Free To Move Wellness

10/21/2021

02/14/2021

Today, I’m sharing this as an act of self-love. Of vulnerability, of showing up as my authentic self.

My name is AK, I am non-binary and trans-masc q***r person. I use they/them pronouns, and predominantly gender-neutral language. Take note ✍️

Over the past 9 months I’ve been on a gender journey since a moment in a TV show flipped a switch in my brain, and made me question my identity as a woman.

It was scary. It was painful at times. I battled A LOT of internalized transphobia. I worked through it. I came out to myself, then people close to me. It was messy and not perfect and that’s ok.

Today, I’m ready (and excited!) to share this with all of you. By doing this, I am stepping into my more authentic self, and also sharing vulnerably. This is a coming out of sorts, although the idea that we “come out” once is entirely untrue.

We come out, or don’t, in daily life, over and over. Often based on safety, or who the audience is, as being q***r or trans is still very much marginalized. I recognize here that my privilege as a white trans person will protect me in some spaces. However there is still so much homophobia and transphobia that exists in this world, part of my journey was to accept that there will be more hardship to come if I share this part of myself. It’s still worth it for me.

If you are reading this, and want to show your support, know that I would so appreciate that. A supportive comment, changing my name to AK in your phone & brain, noting my pronouns, and using them correctly when talking about me is so appreciated. And know that it’s ok to slip up (hell I even do it to myself!) If you do, a quick “sorry, AK/them” is all that is needed. It takes practice and time, and it’s clear who makes that effort and who doesn’t. If someone else is talking to you about me, and using the wrong name/pronouns, please correct them.

Last, I want to share that they/them and AK are my current name and pronouns, and that may change down the road! Having that freedom is important to me, and feels important to share. Also I may not have all my email/social accounts/life stuff changed to AK right away - there’s a lot 😅

Thank you for all love & support 💙 - AK

10/04/2020

Excited to announce our first guest expert in the Free To Move membership for October: 🌟 Mindful Meal Prep with Fran Allen 🌟⁣
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Fran Allen (she/her), CNP is a non-diet certified Holistic Nutritionist based in Toronto. Her work focuses on intuitive eating, achieving health at every size and dismantling diet culture. Sounds pretty rad, am I right? Don't just take my word for it, check her out on IG .franallen (cue drooling from that yolk p**n 🍳 ).⁣
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In Fran's workshop, Mindful Meal Prep, she shares healthful strategies on how to prepare your meals for week with colour, flavour, satisfaction and without restriction (heck yes!). ⁣
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Not only will Fran share tips for meal planning success, she'll also show you how to:⁣
✔️ How to build a balanced plate⁣
✔️ Strategies for success in the kitchen⁣
✔️ Answer any questions you have regarding meal prep⁣
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Not sure if this workshop is for you? Let me know if this sounds familiar:⁣
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💬 You want to cook more but have a hard time finding time or inspiration?⁣
💬 You HATE the dreaded question, 'what's for dinner?'⁣
💬 You get overwhelmed by the all or nothing approach to meal prep (so do I!)⁣
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Want to make your meal prep a breeze this winter? 🌀 Sign up for the Free To Move community by this Thursday (October 8th) and you'll gain access to all the mindful meal prep tips. ⁣
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💥 BONUS 💥: each member will receive a small e-book of easy recipes to implement into their new meal planning strategy! (Head over to Fran's IG to see what she's serving up. Honestly worth it for her recipe's alone)⁣
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All sliding scale membership levels will receive full access to this workshop (as long as you're in before Thursday, October 8th) ⁣
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Hit the link in bio to sign up now!

10/01/2020

This week we kicked off a 5 Day Movement and boy did this community show up fully. I received many messages from you saying:⁣
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“Today my body was calling for rest and I’m honouring that with a nap”⁣
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“I had a crazy day and I’m feeling like snuggles on the couch”⁣
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“I feel guilty for missing the work out but my body needed to chill”⁣
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Let me say, that NOTHING makes me more proud than to hear this. Although we’re in the midst of a friggin movement challenge, you’re honouring your body’s need to rest. You’re putting your need to chill out first. It may be hard, and you might feel guilty at first, but let me tell you you’re a bad ass for RESTING.⁣
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Not only did you honour your body’s needs, you also shared a powerful reminder to us all that sometimes things don’t go as planned, and it’s ok to check in with ourselves and our needs, and do exactly what feels right.⁣
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I’m learning to rest alongside you. Yesterday, I felt anxious and overwhelmed, and on top of that my foot is sending really strong pain signals whenever I take a step. Although I feel immense guilt for letting others down, I cancelled my Free To Move class today to honour those signals my body is sending me to rest. I’m practicing what I’m sharing. Radical rest and honouring ourselves.⁣
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So rest, my pals. Rest often. Rest unapologetically. You do not need to earn it or defence your need for it, ever. 💙⁣

09/27/2020

We love a nature moment 🍂🌲✨

09/26/2020

Ride bikes with meeee plz ☺️
Thanks to the best pal EVER for the bike hook up and Squamish friends to ride with!

