Marcia Dernie brings a personal perspective to the wellness world.
December 25, 2024
12:25 PM
Movement has always been at the center of Marcia Dernie’s life and career. The doctor of physical therapy, yoga instructor, powerlifter and athlete has encouraged active lifestyles and wellness to peers and clients alike. When the symptoms of an autoimmune illness began to limit her lifestyle, Dernie sought new ways to find mental and physical well-being.
Dernie’s book, “Movement for Every Body,” released this past August, combines her personal experiences and actionable fitness advice, aiming to help readers redefine their conceptions of wellness to a sustainable standard.
Insights from Marcia Dernie
When asked what inspired her to write this book, Dernie shared, ‘As a provider, with my patients, there was just always something missing. If I never went past just this person’s pain, they really didn’t get better… There’s a lot of bits of my experience in my life where I see how much movement can be used to just make ourselves happy.’
Regarding how the book can help all abilities, she emphasized, ‘This book is not something you read once and say, “Well, I did it, I’m done.” You could come back to this at different parts of your life, or you could rework through parts and find what helps you best.’
Dernie acknowledged challenges in the wellness industry, stating, ‘We’re very much obsessed with the “either/ors.” … If I say that I’m disabled, that means that I can’t lift weights. If I say that I’m old, then that means I can’t be strong.’ She advocates for embracing the gray areas of movement and wellness.
On the inclusivity of Richmond’s fitness community, she noted, ‘There are a lot of communities [here] that are just busting out the door with inclusivity, but overall, I think we can still do better.’
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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