I love the online classes. I love that you mix up the exercises so there’s always something different, I love having Kerri demonstrate, and I love that there are classes at all because my total bone density has improved, in both the hip and the lumbar spine.
~E.K., Lexington MAGreat classes. Wasn’t sure how I would like the virtual classes, but I really love them. During this stressful time I enjoy the levity the two of you bring to class as well as the information you both share: where I should feel the burn when I am doing an exercise, what foods will help my body recuperate from the workout, etc.
~M.D. Lexington MAI have had serious issues with balance all my life and have broken several bones after falling. My last serious fall resulted in ankle surgery in Germany 3 weeks before my son’s wedding!!! Since coming to the Ikier Center, I have learned strategies to prevent falls and have worked hard to improve my balance. Happily, I haven’t had a serious fall or broken any bones since working with Beverley.
~Susan R.Hi Beverley,
Just got home from a long day at the day care center, but couldn’t wait until tomorrow morning to tell you something. For the first time, I had not a particle of back pains…. all day! None! That has never happened before, so thank you.
~SusanI heartily recommend Beverley Ikier who has worked on back problems and hip/joint strengthening for me, and for my Mom from when Mom was about 75 all the way to age 93.
Beverley is a very skilled board certified massage therapist and bodyworker who has practiced in this area for at least 20+ years, and also teaches local classes in “Osteofitness” which was a boon to my Mom who had severe osteoporosis. I am aware of several of Beverley’s clients who have reversed their Osteoporosis in hips and back without prescription medications, by focusing on strengthening exercises and therapeutic massage.
I have gone to her myself weekly for about 6 years. She has a deep knowledge of joint mobility, and effective hands-on strategies to recover from injuries or surgeries. Or how to strengthen so that pain is reduced and surgery may not be necessary in many cases.
Best of all, she is a very good explainer, very positive and kind and encouraging, and she helps clients maintain their strengthening between appointments with suggestions of take-home exercises that can be done standing at the kitchen sink or with very simple props that most of us have at home already.
~Marsha KnollI am so excited to write to let you know that I had a bone density exam today, and my scores for all 3 areas improved! Since my last exam in March 2019 femoral neck went from -1.1 to 0.9 (normal), total hip from -1.5 to -1.4 and spine -2.6 (osteoporosis) to -2.4 (osteopenia). I am SO happy! Previously my scores had been going down with each exam, and I was praying that this year my scores would have at least stabilized, but they actually improved!
~MarilynI had quite an experience on black ice last Sunday morning. I never saw it. I did a little bit of a dance on the ice trying to retain my balance and keep from falling. I was so thankful that I never did fall. I know for a fact that the balance and strengthening exercises we do in class kept me from falling to the ground Whew, I could have seriously broken a bone on the hard concrete ground. I counted my blessings that day.
~RosalindCondition: Osteoporosis
My doctor urged me to get instruction in strength training for health reasons. I attend The Ikier Center classes run by Beverley Ikier. She knows what she is doing and works on everyone’s individual areas of weaknesses. She makes it fun, no boredom ever. I am stronger and more agile, which has a positive effect on everything I do.
~InezI have been taking your class and see the difference in the effort required, compared to effort on my own. I am glad that I am in the class and hope that you continue the Zoom format even after covid times. I see the difference between the gym exercises I did and yours. I did some of the same exercises — military press, squats and lunges with lifts — with much heavier weights, but not to the point of exhaustion. My spine deteriorated. I hope that this makes the difference. I am keeping up my end on the weekend and watching nutrition. I’m hopeful. Thanks for mixing it up in every class.
~EllenBeverley Ikier’s Osteofitness class is a smart choice! The stretching and strengthening exercises she teaches are devised with emphasis on maintaining lifelong mobility, flexibility and preventing falls and fractures. Many in the class have increased their bone density, and some no longer have to take medicine for their bone health. You feel as though you are being coached personally, even with 20+ students in the class. Beverley has a special gift for making the class your “endorphin cocktail” and your exercise toolbox will be sorely lacking if you do not have Osteofitness by Beverley Ikier in it!
~Paula VirgileThanks so much for the recipes you are sending along. (I’ve thanked Patti, too.) Also I’ve appreciated the times when you’ve shown us not only bone structure with Bon Jovi’s help, but also muscle structure with those large diagrams. Very helpful to visualize what connects with what.
Lastly I want to say the ZOOM classes are working well – no matter who the model is. Terry recently is a great inspiration because she’s such a trooper about increasing her hand weights. (Thanks, Terry!)
And Kerri – she is in a league of her own. Something about the combo of her energy and yours really works. The class on Tuesday with you showing people the modified version of the exercise and Kerri setting the pace for more challenging work was outstanding. And because you both shared what you had eaten for breakfast (cabbage and kale slaw for Kerri, soup with mirepoix and other veggies for you), you’ve encouraged me to think outside the (oatmeal) box for breakfast.
~LauraI no longer have Osteoporosis; my doctor insists I continue with this program.
