Joanna Sharpe is a woman who is determined to perform at top level in both her work and chosen sport of road cycling.
She was already achieving at a high level in road cycling despite the fact that she has osteoporosis, coeliac disease and intermittent numbness in her hands. In terms of performance however, Joanna felt most limited during a race when descending downhill due to anxiety.
“I first came into Energy N Motion because my coach had heard they had an altitude room where I could train to gain a competitive edge. We were excited, as we knew that altitude training was an amazing tool that we knew could take my cycling to new levels. What I hadn’t realized however, was how the unique approach and experienced team at Energy N Motion could add wider value to my cycling performance.”
Energy N Motion is an exercise studio specialising in mind-body performance and offers New Zealand’s only specialist NeuroPhysics Therapy centre, as well as
a spacious altitude room.
The unique approach treats an individual's entire system rather than focusing on a specific isolated set of symptoms. “As an athlete, who also works full time and lives a very active lifestyle, I have a long list of niggles, ranging from tightness in my hamstrings to neurological numbness in my hands,” says Joanna.
“When I sat down for my assessment, I rattled off my history and explained that I was also competing in the K2 (200km cycle race through Coromandel) the coming weekend. Far from being daunted by my challenges, the team explained how everything is connected within my body and by following some very simple principles, my body would settle into a much more balanced state and my symptoms could all be managed... that weekend I came third in my age range at the K2 Challenge but more importantly, I felt fantastic on my bike.”
Since then, Joanna has gone on to win the recent Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge 320km Enduro and continues to improve her cycling performance. “I have a great coach and love training at a high level. What Energy N Motion has given me, is an extra edge by totally changing how I respond under stress. I can feel when my system shifts towards an anxious state and I now have the tools to gain control so it no longer limits my potential. I feel great, I recover quicker and my mind is no longer distracted by perceived pain, fatigue or anxiety while I am performing.”
Energy N Motion opened in Grey Lynn in 2015. The philosophy is to create great results, be they weight loss, pain and stress management, or athletic performance, in a calm inviting environment. It’s not your traditional exercise studio!
“The exercise therapists explained that there is real benefit to focus and listening to your body while you train,” says Joanna. “I’ve learned that you cannot exercise the mind without influencing the body or vice versa.
“For anyone who would like to revolutionise their exercise regime and approach to health, the team at Energy N Motion are the ones to see.”
ENERGY N MOTION, Unit 5, 318 Richmond Road, M: 021 024 58802,
www.energynmotion.nz