In The News
June 28TH , 2010

Web link - Read article

In this Pic, from left: Danielle, Miranda, Melissa and Sahra

Back from another amazing retreat in Jamaica
June 28th 2010

We held yet another wonderful fitness holiday at the Iberostar Grand in Jamaica this month.  We were reunited with Danielle, who is the Head of Essentrics in Europe! She is getting married in July and knew that the fitness holiday would leave her relaxed, golden and fit for the big day! These holidays are truly life changing moments for many of the members; the holiday is the perfect opportunity to create a new and healthy pattern in your life.  Everyone leaves feeling inspired, rejuvenated and fit!

New Essentrics Studio in Montreal
June 28th 2010

We’ve opened our new studio in our hometown of Montreal!  The space is warm and inviting yet modern and invigorating at the same time.  We were lucky to find the  perfect space tucked away in the coach-house of a heritage building in downtown Montreal.  It has been completely renovated and we look forward to hosting classes, seminars, and fitness holidays here.

Click to access the studio site which is in French & English...

In The News
Fashion Magazine - April 2010

ESSENTRICS
Montego Bay, Jamaica, essentrics.com

I’m sitting on an ottoman in the soaring lobby of the Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall, waiting to meet my Essentrics retreat compadres. Gradually, the women (and one husband) arrive-Canadians and Americans of varying age, visibly relieved to be escaping their daily grind. We’re greeted by Sahra Esmonde-White and her mother, Miranda, the program inventor and something of a celebrity down south-she’s hosted a daily fitness show on PBS for the past 10 years, which is how Americans have come to be here. Rather exciting to see your TV trainer come to life.

A dancer with the National Ballet of Canada for four years, her career curtailed by a broken foot, Miranda went on to teach stretch and fitness classes, studying with physiotherapists and chiropractors before opening her own studio in Montreal.

The premise of eccentric movement-which Sahra identified as the key part of her mom’s invention while writing her master’s thesis on it-is that stretching the muscles and strengthening them in an elongated position allows a deeper stretch and produces a long, lean physique. Athletes Jessica Dubé and Kim St-Pierre testify that Essentrics makes them faster and resilient to injury, while starlets Noot Seear and Vanessa Hudgens are presumably more interested in its aesthetic benefits.

It becomes clear that a workout with Miranda is also a 100-level anatomy class-I learn about the function (and existence) of my IT bands and iliopsoas-and a strongly worded lesson in preventing old-age shrinkage. I start to feel that if I religiously strengthen my chest and back by reaching my arms up and by levering them backwards, I might stay proudly upright into my 90s. I walk away feeling taller, tauter, and looser in my joints.

My days consist of two classes, a nap on my balcony’s swinging loveseat and an inordinate length of time in my huge marble bathroom-given my schedule and the heat, I’m taking four showers a day. Far from lonely on my solo venture, I chat with my new pals in the open-air restaurant: One, from Maine, is an inspiringly sprightly 70-year-old landscaper; another is a fabulous well-read diplomat’s wife from Washington.

One day, a pretty limber yoga teacher from Miami wanders off the pool deck and asks to join in. she’s visibly surprised at the way the movements work muscles you didn’t even know you had. Afterwards, she writes down the wed address and expresses her disappointment that she’s merely at the resort on vacation. Twenty bucks says she shows up next time. - Rani Sheen>>

In this Pic, from left: Danielle De Wildt and Sahra Esmonde-White

Essentrics Retreats
Febuary 1st 2010

For the last 4 years, we have been holding fitness holidays in Mexico and Jamaica at the 5-star Iberostar Resorts.  We all look forward to these week-long events because they are so much fun!  We do two classes a day (morning and evening) and in between we linger over cappuccino's at breakfast, read on the beach, meet new people, eat well and have a great time talking over a glass of champagne or a rum punch in the evening. Sometimes we even venture to the hotel nightly show or the disco.  We consider these a mix of health and fun!  Our next date is June 12th to June 18th; hope you can join us.

For more info go to our Fitness Holiday Page

Classes available at the Toronto Athletics Club
December 2009

As of November, Torontonians will be able to do a live Essentrics class at the Toronto Athletics Club located at the TD Waterhouse Center in downtown Toronto. This is one of the most stunning fitness centers I have been in, with breathtaking views of the city and lake Ontario from the top floors of the TD center. A very friendly and welcoming high-end gym, but the best thing about it is the quality of Instructors. Kelly Kirkpatrick is the group exercise director and will be leading a class on Tuesdays at 11:30.

