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2010-04-28T12:56:00.001-07:00

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Margaret Gears Up 4 Cystic Fibrosis on a Tandem

2010-04-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

Eleven years ago Lifemoves-sponsored athlete Margaret Benson was fighting for her life and lungs in a battle with Cystic Fibrosis. Today she is gearing up to ride 1,200 kilometers on a tandem bike with her husband to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis research.

The 5th Annual GearUp4CF route runs from Vancouver to Banff. Thanks to a double-lung transplant in 1999, Margaret will be able to participate in this two-day ride alongside over a dozen other riders with the unified goal of raising funds to cure Cystic Fibrosis while having the experience of a lifetime.

Join us in celebrating Margaret's achievements, click here to learn more about Cystic Fibrosis and sponsor this amazing athlete's ride for the cure.

Stretch Tip - Optimal Length of Time to Hold a Stretch

2010-04-11T15:08:00.001-07:00

In our April Quick Poll, we asked, "How long is the optimal amount of time to hold a stretch?" Not surprisingly, over 50% of people thought it was between 30 seconds and 1 minute.

It actually depends on your own body and previous flexibility training. You should hold each stretch until it releases. Use your breath as a guide.

Sven Winter Captures Third Overall in North American Cup

2010-03-12T23:00:00.000-08:00

Lifemoves sponsored athlete Sven Winter's dedication and hard work this season paid off with a third place finish overall in the North American Cup tour for Skicross. This season he also competed in his first World Cup and moved up to 66th in world rankings. This phenomenal athlete has great potential, and we are proud to be part of his team as his flexibility sponsor. Lifemoves is looking forward to continuing our relationship with Sven and supporting his future success.

Book a Fascial Stretch Therapy Session

Learning to Relieve Trigger Points in the Neck and Shoulders

2010-03-07T18:00:00.000-08:00

Today Alfred, along with three others, learned how to alleviate trigger points in the neck, shoulders and upper-back to reduce pain associated with soft tissue. William Nunh's Hands on Trigger Point Techniques for Migraines and Shoulder Pain course was a follow up to two courses that he took last September.

The class was small enough that they were able to explore, ask questions and have more in-depth discussions than in prior courses. They were taught that trigger points often develop in the neck and chest due to poor posture, stress or repetitive overhead activities. These often lead to tension headaches and pain between the shoulder blades. Anyone with a previous rotator cuff injury or rotator cuff weakness probably has trigger points in these muscles. Often the deeper ones, such as the subscapularis (between the shoulder blade and ribs) or the supraspinatus (along the top of the shoulder blade underneath the upper trapezius which is used when pulling or raising your arm), have trigger points that need to be reduced before strength can be restored.

Trigger Points can be accessed by self-treatment with hands or hand tools, as well as by someone who is trained in Trigger Point techniques.

If you have a chronic shoulder injury and want to restore your range of motion and strength or if you want to learn more about trigger points, please book a session with Alfred.

Understanding Trigger Points to Reduce Soft-Tissue Pain

References:

Self Treatment Guide to Trigger Point Therapy (This is a great book to have in your library.)

Discover Kinesiology at North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce Tradeshow

2010-02-19T13:40:00.001-08:00

The North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce (NVCC) hosts an annual business tradeshow for North Vancouver businesses at the Capilano Mall. This is an excellent opportunity to come down and get to know Lifemoves and our Kinesiologists.

We are excited to take part in this year's event on March 31st from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Come visit us at booth 71 near the Starbucks. Enter our drawing for a complimentary 60-minute Fascial Stretch Therapy session, discover how Kinesiology sessions can get you moving for life and book a complimentary consultation.

Where: Capilano Mall, Marine Drive, North Vancouver Booth 71

When: Wednesday March 31st, 2010 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

BC Athlete Wins 2010 BMO Skate Canada Junior Nationals

2010-01-16T18:16:00.000-08:00

Nearly two years ago Skate BC Figure Skating Coach Lorna Bauer referred one of her top male skaters to Lifemoves to improve his flexibility, aid his recovery and prevent injuries. Fascial Stretch Therapy has been an integral part of Liam Firus' Figure Skating training program for nearly two years. Firus says, "Alfred has helped me become more flexible, and has also helped me stay free of injury as I train pretty intensely five days a week."

On January 14th, Liam's dedication to his sport and hard work paid off with a win at the BMO 2010 Skate Canada Junior Nationals. Lifemoves congratulates Liam for this outstanding accomplishment.

Getting Ready to Host the World in 2010: Transportation and Commuting Ideas

2009-12-13T22:48:00.001-08:00

We have been having casual conversations with many of our clients over the last several months regarding their plans and concerns during February 2010. Although it is difficult to know exactly what the city will be like during this time, the 2010 Commerce Centre is anticipating the city to be buzzing with activity 24 hours a day.

Some of our clients are leaving town while others are kindly hosting volunteers or friends. Since Lifemoves is part of the 2010 Business Network, the 2010 Commerce Centre sends us periodic updates about transportation and other issues surrounding the

Olympics.

Lifemoves and Fitness World will be open during this time. Alfred is volunteering as an Anti-Doping Chaperone for the Biathlon from February 10th to 28th. Alfred will be available on a limited basis due to his volunteer schedule, while Sahba is taking one week off at the end of the month. We are booking for January and February NOW.

What does VANOC say?

Since we are located very close to Lion's Gate Bridge, traffic is going to be affected. VANOC is encouraging people to take public transportation more, add additional travel time and change their work schedule (e.g. work from home if possible) during this time. While downtown is open, please join in the effort to reduce downtown and commuting traffic by 30%. Since most events happen in the afternoon, start work early and end early, or telecommute if possible.

There are many buses including the 240, 255, 239 which drop off right outside Fitness World if you are traveling East or just across the street when traveling West. Get accurate bus information and plan your route on the Translink website. Another way to stay active is to use your bike. Figure out your bike route during the Olympics at Getting Around.

Busting 2010 Travel Myths

Myth: All of downtown Vancouver will be closed to traffic
Fact: Some roads near venues will be closed for security, but most of downtown will be open. There will be some road network changes; have a look at the Games Time map to know what to expect during February 2010.

Myth: You will need a special pass to make deliveries around downtown
Fact: Local businesses will be able to make and receive deliveries 24 hours a day, but the City of Vancouver is recommending that all deliveries be planned between 12 midnight and 12 noon. Click here for more information on deliveries.

Myth: You will need a security pass to go through the Sea-to-Sky Highway
Fact: A Sea-to-Sky check point pass is required only if you are traveling northbound from 6am to 6pm. This is not a security pass; it is only to ensure that you have a guaranteed parking spot in Whistler. If you are a resident or business in Whistler, you will be issued passes. Click here for more information.

Myth: Pedestrian Corridors will be closed to traffic all day
Fact: In downtown Vancouver, pedestrian corridors will be in effect from noon to midnight only. Access for vehicles will be maintained between midnight and noon. Click here for more information on pedestrian corridors.

Republished from an email dated Dec 8th, 2009 from the 2010 Commerce Centre. Find out more information about getting around Vancouver.

Students Produce Short Film for Business Excellence Awards

2009-11-21T19:40:00.000-08:00

On a rainy day in September, Alfred Ball became a finalist for the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards in the category of Young Entrepreneur.

While introducing himself to all the other finalists, he was surrounded by a group of enthusiastic Capilano University Students who were there to produce a short film on all the finalists for the awards gala in October.

John and Chris introduced themselves, saying that they chose Lifemoves because they were given only one word to describe each business; ours was "fitness" and it sounded more exciting than some of the others.

After several phone calls and a couple of delays due to difficulty in getting the proper equipment, we arranged to film on a Monday afternoon. They arrived full of enthusiasm, but the last person to use the video recorder forgot to charge the battery. While Charlie went to retrieve a cable and a new battery, John and I discussed exactly what and where we were going to shoot. I had carefully arranged several clients to take part and arrive in 30-minute intervals, however they came almost all at once. An hour later, with patient clients, we were under the bright lights as shooting took place. They had over 30 minutes of video to choose from during editing, so I was both eager and nervous to see the results, but had to wait until the business awards' gala.

This week we were able to share the results with the public and the wonderful clients who were very patient during our filming session. This video is also the first one we are posting on our new YouTube Channel: Get Moving For Life: Lifemovesca. Post your comments to let us know what you want to see and learn about in 2010.

A Deeper Exploration of Upper Body Flexibility

2009-11-08T17:23:00.000-08:00

In August 2008, Alfred attended the Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST) Level II Lower Body workshop in Arizona. Using the techniques he learned there he helped his clients reduce hip, knee and ankle pain, move more freely, perform better in sports and walk better. Since then, he felt there was something missing. By focusing mostly on the lower body, he was leaving people feeling like a rolled tube of toothpaste -- nice and loose in the lower body, but still tight in the shoulders and neck.

Alfred finds that as an actively aging population, his clients, tend to have restricted movement in their shoulders. Poor posture, rotator cuff injuries and frozen shoulders which have never fully resolved, leave women having trouble doing up their bra, reaching or lifting over head or throwing balls to their grandchildren.

