DJ's Auto-Biography

I've been loving dance and movement ever since I took my first dance class at age 4.  I've performed Cuban Orisha
and Folkloric Rumba in the Bay Area, and studied several African dances, including Congolese, Haitian, Cuban
Folkloric Orisha, as well as modern, ballet, salsa and ballroom.  I have also practiced Chinese Kenpo Karate for four
years, and was a coxswain on a rowing team.

These varieties of movement have given me a deep understanding of the body's abilities, as well as a wide range of
movements to use in working with my clients.  As I've gained in years (I'm 52), my desire has increased to work with
people who were also aging and to pass along my love of movement.  I keep in mind the increasing limitations we can
experience, but also know that muscles can be rebuilt for increased strength, stability and stamina, and for
osteoporosis and injury prevention.

I'm certified through American Aerobics and Fitness Association as a personal trainer and group aerobics instructor;
and through SCW-FITT in Weight Management and Balance and Fall Prevention for the 50+ populations.

My Mother's Story
One of the main reason for my inspiration for developing this fitness practice has come from watching my mother
weaken as she ages, with serious consequences to her well being and quality of life.  She has developed severe
osteoporosis, and later in her life she also has contracted Parkinson's Disease.  She began falling, but because of
the osteoporosis, the falls resulted in painful compression fractures in her spine.  At age 83, she is now completely
bedridden, and in continuous pain.  As osteoporosis can be prevented by weight bearing exercises, this could have
be avoided if she had exercised more in her life.

My desire is to work with others and provide support and encouragement needed to become and stay strong - and
avoid these painful debilitations. Even if we do become ill, having strong muscles and bones will delay the worst
effects for a lot longer.  My  program is designed to help others avoid these more serious effects of aging through
joyful movement and bone building exercises!

Remember: Reduced mass or atrophy of our muscles is not a direct result of aging, but is from to under-use
of the muscles due to our sedentary lifestyle.  Aging can accelerate the process of muscle and bone loss, but
exercise can prevent and even reverse it.  And, it is NEVER too late to start !!