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® completely 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.
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.
The above principals make every ESSENTRICS® workout 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 muscular-skeleton 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 ESSENTRICS® 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. 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 to attend 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. Some people find it easier to follow the exercise when the instructor is live in front of them. Our in-person classes are offered at CDM Dance & Music, 5915 Leslie St., Toronto, M2H 1J8.
Whichever method works for you, the instructor will always provide cues and corrections to make the class as effective as possible for the participants.
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 with the Zoom app installed on it (launching a Zoom meeting in your browser will not give you access to “Live performance audio” setting). “Live performance audio” should be the only option selected in the Audio Profile of your Audio Settings in Zoom;
– 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;
– 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?
No. To be able to cue corrections and modifications, the instructor needs to see your entire body, from your feet and to the hands of your stretched up arms. Safety of an ESSENTRICS® workout is our utmost priority.
Your class schedule does not work for me. Will you be offering additional classes?
We will consider offering additional classes or adjusting the class times based on your feedback. Please complete the Contact Us form at the bottom of this page and let us know what days/times will work for you. Make sure to specify your time zone.
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 and 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?
An ESSENTRICS® workout must be completed in its entirety. If you are late for a class, please reach out after the class and we will do our best to offer you an alternative class at a different day/time, but no refund will be issued.
I want to purchase a session of classes, but I won’t be able to attend a couple of classes in the session. Can the session price be adjusted?
If you know ahead of time that you won’t be able to attend some of the classes, please contact us for price adjustment.
Do I need to register, even for a drop-in class?
Yes. All clients are required to register before they can purchase a package of classes. You will see our registration form at the checkout. For in-person drop-in classes, please complete our pre-registration form 24 hours before the class to help us manage class in-person class capacity. Please kindly note that our insurance provider requires that we keep clients’ records for 4 years. We will never share or sell your information to third parties.
What payment methods are accepted?
Payments for live virtual classes must be made with your credit card online. We will email you our registration form and a payment link upon receipt of your pre-registration form.
Payments for in-person classes can be made with your credit card online, or with your debit or credit card in person before the class.
What is your refund and cancellation policy?
If you miss a live virtual class, we will do our best to offer you an alternative class, subject to class capacity. No refund will be issued.
No refund will be issued for a missed in-person class, however, you can transfer your spot to a friend. Please contact us in advance. In-person classes are held with a minimum of 2 registered participants.
If you purchased a package of classes and after a few classes came to a conclusion that ESSENTRICS® is not the right program for you, please contact us to discuss refund for the remaining classes.
If a class is cancelled by the instructor due to unforeseeable circumstances, we will offer you an alternative class or refund you for the cancelled class.
Still have a question? Contact us by completing the form below and we will respond within one business day: