I want to give my heartfelt thanks to the entire group for a wonderful Mexican Retreat. It did much to help me improve my exercise technique, and the people were warm and wonderful (not to mention the gorgeous resort and delicious food). I hope to do another retreat in the not-too-distant future. I have achieved so many benefits from the daily (well almost) exercise, and I am so grateful to Miranda for devising this wonderful program. There have been huge improvements in my posture, improvements that I didn’t even realize were needed had it not been for the verbal instruction that goes along with the physical. I feel stronger all the time and have much more energy and sense of ease just because of improved posture and the way I carry myself. I have also noticed greatly improved muscle tone and a generally stronger, more slender and healthier appearance (also have begun to lose weight). In addition, the subject of vegetarianism came up in dinner conversation. I have tried it since I returned home with incredible results in my digestion and weight loss. It seems to be the perfect kind of lifestyle for me, and, again I’m not sure I would have tried it had it not been for my conversation with Sahra and Miranda. I have to say also that I am particularly fond of the “Stretching for Athletes” DVD and the “Core Workout”. I have, all my life (now I realize), had weak abdominal muscles which have given me poor posture and lack of ease in sitting, standing and walking. What a joy it is to feel a new sense of strength and ease in everything I do. Also, I can’t believe my improved flexibility from all of the stretching. I feel kind of like a little kid again (although I will be 65 on my next birthday). I think this exercise program is an invaluable gift to all of us but particularly valuable in giving us the means to have a long, active and healthy life as we grow older. Again, many thanks for everything

Paula S

I have been doing Essentrics for many years. The week in Mexico was transforming. I lost 9 lbs, grew another 1/8 inch., learned to balance correctly on my feet. Yesterday I had a massage from the same person I have been going to for 7 years. She was astounded! My skin is thicker; broken blood vessels hardly show. My muscles are softer, stronger and more plyable. She could hardly recognize my lower limbs as mine. My pecs are more toned so my breasts are higher! She was astounded. I truly will never stop doing Classical Stretch or sharing what I learned w my students who are already singing better. Thank you to the whole team.
Anne D.

The symposium was a life changing experience. I have been doing Classical Stretch for years and loved the one on one help with form and technique. Miranda and staff were so helpful. I look forward to the next symposium and living pain free as I age backwards! THANK YOU!

Linda

I was very fortunate to attend the first-ever Essentrics Symposium in Mexico. Wow! It was such a great trip!! Being able to workout live with Miranda, Sahra, Gail, Meg, and Amanda was so awesome. There was such a large group of exercisers & teachers doing their certification training, that each day I met new people. People from all over! Everyone was having a great time.

Learning live is always good. We were gently corrected when we were doing things wrong and everything was explained so well that I think we all learned so much. I’m one of those people who loves the plies. Who knew I was doing them wrong! I had my feet turned out too much. One of the teachers corrected me on that. That was the best part, with so many of us in the class there were enough teachers in the room to be watching and walking the room to go up to people and help correct them when doing something wrong. The teachers were also able to go up to Miranda or anyone running the class and let them know to make adjustments for the folks in the back of the room who often could not see what was happening up on the front stage.

Of course, I enjoyed the Mexico sun, sand & sea! The resort was the perfect location for this symposium. A room big enough for our classes and plenty to do and see after class. Beautiful pools, the popular salt water pool, and the food was excellent! My boyfriend came on the trip but did not participate in the classes. It was a perfect trip for us – I got to workout and he got some time on his own to read, rest, explore the resort. We would both do something like this again. Who knows, maybe next time I could get him in the classes, as he did see some of the men going into class in the morning.

Toward the middle of the week, I noticed that my legs were no longer “tight.” I am an avid walker and do quite a bit of treadmill & outdoor walking. I’ve always had tight hamstrings & calves and not much flexibility. I guess halfway to the end of the week it finally hit me that my legs felt different. Not tight! I also no longer had the neck pain that is off an on for me for the last couple of years. We got home and I was checking myself out in the mirror and my legs look leaner and my calves actually are smaller. Two days home from Mexico and we were with my boyfriend’s sister and she said “you’ve lost weight! how is that possible when you went on vacation?!” I told her I had actually gained some weight – the usual 4-5 pounds from vacation eating. But she continued to say I looked great. We told her that this was a fitness holiday for me and I told her about Classical Stretch/Essentrics. I definitely feel better when I do this type of exercise – even before I went to Mexico I felt this way after doing just one episode of CS. You just feel better, lighter in your body.

