Personal Trainer For Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) And Hypermobility Disorders.
Coquitlam, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
Mission
Hi! I'm Victoria Paikin, a certified personal trainer with a passion for helping individuals living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and hypermobility disorders. My goal is to empower you to achieve your fitness goals safely and effectively.
With specialized training in joint hypermobility, I create customized exercise programs tailored to your unique needs. Together, we will work towards improving your strength, stability, and overall well-being.
Services
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One-on-One Personal Training: Personalized training sessions designed to accommodate your specific challenges and goals.
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Virtual Training Sessions: Convenient online coaching provides flexibility to train from anywhere.
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Customized Exercise Plans: Individualized exercise plans that take into account your condition, and comorbidities like POTS or Orthostatic hypertension ensure a balanced approach to fitness.
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Closely work with other healthcare professionals on your team like physiotherapists, doctors and others.
The Benefits of Training with EDS or Hypermobility
Pain Management
Exercise can help reduce chronic pain by improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and strengthening the tissues surrounding the joints.
Improved Joint Stability
Stronger muscles and better control around the joints can reduce the frequency of dislocations and subluxations.
Increased Strength and Functionality: Building strength and endurance can make daily activities easier and more enjoyable, from walking to lifting groceries or picking up your kids.
Better Posture and Alignment
Strengthening weak muscles and correcting postural imbalances helps keep your joints properly aligned, reducing discomfort and the risk of injury.
Greater Flexibility (Without Overstretching)
A well-balanced flexibility routine can increase your mobility without compromising joint stability.
Better Symptoms Management
Better Management of symptoms with other comorbid conditions like Fatigue, POTS or Orthostatic hypertension and others.
How I Approach Training for EDS & Hypermobility
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Comprehensive Assessment: Before starting any program, I conduct a thorough assessment to understand your range of motion, joint stability, pain areas, and fitness level. This helps in creating a program that minimizes the risk of injury and maximizes the benefits.
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Low-Impact Strength Training: I incorporate low-impact exercises, such as bodyweight movements, resistance band training, and machines, to reduce the risk of joint strain. Strengthening the muscles around hypermobile joints is crucial for improving stability.
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Stability & Proprioception Training: Proprioception is key to preventing dislocations and injuries. We’ll work on exercises that enhance balance, joint awareness, and control, such as stability ball exercises, balance boards, and functional movement patterns.
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Flexibility & Mobility Work (With Caution): While flexibility is often a strength for those with hypermobility, excessive stretching can lead to instability and injury. I guide you through controlled flexibility exercises and gentle mobility work that maintain or improve a range of motion without overstretching.
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Core Strengthening: A strong core is vital for supporting hypermobile joints and preventing overextension or strain. Core training will focus on controlled, functional movements that stabilize your spine and pelvis, reducing overall joint stress.
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Joint Protection Techniques: We use joint-friendly techniques to protect and support vulnerable joints during exercises, such as proper alignment, controlled movement patterns, and the use of supportive devices like braces or orthotics when necessary.
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Accommodating Comorbidities: Individualized exercise plans that take into account your condition and comorbidities like POTS or Orthostatic hypertension ensure a balanced approach to fitness without exacerbating symptoms and close monitoring of symptoms.
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Multy Fusited Approach To Movement: Closely work with other healthcare professionals on your team like physiotherapists, doctors and others.
FAQs
Q: Can I still exercise if I have EDS or hypermobility?
Absolutely! With the right approach, exercise can help strengthen your joints, alleviate pain, and improve your overall quality of life. I'll guide you in creating a safe routine based on your specific condition.
Q: Is it safe to stretch with hypermobility?
Stretching should be done with caution. People with hypermobility often have excessive flexibility, so overstretching can lead to injury. We focus on mobility exercises that maintain a range of motion without pushing the limits of flexibility.
Q: Will I need special equipment?
You may need some basic equipment like resistance bands or stability balls, but most exercises can be done with your body weight. We’ll start simple and introduce more equipment as needed.
Testimonials
"I’ve been struggling with hypermobility for years, and working with Victoria has been a game-changer. She understood my concerns and developed a program that is both challenging and safe. I feel stronger and more confident in my body."
— Sarah M.
"As someone with EDS, I never thought I could build muscle without risking injury. Victoria showed me how to safely increase my strength while keeping my joints protected. I’m amazed at how much progress I’ve made!"
— David L.
Resources for EDS and Hypermobility in Vancouver and Lower Mainland
Coming soon....
