Today we’d like to introduce you to Paula Morizono.
Hi Paula, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been teaching fitness since 1999, having taught in pilates studios, gyms, physical therapy and chiropractic clinics, and corporate fitness programs. I also worked as a credentialed teacher in California’s largest older adults program. Throughout my 22 years of teaching, I’ve been continually searching and evolving my technique while asking myself the question: What do people need to stay healthy? I realized people want to exercise and take care of their bodies, but for many with such busy lives, even 10 minutes of exercise is just another chore. Then the answer came. What if I were to ask students not to add daily exercise but rather make daily life movements their exercise! Voila! That was it!
That paradigm shift changed everything. My teaching began to focus on how to correctly perform daily life movements. Bending over to reach inside a cupboard, working in the garden, lifting grocery bags, getting up and down from the couch. These movements became the workout. And since it didn’t require extra time, students were very receptive to the idea. The goal became: See your everyday life as opportunities to strengthen by moving in good form. The result: They became stronger than they’ve ever been, regardless of their age.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My main obstacle has been trying to define my style, approach and goals of my teaching. Having extensive knowledge and experience from working in so many areas of fitness, it was difficult for me to define what I do. I needed to create a system in order to clearly share it with my students and the world.
I was able to clarify four foundational pillars that I teach: breathing, core strength, posture and hip hinge. Mastering these four areas as applied to daily life, strengthens the body everyday and gives students full control of their own health and wellness.
As you know, we’re big fans of Strength for Everyday. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The goal of my work is to teach and spread the message that our daily lives, with its myriad of daily tasks, is what make us strong. We just need to learn how to apply the four basic principles of breath, core, posture and hip hinge.
Picking up children, carrying, groceries, caregiving, getting on and off toilet, are all opportunities to learn the neutral spine position, tighten the core and engage the glutes. But these tasks performed incorrectly over time can be a source of injury and pain.
The method by which these foundational areas are learned includes pilates, weight training, functional training, ergonomics and home visits, where I correct faulty mechanics of daily activities.
During my 22 years as a pilates teacher, personal trainer, ergonomics specialist and functional trainer, I’ve come to the conclusion that daily life—the actual mundane, seemingly boring tasks done correctly—is where we can create strength and power.
We are all taking this class called “activities of daily life” and when we perform these movements properly, our daily lives become a source of strength.
Learning the basics of breath, core, posture and hip hinge is what turns our daily tasks into a source of functional strength, one that will be useful throughout life. The opportunity to create a strong and resilient body exists in our day-to-day tasks.
Let’s do it!
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I am a Latin dancer and choreographer for Ikeda King’s big band jazz orchestra. Dance, in addition to my work, is my passion.
I am also the mom of a 30-year-old son, who I’ve trained since he was 16. I have trained him on the pilates reformer, pilates mat, gym equipment and free weights.
When my grandmother had a stroke and couldn’t walk, she needed to be lifted up and down during the day. With good form, holding in the core and hip hinge, I was able to lift her during my three eight-hour shifts.
My 23-year-old son babysat her once and said he had hurt his back. I told him to start practicing the basics I taught him. Once he started practicing the basics while hip-hinging in a deadlift motion, he was able to lift her without pain.
Training my son every week for years has been a great bonding experience. It’s particularly satisfying to know that I am teaching him skills he can use to protect his body for a lifetime. This is one of the greatest gifts I’ve given to my son.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.strengthforeveryday.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strength_for_everyday/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=functional%20pilates
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCInM4HkcXbQwfExDWrXPoAg
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/functional-pilates-los-angeles-5