While I’m sad that we’re back home, as it has been a cold week here compared to Mexico, mostly I miss the routine of going to class 2x a day and seeing Miranda and the girls! This coming from someone who only exercises in the morning for 30-45 minutes tops. I have committed myself to doing CS almost every day. I am hoping to have further improvements in my body – but mostly I’m hoping to at least maintain the changes in my legs. I think we all can be critical of our bodies in some way and I know that right now I feel pretty good about mine. Would I go to another symposium like this? YES!!! I am worried that I would miss out when they announce future ones!

Next time I would try to get us more involved with the rest of the group after class too, as I feel we missed out on some fun times but my boyfriend was dealing with a minor medical issue of his own and needed the downtime. He was very glad he went along with me on the trip and he too has noticed a difference in my body.

Thank you Miranda & Sahra for hosting such an event! I can’t wait to see you again!

Carrie

Thank you for another wonderful Essentrics/Classical Stretch retreat. The symposium showed the growth of this important work. I attended with a friend and we got a great deal out of the instruction and guidance. The feet work and emphasis on them as our foundation was very helpful; along with the posture and alignment direction. The workshop on Connective Tissue continued my education about this significant component of our physical structure. I appreciated the references to the body as a “unit” because this supports the sense of wholeness that acknowledges the interrelationship among all the parts. Of course, the accommodations were fabulous, as usual. I also connected with a New York City based Essentrics instructor and I plan to check out her class. Special thanks for featuring me in the Forever Painless documentary. Telling my story of success with Essentrics/Classical Stretch helped to enhance my healing and ongoing management of my chronic back issues. The program has enriched me and contributed to optimal functioning and a great quality of life. I look forward to doing it for the rest of my life.

Sharon

Jamaica retreat was far beyond my expectations! It was wonderful to reconnect with friends and so fun to make new ones. Essentrics is a way of life for me and it was exciting to be amongst like-minded, enthusiastic people. What was really great about this retreat (besides the beautiful Round Hill Resort of course!) was that the size of the group allowed personal connection with everyone. And over the course of the week, it was heart-warming to see participants physically and mentally responding to the daily classes and Miranda’s lectures. They were standing taller, smiling widely and happily greeting each other and strangers as well. Well done to you all – those on the front line and those behind the scenes, it takes each of you to make it all happen! Great job and I look forward to next time!

Hayley Wilson

This was my second exercise vacation, and I loved them. They inspire me, and I learn so much. This time, through some cajoling from me, my partner came along with amazing results. He’s doing a daily session with me, has better posture, and less back pain. He gets it that he needs stretching for flexibility and mobility, not weights and treadmill. Thank you all for such a great event!

Anonymously

I’m early 60s, overweight, and have spent much of the past 35 years at keyboards in front of screens, or else sitting in meetings, or sitting reading. For about 15 of those years, I was also bird-dogging Elder Care — so I’ve had extensive exposure to aging, immobility, and deteriorating health (including cognitive decline).
I finally realized that much of the immobility and pain that I associate with aging is actually the result of tight muscles, and too little activity. I’ve observed this ‘downward spiral’ one too many times. Watching people decline made me wonder whether the kind of rigid, pain-filled movement that I associate with aging could be prevented or delayed.
In addition, I had a serious back injury at age 19, so I am extremely interested in any form of exercise that will help me prevent back surgery. When my doctor recommended that I try Essentrics to strengthen my core and protect my back, it was a ‘eureka!’ moment for me.
I currently weigh too much to play tennis, so I was seeking something that would meet several criteria:
(1) spark enough joy that I’d want to do it each day
(2) improve flexibility and mobility
(3) reduce back pain
(4) avoid fancy, expensive equipment
(5) adapt to a 10 minute break, or a longer workout
(6) offer a fairly quick learning curve
(7) help me feel better and have more energy
I went to the April 2018 Mexico Symposium with an open mind, and a vague idea that teaching Essentrics might be a way to help people retain their mobility longer, and improve their balance — in other words, increase their quality of life, while also reducing risk of injury. I was curious about teaching Essentrics, but had not made any firm commitment.
However, the quality of instruction at the Mexico Symposium, as well as the quality of the information provided about the links between movement, anatomy, neurology, and health were revelations. I now understand how Essentrics can benefit seniors, preschoolers, and everyone in-between.
I’m now working toward a Level 1 certification, so that I can teach Aging Backwards, because I am already experiencing what a difference it is making for my own health.
I no longer feel doomed to a fate of back surgeries, tightness, headaches, and pain. Being able to move more easily has made me feel more optimistic, and more hopeful about being able to remain mobile, than I had thought possible. I would like to teach part-time, in order to help others, improve their mobility and balance.
The Mexico Symposium sparked one ‘eureka!’ moment after another for me, and I’m thoroughly enjoying the learning curve – with some terrific soundtracks to move me along 😉