09/23/2020

BC matches my outfit 🌲🍂🌲

09/17/2020

An old graphic, ever relevant. Your body loves you, it wants the best for you, symptoms are signals and everyday it’s working to heal 💗 Be patient with each other

09/12/2020

Things don’t always go as planned — today’s SUP adventure with was re-routed to a beach hang with some lovely humans. ⁣
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It may not be what was planned, perhaps it was just what we needed. Connection, outdoor time, rest. To take a page from the playbook, remember to respond with compassion and kindness to other humans. Especially when things don’t go just as we expect. We’re all doing our best. Be kind ✌️

09/09/2020

Last call friends — if you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, watching the stories and classes, unsure whether to jump in or not... I see you, and I know how it feels. 👀
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If you’re still on the fence, I’m sure you’re wondering if now is the right time, if you’ll make time for the classes, if it will be worth it for you.
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I hear you, and I’ve been there. I’ve hesitated before jumping in, wondering if I’ll fit in, if I’ll be strong enough, motivated enough. ⁣
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Let me ask you, do any of these sound like you?⁣
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😟You’re ready to make a change, but not sure where to start: ⁣
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➡️ you know you need to start taking care of yourself, you’d love to feel strong (& bad-ass... hello nailing your first full push-ups!), and finally put your health and wellbeing at the top of the to-do list, but you just can’t seem to do it on your own.⁣
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😃You’re excited for something new: ⁣
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➡️ You’re ready time to break out of the same old park hangs and patio drinks - to try mountain biking 🚵🏽‍♀️ , learn how to ollie 🛹 , get out on a paddle board and make the most of your life - but don’t have pals to do it with? ⁣
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😎You’ve always felt like an outsider, or like you don’t fit in typical fitness spaces:⁣
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➡️ Q***r, fat, chronically ill, in pain — you’re ready to feel accepted, show up just as you are, and will be welcomed with open arms! ⁣
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If you thought, “yep that’s me!” To any of these, it’s time to make a change my friend. ⁣
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We do things differently here. You’ll feel welcomed, supported and ready to embark on something new.⁣
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Registration closes Thursday at 1:00pm EST - the time is now to hop off the fence and jump into a new month of YOU. ⁣
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Sign up now via link in bio 🙌

09/07/2020

Summer may be “over” (according to the school calendar but I’m an adult and make my own rules!!) but we’re not done just yet!⁣
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💦 Outdoor Meet-up: Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) at the Beach!⁣
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This coming Saturday the free to move crew is teaming up with for a beginner friendly SUP excursion on the lake! is a gear-sharing app that connects folx looking for all types of gear (outdoor, home improvement, and more) with those looking to rent it! Check it out, for real.⁣
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Want in on this adventure? Join the Free To Move membership this week and get access to this excursion for freeee. Heck yeah!⁣
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The details:⁣
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When: Saturday, September 12 from 10-11am⁣
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Where: Beaches, Toronto ⁣
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What: 1 hour SUP excursion, including all gear rental and instructor. (Physical distancing in effect)⁣
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Who: All levels of Free To Move members! ⁣
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Sign up is open until this Thursday at 1pm - get in on this community and sign up today via link in bio 💥

09/04/2020

Just call me COVID Daddy ... wait actually don’t

09/03/2020

What if you could…⁣
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🌀 Join a community that enables you to succeed, that helps you build your strength with consistency, and create a movement practice that works with your body, not against it?⁣
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🌀 Feel supported to prioritize your mental and physical health, gain knowledge of your body and it’s needs, and feel comfortable exploring new movements without having to leave home? ⁣
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🌀 Connect with a radically inclusive group for workshops, online meet-ups and outdoor adventures, all while being body inclusive, q***r forward and accessibility informed? ⁣
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What would that mean for you? Would you finally be able to:⁣
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➡️ Make time for your health and self-care⁣
➡️ Prioritize movement that feels good for you⁣
➡️ Understand your own body and it’s needs⁣
➡️ Try the new thing (and succeed!⁣
➡️ Engage openly with a community that understands you⁣
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When you’re ready to jump off the fence, and put your needs first, we’ll be here cheering you on. 🙌⁣
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✨Ready to make the jump? ✨⁣
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Sign up now via link in bio ⁣

08/02/2020

Going off the grid for the next few days to rest & recharge. Nature is healing my friends! Catch you in a few ✌️
Photo by my talented pal when we hiked the LaCloche Trail a few years ago!

07/31/2020

It’s time... a new month... new ways to move with me!⁣
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🌀August Virtual Offer: Monday Night Strength Class! 🌀⁣
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Join the Free To Move Community every Monday night at 6:30pm EST for a 55 minute strength class. Four sessions in total, over four weeks, starting August 10th.⁣
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Sign up is now open, and only $47 😲 Heck yeah!⁣
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Curious to know what Free To Move is all about? Read on, my friend. ⁣
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Free To Move is for you if you value:⁣
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🔹 Community: Free To Move is all about creating a welcoming community, a safe space to explore movement and having a good time doing it!⁣
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🔹 Accountability: drop in classes are great, but sometimes you need a little extra push to make sure you’re getting your weekly movement in. Good for the body, brain and mental health 💞 ⁣
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🔹 Body Inclusivity: we welcome all levels, abilities and bodies. I strive to offer inclusive movements, scaling options and modifications for all exercises, and all with a focus on tuning in to your body. Body positive, chronic illness informed and here for you.⁣
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🔹 Flexibility: missed a Monday? Not able to make 6:30pm? We got you with a video replay for class each week, sent right to your inbox. You are welcome to join even if you can’t make it live! 🙂⁣
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🔹 Support: I’m here to support you, in your strength, in your movement and in your life. These classes also help support me, through a more consistent income than drop ins, and more consistent folx attending (we get to know each other in the chat box, trust!)⁣
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Ready to jump in? Sign up is live now through link in bio. ⁣
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For only $47, this class is where it’s at! Snag your spot now 🙌