So let us start with WTF is Fascia?

Very simply, it's the connective tissue that holds you together. Without it, your muscles would slide from the bones and you'd need a pole up your sine to stand up. Fascia is an amazing structure of collagen that is so essential to the body that we can't have a body without it.

Fascia does a range of amazing jobs, but it also contracts and is responsible for us being able to lift objects, including our bodies. It can become quite hard and calcified if it is injured or if a limb is not used sufficiently and can create adhesions between layers of tissue in your body which can significantly restrict movement. It's pretty important really.

As a kinesiologist and Bowen Fascia Release Practitioner I have for years been working with people to increase their mobility, reduce their pain and restore functionality to their body. This has been mainly accomplished through manipulation of the fascia layers and through listening to the body for its guidance on where is overactive, tight, contracted and where is underactive, lose and basically slacking off on it's job of structural integrity.

Everything in the body is covered in a layer of fascia. It’s similar to oil in your car’s engine in that it allows everything to run smoothly and slide without friction. Overstressing of our muscles, whether through overuse or trauma, gives rise to tears in the fascia. When the tears don’t heal properly, the various layers of fascia in your body can adhere together in spots (called adhesions), which will cause pain and discomfort. These adhesions prevent your muscles from working the way they’re supposed to, as a means of protecting you while you heal. But this can lead to your body from living up to its potential for strong and natural movement.

So why come to a Fascia Ball Workout?

Because we can't all afford our own personal massage or myofascial release therapist to give us a weekly rub down and make sure that things don't get stuck and injured. But what is much more easy to access is our new fortnightly class where you can be guided through the process of enabling the release yourself.

Imagine the setting: Low light, gentle music, rhythmic rolling movements graded at a pressure you choose, gently releasing areas of tension and discomfort, finding yourself sinking deeper into a peaceful state of bliss. That's what these classes will be, a space for the hard working (and hard bodied) to be guided through how to transform their aches and pains from a place of tension to a place of freedom and fullness.

So aside from all that, what else do you get?

• aids in preventing injuries


• gets rid of knots and tightness in your muscles


• physically de-stresses your body so it can work more efficiently


• increases flexibility


• increases blood flow, which helps for faster recovery from workouts


• reduces soreness from workouts

Who is this suitable for?

This is an all-levels workout, geared toward anyone who can get on and off the floor: from athletes to couch potatoes. If you have a body, it will be happier after following along with this fascia ball workout. No previous experience is required. It is not suitable for anyone who is or might be pregnant, has serious conditions of the abdomen or spine. This is not intended as a substitute for sound medical advice and you should consult your health professional if you are uncertain if this is a suitable type of exercise for you.

What do you need to bring?

Quite simple really:

• A body - you


• A yoga type mat to lie on


• 2 x Tennis/Pilates/Lacrosse balls


• A blanket


• Any other support tools you find you need (from your own yoga practice) i.e. blocks/straps etc

I'm so up for this, how can I join in?

Easily, you can check out the dates of the classes by going to www.integralhealthshrewsbury.com/events where you will find the first class listed on Wednesday July 6th and from that point every 2 weeks.

This is a intimate and limited numbers class, 6 places only for each class and MUST be booked in advance. There will be no on the door options. Bookings for each class can be made on the Centre Shop in the Classes category where you just pick the date and pay to book on.

There will be a reserve list on each class and if that goes above 4 people then there will be a second class that night from 7.45pm

So don't waste any time, get yourself booked and get yourself the most relaxed and functional body possible without owning that personal massage therapist.

Share any comments or questions below and I look forward to seeing you on the mat.