Maura

Essentrics has been a life changer for me. If someone asked me 6 yrs ago where do you see yourself in the next few years. I never would have imagined I would be a level 4 mentor for Essentrics. This was my second time to Mexico each time I have taken away so much knowledge about the technique and why it works for all people. It is so nice to come together with like-minded people and to hear their stories. This year Miranda’s talks on the mind body connection hit home with my personal story. It is so true that tight muscles effect more than posture and daily movement. It also effects your coordination. Just knowing that you might be able to repair the brain to body neurons by actually thinking about and feeling the muscle you want to engage, is huge. Then when you apply it and see the results .it is amazing. I know this is the reason I became a trainer. One to heal myself, 2 to share with others and improve their quality of life and hopefully to inspire others and help them become trainers so they can help others.

Kimberly

Loved my week there! Great accommodations, and even better teachers and classes. While being there a week and getting my form all in shape. I lost 1 pound while at the symposium and have lost two more since being home. I’m feeling great and all pumped up. Thank you, guys, for everything miss you already

Judi

Just the thing after a long sleepy winter. My body feels so good, toned and strong. Ready to tackle all those gardens. Thanks Miranda, Meg, Amanda, Gail, Sahra, Lauren, Severina, Carley, Maude… Well done!

Beatrice

It was a wonderful, inspiring experience! All of the instructors and mentors were very warm, personable, and FUN! The informational talks were so interesting in revealing the benefits of Essentrics. My body LOVED the daily sessions of movement! My soul loved the retreat in this beautiful setting! I look forward to the next one!

Laura

My experience in Montreal at your Teacher Training was excellent. So professional. I came away with what I was looking for which was more detail in teaching techniques. This will enable me to feel more confident in finishing my level one and beyond. They were sure to cover off everything the class was looking for and did not rush. Meg was a joy to work with, a perfect example of the Essentrics culture, as were the rest of the participants. Everyone was so pleasant and passionate about the company. It was especially nice to meet the rest of the team and to hear more about the company and their plans for the future. This gave me a sense of inclusivity. I am thrilled to be a part of this, am already thinking of level 2 and coming to Montreal next year.

Wendy P

I have been doing Essentrics for many years. I have shared DVD’s w students. I’m a singing and speaking teacher. The week in Mexico was transforming. I lost 9 lbs, grew another 1/8 inch., learned to balance correctly on my feet. Yesterday I had a massage from the same person I have been going to for 7 years. She was astounded! My skin is thicker…broken blood vessels hardly show. My muscles are softer, stronger and more pliable. She could hardly recognize my lower limbs as mine. My pecs are more toned so my breasts are higher. She was astounded. I truly will never stop doing Classical Stretch or sharing what I learned w my students who are already singing better. Thank you to the whole team!!!!!!!!!!!

Sincerely,

Anne

In the spring before I turned 70, I was rising early to run in the park near my home. I began experiencing a pain in my lower back and a sharp pain in my left thigh. I began downing pain relievers before my run to combat the pain. I then decided to see a chiropractor about the pain. She sharply advised me to stop the pain relievers before I damaged my stomach. She also advised me to stop running so we could find the cause of the pain. I needed a new workout. I remembered seeing some workouts on PBS early every weekday. I tried a yoga program, but had problems with some of the poses. Another program caught my eye: Classical Stretch. I vacillated between the two programs for awhile. Miranda’s program eventually won me over. After over a year and a half, I have worked out to Essentrics and Classical Stretch nearly every day. I joined Essentrics TV where I have a wide range of workouts streamed on my laptop and ipad. Now I can workout when I travel too! I recommend Essentrics for many reasons: Every day I have the confidence that nearly every muscle,joint and connective tissue in my body has been worked out. My body is being re-balanced and my back and leg pain are things of the past. I had been concerned about my posture, but had no idea how to correct it. Well, I learned that correct posture is more than just standing up straight. Because of learning how to stretch and strengthen my spine, hips, quads and feet, the change in my freedom of movement was amazing. Now my body just wants to stand up correctly and it feels terrific. And what good is an exercise program if you don’t enjoy it and see results? My running regime took a large effort and I really didn’t look forward to it that much. I’d get up early, change my clothes, put on running shoes, get my music ready to accompany me and adjust my clothing to whatever weather was going on. With Essentrics, I climb out of bed (usually already dressed for my workout) grab my laptop and begin my workout – barefooted! No shoes required. Such an easy prep. And the amazing thing is – I absolutely enjoy it! The benefits of stretching and building strength in my bones (important to me because of osteoporosis concerns), my back, hips, feet, and spine, along with no-impact cardio workouts, I am assured that I am certainly on the right path for my good physical health. The cherry on top of this story is that I got to attend the Essentrics Symposium in Mexico this month. I learned that live classes are important for this program, if at all possible. I learned so much about my body. I learned correct forms for the exercises. I made so many good friends during a magical week. Thanks so much for being such an important part of my life.

