“I WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THE CENTER TO ANYONE WHO NEEDS HELP WITH SPORT INJURIES OR WANTS TO AVOID THEM AND KEEP PLAYING!” - SALVADOR ARIAS
“The one thing I learned with balance training is that it helps you to avoid injuries. I learned so much from Yolande. She’s a former professional gymnast and so good at what she does ... I apply that [the exercises she taught] all the time. Even when I walk,” Arias says. For instance, the soccer player will often do “raise-ups” throughout the day—going up on his toes, closing his eyes, lifting one leg, bringing it down, then lifting the other. Arias says he also applies Mavity’s exercises at the gym by using the balance ball or balance beam. When asked to explain the difference between traditional physical therapy and neuro balance, Arias says it has to do with personalization. “With PT, there are usually machines involved. With adding a balance component, it’s really nice because it’s personalized exercises, getting the right muscles back in order and working on your posture. You can implement all of these at home or at the gym too.” Other exercises that have helped him with his game include walking back and forth, left and right with a large rubber band wrapped around both knees and standing on one leg with his eyes closed or while performing head turns. “I’ve been playing soccer since I was 3 years old. Thank God I can still play. Yolande got me back in the game,” Arias says. “I would definitely recommend the center to anyone who needs help with sport injuries or wants to avoid them and keep playing!” In fact, the married father of two had a game the week of our interview, and he is now considering finding a soccer club for his girls, ages 5 and 7, to get started in. Of course, he’d likely want to coach. ?
32 | PULSE
SUMMER 2013