Z-Health®
“If you have a body you are an athlete.” -Bill Bowerman
Z-Health® is a scientifically designed system of exercise and applied neurology crafted to specifically target what matters most in human performance - The Human Brain. It developed out of the simple idea that all forms of training and rehabilitation specifically target the brain - whether we know it or not. Our nervous system forms a complex, intricate network that controls every aspect of our physical function. Z-Health uses cutting edge neuroscience to help improve movement, reduce chronic pain, and improve the visual and vestibular systems. Using these method helps you achieve faster and more long lasting results.
There are four things that every athlete needs to do well: see well, balance well, move well, and integrate well. Z-Health is designed to incorporate all four of these skills.
I currently hold multiple certifications with Z-Health and my education with them is ongoing.
To learn more, you can visit the Z-Health website linked here or visit my resources page here where I have linked a number of articles and additional research on the many ways this type of training can help both physically and emotionally.
“If you want to improve how people move, improve how people see.” -Dr. Eric Cobb, Z-Health
Testimonials
“I think of all of the lessons I have invested in to improve my riding, rider awareness lessons, and brain training for the rider, have been some of the most valuable. Horses have a level of sensitivity that most of us can't comprehend. To handle and ride these horses and hope to be in harmony means we must work to increase our own awareness and sensitivity. This work is unique in that it considers the nervous system and so it has allowed me to improve the use of my body both on a conscious and subconscious level, allowing me to refine the way I communicate with my horse. So many things have improved for me. From my hand eye coordination, to my rising trot, to my balance, the proof has truly been in the pudding with this work. I am so grateful to Leah for sharing this work with me and helping me develop into my best.” -Terra Bortels
“Since working with Leah I haven't just improved my riding, but also my everyday comfort. As a farrier and trainer my body is expected to perform at its max all the time. After multiple falls, injuries, and chronic pain my body had just gotten used to being in threat status all the time. Working with Leah I have been able to move in ways I haven't been in years. My balance has improved in and out of the saddle. I am looking forward to continuing to work with Leah to become not just a better rider but overall better in my everyday movement." -Augusta Mae Wott
“Working with Leah has been eye opening. If you want a clear understanding of the harmony that can be achieved between the horse and rider, Leah is an amazing resource. Not only does she do a great job giving you the tools to help your horse develop better posture and body awareness, she also gives that same awareness to riders. Giving you a seamless understanding of how your posture can influence your horse and what approaches would be best for you to improve that influence. She has great attention to detail without the work feeling tedious, dull or repetitive. I can't recommend Leah's approach enough. She has fabulous insight for riders and disciplines of all types and levels.” -Jayne Bailey
“Leah is not only a talented body worker, she is also an amazing support system. Thanks to her intuition and willingness to help me with my goals, I was able to continue to advance my riding skills and enjoy my horses throughout my entire pregnancy. I believe the things I learned about my body helped labor and delivery go smoother and be less painful than if I didn't have the skills to be more in tune with my body than I have in the past. I'm now looking forward to getting back in the saddle and picking up where I left off!” -Erin Whalin, DVM
“I cannot express how grateful I am to be working with Leah. She has been instrumental in helping me to overcome my fear after a riding accident, and decreasing health issues that I have developed as a result of carrying tension in my body. The tools she has been trained to use are simple, yet powerful, often producing instant and measurable results. Leah also brings patience, empathy and compassion to her work. Most of all, she has given me hope and empowered me with tools to aide my healing. Tools that I have not found in searching many other treatment modalities. I don’t want to even imagine going back to the time before I started working with Leah! I will continue to learn from her for as long as possible!” -Kristen Stewart