What Moves You to Move?

What moves you to move?  We ask this as a way of tapping into what is important and meaningful to each us.  When we explore and discover ways of moving that delight us, that we find interesting and that aligns with our values, we can fuel and sustain our motivation to stay fit and healthy.  We asked our team at Stride Physio to share what motivates them to move right now – here is what they said:

Tim Ainslie, MPT

Physical Therapist

My movement goals are to remain fit cardiovascularly and musculoskeletally to maintain an active lifestyle.  Physical exercise is important for my mental health as well.  I feel better, I sleep better and I am more pleasant to be around when I exercise regularly.  I plan to bike at least two days per week and golf at least one day a week with some strength training once or twice a week.

Trevor Farm, DPT, OCS

Physical Therapist

Especially during the winter months, I enjoy going to the gym to strength train and work on my mobility so I can get ready for all the fun activities in the summer sun. I particularly enjoy going paddle-boarding with my dog, Macaroni on the many Washington lakes. A newer and growing passion of mine is golf, which has beena great way to get outdoors with friends and soak up that Vitamin D!

Ticha Malegrai Green, DPT

Physical Therapist, Certified Athletic Trainer, Certified Yoga Instructor

My household is in constant motion with my ultra-active 5 and 8-year-old sons. My movement goals are to keep up and enjoy time with my family. I am a fierce backyard soccer goalie, flag football quarterback, wiffle/baseball player, kick baller, circus performer, laser tag sniper, monster tagger on the daily. I stay strong so I can play trampoline dodgeball, go surfing, rock climbing, snowshoeing, trekking, hiking to explore nature and participate in whatever magical adventures that presents itself to my family.

And with the flurry of movement my body craves the balance of stillness. This goal is achieved through daily yoga practice, whether it’s mindfulness, breath work, asana or meditation for moments, minutes or hours, yoga gives me a chance to be grateful for this body that moves me through this life.

Jennifer Hargitt

Finance Director

My goal is to get outdoors more with my family. Sometimes it can be hard to find time to workout because life can be so busy. In order to be more active and healthy, we started scheduling hikes on the weekends when weather permits. This way we can get a workout done while spending quality time together. My hope is that keeping my family involved and scheduling it ahead of time will hold me accountable and encourage me to stick with it. We also can see new places and explore new trails which makes the trip more exciting for my kiddo to keep him engaged!

Kim LeRoy

Office Manager

My current goal is to incorporate more movement throughout the day. With a traditional desk job, I end up sitting for way too long and it doesn’t feel great on my body. Geeia and I like to remind each other regularly that it’s time for us to get up and do some small stretches or movements. I’ve also made a commitment to myself to use part of my lunch breaks for exercises that target what’s bothering me.

Geeia Flores

Client Care Coordinator

When at work, I find myself spending a lot of time sitting down so I try to do some stretches every once in a while and do 25 bodyweight squats every hour. I have never been a runner so I want to start running at least 2x/week to increase my endurance so I can better perform in other activities such as tennis, hiking and basketball. I also want to incorporate core strengthening into my exercise routine to help aid with that for 2-3 times a week for at least 10 minutes. To keep myself on track, I’ll plan out my workouts every week and to keep myself accountable at work, Kim and I have been reminding each other to do our stretches and exercises

Amandalyn Boersema

Physical Therapy Aide and Client Care Coordinator

What moves me to move is getting out into nature to spend quality time with myself and my loved ones. I love being able to explore hard-to-reach places: the satisfaction of completing a hike and soaking in the amazing views of the pacific northwest at the same time is hard to beat. I’m looking forward to pushing my limits and adventuring to new places this summer.

Susanne Michaud, DPT, OCS

Physical Therapist, Certified Health and Well-Being Coach, Stride Physio Owner

Getting outside and moving is essential for me to live my best life.  Moving outside allows me to feel connected with nature and others, to feel energized and embodied, and to feel grounded and inspired.  Over the past year, my movement preferences and abilities have significantly changed due to a knee injury and breast cancer treatment.  Now instead of running, I walk my dog 30-90 minutes daily.  I started cold water swimming in the Puget Sound last year and have evangelized its benefits ever since.  Because I swim with friends, this 2x/week habit is well established.  My bigger movement goal is to go backpacking 3x this summer, so I’m motivated to increase my weekly weightlifting to make the pack feel light.