WAVES

C H R O N I C P A I N F O C U S G R O U P — Find out who’s in the Chronic Pain focus group and what their specialties are.

Meet Sarah, Bavo, Katina, Sven, Femke, Edith, Zoë, Wanda, Kim, Lien, Davy, and Brooklyn — a diverse team brought together by our own superwoman Sarah. This focus group represents a powerful blend of therapists and movement specialists, united by a shared mission: to help you rediscover the joy of movement and reconnect with your body.

Would you like to learn more about our Chronic Pain focus group? Feel free to reach out and schedule a complimentary discovery call with Sofie. She will ensure you are matched with the perfect Waves team member to meet your goals and needs.

C A R D I O R E S P I R A T O R Y F O C U S G R O U P — Take a look into who of the Waves team support specifically people with Cardiac, respiratory or metabolic disorders!

Meet Femke, Justine, Edith and Mirthe.

Led by the lovely Femke this team will be able to guide you an evidence-based, safe and effective rehab approach adapted to fit your needs. There special interest consist of (but is not limited to) Cardiovascular, Respiratory and a range of metabolic dysfunctions (e.g. Diabetes, …).

Would you like to learn more about our Cardiovascular focus group? Feel free to reach out and schedule a complimentary discovery call with Sofie. She will ensure you are matched with the perfect Waves team member to meet your goals and needs.

N E U R O F O C U S G R O U P — Take a look into who of the Waves team support specifically people with neurological conditions 💪

Meet Edith, Justine, Valerie, Katina and Flore., our NEURO GROUP!

Within within this team they offer therapy and movement specifically attuned to people with neurological conditions (both progressive and non-progressive) including:

✨Physical therapy

✨ mindfulness, relaxation therapy and managing hypersensitivity
✨ sports and exercise group lessons
✨ adapted movement activities and sports for people with a neurological disorder (e.g. weight lifting techniques, wheelchair sports, aqua therapy, etc.)

✨ pilates

Would you like to learn more about our Neuro focus group? Feel free to reach out and schedule a complimentary discovery call with Sofie. She will ensure you are matched with the perfect Waves team member to meet your goals and needs.

W O M E N ‘ S H E A L T H F O C U S G R O U P — Find out who’s in the Women’s Health focus group and what they do! 🧘‍♀️💃💪🏋🏽‍♀️🤰

Since the beginning of Waves, Women’s Health has been one of our primary focus areas. Found out more information below about our areas of interest, both in individual and group class settings.

✨ Katina - the female athlete/dancer, women’s health related complex and chronic pain (pelvic girdle pain, pelvic organ prolapse, endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS, complex pre / post natal) as well as conditions more prevalent in women (scoliosis, Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) etc.)
✨ Caro - pre / post natal, women’s health related complex and chronic pain (pelvic girdle pain, pelvic organ prolapse, endometriosis, adenmyosis, PCOS, complex pre / post natal)
✨ Lien - pre / post natal, general chronic pain, meditation and mindfulness
✨ Kim - pre / post natal, general chronic pain
✨ Evelien - osteopathy for women’s health, also osteopathy for infants
✨ Jildou - eating disorders, sexology, general mental well-being support
✨ Brooklyn - the female athlete/dancer, general women’s health, pre / post natal
✨ Zoë - the female athlete/dancer, women’s health related complex and chronic pain (pelvic girdle pain, pelvic organ prolapse, PCOS, endometriosis, adenmyosis)
✨ Flore - the female athlete/dancer, women’s health related complex and chronic pain (pelvic girdle pain, pelvic organ prolapse)
✨ Sofie B. - pre / post natal

Would you like to learn more about our Women’s Health focus group? Feel free to reach out and schedule a complimentary discovery call with Sofie. She will ensure you are matched with the perfect Waves team member to meet your goals and needs.

S C H E D U L E U P D A T E S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R

Have a look at our updated schedule for the coming months! It will be online and availble for booking starting August 1st!

A keen eye may notice some changes in start times & class levels, more detailed information on this coming soon!!

See you at Waves! 🌊

M E E T J U R G E N!

Jurgen walked into Waves a while ago and under the guidance of Justine and Sven, found back his connection to his body. He is a fantastic and very funny guy, so very grateful to have him share his Waves journey with us 🙂

Very happy to have you here Jurgen!

REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN

Buff Bones® has been a trailblazer in exercise for osteoporosis for more than a
decade, guiding midlife women to move safely and confidently – and to
appreciate our bodies in the process.

Rebekah, its founder and CEO, began Buff Bones after she was diagnosed with osteoporosis, yet found little guided support and resources related to exercise at the time. What then started as a weekly workout in New York City evolved into an entire curriculum and certification programme for exercise professionals throughout the U.S. and across the world, with trained instructors and physio’s in more than 30 countries.

The method has been presented at conferences and prestigious resorts like Canyon Ranch and Rancho La Puerta. The DVD won the [About.com](http://about.com/) Readers’ Choice Award. In 2015 it was introduced to the International Osteoporosis Foundation World Congress for Osteoporosis Patient Societies. In 2023 UCLA Health joined as the Health Sponsor for free public educational webinars on topics related to bone health.

We are really excited to be welcoming Rebekah to Leuven on the **14th and 15th of September**, the first time there is a Buff Bones accreditation course in Belgium!!

✨ Are you a movement specialist (PT, Pilates, physio) looking for the latest evidence-based but also practical and holistic information of supporting people with osteoporosis?

✨ Do you want to work confidently and create safe yet challenging programmes for your patients or clients?

✨ Are you just passionate for learning and discover something new?

This could be the perfect course for you!! To register please head to the link in our bio, or check out the Buff Bones website!

A D V A N C E D C L A S S E S I N F O — how do you know when advanced is right for you? Find out more via the tiles above 😎

Our advanced Pilates classes are some of the highest levels classes we run. Movers who join these classes often have 2 or more years of Pilates experience on equipment and Mat, should be injury free, and regularly following classes or individual sessions (2-3x per week).

An advanced mover for our classes can get something out of all class types and levels. So if you do a focus class and you find that just as intense as a power class chances are you are getting to this advanced level. High level Pilates movers involves way more than ‘strong and’ and ‘flexible legs’.

✨✨✨
It’s about control
It’s about exploring movement
It’s about challenging mind and body
It’s about focus
It’s about deepening the understand of your body and how it connects with your mind
✨✨✨

To find out more check above and please chat to your instructor if you would like to join these classes.

H E A L T H U P D A T E - Welcome Davy!

We are super excited to announce that Davy Lambrechts will join the Health Team as senior physiotherapist.

Who is Davy?

Davy Lambrechts worked for almost 14 years at the Ambulatory Rehabilitation UZ Leuven - Pellenberg campus, a department mainly focused on complex spine-related problems. He has an enormous passion for the rehabilitation of athletes with neck or back problems, as well as the treatment of complex, chronic pain complaints.

In addition, he was a teacher at KU Leuven for many years and now he gets great satisfaction from training other physiotherapists in the field of both manual therapy and exercise therapy. During the same period he also guided athletes at national and international championships, mainly in athletics.

He believes very strongly in the principle that every patient is unique and therefore requires a tailored, unique approach. This is only possible when the problem is
mapped out thoroughly, paying attention to the complaint, the person and the environment.

Davy also loves to chase dreams, together with his family. He and his family have already lived abroad for three months on two occasions. His favourite city by far is Lisbon. He loves crossfit, exploring new places, good food and he never leaves the house without a book in his backpack.

Last but definetly not least, Davy founded the company based on his passion for personal growth, where he guides and coaches healthcare professionals to become the best version of themselves, so that they can sustainably provide the best care to their patients.

Davy will be available starting mid-June, on Mondays and Thursdays. The team is very excited to working with Davy!

H E A L T H U P D A T E - Discovery calls for dietetics

✨What is a discovery call?✨

You can see a discovery call as a friendly, no-pressure conversation where you can ask any questions you have. This discovery call will happen via telephone and lasts 15 minutes.

✨Why do you book a discovery call?✨

If you’re still unsure about something or just want more information, booking a discovery call with Mirthe is the way to go.

✨How do I book a discovery call?✨

To set it up, just write Mirthe an email at [email protected], and she’ll sort out a time that works for both of you.

H E A L T H U P D A T E - Hoe ziet Diëtiek eruit bij Waves?