In mid-October, Alfred flew down to Arizona to complete his Level II Certification and be with an amazing group of ten other health professionals from Canada (Toronto) and the United States. They all wanted to positively impact the well being of their clients and spread the word of Fascial Stretch Therapy.

Although it was his third time to the Stretch to Win Institute, Alfred was still excited to experience the hands of others, reconnect with those he met in previous courses and bring back new techniques to assist his clients.

The developers and instructors of FST, Ann and Chris Frederick (front of photo), are a very dynamic and engaging couple. Each class member was able to be part of the demonstration so that they felt and experienced their hands. The movements were broken into components, demonstrated and then the class had the opportunity to practice on each other. Partners were switched often as it was important to be able to 'feel' individual differences in tissue and mobility.

The days went by quickly, lunch was at Whole Foods and dinners were held at various locales near Arizona State University. After group dinners, Alfred and his classmates studied for their practical and written exam on Sunday morning. Ann and Chris provided the group with some of the most current information on Fascia and whom they study with, such as Thomas Myers. After exams the class refined their techniques by continuing to practice on each other and the instructors while asking many questions related to their current clients.

What Alfred found most fascinating about the course was how to access the deeper layers of shoulder fascia by liberating the outer layers. To unwind the spiral line, he learned techniques where the client drops their knees to the opposite side. He also learned side-lying positions that really help to open up the chest and bring the shoulders back to their proper place. Lastly, face down stretches get the shoulder blade unstuck; after all, it needs to float freely for optimal function and mobility.

His clients noticed a difference after a just one session of being him being back to Vancouver; one even asked, "Have you been back to school?" Alfred finds that he is now able to better facilitate the body's natural ability to heal and move efficiently. Alfred's philosophy for reducing soft tissue pain is that it is important to first get muscles back to their more efficient length.

If your arms and shoulders are feeling stiff, or you suffer from chronic tendonitis, or if your upper back is feeling sore from working on a computer, book a Fascial Stretch Therapy session today. Call 778.839.2348 or email alfred@lifemoves.ca

Kinesiology Week Raises Awareness of Organ Donation, Lifemoves and Kinesiology

2009-11-06T10:11:00.000-08:00

If you saw all the blue and green balloons at Fitness World North Vancouver a couple of weeks ago, they were for Kinesiology Week October 19th - 24th, 2009. On October 21st we opened our doors to celebrate Kinesiology Week, Lifemoves' second anniversary and the achievements of our clients.

At the front doors of Fitness World we set-up several tables. One was for Beyond H2O who compared total dissolved solids in their water to that of others. They also precipitated these solids so that the audience could see what was in the dissolved in the water.

We hosted Margaret Benson and the Canadian Transplant Association. Margaret brought books full of photos of her motivating life and the medals won at various transplant games to show while she spoke to people about the value of being an organ donor. As clients and guests arrived, we also introduced them to Sven Winter, an aspiring Olympic Champion.

The Lifemoves table was full of great tidbits, including BCAK brochures explaining who Kinesiologists are, Lifemoves' information explaining some of our services and some neat stickers for people to take home as an appreciation for coming. We also presented a slideshow showcasing the development of Lifemoves, client achievements and our services. At the end of our table the door prize box sat waiting for people to enter for their chance to win many fabulous prizes that were generously donated by businesses on the North Shore. A North Shore News photographer was gracious enough to attend and take a photo of Sahba and Alfred at the Lifemoves' table before he had to dash off to another event happening that same evening.

Presentations started with Margaret Benson telling her very moving story of how she was once read her last rights due to her struggle with Cystic Fibrosis. Now she is a double lung transplant recipient, motivational speaker, accomplished athlete, and a dedicated teacher and advocate for organ donation.

The crowd started to grow around our make shift auditorium in the personal training studio as Sven Winter, another sponsored athlete, compared ski cross to a combination of downhill skiing and wrestling. He also revealed that until starting Fascial Stretching sessions he wasn't aware that his heel spurs were limiting his performance. He is always finding ways to help others reach their dreams as he pursues his goal of Olympic Gold.

Celebratory branded cupcakes sat next to a nutritious vegetable platter for people to snack on. We finished with a bit of chemistry. Stephen Bohn of Beyond H2O, had a bit of difficulty with his battery for the dissolved solids demo (look on the side of the bottle for 'TDS'), however he was able to reveal what was in some of the common bottled water we drink and compared it to Beyond H2O, which is produced in Richmond. Unfortunately a miscommunication between us and Beyond H2O meant there wasn't any product for sale to raise money for the Canadian Transplant Association -- something we will correct for next year.

