By Gene Galin
Chatham County, NC – Nicole Samida, a fitness and body alignment coach, has introduced a class at CrossFit 15-501 that aims to improve body movement, reduce pain, and enhance overall well-being. The class, provocatively named “Unf**k the Fascia,” promises participants an in-depth exploration of their fascia system through a combination of myofascial release, breath work, and sound therapy.
Understanding Fascia and Its Importance
Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds muscles, organs, and other structures within the body. It plays a crucial role in maintaining structural integrity, supporting and protecting organs, and enabling movement. Despite its importance, fascia often goes unnoticed and can become tight or restricted due to physical or emotional trauma, leading to pain and decreased mobility.
Nic Samida, who has a background in exercise science and extensive experience in yoga and CrossFit, has developed a unique method to address these issues. Her fascia remidiation class focuses on hydrating and releasing fascia, thereby enhancing mobility and reducing pain.
“Fascia is not just physical; it’s metaphysical too,” Samida explains. “Our class aims to release and hydrate the tissues, helping participants connect with their bodies and improve their overall movement.”
The Three-Step Approach: Hydrate, Activate, Vibrate
Samida’s class is divided into three distinct parts: Hydrate, Activate, and Vibrate.
Hydrate: The first part involves myofascial release techniques to hydrate the fascia. This process helps in loosening up the tight and restricted areas, allowing for better movement and flexibility.
Activate: Next, participants engage in exercises designed to activate the body’s anterior tissues. This includes breath work to encourage proper breathing techniques, moving away from shallow chest breathing to deep diaphragmatic breathing.
Vibrate: The final segment is a sound bath using crystal bowls, which emits frequencies that resonate with the body’s fascia system. This sound therapy helps to rejuvenate and restore the body, enhancing the effects of the release and activation exercises.
From Foot to Head and Back Again
When we talked to Nic before her class, she pointed out that the session would begin with exercises focusing on the feet and progress upwards through the legs, diaphragm, and upper body, before circling back to the feet. This comprehensive approach ensures that every part of the body is addressed.
“We’re starting from the foot and going all the way up the front of the leg into the diaphragm,” says Samida. “From there, we’ll introduce breath work to activate the anterior tissues, then continue through the upper body to the backside, releasing what’s chronically tight. Finally, we make our way back down to the foot because everything is connected.”
Real-Life Application and Personal Experience
Nic Samida’s method is not just theoretical; it is deeply rooted in her personal experience. After suffering a severe hockey injury that resulted in multiple fractures, she used her knowledge of fascia and body mechanics to rehabilitate herself.
“I broke my leg, ankle, talus, knee, hip,” Samida recalls. “I had to use everything I learned to put myself back together. Two years later, I’m nearly 100% recovered with full range of motion.”
Her journey through injury and recovery has equipped her with practical insights that she now shares with her students. Through her class, Samida aims to empower others to take control of their bodies and find relief from chronic pain and dysfunction.
The Importance of Proper Breathing
One of the key components of the class is teaching participants how to breathe correctly. Samida emphasizes that many people are chest breathers, which can lead to chronic tension in the lower back and neck.
“Most people only use about 20-30% of their breathing capacity,” Samida explains. “Proper breathing should involve deep breaths into the pelvic floor, lateral expansion of the ribs, and finally into the chest. This full breath cycle helps in creating stability and reducing compression in the lower back.”
Testimonials and Real-World Impact
Samida’s methods have garnered positive feedback from those who have experienced her teachings. One of her clients, a 76-year-old writer suffering from chronic neck pain, has seen significant improvements.
“She went to a chiropractor who actually asked for my number because everything we’ve been doing is in alignment with her recovery goals,” Samida shares. “It’s about integrating awareness into movement and posture, which becomes the new norm over time.”
Class Goals and Participant Expectations
Participants in Nic’s fascia class can expect to gain a deeper understanding of their bodies, learn techniques to release fascia, and develop better movement patterns. The ultimate goal is to achieve alignment and reduce chronic pain.
“You don’t just get alignment by taking one class; it’s about consistent practice,” says Samida. “It’s like reprogramming your body. You’re training your nervous system to grow new neural pathways and adapt to a new, more efficient way of moving.”
A New Path to Wellness
Nicole Samida’s fascia class offers a comprehensive approach to body alignment and pain relief through fascia hydration, activation, and sound therapy. By focusing on the interconnectedness of the body’s systems and teaching participants how to breathe and move correctly, Samida aims to provide lasting improvements in their well-being.
“Understanding your body and where you are chronically stuck is the first step towards better movement and health,” Samida concludes. “It’s about creating a new system of stability and getting out of chronic pain and tightness. Move better, feel better, and live better.”
For those interested in experiencing this class, you can reach out to Nic through the CrossFit 15-501 Website.
What to Bring: Yoga mat, comfortable clothing, open mind