Physical well-being is one realm of wellness that is related to the health, function of, and relationship to the physical body. Physical well-being is not completely separate from other realms of wellness – the physical body impacts spirituality, mental/emotional health, sexuality, and connection with others and nature, and vice versa. As such, the siloing of well-being into specific realms is imperfect and not entirely accurate, but it is a way to organize our thinking and goals.
Physical activity is so critically important, it is considered a vital sign (similar to heart rate, respiratory rate, etc). Exercise is much more than a weight loss tool (and the CDC recommends moving away from weight loss goals through exercise). Movement improves physical health (reduced pain, improved function), mental health, and quality of life and is a keystone habit that can impact other arenas such as dietary choices and social connectedness. In fact, physical activity can change communities and beyond; part of the vision statement of the American Physical Therapy Association is to improve society by improving people’s movement!
As a physical therapist, with additional training as a CHEK practitioner, and yoga teacher (RYT 500), I am passionate about physical activity, reducing sedentary time, and lifestyle changes to increase movement, such as biking to school. Specifics that are unique to me: I feel strongly about the acceptance and affirmation of body diversity – my passion lies in getting an individual moving, across size and abilities. And not moving for health specifically, but moving for joy – movement approached with the intent of joy and pleasure is different than exercising because of body hate (hard pass on that narrative).
I can assist individuals in starting their fitness journey, finding movement that brings them joy, adapting movement for their unique needs and goals, and internalizing a body affirming approach to fitness and movement.
I am available for one-on-one and group fitness, wellness, stress management sessions utilizing exercise, soft tissue mobilization for the facilitation of range and movement, and yoga. For more information, please see my Events page, Private Client Information page, and/or contact me at ignitewellbeing.naperville@gmail.com
Below is information on complementary and integrative health and wellness modalities, specific to the physical body that I offer. Please see the other main pages for information on additional modalities.
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– Embodiment: https://ignitewell-being.com/what-is-embodiment/
– Meditation: https://ignitewell-being.com/what-is-meditation/
– Mindfulness: https://ignitewell-being.com/what-is-mindfulness/
– Nature Therapy: https://ignitewell-being.com/what-is-nature-therapy/
– Nutritional Well-being: https://ignitewell-being.com/nutritional-well-being/
– Pranayama: https://ignitewell-being.com/what-is-pranayama/
– Sexuality Counseling: https://ignitewell-being.com/what-is-sexuality-counseling/
– Shamanic Practice: https://ignitewell-being.com/what-is-shamanic-practice/
– Soft Tissue Mobilization: https://ignitewell-being.com/what-is-soft-tissue-mobilization/
– Yoga: https://ignitewell-being.com/what-is-yoga/
– Yoga and Mindfulness for Sensuality:
https://ignitewell-being.com/ yoga-and-mindfulness-for-sensuality/
Information on exercise (See also the Fitness Friday tab on the main page menu for more fitness/exercise ideas; see my blog for ideas on body image, diversity, and sizism) …..……………………………………………………………………
Skilled Exercise is Medicine: https://ignitewell-being.com/skilled-exercise-is-medicine/
Why you should work out with a physical therapist: https://ignitewell-being.com/why-you-should-work-out-with-a-physical-therapist/
Training: Function and Specificity: https://ignitewell-being.com/training-function-and-specificity/
Consideration of the pain + stress interaction for the movement health professional, including physical therapists: https://ignitewell-being.com/considerations-of-pain-stress-interaction/
*Please note that none of the above information is specific medical advice, but are educational resources. If you have concerns about your health, please contact a trusted healthcare professional*
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The above content is written by Dr. Allison Mitch, PT (DPT), sexuality counselor and educator; copyright protected, please cite accordingly. The picture is from Pexels. To work with me or for more information, please email ignitewellbeing.naperville@gmail.com