GIFT by Heather Evans

We at Wave House Athletic Club want to offer a little something for everyone and with that comes diversity of voice! Our trainers want to share their words of wisdom with you so here to kick it off for us is our very own Heather Evans!

GIFT

Earlier this month, I attended the Gray’s Institute of Functional Training (GIFT) seminar at the IDEA World Conference in Los Angeles, California. Since my return, I have revamped my entire training philosophy because of this powerful one day experience.

A little history

In December of 2008, I packed up my entire life and began my trek across country moving from the Midwest to the West coast -- in a blizzard, no less. One might think with interstate 29 covered in snowdrifts and winds rocking my poor Impala nearly off the road, I would just stay put. Unfortunately, the Evans’ are known for their stubbornness and the word “no” is not taken lightly. In 3 days, battling through the tumble weeds of Kansas and SNOW of New Mexico (still shocked!) while surviving stays at various “Red Rum Inns,” I found myself in sunny San Diego and happier than a lark (my grandmother used to say this; don’t judge me).

Life in San Diego

My days consisted of training clients, beach volleyball practice and a weight training program at Rehab United. This is where I first learned of Gary Gray and the GIFT program. I distinctly remember leaving workouts thinking, “Hmm, that wasn’t half bad. In fact, that was easy!” To my dismay, while training clients, I found myself unable to demonstrate any sort of squat or lunge without a grimace. The program was simple, fun and clearly worked my muscles in an entirely new fashion. I was hooked.

What is GIFT?

According to the website:

“The Gray Institute is internationally acclaimed for its innovation, development, mastery, and delivery of Applied Functional Science. We are recruited to consult, analyze, assess, rehabilitate, restore, train, and condition individuals of all levels and abilities, including professional sports.”

According to me: it is a three-dimensional style of training the human body in a manner that promotes maximum muscle recruitment. Gray’s approach to exercise is exactly how working out should be: functional, enjoyable and backed by science. If you’d like to learn more, I am available Monday through Friday and would be happy to share the GIFT.

Be well.

Heather M. Evans