Chiropractic
Chiropractic Doctors (DC's) are regulated primary health care providers with four years of postgraduate education.
The word "chiropractic" comes from ancient Greek meaning "done by hand". Chiropractors are specialists in manual techniques which aim to restore normal function to the spine, joints, and supporting structures of the body. Trained in a variety of techniques, your chiropractor can tailor treatments to your comfort level while effectively meeting your healthcare goals.
Adjustments of the joints of the spine and extremities have been used for centuries to promote healing and relieve dysfunction. Proper posture and motion between vertebrae are essential for a healthy spine. Spinal manipulation (adjustment) stimulates the nervous system, induces joint motion, and encourages good posture. This process facilitates the body's innate ability to relieve symptoms, restore function, and heal.
Chiropractors treat a range of conditions and offer prescriptions in therapeutic exercise, nutritional and lifestyle counseling, and education on disease and injury prevention.
Yoga Classes
Hatha (physical) yoga can be performed by almost all body types, in many different stages in life, and can reflect each person's many different moods.
While for some people, a vigorous class like 'Ashtanga' may seem appropriate, for others a gentle restorative or a deep stretching 'Yin' class may be optimal. For others still, ... their needs change daily.
Yoga Lab (Iyengar Yoga)
The Iyengar method of hatha yoga focuses on the precise alignment of joints and muscles to bring about balance, improved strength and ease of movement. This lends itself well to students with special needs resulting from injury or chronic illness. Benefits include reduced stress, improved posture and breathing, and reduction in pain. Those who practice yoga regularly tend to avoid injury and experience faster healing time.
Small classes in our clean and comfortable studio allow for individualized attention. This ensures that students progress as quickly and safely as possible. Through step-by-step instruction, students learn postures to exercise all body systems, as well as techniques for quiet relaxation and restoration.
Certified instructors belong to national and provincial associations which regulate the practice and teaching of Iyengar yoga in Ontario and Canada.
Restorative Yoga
Restorative Yoga focuses on relaxing the body in restful postures. Note that 'rest' is different than sleep. Rest provides the body an opportunity to renew and heal.
Restorative Yoga helps to trigger the parasympathetic nervous system which is responsible for the rejuvenation, regrowth and repair of our bodies. Stimulating this system helps to lower heart rate and blood pressure; it helps to stimulate the immune system and keep the endocrine system operating efficiently. This restorative class incorporates passive, supported postures leaving students feeling nourished and well rested. No matter what age or level of fitness, relaxing deeper in poses, and feeling their restorative power does wonders for the body.
Countless studies have proven the physical and emotional benefits of yoga, but its restorative effects should never be overlooked.
Power Yoga (Ashtanga Vinyasa Flow)
The Ashtanga method of yoga is a powerful, flowing practice that involves synchronizing breath and movement through a progressive series of postures. This process produces intense internal heat and a purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs.
Ashtanga yoga is a powerful meditation-in-motion which, while vigorous and physically demanding, produces a deep inner focus. When this method is practiced with patience, diligence and faith, the result is a light and strong body, increased vitality, greater inner peace and a calmer mind.
Zen Stretch (Yin Yoga)
This class focusses on increasing flexibility through longer holds. The aim is to align the spine, condition joints and open the hips, releasing the build-up of toxins and tension held in connective tissue.
Yoga 4 Runners
This is a yoga class specifically designed for runners and endurance athletes. We will incorporate work in areas key for runners: hips, hamstrings, core strength, and breathing. Additionally, each class surveys participants' needs (specific injuries or overworked muscle groups) for that week and addresses those issues in class.
Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy is the assessment and treatment of the soft tissues and joints of the body for the purpose of preventing and treating physical dysfunction and pain.
Massage Therapists are regulated health professionals who maintain high professional standards and provide quality care. Trained in areas such as anatomy, pathology, hydrotherapy, and remedial exercise, Massage Therapists treat a variety of conditions.
While dedicated to providing safe and effective treatment, therapists remain sensitive to the needs, privacy, and comfort of clients. You are encouraged to ask questions, or request changes to modify your treatment plan at any time.
