulders have dropped (relaxed away) from your ears and you may feel a sense of length in your spine. My hope is that the time that you spend in class benefits you in your every day life. Whether you are lifting your children or grandchildren, doing housework or gardening, golfing or throwing a ball, you will be able to do these movements more efficiently, with less chance of injury and ultimately with more enjoyment.

Mission Statement:

We are dedicated to designing classes and programs that meet the goals of the participant and encourage a holistic and lifelong commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

Owner\Teacher Lorrie Mickelson is a certified Personal Trainer through the Ontario Fitness Council and the Canadian Personal Trainer’s Network (www.cptn.com). She is also a Certified Pilates Instructor ( Mat) and a Certified Integrated Movement Therapies Instructor through Second Wind Pilates Plus Studio in Mississauga ( www.secondwind.net). She is currently in her second year of a 2-year, 500-hour intensive teacher training program at the Esther Myer’s Yoga Studio in Toronto (www.estheryoga.com).

Lorrie also holds a Master’s Degree in Sport Sociology and a Degree in Physical and Health Education from Queen’s University.

With over 20 years of experience in health and fitness , Lorrie is pleased to have an opportunity to share her expertise with you.

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