Overall, we had over 30 people attend our open house and 40 more take part in the prize drawing. Prize winners have been notified. Some comments included "I didn't know you were here in Fitness World, I usually go straight to the Ladies Area." (When passing the service desk members either go left to the Ladies Area or right to Lifemoves' offices and the Co-Ed workout area) and, "The event was well put together; I enjoyed the speakers."

We enjoyed hosting this event and look forward to next year. We achieved two of our goals. First, we raised awareness of the Kinesiology profession and the value of organ donation . Second, more peoplle know that Lifemoves Health and Rehabilitation's Kinesiologists are available to help members and non-members get moving for life. Contact us today at northshore@lifemoves.ca to book a complimentary consultation.

Thank you to all those who attended and to our door prize donors: Moveo Sport and Rehabilitation Centre, Fitness World, Stretch to Win, Cultivate Your Health, Beyond H20, IMPACT Magazine, Grouse Mountain Resort, Lifemoves, Galiano Inn and Spa and Twist Conditioning.

Remember Kinesiology Week happens every year. Mark your calendars for mid-October 2010 for another great event.

Kinesiology Week Fundraiser for Canadian Transplant Association

2009-10-18T17:00:00.000-07:00

Lifemoves Health & Rehabilitation is holding an open house, anniversary party and fundraiser at our North Vancouver location as part of Kinesiology Week, October 19th - 24th. We are partnering with Beyond H20 water to raise funds for the Canadian Transplant Association. Proceeds of water sales will go to the Canadian Transplant Association.

Come join us for an evening of guest speakers, door prizes from Grouse Mountain, Moveo Sport and Rehabilitation, Stretch To Win, Send Sven 2010, Fitness World and Lifemoves and information about Kinesiology and Lifemoves Health & Rehabilitation's services. You will also have an an opportunity to meet our sponsored athletes, Sven Winter and Margaret Benson.

This event is constantly evolving; please visit our event page for more details.

We look forward to meeting you.

Alfred Ball & Sahba Seifi - Practicing Kinesiologists

Understanding Trigger Points to Reduce Soft-Tissue Pain

2009-10-04T22:48:00.000-07:00

Kinesiologists Alfred Ball and Sahba Seifi were further introduced to trigger point techniques in a workshop taught by William Hunh and hosted by Healing Through Movement on September 26th at Douglas College.

The first part of the course explained what trigger points are and how they produce more than just referral myofascial pain. During the second part they briefly explored how to discover trigger points on their clients' bodies using different hand techniques and varying levels of pressure.

Alfred and Sahba learned that muscles need up to two weeks to heal once they are relieved of trigger points; chronic and/or hypersensitive trigger points need multiple treatments and respond to very little stimulus (1-3/10, no more than 6). Often, they may be made temporarily worse if they are overstimulated, so be gentle. They were also intrigued by the idea of addressing both latent and active trigger points.

Trigger points are an often forgotten about source of chronic of pain and other symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, muscle weakness and back pain. They can mostly be relieved using self-treatment with hands or tools such as tennis balls, foam-rollers and movement re-education.

Get a great guidebook on trigger points: The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook, Second Edition: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief

Contact Sahba or Alfred today to learn more about trigger points.

Vancouver Kinesiologist Answers Your Questions

2009-09-29T21:22:00.001-07:00

Access Athletes, a website that is building a trusted community of athletes, sports businesses, sport professionals and others, has partnered with Alfred Ball, Founder of Lifemoves Health and Rehabiltation to answer questions on various aspects of sport rehabilitation and training, such as recovery, fascial stretching, flexibility, return to play, trigger points and anything related.

Do you have a burning question? Alfred is excited to be participating in this unique event as the third "Ask the Expert," You have until October 6th to ask a question.Questions are then forwarded to Alfred and he will reply by October 12th in a posting on Access Athletes.

Alfred Ball Becomes Finalist for Young Entrepreneur 2009

2009-09-18T17:23:00.000-07:00

AlfredBall, Kinesiologist and Founder of Lifemoves, is honoured to be named a finalist for the North Shore Business Excellence Awards in the Young Entrepreneur category.

It was a rainy, exciting night when the nominees' reception for the North Shore Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards was held at Le Bistro Chez Michel on Esplanade in North Vancouver.

Alfred sat on the edge of his chair as the finalists were announced in alphabetical order by award category. Since Young Entrepreneur starts with a "Y," he had to wait until near the end. He was delighted to hear his name and company being announced. After accepting his certificate he was ushered into a queue to have his photo taken for the North Shore News and the awards ceremony program, to be held on October 29th.