Een eerste afspraak bij onze diëtiste Mirthe kan je inboeken via de website of door een mail te sturen naar [email protected].

In het eerste intake gesprek zal je samen met Mirthe jouw huidige voedingspatroon, de moeilijkheden waar je tegenaan loopt en jouw doelen bespreken. In een tweede uitgebreide sessie kan Mirthe dan individueel afgestemd advies meegeven, worden eventuele schema’s toegelicht en zal je alle informatie krijgen die voor jou belangrijk is om aan de slag te gaan.

In de opvolgsessies kan je bespreken hoe het lukt om het advies in jouw leven te implementeren. Mirthe denkt mee met jou na hoe bepaalde moeilijkheden aangepakt kunnen worden en past het plan aan indien nodig. Stap voor stap werk je toe naar je eigen doelen en een voedingspatroon dat past bij jouw unieke behoeften en levensstijl.

We are stoked to announce that Waves will be hosting in September the first ever ✨ Buff Bones Instructor Training ✨ in Belgium!! 💪

In this 2 day course Bone Health pro Rebekah Rotstein will take you through the journey of how to approach exercise programming for individuals with osteoporosis. For more than a decade Rebekah has been guiding women to move safely and with confidence. Her Buff Bones course is fantastic with the latest evidence-based approach with real clinical experience.

This course is aimed for

✨ Physio

✨ PTs

✨ Pilates instructors

✨ Anyone wanting to know more about bone health and effective movement

Get inspired by checking her website at https://buff-bones.com/. Registrations can be done via our bio and her website.

B L O G U P D A T E - Bone health & excercise

As you may have noticed: WE LOVE MOVEMENT. And there’s a million reasons for that, and not the least of which: IT’S GREAT FOR YOUR BONES!

“Why?” you may ask, well there’s no short answer to that… So our lovely Justine wrote a Blog about it! You can find it on our website under the Blog section. Have a read through & if you’d like to know more, ask any of our staff, we’re happy to help!

See you soon!

G Y M & P I L A T E S U P D A T E - What is Dynamic?

If you want to work up a good sweat & get your hartbeat pumping, this is the class for you! Higher Pace, strength based exercise in both gym & pilates studio 💪

U P D A T E - Open weekend 2024!!!

Block your calendars and invite your friends and family for a day of well-being and fun! 💪🧘‍♀️

From us at Waves, to you, our Waves Community; we want to give back & invite you for some light hearted fun and Waves time ❤️

WHAT?

Come & enjoy some FREE classes, along with snacks, drinks and a good dose of fun! 🌟

WHEN?

May 5th, 10h00 - 17h00

HOW?

All information is available on www.wavesleuven.be! Our Free Class spots are limited, so make sure you grab one soon!

See you soon at Waves!!

🌊

F U N D R A I S I N G F O R N E U R O — what could you win?

Our stickers are out! And thank you to all of you who have contributed 🙏

So WHAT COULD YOU WIN by entering our raffle?

- A Spine Fitter
- Franklin balls (2 sets up for grabs)
- Sissel Balls (2 balls up for grabs)
- 1x mat class (5 winners)
- 1x equipment class (3 winners)
- 5x mat classes
- 5x equipment classes
- Pack of Yellow/Orange ATX bands (1 winner)
- A green elastic loop band (5 winners)
- Waves sweaters (6 winners)

The RAFFLE WILL BE DRAWN APRIL 8TH! So, don’t lose an opportunity to win some fantastic stuff and support brain injury awareness.

Collaboration with

L E T S M O V E N E U R O — Did you see our previous post about our new Let’s Move Neuro class series and are you curious if this is for you? Then be sure to read on!

Let’s Move Neuro is a high-quality group class tailored specifically for ANYONE with a neurological condition.

✨ WHAT TO EXPECT

Together with an experienced personal trainer and / or physiotherapist specializing in neurological disorders and a small group (max 6-8 people) we will work to achieve your exercise goals.

