Mindfulness at A2 Physical Therapy
Mindfulness practices are embraced for many different reasons. Life skills, personal and team resilience, creativity, deeper relaxation and better sleep, health and well being, self knowledge and mastery are just a few areas in our daily lives that can be enhanced with mindfulness practices. Similarly, studies show the broad impact that mindfulness can have on our lives. These include heightened awareness of the present moment, improved focus, paying attention to and reducing physical tension, not acting without thinking, less preoccupation with the past and future, as well as improvements in sleep quality.
Mindfulness can be described as employing intention and attention toward the present moment - paying attention in a particular way. The mindfulness sessions at A2, in alignment with our emphasis on physcial therapy and fitness, will emphasize body centered or somatic practices. Each week we will highlight one of more than twelve core areas. We will work toward developing both formal and informal daily practices that can serve individual circumstances, as well as celebrate the opportunities of practicing together.
Monty Smith, who will facilitate the mindfulness sessions at A2, is a Tacoma based mindfulness instructor and coach. He has studied mindfulness and supporting practices for over thirty years, including living and studying for five years in India. He loves to share these practices with others. He has had a diverse work life as an Army Officer, Lawyer, Pastor and administrator. Currently he is a member of the Reflective Practices Faculty and serves on the Community Steering Committee for the Environmental Education Community of Interest/Puyallup Watershed Initiative.
"Clear, communicative staff that showed great motivation in helping me return to my return to my recreational work and athletic activities Danny is super knowledgeable and had a strong sense of intuition in helping me identify and overcome my limitations. I’ve made an excellent recovery from a critical injury thanks to A2 and am now back to my usual flow."
− Keyon
"Kristi’s weekly bootcamp has truly gotten me out of my comfort zone. I started attending with my family a few months ago. My first couple of times I was so ore! At times I became discouraged, but I just pushed through! I keep coming every week I am available. There’s no shaming if you must miss a week. You can even have someone go on your behalf if you miss a week. Since starting Kristi’s bootcamp I’ve said yes to other fitness opportunities I would have previously turned down. I now workout EVERYDAY and I’ve lost over 20 lbs since I first started coming. Thanks Kristi and to my family for introducing mw to this awesome bootcamp!"
− Amanda
"My name is Irvin Markham. I am a member of A2 Physical Therapy and Fitness. I have been a member of several gyms but never had a personal trainer. With no schedule or workout plan, I would always eventually quit. My wife suggested to go see her personal trainer Kristi Cruz. What a difference the experience has made in helping me get the most out of my workouts. Kristi has not only helped me get 71 year old body back in shape physically, but mentally as well. She has put me on a set schedule and encourages me to do all the things I need to do to stay healthy. I cannot thank Kristi and the entire staff at A2 for all of the support they have shown me."
− Irvin