Fitness Fusion

FITNESS FUSION: Fitness Fusion has been closed because Darlene has had 3 back surgeries and will require more. Thanks to everyone for their support and good wishes. The studio will NOT re-open.

Addendum: Recently, my arthritis has gotten the better of me (temporarily). In June 2007, I had an L5/S1 microdiscectomy and bilateral laminectomy. The recovery process is slow - it takes two months for the work to be healed enough so I can actually start moving. I've been posting a blog about my progress here: www.fitnessfusion.wordpress.com Unfortunately, in Oct 2007, I had to have a second surgery on L1/L2. The best I could do was work with movement specialist physicians and do my part but in Sept 2008 I had a third multileve operation at L2/3 and a repeat microdiscectomy at L5 with investigative surgery from L2-L5 on the right side. Because of the constant spasming of the muscles on the right side, I have developed a more prominent thoracolumbar scoliosis. Scar tissue was pulling me down to the right and making matters worse. This was removed during the surgery.

I am optimistic that I will return to working in the studio in 2009. I will be specializing on osteoporosis, arthritis and scoliosis.

For information on Osteoporosis and Pilates/Yoga, please see the sidebar to the right. I have developed a program called Osteoporosis: Mindful Movement in Yoga and Pilates.

I am trained in the Stott Pilates® method. My certification is in Essential, Intermediate Pilates Mat & Reformer and I have taken coursework in both Advanced Mat & Reformer. In late 2008 I became certified in Injury & Special Populations. This certification was 24 hours focusing primarily on the spinal diseases, joint injuries and osteoporosis.

I am also a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT, 200 hour) certified by the International Yoga Alliance. My training is from the Nirvana School of Yoga, taught in the Kripalu Tradition. I have also been a member of the of International Association of Yoga Therapists, The Kripalu Yoga Teachers Association, Inner Idea Fit and The Yoga Association of BC. My personal training certification is with CANFIT PRO.

What makes Fitness Fusion different?

Programs are developed that meet your specific demands. Private clients receive a postural analysis to tailor a program to correct your body's imbalance. A detailed health history questionnaire provides information to further develop a program that takes into account your lifestyle and all the challenges that you have faced both present and past. Extensive ongoing education keeps the studio up to date with the latest knowledge and methods to give you the best.