Returning to the Forum

[mahdiah]

I can't remember how long it has been since I've been on the Forum, so I am re-introducing myself.

I am a 53 year old wife and mother of three (20, 18, 15) living in rural Montana. In my 20's, I was very active practicing and teaching Aikido to children in So. California. However, after a move and the birth of my oldest child at age 32, I was plunged into the demands of home and family and wasn't able to practice anymore. Multiple moves (my husband is a software contractor) and two more children complicated things. Eventually in 1998 we settled where we are today.

Over the course of the last twenty years, my health and fitness, as well as my sense of self-confidence, dwindled significantly. I put everyone first as I immersed myself in service to my family, my church, my clients (I'm a massage therapist and internet business owner) and my community. At one point I was 30# overweight and facing some serious health problems. This summer I received a health "wake up call" and made the decision to clean up my diet and exercise regularly again. I am now within 18# of my goal weight and feel so much better.

Years ago I was doing Warrior Wellness daily. I am starting again to do that. The movements feel so, well, nourishing to my body. I know that sounds like an odd thing to say, but that's how it feels.

I want to continue to release the excess weight I've held onto for so many years and I'd like to redevelop my fitness from the ground up, following the CST methods. I believe that flow and movement is critical to effective fitness. Right now, I need guidance as to how to proceed most effectively.

If I could realize my dream, it would be to become an example and instructor, like Coach Sonnon and the other CST coaches are, for the people I work with here who are struggling with their health and life issues.

Cheers,
Donna von Nieda

[Connie Brown]

Welcome Donna. So glad you're back and congratulations on your big results so far. You are so close to your goal and with CST, you're right, flow is just around the corner.

Have you seen the new product, Intu-Flow®? It's a further refinement of Warrior Wellness and includes two 5-lb mini CBs. It has a circuit program that would be great for your goals.

Or, if you're interested in a bodyweight program, Flow Fit would work too. And especially with your MA background.

Maybe you could attend Kappa this year. (hint hint)

[mahdiah]

Hi Coach Brown,

Wow, thanks for writing. I'm honored. I was thinking that Intu-Flow® would be the next move, so I'll proceed with that. Please, could you tell me about Flow-Fit and when/how I could work it in?

Also, I must say that I have thought about coming to a CST training, but due to my lack of fitness and training I have not felt qualified to be in a group like that. I always thought the training was for full-time MA instructors/competitors, etc.

However, if someone like me could have it as a goal, it's something I would like to work toward. Perhaps you can tell me about your experience?

Warmly,
Donna

[Coach Gostnell]

Hi Coach Brown,

Wow, thanks for writing. I'm honored. I was thinking that Intu-Flow® would be the next move, so I'll proceed with that. Please, could you tell me about Flow-Fit and when/how I could work it in?

Also, I must say that I have thought about coming to a CST training, but due to my lack of fitness and training I have not felt qualified to be in a group like that. I always thought the training was for full-time MA instructors/competitors, etc.

However, if someone like me could have it as a goal, it's something I would like to work toward. Perhaps you can tell me about your experience?

Warmly,
Donna

Hi Donna,
That's exactly how you do it: Have it as a goal. I think feeling unprepared is part of the mix for everyone: If I may speak for Coach Brown, Connie & I have both gone to CST workshops/seminars feeling like we were jumping into the deep end of the pool. And we had! But there's always someone there to haul you to the surface.

Be happy to share more w/ you about this by pm/e-mail (only have a minute now before I must get back to work.) But I see Kappa is full - you can think about the training next spring in Bellingham (I don't know my Greek alphabet), that's the next one I have on my schedule, so it'd be great to meet you in person.

[rutherford]

Wow, thanks for writing. I'm honored. I was thinking that Intu-Flow®™ would be the next move, so I'll proceed with that. Please, could you tell me about Flow-Fit and when/how I could work it in?

The FlowFit® program starts at 14 minutes, three times a week. It consists of seven movements and each movement is combined into 4 progressively harder flows.

The first flow uses a stool as a prop and anybody cleared by their health care team for excercise can complete this level - as long as they're honest with themselves about their Rate of Perceived Exertion, Discomfort, and Technique.

The last flow will challenge even the most fit, and you reach that level by increasing one pound of pressure a day. Go slowly, and listen to your body.

The primary goal of FlowFit® is to trigger the neuro-immuno-endocrine (NIE) response. You can read more about that here:

http://www.rmaxinternational.com/for...ad.php?t=10941

[mahdiah]

Thanks for the reply.

Should I try to do the FlowFit® right after Intu-Flow®?

Thanks,
Donna

[Connie Brown]

Wow, thanks for writing. I'm honored. I was thinking that Intu-Flow® would be the next move, so I'll proceed with that. Please, could you tell me about Flow-Fit and when/how I could work it in?

Jason has described what Flow-Fit is. In your shoes I would add programs one at a time. First the mobility, then if you like it, the mini-clubbells, then if you still have time and it works with your goals, Flow-fit. That also gives all 3 "wings" of CST too: mobility, strength, and flow.

I always thought the training was for full-time MA instructors/competitors, etc.

CST certification courses is a little different. First off, you can attend even if you don't want to get certified. Second, certification is for those who want to teach. A teacher doesn't have to be a full-time fitness professional, but someone who knows CST thoroughly and can share with others the benefits the teacher personally has experienced.

Of course, the more the teacher can do, the better, if you ask me. But I myself am recovering from one of the worst holes there is - middle aged woman and obese. I can share where I've been, and I KNOW that mobility and some CBs and Flow-fit are do-able and wonderful. Not to mention the other products. It's amazing what you can do early in your learning.

However, if someone like me could have it as a goal, it's something I would like to work toward. Perhaps you can tell me about your experience?

Spring of 2007 baby! I'll be there and Jeanne too it looks like!

You are so ahead of the game it's not even funny. You have MA experience, you're experienced with clients in your professional life, and you've shown you can adopt a goal and follow through.

Before my first certification I wimped out and privately told Coach Sonnon I wasn't ready and I wanted to wait. He assured me that because the material taught can accomodate all skill levels, it would be ok for me to go sooner rather than later. And he was so, so right. I was NOT the worst at everything (my secret fear). I was SO glad I didn't lose the extra months because what I learned at the certification, changed my thinking, and thus my practice, radically.

Not only that but think that a principle of RMAX is, "start where you are." If that doesn't apply to classes too, then what good is it. It is wonderful to see a roomful of participants because you learn so much by everyone's kind example to share where they have good or blocked movement.