Healing through Movement: Trauma-Informed Fitness for Every Journey
Get safe, compassionate, and personalized fitness coaching from the comfort of your home with little to no equipment. See the forest for the trees when it comes to getting back to the things you love!
Hi my name is Garrett.
For years, I've immersed myself in the wellness industry, tirelessly researching, experimenting, and advocating for holistic approaches to health and well-being. My journey began as a young man, driven by my own mental and physical struggles with chronic pain, existential dread, and many other mysterious symptoms that seemed to defy explanation…
A trauma-informed personal training program recognizes that many of us have unique challenges and sensitivities, and offers a safe and supportive space for your fitness journey.
Movement can be therapeutic when we stop treating our body as something that is broken and exercise as a punishment for what we eat.
With a deep reverence for the body-mind connection and the impact of trauma on physical health, I'm certified to provide customized workouts that accommodate your unique needs and abilities. From gentle movements to targeted strength training, we work together to prioritize your comfort and well-being every step of the way. With compassion and expertise, we move towards improved mobility, strength, and resilience, empowering you to thrive in your body despite any challenges.
A curiculum for success
Together, we can explore these phases of training at pace that makes sense for you.
Discovery
“The beginning is the most important part of the work.”
Plato
Before we “work out” we “work in” and learn more about our whole self. Through comprehensive assessments, we learn:
where your body needs flexibility and where it needs stability
the movement strategies that we might want unlearn or relearn in the body
the tools of recovery: self massage, breathing, and the types of rest you need to help you feel better right away
the mental tools that will be support beginning of your journey
We will work together to build a personalized program of functional strength training, yoga, relaxation, self-massage, and lifestyle medicine. This personalized program will be based on your goals and the season of life that you find yourself in. We will begin to ease aches and pains, and prepare for the next phase.
Resilience
“Resilience is distinct from mere survival, and more than mere endurance. Resilience is often endurance with direction.”
Eric Greitens
In this phase, we take what we’ve learned from your assessments and movement education and double down on what’s been working to create more energy and endurance in the mind and body. We now:
hone and practice the exercises that are just right for you
increase the amount of work your body can do and properly recover from
prepare the joints, connective tissues, and movement patterns for the muscle-building phase
learn how to safely expand your limits
Growth
“Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together.”
James Cash Penney
When the foundations have been laid, you might like to explore building more muscle, and or increasing you confidence around more challenging exercises. In this phase of training we might:
lift weights a little more traditionally
learn how to create the sufficient tension in the body necessary to lift heavy objects safely
build muscle and create balance in the musculoskeletal system
experience the mind-muscle connection in isolation
continue building confidence and overcoming fear of movement
Derek’s story
I can now do movements that I have not been able to do in over 30 years using muscles I had completely forgotten about! Shoulder mobility is cool! Who knew? Garrett’s attention to subtle movements, underused muscle groups and multi-layered practice of patterns have helped me take the load off injury-prone muscles and ligaments both in the gym and in “real life.” I am convinced that this work – along with the work still to come – will be crucial to helping me to be confidently active as I age.
Claire’s story
After 30 years locked at my desk, I developed locked shoulders, lower back pain, plantar fasciitis, and muscle cramps. In spite of several trips to the physio and chiro, I felt like my body was ceasing up. Washing floors or planting tulip bulbs were becoming very uncomfortable tasks. I was dreading our yearly family ski trip, not knowing if my back was going to hold up. I didn't think going to a gym was for me, let alone having a personal trainer. That's for athletes; to intimidating for me!
Knowledge is a powerful thing. I am now learning how to move without pain. Using muscles I didn't even know I had, I am now able to execute simple movements that were always a challenge for me: a simple sit up, a push up and so much more. Now I can follow family and friends skiing, snowshoeing, hiking: no pain! Everyday chores, gardening: no pain! Building strength without fear of getting hurt builds a lot of confidence.