☀️ Series of 10 lessons focused on general gym (condition, strength, mobility, balance, ...) with the necessary fun factor!
☀️ Later series of lessons: sport-specific trainings such as boxing, dancing, tai-chi, ...
☀️ If you are new to Waves: 1 intake session of 30 min with Valerie (physiotherapist specializing in neurological disorders)

✨ WHEN

- Wednesday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
- Class series will start on Wednesday, April 17

✨ PRICD

- 100 euro for 10 lessons
- If you are entitled to a social statute: 30 euro for 10 lessons
- The intake session is charged separately

Completely convinced!? Then register via the link in our bio or contact us for more info! The sessions will be delivered in NL, EN possible as well if needed.

G Y M U P D A T E — Let’s Move Neuro series starting in April!

Within the Waves philosophy, sports and exercise as well as inclusion are very important core values. Because people with a chronic (neurological) conditions often fall outside the regular sports offer due to physical or mental reasons, in Waves we want to offer a high-quality group class specifically tailored to people with a neurological condition: ✨ Let’s Move Neuro! ✨

For who?

✨ EVERYONE with a neurological condition (congenital or non-congenital), of all levels
✨ Those who feel like exercising more
✨ Those who would like to exercise in a group and/or meet new people
✨ Those who want to gain more confidence to exercise at their own level and get better at sports

In this series we want to combine sports and exercise with a big fun factor. Together with an experienced personal trainer and / or physiotherapist specialising in neurological disorders and a small group (max 6-8 people) you will work to achieve your exercise goals. Classes will first focus on general gym, working on fitness, strength, mobility and balance, among other things. In a later series we will also offer more sport-specific trainings.

Keen to learn more about the Let’s Move Neuro lessons? Visit the link in our bio or reach out to us at [email protected]

Don’t miss out! Our first lesson begins on April 17th and there are limited spots available. Subsidies will be applied depending on your social statute. More info regarding this coming shortly.

F U N D R A I S I N G F O R N E U R O !! — March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, a crucial reminder of the impact brain injuries have on individuals and their loved ones.

On the 21st March we will be organising a fundraising event to raise money for our new Let’s Move Neuro classes (yippi! More info coming soon) and some other activities together with 🥳

WHY?

Whether caused by accidents, sports injuries, or medical conditions, the effects can be profound and long-lasting. Let’s use this day to educate ourselves and others, to advocate for prevention measures, and to support those navigating life with a brain injury. Together, we can raise awareness and promote understanding 💛

WHAT IS HAPPENING?

From the 21st March until April 1st you can buy special one of a kind stickers.

Cost? Pay what you can - whether you can spare 1euro or 30euros all is welcome.

How to get your sticker? Just come to Waves pick up your stick and donate what is possible.

And on the sticker you will find a QR code which has all sorts of information about brain injury awareness!! + you can then register to go into our RAFFLE for fun and awesome prizes 🎁

There are only 250 stickers available so get in quick! Once they are gone there is no more. And then proudly wear your sticker on your ski or bike helmet! 🚲

WHAT WILL THE FUNDS GO TOWARDS?

Transparency and clear communication is really important to us here at Waves and Bloom. Depending on the amount raised it will go towards…

✨ Subsidies for our new Let’s Move Neuro class so people with neurological conditions can enjoy and specialised high quality class with high quality trainers
✨ Spots in the Bloom kids camps at a reduced price
✨ Extra equipment for Waves specialised to support people with neurological conditions

Let’s raise awareness and understanding together. REMEMBER from 21st march 2024 these stickers will be on sale at Waves Leuven

N E U R O U P D A T E — what group classes do we have for people with neurological conditions?

Great news!! Depending on what you are looking for we have many group class options - from active and sporty through to clinically focused.

Do you have a moderate to mild impairment? Are you looking for a class that is open for all (not just those with neurological conditions)? Then our ESSENTIALS CLASSES are the perfect starting point.

⭐️ Tuesday 10h00 Essentials mat with Katina
⭐️ Tuesday 19h30 Essentials equipment with Bavo
⭐️ Wednesday 9h30 Essentials gym with Femke (starting April)
⭐️ Thursday 18h30 Essentials mat with Carlotta
⭐️ Friday 12h00 Essentials equipment with Katina
⭐️ Friday 13h00 Essentials equipment with Bavo

Any of these group classes are a perfect starting point. Please reach out for an intake session with one of our neuro team to get you started! ✨

Do you have minor impairments? Please chat to use but also feel free to start in our general classes. Please chat to us or book in for an intake if you’d like to make sure this is the best option for you.