After emerging from the private room in the back he was suddenly surrounded by several enthusiastic Capilano University Film Study Students who will be filming a short segment on Lifemoves Health & Rehabilitation, Lifemoves' Kinesiologists and Alfred Ball. This short film will be shown on awards night at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

He is proud of being recognized for the efforts and ideas he puts into Lifemoves. Thank you, Kenton of Kenton Design for the capturing this moment. Congratulations to all the other finalists and previous winners.

Lifemoves Gives Flexibility Edge to Aspiring Olympic Champion

2009-08-09T10:44:00.000-07:00

August 1st, 2009, Lifemoves Health and Rehabilitation is proud to become a Bronze sponsor of local Ski Cross athlete Sven Winter. We will be supporting his bid to become Olympic Champion in Vancouver in 2010.

The ability to react quickly to competitors and the terrain are important components of Ski Cross. We are helping him develop these abilities by providing him with Fascial Stretch Therapy, flexibility training, and stretching and recovery tools.

He is a very dedicated, determined and confident athlete whom we know will succeed. We are proud to support him on his journey. He can also use your support. Please visit him at sendsven2010.com or follow him on Twitter at @athletehabits.

We wish him luck in Australia as he competes to earn a spot on the Canadian Olympic Team.

Alfred Ball & Sahba Seifi

Client Margaret Benson Competes for Canada at World Transplant Games

2009-08-09T10:28:00.000-07:00

Margaret Benson's story is inspiring and motivating. She is a great example of how well organ donation can work. Nearly ten years ago she received a double lung transplant and is now headed to the World Transplant Games in Australia to compete in several events including the 3 Km Race Walk, one of her key events. She will also be in a new category.

Margaret has been training with Alfred Ball, Kinesiologist and Founder of Lifemoves since November 2005. She is not only very physically active in dragon boating, race waking and running, but also donates a lot of her time to the causes of organ transplantion and cystic fibrosis.

She has trained diligently during the last year; we look forward to hearing about her successes in Australia during the coming weeks. Good Luck Margaret.

Sahba Seifi & Alfred Ball

Stretch Bands from Australia Now Available

2009-07-24T10:46:00.000-07:00

Lifemoves is always stretching to find cutting edge and innovative tools to enhance the quality of life of our clients. Alfred spotted a Fitness World member using a very unique stretching band. The member said he received it from a Physiotherapist in Australia. After much searching Alfred found the supplier and discovered that this product is not available anywhere in Canada.

What is so innovative about these bands? Have you tried to stretch using a towel, belt or Yoga strap? Do you find that you still end up in awkward positions and not truly relaxed? Do you still struggle to gain flexibility?

The Lockeroom Sports bands are the answer. They come in a loop, have some elasticity and come in three sizes depending on your height. They also pack up easily for travel. Place them around your waist for a great multi-directional hamstring stretch or attach them to a post for upper body stretches.

Lifemoves Health and Rehabilitation now offers them through our North Vancouver location (for pick-up only at this time). Pre-order yours today by emailing northshore@lifemoves.ca with subject: Stretch2009 to receive $5.00 off (first 20). Regularly $29.95 CAN + GST/PST (poster included). Remember to include your height and phone number.

Learn more about Fascial Stretch Therapy. Order a band and a 60-minute stretching session for only $75 + GST (regularly $85).

Social Media Connects Lifemoves to the Community

2009-06-25T10:49:00.000-07:00

Lifemoves Health & Rehabilitation has been exploring the use of social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, e-newsletter and our blogs to deliver our message that physical activity is important in maintaining your health and preventing diseases. These mediums are also useful to improve our brand awareness and promote our services and new product availability.

We would like you, our audience to discuss your success, struggles and ideas about health, fitness, lifestyle, injury management and disability management with us. To join us you can be a client, a friend, family member of a client, an Allied Health Professional, an organization or anyone concerned about keeping people moving for life.

We are finding Twitter a great way to connect with and get know many different people throughout the world. It reminds me of the song lyrics "It's a small, small world after all." We are looking forward to sharing ideas, information, pictures and videos in the near future. It is really quite fun; we are learning the social etiquette as we go along.'

Please join us:

Facebook

Lifemoves.ca on Twitter:

Get Moving For Life on Twitter

Get Moving for Life Blog

Our bi-monthly newsletter- Choose the link on the right hand menu.

We look forward to getting to know you.

Alfred Ball

President | Founder | Kinesiologist

Sahba Seifi

Kinesiologist