For more information visit their website at http://www.torontoathleticclub.com/index.htm

In The News
November & December 2009

Running Magazine
INJURY PREVENTION: Fleet Feet Footwork Series

Web link - Read article
View PDF version

VIVA , Sept 2009

Essentrics is no.13 in the Sexypedia: 20 sexy trends for a hot fall

13 . Reaching and Stretching Essentrics comes from sexy Canada. It contains elements of – brace yourself – stretching, ballet, tai chi and fitness, with a sauce of mindfulness. Essentrics makes your muscles long, instead of short and bulky. A look that it very feminine and very sexy. At this moment Daniëlle de Wildt is the only teacher in the Netherlands. She teaches in Amsterdam. Check out Essentrics.com/store.html

Stretch with Max
August 28TH, 2009  

Max Talbot and I on our last day together stretching in Montreal.  He’s now headed back to Pittsburgh (where he plays hockey for the Pittsburgh Penguins) hopefully to win another Stanley Cup :)  We’ve been stretching together two to three times a week over the last two months, so needless to say we’ve become good friends and I’ll miss his jokes.  But I look forward to watching him play in the new year.  I’m going to post a video of some of the exercises we did together for any athletes out there needing an extra stretch!

Outer Thigh and Butt: From the Legs, Butt and Thigh Thinner DVD

The exercises we love to hate .. Or hate to love? They may be tough but the results are almost miraculous for us girls; they melt away the fat on the hips and lift the butt like no other exercise I’ve tried.    No matter how torturous it is to do these correctly, you’ll see the transformation of your thighs happen much faster if you do.  So make sure not to roll back and target your quad (incorrect photo) you really want to target the outer thigh (correct photo!).  Now that you’re targeting the correct body part, don’t forget to pull your leg away from your body, pointed toe and straight knee.  

One Night With the Stanley Cup
August 10TH, 2009  

Last week I got to attend the most magical event of the summer; Max Talbot’s private Stanley Cup Party.  Max plays hockey with the Pittsburgh Penguins and this summer they won the Stanley Cup!  Max and I have known each other for a few years; he started stretching with me last summer and noticed such an improvement in is body that he’s devoted extra hours this summer to his Essentrics training!  I’m happy to spend the time with him because he’s serious and smart but also a comedian, so an hour with him is an hour well spent!  Every player gets the cup for a day and he organized a full day of activities for his home town and raised money for the Make-a-Wish foundation, but at night the party was just for him.  Family, friends and former teammates all got together on an island outside of Montreal where we were treated to live music from local bands.  The setting was perfect with the moon reflecting on the river behind our intimate stage.  The mood was high; everyone was there to celebrate Max’s achievement. When I saw Max the next week for our stretch, we were still floating on a cloud!

In this Pic, from left: Jonathan Guilmette, retired Olympic gold and silver medalist in speed skating, Tracy, Steve Robillard Speed Skating Champion, Vancouver 2010 Olympian

Gold Medals for life
July 28TH, 2009  

Life can be very hard, and there are no medals for those who have fought their way out of a difficult life situation with grace and character.  Perhaps their award is their ability to inspire others and show us all the meaning of courage.

Last week at our instructor training workshop I met Tracy; a triple gold medal winner in my books.  Six years ago, Tracy and her sister Sarah were hit by a drunk driver; it was a head on collision that left Tracy with a brain injury, eye injury, broken bones and bed ridden for 8 months, and sadly it took the life of her sister – a vibrant girl with so much still to give!  After meeting two Olympic speed skaters (Jonathan and Steve) while on holiday in 2007, Tracy developed a whole new outlook on her life and her dedication to getting her body into shape.   Meeting them, with their positive light hearted attitudes and yet serious dedication to their training, inspired her to dedicate her time to healing her body – just as an athlete would! She no longer felt guilty for spending hours working on herself; she too was an athlete with goals!  A beautiful girl both inside and out, she is now on her way to becoming an Essentrics Instructor and I’m so proud to have her as part of our team. And the circle of inspiration continues because, much like an athlete, Tracy touches everyone she meets and inspires us all!

Goat Cheese & Pistachios with Honey truffle dressing
July 28TH, 2009  

Jonathan Guilmette, Olympic gold medalist and good friend, has agreed to share one of his personal recipes!  Cooking is a passion for him and this simple recipe is exquisite.  Enjoy!

Goat Cheese & Pistachios with Honey truffle dressing

• Soft goat cheese
• Pistachio nuts and a dash of salt – some crushed and some full
• Honey
• Truffle oil

Remove the soft goat cheese from its package and place it on a dish. 
Create a crater in the middle of your soft goat cheese.
Place most of the pistachio mix in the center of the crater and sprinkle the rest around the goat cheese.
Combine the honey and truffle oil and pour over the goat cheese and pistachios.
Dip chips or spread over bread.

Yummy!! Gourmet!! but not Diet Food!!

Camelot
July 28TH, 2009  

At age 16, George Washington transcribed a list of “Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation”. He was known as a great man because of the way he conducted himself, and his morals set him apart; “Read no letter, books or papers in company,” was one "If any one come to speak to you while you are sitting, stand up,” was another one (read article). These rules show our respect for others, and they are gestures that are rare to find in people these days.

I was getting ready to join friends for dinner and contemplating the fact that I would like to apply some of these rules into my life. For example, I’d like to be more aware of not answering my phone or replying to texts when in the company of others. Anyhow, as I arrived to the restaurant I was introduced to two people and, having just read this article, I immediately recognized that they personified this dignity code; they were Sidney Crosby and Andy O’Brien. When I arrived at their table, they both immediately stood up, looked me in the eye, shook my hand and showed a genuine interest in meeting me and my friend. Everything in their attitude and gesture made us feel welcome. This is how we should all strive to be and to make people feel; whether it’s at the gym, work or other social environments.

It was a great night and a pleasure to meet these two gentlemen from the Maritimes!

To workout with Andy and Sidney
 http://sidneycrosby.sympatico.msn.ca/en/

Fitness Should Be Fun
July 16TH, 2009  

Fitness should be fun, and you should see results quite quickly when you start a good fitness program. That’s what motivates you to continue on working harder! One of the best things about Essentrics is that you feel the effects of the program after your very first class; which inspires you to continue!  And as you continue you begin to see all sorts of changes to your body that you never thought possible. I’m so grateful to be part of a program that delivers on the promise to transform not only the outer physical appearance, but the inside mechanics.  

All of us who do it on a regular basis feel like we are helping our bodies to reach their peak. Danielle (head of Essentrics in Europe) started the program about 2 years ago. At the time she was an international brand manager at L’Oreal.  After doing the 30-minute routines only a few times a week from her little apartment in Paris, she managed to cure in a few months what her therapists were unable to treat over a 2 year period!  Obviously she became a believa! She’s now spreading the word in Europe.

 Here are her before (left pic) and after (right pic) posture pics:

4.TRADE IN YOUR EXERCISE ROUTINE

Borrowing our moves!

The “Fashion Pretzel” that was photographed for the Dutch Glamour.

Marie Claire, May 2009
DUTCH

The new hit in New York. It takes some discipline: you need to do this mix of fitness and ballet 6 times a week for 30 minutes.

The name Essentrics comes from Ecentric and means that you lengthen and strengthen your muscles at the same time. Instead of short and bulky, you create a long and lean look. Develop good posture and a toned and strong body.’Only’ three workouts a week gives you results too. Investment: go to DanceStreet in Amsterdam to join a class (www.dancestreet.net) or do ESSENTRICS DVD each morning

Sante, January 2009
DUTCH

‘Stretch up tall’
What? The word ‘essentrics’ comes from ‘excentric movement’ (pulling from the centre); continuous elongation makes your muscles long, lean and strong and your joints flexible. It is a combination of tai chi, ballet, yoga and the ‘stretch therapy’ PNF.

Goal: Toned arms, slenderized legs and butt, a flatter stomach, less stress, more energy and an improved posture.

Verdict: Personally I prefer a bit more action, but I feel that Essentrics is doing a lot of good to my body and mind. It calms me down and I am more aware of my body. By the of the class I definitely feel that I have had a work-out.

For more information, an Essentrics-dvd or to try out the class, mail to danielle@essentrics,com or go to www.essentrics.com

Posture
June 28TH, 2009  

Continuing on my favorite topic of the moment: Posture!  The summer is finally here and I like to spend time in outdoor café’s watching the world stroll by.  This year I’m starting to think that there’s an epidemic of poor posture!  Perhaps we are at our computers more than past generations and that’s what’s causing this; but I’m horrified to see such young beautiful people slouching!  Not only is it unattractive but it’s also unhealthy and can lead to back, neck and shoulder problems.  Slouching makes you look older, gives you a flabby little tummy and makes you appear a few inches shorter.  Good posture automatically sucks your stomach in, gives you added height and makes you look young and vibrant; just take a look at a few of these photos.  Over the next week I’ll give you some fitness tips to help you gain and maintain you posture.

