I particularly thought the rings would be valuable for upper body strength, something I’ve been dealing with as I’ve gotten older.
I really enjoyed the Smovey event. I can really see how valuable the rings could be on many levels. I felt really good all afternoon and slept better that evening than I had for several nights. I particularly thought the rings would be valuable for upper body strength, something I’ve been dealing with as I’ve gotten older.
Sandra
Charlottesville, VA
I felt so good mentally and physically and I just cannot believe how great I felt.
Wow! I felt incredible all afternoon after your Smovey class. I felt so good mentally and physically and I just cannot believe how great I felt. I felt strong enough to handle anything! I came home and washed all of the windows on one side of my house. :) Can you tell how excited I am? My hands felt so energized and pain free after Smovey.
Susan
Charlottesville, VA
I feel that my shoulder could do more, while hurting less, than what I can do without them.
I really liked the way the rings made me feel. There was a great ease of movement and they just felt good. I feel that my shoulder could do more, while hurting less, than what I can do without them. It was a workout too, like you said, even with 1/2 hr.! I would love to know what they can do for my lower back and neck. Also, last night I slept better than I have lately. Coincidence? Maybe not, based on what you spoke about.
Barbara
Charlottesville, VA
I believe I am strengthening the muscles surrounding my knee.
I have loved the Smovey Ring class. I get a total body workout in a fun, personalized group setting. I have a bad knee and so have always avoided exercise classes that that had lots of side-to-side and front-back movements. But I’ve discovered I can follow the Smovey exercises without hurting my knee. In fact, I believe I am strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee. What I do know is how absolutely wonderful I feel for days after the class.
Sandra Bowman Damico, Ph.D
Dean Emeritus, College of Education
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
I have had rather amazing improvements in my posture in a relatively short time.
Antje, I just wanted to tell you that I feel I have had rather amazing improvements in my posture in a relatively short time (about 10 weeks). I really do appreciate your caring and helpful approach which I feel has kept me motivated to do the exercises as required. Thanks so much for your help.
Marv Reese, Charlottesville, VA
I could almost put my heels on the floor for downward dog and I've never been able to do that.
I feel really good, notice I am carrying my body differently. What was really exciting to me was going to Yoga, a Wednesday night class I've been missing for your Egoscue class, and how much more flexible I was. I could almost put my heels on the floor for downward dog and I've never been able to do that. Also, I'm more willing to do arm work - I unconsciously held myself back because of the neck/shoulder tension/numbness--it's been a freedom to me to participate fully in arm exercises, and enjoy them.
Rachel Horsley, Charlottesville, VA
Antje brings terrific knowledge of the body and a wide range of exercises to address Dad's challenges.
For more than four years my father has met with Antje on a weekly basis. My dad has late Parkinson's which brings a host of difficulties with it and Antje helps Dad develop practices to battle the different issues. Parkinson's Disease is different for each person, furthermore it can be different for Dad given the day. Understanding how to address the current needs of a person battling PD is quite challenging. Antje brings terrific knowledge of the body and a wide range of exercises to address Dad's challenges. At the end of each session the improvement of my father's posture is visible, the balance of the day is greatly improved. While the physical improvements are significant there are emotional benefits as well. After watching the therapist and client relationship develop over time it is clear that Dad knows Antje is in this battle with him, helping him find tools to maintain his strength and encouraging him to continue the battle when he is just too tired. The care and guidance Dad has received from Antje has been remarkable, we are incredibly grateful.
Kathleen Reese, Charlottesville, VA
Having my own exercise menu which is changed as I progress has made it possible for me to feel success.
For years my yoga teacher said, "Arlene, lift your chest. No, not your ribs, your chest." I had no idea how to lift my chest, pull my shoulders back and down. Trying as hard as I could, all that happened was that my shoulders went up around my ears. And now at the age of 84, with Egoscue exercises under Antje's direction, bit by bit, my shoulders move, my chest lifts. What a great feeling! Having my own exercise menu which is changed as I progress has made it possible for me to feel success – just small improvement to start with, but gaining amazingly as I progress to more vigorous exercises. The excitement this improvement makes in the way I feel, the way I stand, move and present myself would be wonderful at any age. At my age it is truly exhilarating.
Arlene Goodyear, Charlottesville, VA
Before long, I realized that my neck aches had disappeared entirely.
I heartily endorse Ms. Antje Waxman. When I first visited Ms. Waxman, I was living with chronic neck ache. She evaluated me and determined areas of my posture that were causing this condition. She gave me a menu of calisthenics and stretches to perform daily. I started right in and realized immediate relief from the ache. Before long, I realized that my neck aches had disappeared entirely. She carefully explained that I needed to do them regularly to keep the aching away, and I obeyed. Ms. Waxman is a highly competent Egoscue professional who spends the time necessary with clients in order to diagnose issues, prescribe a menu of activities, and ensure that clients understand the appropriate form for each of the activities she prescribes. Try her for yourself!
Karl Ritchey, Northern Virginia, VA
I had tried most everything over the past three years for my scoliosis. Egoscue has been the most helpful by far.
I had tried most everything over the past three years for my scoliosis. Egoscue has been the most helpful by far. While doing these exercises, I can feel my spine adjusting into alignment from my tailbone up to my neck. The daily routine is not hard to do and is actually soothing after years of incorrect posture and pain. Antje is a skilled assessor and tailors the routine to each person's unique situation. I am very grateful for her excellent work and dedication to helping others.
Christina Westerlund, Charlottesville, VA
I had reached a dead end. No one seemed concerned by my alignment issues...I was left to accept this [S-curve in my spine] as another unavoidable consequence of my degenerative brain disease.
I've been diagnosed with Familial Spinocerebellar Ataxia. This is an unsolicited testimonial to the priceless benefits I have realized through the Egoscue techniques that Antje Waxman has shared with me. Two years ago, I was seeing a chiropractor at least once a month (more often if I had a flair up). He occasionally suggested exercises which might strengthen me and reduce my symptoms, but his adjustments were the typical effort to address and prevent my acute symptom of lower back pain. He is an excellent chiropractor, and I would not hesitate to recommend him to this day.
My wife and I started to see a significant left to right S-curve in my spine. As far as I was concerned, it was not causing me any problems at the time, but clearly as it progressed it would be an issue down the road. At that time I did not associate my alignment issues with my low back pain. The curvature in my pelvis and spine was pronounced enough that I was surprised that my chiropractor had not mentioned anything. When I asked him about it, I got no clear response, and he did not change my adjustment routine.
When I saw my GP next (another expert whom I would be quick to recommend), I mentioned this S-curve. He could see it and thought it was probably typical of folks suffering ataxia due to muscular imbalances in the body. He recommended I bring it up with my neurologist. When I saw my neurologist (who has the best reputation of the neurologists at my university hospital), he asked me who had first observed the S-curve (kind of like it was insignificant at this point). He did not have a strong reaction to the S-curve, but in response to my concern he sent me to a neurosurgeon for evaluation. The neurosurgeon had the same question, "Who told you that your back is curved?" He very quickly assessed me and ruled out surgery at that time (clearly the only tool in his toolbox).
I had reached a dead end. No one seemed concerned by my alignment issues, and no one had any recommendations concerning the best course of action. I was left to accept this as another unavoidable consequence of my degenerative brain disease. I made an appointment with a doctor with a more holistic approach to medicine. He recommended that I make an appointment with Antje Waxman to treat my posture issues and the S-curve in particular.
The attributes of my relationship with Antje: My sessions with Antje have been comfortable, informative, and very professional (I am a professional skier and have a great deal of experience with trainers). She could more than see the S-curve in my spine. My shoulders were at least 2 inches to the side and my pelvis was tilted with one hip at least an inch below the other. She could identify the factors contributing to that S-curve, as well as several additional misalignments. She efficiently analyzed my body and taught me a series of exercises which would address my alignment issues. She sent me detailed emails and web links explaining my exercises and routines. About one month later, we had a follow-up session in which she assessed my progress and reworked my exercise routine.
Those two initial sessions have been all the sessions we have had. Where am I now? I now do the routine about once every 4 days on average. My S-curve is nearly gone. My general posture is much improved. My posture awareness is much better. I know when I am sitting or standing out of alignment and actually correct my posture. My balance is improved. I have not had a lower back pain episode since I began this exercise routine. I no longer wake in the morning with that telltale tension in my lower back. I have not needed the services of my chiropractor since I began doing Egoscue.
Thanks for making an amazing difference in my life, Antje!
Brandon Deane, Charlottesville, VA
I no longer go to the Chiropractor, my leg is straight, and I walk straight.
Egoscue exercises have made such a big difference in my overall well being! My family had told me for years, "Angie, you're leaning to the right when you walk." It felt unnatural to stand straight. My lower left leg was angled I say about 25% to the outside of my body. I was very self conscious because I'd always see strangers looking down at my leg. I had back pain, neck pain, and even TMJ pain that I would visit the chiropractor for about once every 2-3 months. I no longer go to the chiropractor, my leg is straight, and I walk straight. There have been times I've been sick and I'll miss maybe a week or two of exercises. I'll start to feel pain again and I'll start doing my exercises again. And after one set, my pain will be relieved. The money we spent for these sessions was WELL WORTH IT! In my opinion, it is the best money I've ever spent!!!
Thank you Antje!
Angie Shifflett, Elkon, VA
I learned so many things about myself and exercises to fix the problems with my back.
I had an excellent experience at your workshop held at Revolution Health Center. I learned so many things about myself and exercises to fix the problems with my back. I was walking by a store front the other day and saw myself in the reflection and I swear it looked liked I had lost weight and then I realized I was just standing up straighter than I was before the workshop!!
THANKS SO MUCH,
Jack Crocker, Charlottesville, VA
This is without question the best solution to pain and posture assistance.
For the past year or so, I had experienced extreme lower back pain. I thought I would be able to work through the situation with more stretching and a few trips to the osteopath. As a workout addict, I kept my usual routine trying to work through the pain. Finally, I was unable to bend, turn over in bed, arise from bed or do much of anything. I was referred to Antje on a Friday and the following day, Saturday, she spent three hours analyzing my posture and condition. With an impending trip to the West on the following Thursday, I needed immediate help. I was unfamiliar with the Egoscue® Method. After the session, however, with in depth explanations and demonstrations, it all made perfect sense. Initially, the exercises took better than an hour. However, Antje provided me with an abbreviated version for travel. Within 48 hours, the lower back muscle spasms had eased. My confidence was soaring and I faithfully performed the abbreviated version during the entire vacation. I have been pain free. No need for medications or surgery. And, I feel my posture improving each day. This is without question the best solution to pain and posture assistance. Antje Waxman is a true professional, a problem solver and caring individual. I would highly recommend Antje and Egoscue in every way.
Steve Ellis, Nellyford, VA
I can climb stairs with no difficulty at all. My lower back pain and stiffness has become only an occasional thing now.
About a year ago I underwent a replacement of my left hip. After years of compensating for misaligned pelvic structure my body was not functioning usefully in many ways. Physical therapy was useful at the start of my recovery from the surgery but it did not treat my alignment difficulties. My right leg was painful, my gate was off stride and I had serious difficulty with my lower back. My chiropractor recommended that I use Egoscue. I started with Antje Waxman in January with an intense two-hour daily routine. I started to see progress almost immediately. In June, Antje designed a program for me of 30-minute routines that I used on alternating days. It was again modified in August. Now I seldom have real pain. I can climb stairs with no difficulty at all. My lower back pain and stiffness has become only an occasional thing now. I still have my cane--I keep it by my door as a reminder to keep taking care of myself. Antje is thoughtful and knowledgable. She designs treatment routines to fit the needs of your body and she modifies them as you progress. In order to be successful you must be committed to your own success -- it takes energy and dedication. The results are worth the effort.
Thanks much,
Tom Damery, Charlottesville, VA
Prior to my session, being able to walk without assistance or the cane was rare. Now I am walking pain free.
I just wanted to thank you for the time you spent introducing me to the Egoscue® Method. Prior to my session with you, being able to walk without assistance or the cane was rare. Now I am walking pain free. It is truly a miracle. From the time I left your office until this very minute, I have enjoyed walking with no difficulty. The exercises are going well. I'm doing static back first thing in the morning, before I walk at the Y and any time during the day prior to exercising. At my physical therapy appointment today, the therapist remarked that this was the first time I came in there and the lumbar section of my spine was straight. I believe his words were, "This is amazing." I am so thrilled to be feeling better and to have the tools that will continue to improve my posture, alignment and quality of life. I'm looking forward to doing my exercises every day and continuing to improve. I feel like I will be a new person when we next meet. Thank you for opening the doors of possibility for me.
Gratefully,
Gloria Wilkins, VA
...[Egoscue] has prevented my Sciatica from returning.
The Egoscue® Method, with the personal exercise plan designed by Antje Waxman, has not only improved my posture and strengthened the muscles around my spine, it has prevented my sciatica from returning. The daily exercises insure me that I will be pain free as well as flexible and strong.
Diane Brownlee
ACAC Member
Within a month of following the Egoscue training and corresponding exercises, I noticed significant improvement.
I completed the four week Introduction to Egoscue Workshop led by Antje Waxman in April. Prior to taking the class I experienced limited range of motion in my left shoulder, that started over a year ago. The shoulder had been treated with various modalities such as physical therapy, Active Release Technique, and chiropractic prior to my enrollment in Antje's class. Within a month of following the Egoscue training and corresponding exercises, I noticed significant improvement, and within two months the shoulder has made almost a complete recovery. It may be important to mention that I am a dedicated participant, and have continued to perform exercises on an almost daily basis. There is a natural desire to create a personal discipline about performing the Egoscue movements that cannot be described by words, as it is a desire that comes from the body. It feels like muscles that have been forgotten are finally allowed to come alive, and the outcomes are surprising. I am very pleased to recommend the Egoscue Workshop to others who are interested in improving range of motion in their joints. Antje gave personal attention to each student in the class, and tailored the exercise program to meet each person's individual needs. The classes were always fun, instructive, and results-oriented. Egoscue may be an unusual sounding name (the founder was Pete Egoscue), but it is a powerfully effective method that I will be sharing with friends and neighbors.
Valerie Chasin
ACAC Member