Frequently Asked Questions about Essentrics® and our Classes
What is Essentrics®?
Essentrics® is an exercise program created more than 20 years ago by Miranda Esmonde-White, a Canadian fitness trainer and bestselling author of “Aging Backwards” and “Forever Painless”. Miranda explains in “The Movement Miracle” book: “Essentrics® stretches and strengthens all the muscles in a balanced way, enhances the range of motion of every joint, and unglues stuck connective tissue“.
Essentrics® very successfully debunks the old fitness “No pain, no gain” slogan. While the workouts may seem easy and gentle, an Essentrics® class will leave you feeling more energetic and stronger than before.
Essentrics® has been influenced by several disciplines: drawing on the flowing movements of tai chi to create health and balance; the strengthening theories of ballet to create long, lean, flexible muscles (Miranda is a former professional ballerina); and the healing principals of physical therapy and scientific studies to create a pain-free body.
What makes Essentrics® so effective?
Eccentric strengthening (simultaneous strengthening and stretching) is proven to be the most effective form of muscle training. Eccentric strengthening is at the basis of Essentrics®.
Essentrics® shifts the focus from strengthening individual muscles to working through the full range of motion of the joints using multidirectional, whole-body movements, enabling us to engage all muscles.
Essentrics® technique works through the muscle chains in our body to activate all 650 muscles, free and rebalance our joints, increase mobility and range of motion.
Every Essentrics® workout is a full-body workout and allow us to achieve multiple objectives (strength, flexibility, range of motion, improved posture, weight loss, and many more) in just 30-40 min a day.
I am already very active. What will Essentrics® do for me?
It’s great that you enjoy and understand the importance of being active! Do you love high impact activities that may be over stressing some of your muscles or joints? Do your favourite activities engage your entire musculoskeletal system? All Essentrics® workouts, even the 30 min ones, are cleverly designed as full-body workouts. A 30-40 min Essentrics® class will help you rebalance all of your muscles and joints, so that you can continue enjoying the activities you love without risk of injury.
I haven’t exercised in a while. Is Eseentrics® a good fit for me?
Essentrics® exercises work well for people of all genders, ages and levels of fitness. If you are returning to exercise after a period of inactivity, a set of Essentrics® techniques will gently re-engage your muscles, hydrate fascia, and promote blood circulation and healing. Even though the workouts may seem simple and easy, they are very effective thanks to the intelligent design of the program, backed up by scientific research and physiotherapy principals. Some people notice a difference after the first class. For others, it may take 3-4 weeks. Be kind to yourself, respect your body limits on any day, and let Essentrics® help you regain your energy, flexibility and mobility, without enduring exhaustion or pain.
Live virtual vs. in-person class
Live virtual classes give you the freedom and flexibility of attending a class from the comfort of your home, and save on the commute time. As long as you have all the pieces listed in our answer to “What equipment do I need to attend a Zoom class” question, you are good!
In-person classes are better for those who do not have access to internet or a computer, or simply do not want to deal with camera, microphone and Zoom settings. I hear “I am done with online classes” all the time!
Whichever method works for you, the instructor will always provide cues and modifications to make the class as effective as possible for the participants. Whether you choose an in-person or a live virtual class, we encourage you to stay for a few minutes after the class to ask questions and/or to better understand some of the movements.
What equipment do I need to attend a Zoom class?
To participate in a live virtual class you will need:
– access to internet;
– a computer or a tablet with the Zoom app installed on it. You will need to select “Live performance audio” setting in the Audio Settings in Zoom. “Live performance audio” setting is available only in the Zoom app. It is NOT available when you open a Zoom meeting in a browser;
– a camera (built-in or remote) positioned about 7-8 ft away from you at the chest (or above) level, so that the instructor can see your entire body and be able to cue safe positions and transitions. Depending on your space, it may be challenging to find an optimal position for the camera, so do your best. “Mirror my video” setting (found in Video settings > Camera) is a recommended setting. During the class, all participants will be muted and asked to choose the “Speaker View”;
– speakers and a microphone that come with your computer, tablet or remote camera, will enable you to hear the music and the instructor, and ask questions before or after the workout. Please note that all participants will be muted during the workout.
Can I turn my camera off?
To be able to cue corrections and modifications, the instructor needs to see your entire body, which is why we encourage you to keep your camera on. If you worry about your privacy, please know that live virtual classes are NEVER recorded. All participants are asked to choose “Speaker view” to better see the instructor. When the “Speaker view” setting is enabled, the participants do not see each other.
When will you resume your classes?
It’s hard to provide a firm date at the moment. You can always reach out by filling the Contact Us form at the bottom of this page.
What happens if I miss a class?
All classes are taught live. No recordings are created for on-demand access. If you are unable to attend a class, please contact us 24 hours before an in-person class and 12 hours before a live virtual class. We will do our best to offer you an alternative class, class capacity permitting. No refund will be issued for a missed class.
I am running late for a class, will I still be able to join the class?
The most important consideration is that an Essentrics® workout must be completed in its entirety. Each class starts with a warm-up, and it should never be skipped. Secondly, we want to be respectful to other participants and the instructor, and avoid class disruption due to a late arrival. If you are running late for a class, please contact us after the class ends, and we will do our best to offer you an alternative class, but no refund will be issued.
What payment methods are accepted?
Payments for live virtual classes must be made with your credit card online. We will email you the payment link after you register for a class.
Payments for in-person classes can be made with your credit card via a payment link, or with your debit or credit card in person.
Still have a question? Contact us by filling the form below and we will respond within one business day: