Lisa A. Workman M.A.
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Letters From Lisa

Feel-good movement starts with this question

4/27/2025

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Hey, 

Lisa here.

And this week, I’m bringing up something personal.

Something that’s woven into our daily lives, our routines, our memories—and often, our movement too.

You might be wondering… what the heck is Lisa talking about this week?

I’m talking about music.

Yep.

That beat, that rhythm, that melody that lifts us up or calms us down.

Music has been around forever, and it’s been moving with us for just as long. Think drum circles, clapping games, singing as we work or walk or stretch. Music and movement go hand in hand—and I bet it’s part of your routine, too.

So, I’ve got a fun little question for you this week:

👉 What’s your favourite song to listen to when you exercise?

It could be the one that gets you pumped.

Or the one that helps you keep going. Or maybe the one that just brings you joy.

You can comment below with just one, or up to five songs if you’re feeling generous. I’m making a community playlist—something we can all move to, inspired by you.

And you know me… I love to dig into the science. There’s a growing body of research showing just how powerful music can be when we move our bodies:

🎧 Music can boost enjoyment during exercise. One study found that people who listened to music while working out rated the session as more enjoyable than those who didn’t—even when doing the exact same thing!

🎶 It can also increase endurance and intensity. Music can reduce perceived effort, making it feel easier to go longer or push a little harder.

🧠 And on the brain level? Music can actually help regulate mood, reduce fatigue, and even improve coordination. It’s a full-body, full-mind experience.

We live in a time where we can carry an entire library in our pocket—thank you, earbuds and smartphones! So let’s tap into that, together.

Scroll down and comment about your favourite workout tune (or five).

Oh, and one more thing! I haven’t picked a name for our community playlist just yet—and I’d love your help. If you’ve got a creative spark or a fun idea, let me know. Something like “MedFit Moves” or “Move With Lisa: Community Beats”—or maybe something totally unexpected! Let’s name it together.

A community playlist is in the works—a mix of your favourite workout songs that I’ll share in an upcoming post so we can sweat, smile, and groove together.

With music in my heart,
Lisa 💗
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A grocery store, two kids, and a movement reminder

4/20/2025

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Now, for a little story…

This week, I took my two kids to the grocery store—something we don’t do often. I gave them a $10 budget to pick out anything they wanted. For one son, it was easy. For the other? Not so much.

My little foodie didn’t hesitate. He proudly picked out spicy mango slices, coated in chili powder and paprika. Let’s just say—I had my doubts.
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​At home, the first thing he did was try them.

One bite in, his eyes widened.

They were spicy.

But instead of giving up, he left the rest on his plate and returned for tiny bites throughout the afternoon.

What struck me most was his approach: he knew instinctively that the way to handle something bold and unfamiliar was to try a little at a time.

That’s a message we can all take into our own health and movement routines.

Trying something new—especially in movement—takes courage and trust.

But it doesn’t have to be all or nothing.

It can be just a little.

One step. One extra walk. One stretch. One mindful breath. One bite.

So if you're thinking about adding something new, remember: small is mighty.

This is exactly the philosophy behind our new 25 for 2025 Walking Challenge, now open in The MedFit Movement Studio. Over 25 weeks, the only goal is to walk an extra 10 minutes a week.

That’s it.

A small, spicy mango-sized bite.


In May, we’re also kicking off virtually:

🌶 Mindful Movement (new themes each week)

🌶 Everyday Yoga (gentle, doable yoga to fit real life)

🌶 Movement Rx (focusing on spinal mobility this month)

​
Come take small steps with us, wherever you are.

And yes—I tried the spicy mango too.

One tiny slice was more than enough for me.

But I’ll keep nibbling, just like we all can when something new feels bold, a bit scary… or a little spicy.

Happy Easter,
Lisa

🌟 Ready to take your first bite?
Join us for the 25 for 2025 Walking Challenge inside The MedFit Movement Studio!


👟 It’s simple: walk just 10 extra minutes a week for 25 weeks.

No step counters. No pressure. Just progress.
​
​
✨ Whether you're just starting out or looking to reignite your routine, this is a supportive and encouraging way to build momentum—one step at a time.​
Join Now!

​Let's walk into 2025 stronger, one small bite at a time!
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You're Not a Car... But Maybe You Should Move Like One

4/11/2025

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If your walk feels stuck in the mud, this may be why… and how to fix it with your body’s own "all-wheel drive”.


Let’s start with a little analogy.

Picture your car.

Now think about what drives it forward. Is it just the rear wheels doing all the work? Or do all four wheels share the load?

When my partner and I were shopping for a new vehicle, we opted for an all-wheel drive. Living in a city with serious winters, it made sense to choose something that could handle snow, ice, and unexpected ruts in the road.

And let me tell you — the difference between rear-wheel and all-wheel drive is night and day.

With all-wheel drive, we could pull out of slippery spots with ease. With rear-wheel drive? Those tires would spin and spin… getting nowhere fast.

So why am I talking about cars?

Because your body works the same way.

Your Body’s Built-In All-Wheel Drive​

You’ve got four powerful ball and socket joints:

✔︎ Two hips
✔︎ Two shoulders

These joints are the driving force behind most of your daily movements.

But here’s the thing: most people only use two of them.

Just like a car stuck in rear-wheel drive, you might be relying only on your hips to power you forward — especially when walking.

But what if you could upgrade to all-wheel drive for your body?

That’s where Nordic walking poles come in.
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​Nordic Walking = All Four Joints in Motion

Adding poles to your walking doesn’t just boost your pace — it transforms your entire movement pattern.