There are tremendous benefits gained by regular massage therapy treatments. Whether your goal is increased relaxation, reduced muscular tension, or rehabilitation from injury, therapeutic massage can enhance your overall sense of physical and emotional well-being.
“The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.”
Contemporary Medical Acupuncture
Contemporary Medical Acupuncture (CMA) is an elegant and modern approach to an ancient system of healing. Bridging the gap between traditional acupuncture and western medicine, CMA allows the practitioner to apply fine acupuncture needles to stimulate the body's peripheral nerves, bringing about changes in the body.
This evidence-based treatment aims to relieve pain and other symptoms associated with acute and chronic injuries or dysfunctions.
In some cases, needles can be stimulated with a mild electrical current to increase the therapeutic benefits.
Acupuncture can be incorporated directly into an existing treatment plan, as most conditions respond well to the combination of needling and manual therapy (such as chiropractic or massage).
Holistic Nutrition
Holistic Nutrition Consulting is a unique approach to achieving optimal health. We believe that health is individual and that each client will have different concerns and needs. Holistic Health begins with whole food, - food which is closest to its original form. We explore the healthiest foods and educate you on the benefits of each one, relative to your needs. Food is what builds our bones and maintains our entire body. We cannot sustain life with processed, altered or fast foods. We will explore the detriment of refined foods. In addition to a healthy diet we might recommend supplements to compliment the diet and replenish any deficiencies.
While diet is often our main focus, we also consider the balance between mind, body and spirit. We consider family, relationships, work and any other aspects of life that could be out of balance and might manifest as a problematic health condition.
Our main objective is to help you feel better so you can achieve all your hopes, dreams and goals.
PIlates Classes
The incredible popularity of Pilates can be traced to the fact that it provides its faithful practitioners with benefits that you simply can't get through traditional aerobics/strength training format. Its emphasis on all around complete fitness supports a variety of fitness goals, from building strength to improving flexibility and decreasing the risk of injury.
Pilates workouts focus first on developing strength through the core of the body - the back, abdomen and hips. A strong core will help alleviate lower back pressure and improve your posture - which in turn will improve your balance and coordination. This provides a foundation on which to continue strengthening the extremities of the body.
The focus is not only on strength, but also flexibility and coordination; a combination which contributes to overall body fitness, increased lung capacity, elongated supple muscles, and balance between body and mind, with all parts working symbiotically.
Because Pilates helps to condition the whole body, not just certain muscles, all the muscle groups of the body are targeted. Since no set of muscles is ever over or under trained, there is less risk for injury.
One of the most significant advantages of the Pilates program is that it engenders a better sense of the kinesthetics of your body. Many find that this 'sense of body' or 'postural awareness' contributes to an improved sense of balance, helping you through your everyday functional activities, and reducing the likelihood of dangerous falls.
Older adults are more likely to suffer from symptoms of arthritis, including stiff and painful joints. With regular Pilates practice the body becomes more fluid and supple, lubricating joints and protecting against injury.
Even adults undergoing serious rehabilitation therapy can use Pilates to increase their range of motion and overall muscle strength.
By practicing Pilates on a regular basis, you can train your body to move in a much safer and more 'efficient' manner - ... more comfortably and less prone to injury.
Core-Cardio Bootcamp
This class is designed to introduce or re-introduce you to your deep core muscles.
When the deep abdominals and low back muscles become weakened over time from disuse or prolonged sitting (i.e. at a computer/desk) muscular imbalance occurs. This imbalance can result in pain - most commonly in the low back - as other muscles try to compensate for core weakness.
This class will reawaken the deep core muscles responsible for good posture and prevention of low back and joint pain.
While engaging in body weight exercises, stability ball exercises, and other functional exercises which specifically target your midline, you will feel your entire body strengthening,
As you move from exercise to exercise in the bootcamp style, you will be surprised at how quickly your heart rate rises. (This workout is also a great way to burn calories!)
Don’t be surprised if you start sitting straighter, walking taller, and feeling stronger after this challenging class.
Taught by our Certified Kinesiologist, Julia Pilliar, the exercises in this class will always be safe, functional and appropriate for your ability level.