AND exciting news coming soon…. Yes we will soon have a neuro specific group class option 🥳 stay tuned for more info coming this month

N E U R O U P D A T E — It’s neuro month at Waves so let’s take a peak at WHAT do we do in individual sessions ✨

We have options for individual therapy with our therapists specialising in neurological disorders: Edith, Katina, Justine and Valerie!

But what exactly does a neuro physio or PT do?

Depending on your personal needs and goals, we try to optimise your functioning as much as possible.

HOW?

This starts with an extensive screening of your current capabilities. Within the Waves philosophy we value an active approach: through specific exercises and rehabilitation we can stimulate and improve your functioning, motor skills and brain plasticity!

& we ensure the necessary follow-up by regularly testing in which areas you are making changes, and adpating our approach when necessary.

The focus can be on

💪 strength training

🚶‍♀️gait rehabilitation

⚖️ balance training

👌 fine motor skills

🤸‍♀️ coordination

🚲 endurance training

among others.

If necessary, this can be combined with manual techniques (e.g., to reduce tonus) and cognitive training can also be addressed.

In addition, at Waves there are also therapists with a specific specialisation. Our relaxation therapist Edith can help you with relaxation therapy and mindfulness if you suffer from overstimulation complaints, fatigue or stress. Katina is an expert in exercise and movement therapy (Pilates & Gym) for people with neurological disorders and Justine provides specific coaching for sports and adapted movement activities.

Curious what we can do for you at Waves? Then don’t hesitate to schedule an intake session with one of our neuro-therapists! Reach out to us at [email protected] for more info ⭐️

Do you know OUR WHY?

As we approach 2.5 years since Waves opened its doors and there are so many new faces about we thought it was good to bring up our mission statement again.

Since the beginning our mission has remained constant and has guided us through the many decision we have made in the 2 years.

“To provide an empowering and inclusive environment to enhance quality of life and well-being for all”

Happy Monday everyone!!

P I L A T E S U P D A T E — We are excited to be launching SEMI-PRIVATES at Waves from March 🎉.

Why?

Empowerment is important to us at Waves and a big step in this is enhancing your independence and awareness of your body, your mind and its integration with movement. This is why we will be introducing Semi-Private pilates sessions, a concept very popular in Australia and in other countries.

What is a semi-private?

Semi-privates are pilates sessions on the equipment with a max. of 3 people, each with their own individual programme and goals. The perfect stepping stone between individual and group sessions. This limited group size allows the instructor to focus more intensely on the individual needs and goals of each participant.

Accessible to both beginners and advanced practitioners, the semi-privates provide a structured environment in which each participant can benefit from customised instruction while at the same time can enjoy the social dynamics of the group.

Practical info

✨ Semi-privates will be starting MARCH 6th with Brooklyn at 20h30 (get in quick as there are only 3 spots at the moment)

✨ Booking is possible via ‘appointments’.

To support you with booking please reach out to us at [email protected]!

P I L A T E S & G Y M U P D A T E — We are updating the names of our Pilates & Gym classes!

From your feedback and our own experiences we have found the name’s ‘beginner’ or ‘intermediate’ are not always the clearest in communicating the expectations of a class.

And therefore…

WE HAVE RENEWED THE NAMES OF OUR GENERAL PILATES & GYM GROUP CLASSES! Keep an eye out from our next series starting April 1st 🎉. Booking will be possible from March 1st 9am.

We are excited to introduce our new names that provide clarity on what to expect. Discover our…

General PILATES CLASSES

💪 Power

🧘 Focus

🌊 Flow

General GYM CLASSES

🧘 Focus

🤸🏻‍♀️ Dynamic

Each class type also has a specific level (beginner, intermediate & advanced) and scope of focus. Scroll through the pics above for an overview of what each class entails.

What about Specific Classes? At Waves we have a group of classes taylored for clinical or specific population groups. There will be NO CHANGE to these names. Specific Classes includes;

- Essentials
- Bones & Balance
- Teens
- Prenatal
- Mums & Mini’s
- + our new to come Let’s Move Neuro classes

The names will not change for these Specific Classes!

We love hearing from you! Please reach out to us at [email protected] if you have any comments or questions.