Improving Posture
June 22TH, 2009  

While we were in Jamaica for our most recent fitness retreat, Miranda, Danielle and I filmed two pre-choreographed workouts for our teacher training program.  These workouts were created by Miranda and are two of my favorites; especially the one that specifically works on posture.  When I look around I see that poor posture affects so many people; from young teens to grandmothers. People think that you can improve your posture simply by “straightening up” but the reality is that years of poor posture can’t be fixed that easily.  And because “straightening up” doesn’t work, people get discouraged and give up on trying to change it.  The truth is that weak muscles and tight muscles are responsible and therefore you need to do a program that addresses both of those issues!  By combining the stretching and strengthening, Essentrics is a program that improves posture very quickly. So if improving posture is a goal for you, a few weeks of Essentrics exercises will straighten you right up!

Jamaican Heath Tips
June 22TH, 2009

During our fitness retreat in Jamaica, we visited a Jamaican herb garden and got some great health tips from the gardener!  He was telling our group of girls that we should all take special note of Penny Royal because of its ability to clean up women’s “tubes” and allow us to get pregnant more easily… however a quick read on Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennyroyal and I’ve decided against it as it seems to be quite toxic taken in the wrong amounts. I love the internet.  The herb that I am adding into my diet is ginger!  Jamaicans use a lot of ginger in their food and drinks.  Its said to have excellent health benefits and treats ailments like coughs, colds, heart disease, arthritis pain, gas, nausea and more! This morning I made a blueberry shake with fresh ginger root.

Yumm!

Do our parents influence our desire to be fit?
June 11TH, 2009

Melissa, my colleague and the one person I work with the most, had an upper back, shoulder area spasm this week and could barely move.  Both her doctor and our physio told her that the main problem was lack of exercise!  This may seem odd considering she’s been working in a fitness company for over 5 years – and she really does like Essentrics! The problem is that she doesn’t know how to put time aside for fitness.

Melissa and I put on our psychology caps and tried to figure out why? She blames her parents (kiddingly)!  But the question is: do our parents influence our desire to be fit?  Melissa’s parents were very health conscious when it came to what their four children ate, but they were not physically active. The whole family was naturally slim so they weren’t confronted with a need for calorie burning.   As a result, all the “kids” eat extremely well and Melissa has even influenced all of us at the office to eat better.  The problem is that as they are hitting their late 20’s and 30’s, the lack of exercise is starting to take its toll and affect their quality of life. 

I for one believe that our parents have a huge impact on our future fitness and health lifestyle; obviously Melissa’s parents had a big impact on her eating habits. If you never saw your parents exercise then exercise becomes something you don’t relate to.  If you never felt how good it was to be active as a kid, you won’t know what you’re missing as an adult.

So in the end, we both agreed that parents are major influencers on how we will view fitness as adults.  And now Melissa is on a mandatory twice a week exercise regime which we hope will create a new habit for her.  It all starts this week as we head for our fitness retreat in Jamaica.  Will keep you posted!

Rock the Baby
June 10TH, 2009

One of our trademark exercises is called “rock the baby”. Because of its gentle rocking motion and smooth back stretch, it’s a real favorite among Essentrics students. We were photographing the movement for our teacher training recently and had a good laugh because I didn’t know how to rock a baby! I eventually found my mother instincts and got it right.

Exercise: Rock the baby

Purpose: to help improve your posture and relieve stress by stretching the rhomboids, trapezius and intercostal muscles (upper back and ribcage).

In The News
April 17TH , 2009

Web link - Read article

In The News
December 15TH , 2008

Web link - Read article

My first entry

Every day we have thoughts, we make choices and we take actions that, over time, make us who we are. It is so true that repeatedly doing something makes it a part of our character. Being in the fitness field, I realize how much these words can apply to the way we treat our body and our health. Eating right, making healthy choices, incorporating exercise into our lives… these should all become second nature to us. The more often we make healthy choices the more likely these choices become a habit. I can say that I try to apply this code to all areas of my life!

For my body, I love the Essentrics™ program and I’m proud to be a part of its development. I want a strong, flexible and healthy body and I’ve found the way to achieve that with Essentrics™.

I hope others will find a good balance in it too!

The first ESSENTRICS photoshoot!
October 21ST, 2008

Melissa and I had a great time organizing this photo shoot, especially going to Reebok, Adidas, Lululemon, among others and trying to match styles. Styling is not something we do everyday but we both enjoyed the challenge and had a good laugh.

Jean-Romain Delaloye, the Swiss National Diving Champion, joined us for a few pics. He's been doing Essentrics for over a year now and though we can't claim to have given him those beautifully cut abs… we can say we've made him more flexible which is so important for divers! You can see more pics in the media section.

The Brain That Changes Itself
by Norman Doidge, M.D.

The Secret History of the World
by Mark Booth

The Culture Code
by Clotaire Rapaille

Spark: The revolutionary new science of exercise and the brain
by John J. Ratey MD