"After shoulder surgery, Eischens Yoga (aka High Energy Yoga) was the foundation of my successful comeback to competitive barefoot waterskiing. In September 2006 I had surgery on a torn labrum and rotator cuff in my right shoulder, preventing me from competing in the 2006 World Championships in Adna, Washington. When I was cleared to workout after surgery I began with a series ofone-on-one therapeutic yoga sessions with Ali Dwyer, CNT and Eischens Yoga Instructor at the Monkey Bar Gym. Ali meticulously studied my shoulder, and was
tremendously helpful in realigning it with the rest of my body. Eischens Yoga laid the foundation to rebuild my strength through Monkey Bar Gym training. As a result, my shoulder is stronger and more stable than ever! Through Ali’s instruction I also gained an awareness of how I distribute my weight across my feet, which enhanced my performance on the water. Thanks to my yoga training with Ali, I quickly returned to competition and won gold in the tricks event at the 2007 National Championships. Eischens Yoga is a central component in my training program as I prepare for the 2009 World Championships in New Zealand." ~Teri Larson, World Ranked Barefoot Water Skier
"Let me start with the general positive changes I’ve noticed in my body. Of course, the more outwardly obvious is being leaner and stronger, which feels great and is reassuring for long term health. I read in the New York Times that contrary to previous assumptions about loss of muscle mass due to aging, we can maintain and increase our muscle mass as we age as long as we continue to work at it.
Less obvious, but in some ways more significant general body changes that I’ve noticed are a lower resting heart rate and better breathing. I can clearly feel slow, calm, strong and steady heart rate when my body is at rest. I think my breathing is more efficient because my core muscles are stronger, because we concentrate on breathing in the gym, and because we practice maximizing our endurance. My breaths are fuller and deeper now all the time, not just when I’m working out. My allergies bother me much less. Again, both of these factors are key to long term health.
I’ve been a bike commuter all my (working) life, and biked everywhere as a kid too. I’m now in my forties, and worked out at other gyms. But in the two years I’ve been at MBG I am leaner, stronger, with better blood flow and breathing than ever in my life. These things help me to be a better cyclist. I can move faster with more efficiency and do not tire readily. My stronger muscles mean I can sustain proper posture for maximum power while riding. I feel more prepared to manage difficult riding conditions and enjoy my rides more than ever. When my ride is over, I feel energized and relaxed at the same time." ~Jennifer Munger, MBG Madison Member