Tune IN and Tone UP
We spent the day with Tabitha, trying to keep up with her VERY active lifestyle. She is tuned into a frequency that feels like an ever evolving UPWARD Spiral. Tabitha's commitment to her work shines through her physical strength and fantastic smile.
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Advice: Best advice you ever got? What advice can you give us?
One thing I always tell my clients is to never limit your own mind and body, if you set limits, you are stopping your own potential to what is possible. Watching clients overcome “impossible” challenges and “life-long” injuries is a testament to believing in the unknown and having faith.
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Home: Where are you from? Where do you live now?
I grew up on Martha’s Vineyard where I was fortunate enough to live, learn and play in nature but it was such a small, isolated island at the time, I wasn't exposed to very much. I moved to New York City and attended NYU where I was first introduced to Joseph Pilates technique and a million other amazing experiences. Eventually I found myself living in small town in El Salvador. That is where I fell madly in love with surfing. Once again, I found myself seeking more so I decided to move to Los Angeles looking for the balance of city life mixed with nature and surfing. I landed in Santa Monica and have now been living, teaching and surfing in Santa Monica and Venice, CA for the past 10 years.
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Purpose/Life’s work: How did you find your calling to Pilates and physical Wellness in general?
Early in life I had been hit by a car while crossing on a crosswalk, causing injuries to my spine, elbow and leg. Again, as misfortune had it, at 16 yrs old and again at 20 yrs old I was a passenger in two major car accidents, resulting in significant injuries to my spine, head, legs and hand. By the time I was in college I was trying to manage a lot of pain and imbalances from my accidents. Finally, I took a class at NYU which introduced me to Joseph Pilates technique. After only one semester I began to feel real relief from my injuries, not fleeting but lasting changes.
Source of Inspiration: What motivates you to stay physically strong?
Clients!
I need to stay very physically and mentally strong to work with so many diverse clients and help them change their bodies and minds to overcome major hurdles.
I want to be able to travel, surf, run and play as long as possible!
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Movement as Medicine: What is your philosophy in teaching and practicing ‘movement as medicine’?
People have become so disconnected to their own body’s and only understand the bare minimum on how their body moves and functions. I love educating clients about anatomy and how the body works and empowering them to understand how to move optimally and how every part of the body is connected, mind, every muscle, fascia, nerve, atom! Developing a powerful mind -body connection and creating strong neural pathways is imperative to have a high- functioning, healthy and active body. Literally moving and using the body correctly is the ultimate medicine.
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Nourishment: What feeds your soul? Body? Mind?
Movement, nature, laughter, community, surfing, and continued curiosity and learning about everything!
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Vote with Your Dollar: How you do shop sustainably?
I can proudly say I have not purchased a plastic garbage bag, zip lock or plastic wrap in over a decade - they should all be banned! Waste less, Love more. Yes please!
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Community Connection: Can you share some of the ways you’re involved in your local community, both as a trainer and a sustainability advocate?
Beach cleans! I don't wait for an organization to put together a beach clean, I just go clean. Lots of times when strangers see me cleaning the beach and ocean, they become more aware and start cleaning too! It’s a beautiful chain reaction.
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Dreams: What is the best dream that came true in your life?
Hmm, it's hard to choose the best dream. As a kid I dreamt of living in New York City and attending NYU. I was the first person in my family to go to college, so that was a huge accomplishment. Also to open my own business before 30 yrs, I opened my first Lounge and restaurant in NYC at 29 years old. After I sold my business all I dreamt about was learning to surf, and speak Spanish, so I did! I am proud of reaching all these dreams at different times in my life. Maybe my biggest ultimate dream is still on the horizon waiting to be accomplished!
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Train with you: On which platforms can we tune in, tone Up, and train with you?
I also have limited free workouts available on
YouTube: Tabitha Grasing.
I have recently teamed up with The Yoga Collective with a new ONLINE workout series for all levels! Use
code: Tabitha50 to get a discounted membership at the Yoga Collective and get access to my series as well as dozens of other amazing yoga teachers, meditation and breathwork specialists.
