Body Fx: Foot Health 101 – Tackling Bunions (Hallux Valgus)

Join us for our first workshop at Énergie Encorps in the "Body FX" series, where we will explore the often-overlooked importance of the big toe, or hallux, in your posture, gait, and overall balance.

Despite its small size, the big toe plays a pivotal role in how you move and support your body. You might not realize that it is central to your walking pattern, and even if it isn't painful now, its position provides a wealth of information about how your body has adapted to propel you forward. Hallux valgus can become very painful and may require surgery if the pressure on this joint becomes too great. In addition to being unsightly and frustrating to fit into shoes, a bunion can lead to a series of compensations that result in significant loss of efficiency, energy, mobility, and muscle strength, while also increasing wear on other joints like your knees, hips, and back.

Workshop Objectives:

• Enhance the mobility and function of the big toe: Engage in exercises that specifically target the mobility and strength of the big toe to improve your gait and balance.
• Correct compensations: Learn to identify and adjust the compensations in your body caused by hallux valgus.
• Increase body efficiency: Reduce fatigue and enhance the effectiveness of your movements by addressing sources of tension and imbalance.

Benefits:

• Pain reduction and improved function: Alleviate pain associated with hallux valgus and enhance the overall function of your foot.
• Improved physical performance: With a functional big toe and better posture, enjoy improved performance in your daily and athletic activities.
• Long-term damage prevention: By correcting the movement patterns of the big toe, prevent future damage in other areas of the body.

Key Learnings:

• The central role of the big toe: Discover how the big toe acts as a crucial pivot for your posture and movement, and how its position can indicate significant bodily adaptations.
• Impact of hallux valgus: Understand how hallux valgus, commonly known as a bunion, not only deforms the foot but also causes pain and compensations throughout the body, reducing efficiency, mobility, and muscle strength.
• Prevention and management: Learn specific exercises to enhance the mobility and strength of your big toe and correct misalignments to prevent negative effects on other joints like the knees, hips, and back.

About Mimi Martel:

Driven by a deep desire to help others take control of their health, Mireille (Mimi) Martel has pursued extensive studies in biomechanics and human physiology. As one of the first in Quebec and Canada to specialize in a scientific approach to movement through yoga instruction, she holds certifications in Hatha and Yin yoga, along with numerous national and international training programs in therapeutic yoga and various methods for functional movement aimed at better overall health (Barefoot Training Specialist, MovNat, Applied Neurology for Athletes, Functional Movement and Medicine, etc.).

Through her passion for anatomy and the human body, she aims to introduce you to the Body Fx method (pronounced Bodi Fix), which offers countless tools to help you better understand your body in motion and identify areas that are often overused, underused, or misused. She will share Body Fx techniques and movements that empower you to take charge of your health in a fun and safe environment tailored to your needs. Her dynamic and educational approach to functional movement allows everyone—from beginners to professionals—to initiate significant changes, enhance physical strength, and prevent injuries.

Testimonials:

"The Body Fx workshop: Fix Your Bunion really helped me manage my pain and improve the alignment of my feet. The yoga ball and strengthening exercises were easy to follow and made a huge difference. In just a few weeks, I regained normal mobility and can finally wear my favorite shoes without pain. This workshop is a true blessing!" - Anne-Marie D.

Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
Time: 10 AM - 12 PM
Price: $80

Please register individually for each of the 3 workshops.

Required Materials:

• Lymphatic brush
• Yoga tune-up balls (pair)
• Long elastic band (green or blue, depending on the store's color chart; very light or light elastic)
• 1 yoga block
• Blanket

All materials will be available for purchase at the studio.

Promotional photos will be taken during the workshops. If you do not wish to be photographed, please inform us before the workshop begins.

This workshop will be in French. The teacher is bilingual so questions and discussions can be in both languages.

Cancellations and Refunds:

Cancellations are accepted up to 30 days before the workshop, with a 20% + tax fee. No refunds will be issued within 30 days prior to the workshop. Pre-registration is required. Full payment is necessary to reserve your spot. Spaces are limited, with only 25 available for this workshop.