Foundation Training Review, a New Take
When I first learned about Foundation Training, I was in my San Diego apartment, reading an email from a family friend. She was a colleague of my mother who had completed the Foundation Training Certification and suggested the program as a solution to my chronic lower back pain. At the time, my low back pain was consistent on a daily basis, and most noticeable when attempted to sit down to meditate. The discomfort extended from my lower back up to my neck and shoulders, it was excruciating. I wrote this Foundation Training review to share my story.
Failed Attempts
After trying to alleviate my back pain by seeing a chiropractor, I discovered that the pain relief provided by their adjustments would only last a few fleeting moments. Every time I visited, the chiropractor would adjust my spine and I would feel better momentarily, but the pain would return as soon as I got back in my car. I often asked my chiropractor for advice on how to improve my posture and alleviate my chronic pain. In response, he provided me with a single-page printout containing some rudimentary back stretches, which unfortunately proved to be of little assistance. I still had terrible posture and unrelenting pain. It appeared to me that the chiropractor was more interested in me paying for twice-weekly visits than in my actual health. Instead of seeing yet another chiropractor, I was fortunate enough to discover a more effective solution in Foundation Training.
A New Hope
My initial exposure to Foundation Training was through a YouTube video featuring Dr. Eric Goodman. In the video, Dr. Goodman elucidated the main culprits behind back pain, poor posture, and flawed movement patterns. I was captivated by his presentation, which made it clear that I had been sitting, standing, and moving incorrectly my entire life.
To overcome the recurring patterns causing my lower back pain, the solution was straightforward: adopt new postures and movement patterns through consistent practice of the Foundation Training exercises. My conviction in the effectiveness of this approach was so strong that I opted not to purchase the Foundation Training Book or DVD. Instead, I enrolled in the Foundation Training Certification program, recognizing the importance of learning the techniques from scratch. By doing so, I aimed to master the fundamentals and attain optimal results.
The Foundation Training certification was a four day intensive training program taught in Santa Barbara, California, with Dr. Eric Goodman and his team of master instructors. I enrolled in the program with the goal of mastering the Foundation Training exercises and learning the correct techniques. As soon as the certification began, I noticed an innate desire within me to teach Foundation Training classes, and collaborate with the team. This inexplicable feeling further propelled me towards completing countless certification, establishing a long-term friendship with Dr. Eric Goodman, and becoming part of the Foundation Training organization.
The Foundation Training Book and DVD
With two weeks left before my scheduled attendance at the Foundation Training certification program in Santa Barbara, I made a decision to purchase the Foundation Training book and DVD. It dawned on me that participating in an intensive training regimen without any prior knowledge of the basic Foundation Training exercises would be unwise. Hence, I took the initiative to equip myself with the foundational knowledge to better prepare myself for the upcoming program.
Upon receiving the Foundation Training Book and DVD, I delved into its contents with utmost diligence, swallowing every page and practicing the exercises demonstrated in the accompanying videos. Intrigued by the potential benefits of the program, my father, who had been battling lower back pain for over three decades, also expressed interest in trying out the exercises. At the time, he was grappling with the effects of a couple of herniated disks in his lower back and would often experience excruciating bouts of pain that would leave him incapacitated for hours on end.
The sensation that lingered with me after practicing the Foundation Training exercises during those initial two weeks will forever be etched in my memory. My lower back experienced a fiery sensation that, oddly enough, felt invigorating. I recall feeling much stronger after just the first week of consistent practice. The exercises not only provided me with physical support but also boosted my confidence levels. It was an interesting amalgamation of effects that I had never experienced before.
The Foundation Training Certification
The long-awaited day of the Foundation Training certification program finally arrived, and I was brimming with anticipation. I embarked on my journey to Santa Barbara, singing at the top of my lungs and experiencing waves of joy so intense that they brought tears to my eyes. Caught up in my excitement, I missed my exit by a whopping 10 miles. I had to turn back on the highway and eventually arrived at the training venue 30 minutes behind schedule.
As I entered the room where the certification program was being conducted, I was greeted by the sight of 25 individuals standing in a circle around a set of yoga mats, with one mat conspicuously unoccupied- that was where I was meant to be. Greeting the group with a soft "hello", I took my place and joined in the Foundation Training class being led by Dr. Eric Goodman himself. To my surprise, the routine was far more intense than the workouts I had practiced back home. Within the first 5 minutes, drops of sweat were already trickling down my face as I struggled to maintain the poses Eric was teaching. The experience was challenging, but equally rewarding.
Over the course of the four-day Foundation Training Certification, we were put through our paces, completing over a dozen workouts and learning each and every Foundation Training exercise in intricate detail. The training began with the Founder exercise- the very first exercise conceptualized by Dr. Goodman. The Founder is a modified version of the traditional chair pose in yoga asana, with the crucial difference being that the knees are held all the way back behind the heels.
