What even is a Kinesiologist? Are you a personal trainer? A physiotherapist?

A Registered Kinesiologist’s scope of practice includes “the assessment of human movement and performance and its rehabilitation and management to maintain, rehabilitate or enhance movement and performance.” Kinesiologists are regulated health care professionals in Ontario. To use the title of Kinesiologist (Registered Kinesiologist, R. KIN) one must have a 4 year (or equivalent) degree in Kinesiology (or similar area of study) and complete an entry to practice exam. Kinesiologists are specialists in human movement and using movement to support people in their health and function. As a Kinesiologist personal training is well within my scope. A personal trainer differs from a Kinesiologist in certification & continuing edeucation requirements and have limitations in their ability to work with folks with active health or co-morbid conditions or injury. Additionally, while there are many similarities between how physiotherapists and kinesiologists can practice, the important distinctions are that as a Kinesiologist I cannot make a diagnosis or complete any form of manual manipulation. I can assess and treat injuries of any kind and provide clinical impressions, as well as work with individuals with chronic health conditions or comorbidities, in addition to those without.

All that to say- I use movement and related somatic practices to help you learn to manage and navigate chronic health conditions, illness or injury, improve and build strength and body awareness, and how to support your body and it’s unique needs. I can work with anyone in any body.

What do you mean by “inclusive”? What makes your practice inclusive?

When I use the word inclusive in my practice, it is reference to how I create space, adapt and modify my approaches to individual and group needs, check in with and use language that is affirming and body-neutral, and continually educate myself on using anti-oppressive frameworks and trauma-informed practice models.

Some examples:

• Clearly communicating consent and ongoing consent practices

• Group classes and sessions have a consistent start and end to help with expectations and familiarity

• Plans and programs can be provided in advance of session, either in writing or with photos to help match your learning styles

• Sessions are ALWAYS adapted to meet you as you are when you show up to your session, regardless of what was planned (ie we will adjust the intensity, duration or style of movements)

• I do not need you to sign up for a certain number of 1:1 sessions or work with me at a particular frequency, we collaborate on what works best for you, your schedule and your budget

• If you do not complete any of your “homework” or suggested practices between sessions, that is always okay! You can still attend your next session and we can continue to move forward or re-visit your needs/intentions

• A flexible cancellation policy

Are your services covered by insurance?

Yes, though not all insurance companies have coverage for Registered Kinesiologists yet. Check your insurance policy and look for the title “Kinesiologist,” “Registered Kinesiologist,” or “Kinesiology Services. Those with a healthcare spending account or wellness budget may also be able to use that towards my services. Kinesiology services are tax deductible.

Do you offer sliding scale or flexible pricing?

I do. All of my 1:1 offerings are on a sliding scale, I have a limited number of spots on the scale and am happy to discuss options that work best for you and your unique situation. I do not require any “proof” for need and this can change at any time. Please make not in your first booking to discuss this, or send an email for more information.

Additionally, I am working towards offering more accessible pricing tiers/options and community resources, as well as creating educational programs that can exist to help you at a lower cost, or for free.

I’m not LGBTQ+, can I still work with you or attend a class?

Absolutely! I work with people, no matter how you identify. You never have to disclose that information to me and I will not ask directly. I do ask, and expect, that you are respectful and non-judgemental to all of those who access and share my space. Homophobia, transphobia, ableism and racism will not be tolerated.

It is important to note, however, that there are some programs that I run and offer that are designed specifically for 2SLGBTQ+ folks, so if that does not speak to your experience, I would be happy to suggest alternative options.