You engage not just your legs, but your upper body too.

Your shoulders get in on the action. Your posture improves. Your energy flows.

It’s an all-wheel drive experience for your body — smoother, stronger, and way more efficient.

And here’s the best part:

If one of your joints is feeling off (think: sore shoulder, stiff hip, etc.), the other three can share the load.

It’s like having a backup system in place — you stay mobile, supported, and safe.

Ready to Drive Forward With Power?

If you’re in Edmonton, join me this Wednesday for the start of our Take Your Walk to the Next Level workshop — a 3-week in-person series designed to activate all four of your ball and socket joints.

💥 Hips and shoulders collide.

💥 Hips and shoulders accelerate.

💥 Hips and shoulders take off.

And if you’re not in Edmonton? No problem. Just send me an email ([email protected]) and I’ll create a virtual option just for you.

One More Thing — Our Brand-New Walking Challenge Is HERE

🚨 You’re hearing it here first:

The 25 for 2025 Challenge officially launches tomorrow, April 14 inside The MedFit Movement Studio.

It’s completely free to join and includes 25 weeks of walking prompts, photo challenges, prizes, and more.

All you need is a free MedFit membership — and a pair of shoes.

💥 Movement. Motivation. Momentum.

This is your season to stride forward with purpose.

I hope to see you in the community — and on the walking path — soon.

Stay well and happy moving,
Lisa

But wait...


​👉 Want this kind of movement inspiration delivered to your inbox?

Subscribe to receive my weekly emails and never miss a blog post!
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What’s your relationship with exercise?

4/6/2025

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I recently listened to a podcast on financial health, financial literacy, and financial confidence. As I was tuning in, a question was posed that really made me stop and think—not about money, but about exercise. It got me thinking: What if my clients could use this same question to rethink their relationship with exercise?

Here’s the question that got me thinking, and I’m going to share it with you today because it could be a game changer for you.

Imagine this: You walk into a restaurant, pub, coffee shop, or bar to meet up with a friend. But here’s the twist. Instead of your friend, you walk in and see exercise—yes, exercise—in human form, right there in front of you.

What would you do?

Would you walk up and shake its hand? Would you give it a big hug? Or would you run as fast and as far as you can, maybe hiding in the bathroom until it leaves? Maybe you’d walk up to it and punch it in the stomach.
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It sounds and looks a little wild, right?

​But hear me out—how you would react to exercise in that situation really helps reveal your relationship with it. And I want you to think about it closely.

What do you really feel when it comes to exercise?

Maybe exercise was something you dreaded—like a punishment you were forced to do. Maybe you’ve thought it’s something you can no longer do due to injury or illness. Maybe it used to be your best friend, but then life changed, and so did your relationship with it.

We all have unique experiences with exercise.

Just like relationships with other people, there are highs, lows, successes, failures, and moments that challenge our beliefs.

So, let me ask you: What’s your relationship with exercise?

This question is personal, and only you can answer it.

But just like in that podcast I listened to, your reaction to exercise gives you insight into how you interact with it, how you feel about it, and what you truly believe about it. And just like money, it’s worth exploring. Your beliefs and behaviors around exercise can really shape how you feel and move.

Now, I want you to consider your week or month ahead.

What do you want your relationship with exercise to look like? Is it time for a change? If you’re ready for that shift, I’ve got something that might be just the thing you need.

Starting in April, Movement Rx is shifting focus to shoulder mobility. And if you missed last month’s hip mobility work, don’t worry! I’ve got you covered with all the video replays, handouts, and resources you need—just waiting for you in the beta program.

Here’s the best part: The Movement Rx virtual group program is available to you at a steep discount right now! Why? Because I’m building this program for YOU. This is a sneak peek before the official launch in September 2025, and as part of my email community, you’re getting first access.

If you’re ready to change your relationship with how you move, Movement Rx might just be the thing you’ve been looking for.

Have questions? Hit reply, and I’ll be happy to chat more about it!

Let’s make this your year to transform how you feel about movement.

With you every step of the way.

Be well and happy moving,
Lisa

P.S., Step one: join The MedFit Movement Studio. Step two: feel amazing. Are you in?
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​P.P.S., do you like the AI images I created of meeting Exercise in person?!? 😯 It was VERY interesting to see what AI thought of as Exercise personified!
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    Missed my most recent newsletter? Don't worry, I've got your back. Find all my exclusive letters here on this  blog. ~Lisa

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  Lisa Workman, MA, BPE, CSEP-CEP, ​C-IAYT, AFLCA Instructor, RYT-200 Yoga Alliance, 500-hour Yoga Association of Alberta
​  Edmonton, Alberta
​|   Medical fitness consulting   |   Clinical exercise physiology   |   Yoga therapy   |

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  • Home
  • Services
    • Take Your Walking to the Next Level
    • Everyday Yoga Group Class
    • Movement Rx
    • Movement Momentum
    • Professional Educational Services >
      • AFLCA Cycle Designation Course
      • AFLCA Cycle Level 2 Workshop
    • Free Online Course
    • Speaking Opportunities
  • About
  • High Fives
  • Blog
    • Letters From Lisa
    • Cycle Drills & Skills Blog >
      • Cycle Drills & Skills Glossary
    • The Journey of an Aspiring Yoga Teacher Blog
    • The Why I Move Project
  • Media & Publications
    • Media >
      • As Seen on TV
      • Web
      • Print
    • Publications
  • FREE Online Course
  • Contact