Marney Richards

My interest in fitness and athletic activity began in college when I started running, working out and joined the FSU Flying High Circus. In graduate school I worked in the University Fitness & Wellness Center helping members design and implement personal exercise programs. I also assisted with testing in the Human Performance Lab and with rehab programs for individuals in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. Soon after school I attended the Florida School of Massage and enthusiastically started massage and bodywork.

My exercise science background gave me credentials to begin teaching kinesiology at Core Institute of Massage Therapy. Since then I’ve been a licensed massage therapist and instructor in massage programs in 3 private schools and one community college, in Florida, Colorado, Oregon and Hawaii. Living and working in these different places gave me the opportunity for training in many areas, including neuromuscular therapy, myofascial release, Active Isolated Stretching, PNF stretching, sports massage and lymphatic massage. Currently with therapeutic massage I focus on the modalities of stretching, myofascial release and lymphatic massage to help people recover from injury, move out of pain and maintain active, healthy lifestyles.

More recently I completed a Physical Therapist Assistant program and worked as a licensed PTA in outpatient clinics and skilled nursing facilities. In clinics I worked with patients recovering from injuries, illness and surgeries using therapeutic and aquatic exercise programs, manual therapies, balance and gait training and pain management. For many years I’ve loved and practiced yoga. I studied with a variety of yoga instructors and began teaching under the guidance of my primary teachers. Later I completed a 200-hour instructor program and became a Certified Kripalu Yoga Instructor. I teach in hatha yoga in the Kripalu style which emphasizes mindful movement and breath awareness, and I bring my kinesiology expertise and rehab background to my teaching. I especially enjoy teaching yoga to individuals who are new to the practice or think that yoga might be out of their reach.

Athletic Activities:

Philosophy:

My athletic activities are primarily outdoor recreational pursuits.
My water sports have included snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, water skiing, stand up paddle boarding, canoeing & kayaking.
My land activities have included running, hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, camping, cycling and weight training.
Any day you might find me hiking, practicing yoga or riding my bike around town.

I am committed to helping people stay well through lifelong activity & fitness. For many years I have seen how having a regular practice helps people recover from injury or illness and return more quickly to a healthy active life. I use modalities of exercise, yoga & stretching and therapeutic massage to help people reach their wellness goals.