Jacqueline Olson

Mon mari Michel et moi avons assisté à notre 1er Symposium au Mexique. Quelle belle expérience! Vacances et entrainement pendant 7 jours… WOW! Nous avons apprécié énormément notre séjour avec les participants et surtout avec les organisatrices de cet événement. J’ai l’impression qu’elles ont donné plus que leur 100% Merci à Maude et Allison en particulier! Vous êtes formidables! Quel privilège nous avons de connaître la technique Essentrics avec Myranda! Elle et sa fille Sahra sont des ambassadrices du mieux-être! Depuis octobre 2015, nous nous entrainons tous les jours parce que nous en sentons les bienfaits à chaque jour. Merci encore et à l’année prochaine peut-être si Dieu le permet!

Céline Bouchard

It was a wonderful meeting in Mexico. Great luxurious accommodation and food, good organization and nice people. Great Essentrics team: if needed there was always help. Advice: to maybe add some levels in experience. Have some advanced workshops for those who have been practicing Essentrics for a longer time (Meg already gave us some extra’s, but with so many great teachers and plenty of space at the resort it would be great to add). Learned a lot about many injuries and ages and it gives courage to continue knowing that we are on the right track teaching this wonderful way of training your body. Thanks!!

Turid

I am new to Essentrics, first time to try it was Mexico. I had back pain 6 weeks prior to Symposium two massages and a visit to my Chiropractor the day before my flight down. Steady improvement over the week. Now that I’m home been doing posture with Miranda’s DVD. I am almost pain free I am 79 years old and going strong.
Hope you have another one next year!

Robert

To Miranda and all The Essentrics Team,
I participated in the Mexico Symposium and teacher training workshops this December (2016). I found it to be a truly worthwhile experience to meet and talk to so many people from all over the world who have discovered this transformational program. It was also a great opportunity to work with so many of your talented instructors and meet and talk to so many of your trainees from levels 1 through 4 during all the workshops and at dinner.
I found Essentrics on PBS eight years ago when I was rehabilitating from a rotary shoulder injury. I had finished physical therapy but had not re-gained full mobility in my injured shoulder. After a month of doing the Classical Stretch program daily, I recovered the full range of motion in my shoulder. I have been doing the program ever since and have attended two Classical Stretch workshops held in Estes Park, Colorado.
There were no instructors in my area (Washington, DC) until this year, so I decided to sign up and become a certified Level 1 teacher myself. I know many people in my community would benefit from the program as I have.

I look forward to participating in another teacher training workshop soon. Lastly, I hope the Essentrics team will consider the Washington DC area for a workshop program in the future. I am sure it would be another sold out venue for them. I would be happy to help them with making this happen in any way I can.
Sincerely,

Ms. Fern Bleckner

I started Essentrics in September 2015. My sister-in-law recommended I try it on our PPS station. At that time, I was recovering from a bad sprained ankle. I also had a sore big toe from the bunion on the joint and chronic hip pain. Since I have been doing Essentrics/classical stretch, I no longer have toe pain, I have mobility in my recovered sprained ankle and my hip pain is reduced and improving. I also love that in a 22/26 minute workout, I am working every muscle, joint and bone in my body. I feel great the entire day and have more energy.
I have also gotten my husband to workout with me most mornings. He has had a lot of improvement in his shoulders and he is walking much better and has better balance. His knees are still stiff and unbendable, but without the stretch and strengthen he would not be able to do many of the things he loves.
My daughter and I really enjoyed the Mexico Symposium. Live classes has made my workouts more efficient.
Thank you for all you are doing to help so many people be more mobile.

Charlotte

My wife and I, recently attended the Essentrics weekend, in Estes Park, CO. Although I had watched Miranda, on TV, for many years, I had not performed the exercises. Our experience, was very enlightening, both physically and in knowledge development. We truly enjoyed the exercises and the lecture session Miranda proved to be, the gracious and pleasant personality, that we all recognize, on the TV. She kindly took the time, to get to know you and understand your individual situation. Additionally, her Instructors, Susan, Amanda and Gail, moved around the room and mad sure to we all were positioning ourselves correctly. This is a great team and they made it a Great experience! Thank you, Ladies!

Kevin

I am new to Essentrics first time to try it was Mexico Had back pain 6 weeks prior to Symposium two massages and a visit to my Ciropractor the day before my flight down. Steady improvement over the week. Now that I’m home been doing posture with Miranda’s DVD. Al most pain free I am 79 years old and going strong.

Hope you have an other one next year.

Robert Moor