416.482.3340
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Functional & Corrective Exercise
CORRECTIVE EXERCISES are used to restore health to the body by detecting and correcting muscular imbalances which produce joint and muscle aches and pains.
Imbalances are caused by what we do in daily life: ... sitting for prolonged periods at a desk, performing unbalanced exercises at the gym, or playing 'lopsided' sports (such as golf and tennis) which strengthen one side of the body at the expense of the opposite side. When people repeat the same movements over and over, they develop muscle imbalances and faulty postures. These imbalances, if not addressed, will likely lead to more serious injury. As well as causing physical pain, muscle imbalance can ultimately impact energy level, lead to poor muscle growth and possibly result in muscle atrophy.
FUNCTIONAL movements mimic 'real-world movements', i.e. those which occur in everyday life.
A focus on 'function' means viewing muscles as interrelated groups as opposed to isolated entities. Appropriate groups of large, small and stabilizing muscles must be recruited, strengthened, and encouraged to work together "synergistically". Training the body in a functional way results in improved muscle balance and neural recruitment, and reinforces proper biomechanics - all of which help decrease the chance of injury and prevent or alleviate chronic pain.
At Lifewise our Personal Trainer, Julia Pilliar, will provide ongoing biomechanical assessment, determining tight muscles and giving daily stretch protocols. She will give progressive body weight exercises with strong emphasis on core strength and the healthy recruitment and activation of muscle groups. She will also focus on balance training - another important and often overlooked component of a well rounded fitness routine.
This type of fitness routine can be tailored for all strength and fitness levels. It is ideal for the beginner and challenging enough for the seasoned athlete.
We believe you do not need a lot of heavy-duty gym equipment to be fit and healthy!
CLASSES
This summer we will be offering a variety of new classes and workshops.
In lieu of a registered session, all classes during July, August, & early September will be drop-in. Discounted 10-Class Passes are now available.
Zumba
The Zumba program is an effective, exhilarating, Latin-inspired, easy-to-follow, calorie-burning dance fitness-party that has taken the fitness industry by storm. It achieves the perfect balance of a progressive core workout, full-body cardio and strength training, and a stress-relieving, energy-producing fitness experience.
Today, more than 12 million people all sizes, shapes and ages take weekly Zumba® classes in over 110,000 locations across more than 125 countries. And the program's popularity keeps growing by leaps, bounds (and exhilarating dance steps). People all over the world have fallen in love with the Zumba Fitness-Party™. You're going to love it!
Zumba® Fitness – When people see a Zumba class in action, they can't wait to give it a try. When they do, they feel their body surge with energy. This Latin-inspired, easy-to-follow, dance-fitness party exhilarates their senses and works all their major muscle groups in a high-energy cardio blast that leaves them invigorated, refreshed and full of life.
Zumba classes feature exotic rhythms like salsa, merengue, cumbia and samba set to sexy Latin and international beats. Before participants know it, their abs, arms and thighs are toned up and their energy level is soaring! There's no other fitness class like the Zumba Fitness-Party™. It's easy to do, effective and totally exhilarating.
Zumbatomic® – Designed exclusively for kids (ages 4-12), Zumbatomic classes are rockin’, high-energy fitness-parties packed with specially choreographed, kid-friendly routines and all the music kids love, like hip-hop, reggaeton, cumbia and more. Parents love Zumbatomic because of the effects it has on kids, increasing their focus and self-confidence, boosting metabolism and enhancing coordination. Zumbatomic rounds out family fitness goals by giving parents a great reason to head to the gym – for themselves, for their kids, for a totally fun family experience.
THAI YOGA MASSAGE
Thai yoga massage is a style of massage done on the floor which helps to stretch the body while providing gentle acupressure. The recipient is fully clothed during the treatment. There is a rhythm to the massage and in Thailand it is considered to be an effective treatment for a wide variety of ailments. This can be an excellent supplement for an ailing back and also a great addition to a yoga practice.
Provided by certified yoga instructors.
Available by appointment - flexible hours.
60 min Sessions: $80 (+hst)