Maintaining an upright chest with the knees and hips pulled back during the Founder exercise enables the weight to be shifted from the quadriceps to the hamstrings. This shift is pivotal in enabling the body to effectively engage and utilize the posterior muscles chain- a connected network of muscles that is bound together by myofascial tissue, encompassing bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments. This connectivity allows for optimal efficiency in muscle usage, promoting smooth and coordinated movement, while simultaneously providing support and stability to the pelvis and spine.
Foundation Training and Yoga
Although certain Foundation Training exercises bear similarities to well-known yoga poses like Cobra and Forward Fold, there exist several distinct differences between the two practices. Most noticeable are the differences in breathing patterns and the utilization of isometric contractions throughout the body.
After studying yoga for over ten years and completing more than 500 hours of yoga teacher training, I can confidently state that Foundation Training and yoga are not the same. However, for someone with less experience, a Foundation Training class may appear similar to a yoga class. This is because Foundation Training originated from Dr. Eric Goodman's yoga practice, but he modified some yoga poses to target the most common physical imbalances in the modern world. These imbalances are often caused by repetitive movement patterns that need to be addressed for a complete solution. Dr. Goodman's background as a chiropractor and personal trainer adds another layer of differences to his approach to physical self-care.
In my role as both a student and teacher, I've discovered the harmonious blend of Foundation Training and yoga in my personal practice. I've found that these two practices complement each other perfectly and I use them to enhance the results my clients receive after their massage therapy sessions. When paired with appropriate dietary and lifestyle adjustments, these methods have had a profound impact on the quality of life of those I work with. For anyone looking to alleviate back pain, enhance their physical performance, and live a healthier lifestyle, I highly recommend Foundation Training.
Foundation Training Reviews by Top Athletes, Doctors and Scientists
The effectiveness of the Foundation Training program has been widely acknowledged among elite athletes across various sports. Dr. Goodman, in particular, leveraged this training to prepare the USA Olympic Water Polo Team for their 2008 appearance in Beijing, where they clinched the silver medal. The players have credited the Foundation Training exercises taught by Dr. Goodman as instrumental to their Olympic success. Head Coach Terry Schroeder himself attests to the program's significance, stating that "Eric did an exceptional job of keeping the players injury-free while performing at a very high level through some extremely tough months of training. In my opinion, the Foundation Training program was critical to our success in Beijing. The team surpassed everyone's expectations and became one of the great stories of the Olympics by winning the silver medal. We stayed healthy and performed at a high level, and Dr. Goodman deserves much of the credit."
Dr. Goodman's expertise in the Foundation Training program extends beyond his work with the USA Water Polo Team. He has trained numerous elite athletes, including Peter Park, a two-time World's Toughest Triathlon champion. Lakey Peterson, the World Surf Champion, credits Foundation Training as a critical component of her surfing career, having resolved her recurring lower back issues since starting the program many years ago. Derek Fisher, a five-time NBA champion, has also attested to the transformative impact of the Foundation Training program on his physical capabilities. Fisher shared that, under Goodman's guidance, he achieved new levels of endurance, stamina, and strength, that allowed him to extend his career.
Dr. Eric Goodman and the Foundation Training program have garnered significant support from notable doctors and scientists in the healthcare field. For instance, Dr. Mercola has praised Foundation Training as an ideal solution for building a strong core, alleviating back pain, and promoting optimal health that transcends mere physical fitness. Dr. Joan Vernikos, former NASA Director of Life Sciences, also expressed her endorsement of the program, stating that the Founder exercise is the culmination of her extensive research on the negative effects of prolonged sitting. The list of esteemed advocates for the Foundation Training program extends far beyond these two, attesting to its wide-ranging benefits and effectiveness.
Summarizing Foundation Training Review
Upon completing my initial Foundation Training Certification, my body underwent a remarkable transformation. My posture reached new heights of alignment and my movements became more fluid and effortless than I could have anticipated. The positive impact even extended to my yoga practice, which underwent a radical transformation, and my self-assurance soared as a result. Most importantly, I found a solution to my chronic lower back pain, which had been a persistent source of discomfort.
Ever since that pivotal moment, I have remained a dedicated practitioner of Foundation Training, continuously attending additional certifications to expand my expertise. After my first certification, I was hired by the Foundation Training Company, and went on to learn directly from Dr. Eric Goodman for many years. During this transformative time, I also pursued my passion for yoga and massage therapy, completing numerous certification. My life has undergone a profound positive change that has only continued to improve since those days.
Ten years later, and I continue to actively practice and teach Foundation Training, now based in the vibrant city of Boulder, Colorado. Through my Foundation Training online classes, I am honored to connect with individuals from all around the globe and guide them towards achieving pain relief and greater mobility. However, my most rewarding experience thus far has been witnessing my own father, who had suffered from chronic lower back pain for over three decades, finally find relief after discovering Foundation Training.
I am grateful for Dr. Eric Goodman, the Foundation Training company, team members and everyone who has supported me through this process. It has been a beautiful journey and it continues to be so. I wish you also get to experience the benefits of Foundation Training and that you get to live a life free of pain.
I hope this article was useful and that you enjoyed the reading. If you have any questions or comments you are welcome to contact me.
Wishing you well,
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