~AnonymousAfter my husband’s severe stroke, Beverley worked on his paralysis, balance, headaches and vision. Her program, by far the most effective, has been instrumental in his recovery.
~PF, grateful wifeWe, the class members, some who have attended classes longer than I have, are learning skills and receiving tools to live healthy, active lives. My bone density test results since 1998 have shown gradual, measurable improvement. Given that I am attending classes, “taking home” the exercises and stretches, staying active, eating proper amounts of Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin D and reducing stressors in my life, I am well on my way to not only having healthier bones and preventing the development of osteoporosis but I have good balance and focus, energy and stamina and hope for continued well being as my body ages.
~RVMonths ago, my feet were tingly, numb and sometimes painful when at rest and when I was walking around. As Beverley massaged my feet and toes to decompress the nerves and stretch the muscles and tendons and I did my “homework” and followed Beverley’s advice, those sensations as well as the pain are gone. I am very grateful.
~ReneeAfter a few months of persistent neck pain, I went to Beverley for a therapeutic massage to provide some relief. Over the course of several sessions the treatment plan evolved from pain relief to root cause analysis which is lateral deviation of the spine. Since working with Beverley, the combination of massage, exercises, and stretching techniques have worked wonders on my neck issues.
~Martha Crow Concord, MAI had a history of low back pain for over a year with pain in the right hip for many months when I saw Beverly Ikier for therapy. My physician at The Spine Center at Spaulding Wellesley diagnosed me with lumbar scoliosis with degenerative changes, lumbar discogenic pain with referral to the right buttock, and right lateral hip pain consistent with gluteal myofascial pain.
Beverly instituted a program of massage, manipulation, with stretching, and strengthening exercises which helped greatly to improve my symptoms. Beverly has a superb knowledge of the anatomy and the function of the musculoskeletal system. Her massage therapy gave relief immediately. The stretches and exercises she recommended resulted in steady improvement in function. Overall I gained strength while the pain decreased. I highly recommend the therapy that Beverly Ikier has to offer.
~Jayne DohertyI first met Beverley one year ago in Osteofitness classes at the Bedford Senior Center. At that time I was unable to go for the long walks I had always enjoyed because of pain in both knees. I did not know at that time that one leg was crooked! After a few short months, with Beverley’s expertise and intervention, I am walking comfortably, free of all pain, and even using the treadmill in bad weather.
Beverley Ikier straightened my leg with deep massage and strengthening exercises – – and changed my life in the process!
~Eileen Flanagan Bedford, MARunner
Beverly is a miracle worker. I have seen her for various aches and pains and injuries over the years, and she always provides me with practical advice and at at-home care plan that’s easy to incorporate into my busy lifestyle. She gets to the root cause and addresses it instead of circling around the problem.
~Marielle VenaProfessional Musician:
The best therapy I’d ever have! Helped me to continue playing and strengthening to prevent future injuries!
~Siu Yan LukI am a 74-year-old woman who was recently diagnosed with osteopenia. I am delighted to be able to attend Osteofitness classes conducted by an expert in the field. Beverley Ikier’s classes are both fun and educational. Since starting the twice a week sessions I have made significant changes in posture, strength, and balance. An added bonus, which I had not anticipated, is definite improvement to my arthritic knees. I am back to my three-mile walk without pain and looking forward to a much more enjoyable golf season this year. I have recommended the classes to friends and would recommend them to anyone, man or woman, who has a wish to preserve and enhance bone health and/or freedom from injury. I am scheduled to have a bone density test soon and am anticipating good results.
~Eileen FlanaganBeverley Ikier, of the Ikier Center in Burlington MA is excellent– she also does manual/massage therapy, and gives really useful exercises you can do on your own, with props you’d have around the house.
Beverley is one of the best explainers I’ve ever met, and helps you visualize what’s going on inside the injured area & how not to re-injure it. She started as an R.N. and added years of training in therapeutic massage and related disciplines. She is a total professional, and very positive and encouraging to keep you on track with the healing exercises she devises.
She also worked on my Mom who had severe osteoporosis but made it to 93 in good health thanks to the exercises Beverley devised (which are MILES ahead of the PT I’ve seen from other providers).
I see her weekly now, and I’ve met BSO Musicians and men and women of all ages coming in for their appointments after mine.
I think she gets amazing results for people she sees.
~MarshaBeverley,
At long last, sometime over the weekend I got up enough courage to look at my back in the mirror. The last time I did this it was quite discouraging. Not this time, though! I very nearly cried because I have a back that resembles a real back for the first time in a long while. Ribs…on both sides…are visible. It did wonders for my spirit.
So, thank you again for all your good work.
~SusanThumbs up for Musicians!
…. Therapeutic massage and bodywork for osteoarthritis of the thumb
For over 50 years I have been playing my double bass in orchestras, jazz ensembles and folk groups.
After couple of years of discomfort and pain in the right thumb, when I was 65 years old, I was diagnosed with end-stage osteoarthritis in the basal joint of the right thumb.
When wearing a brace, a splint, and having cortisone injections, in the thumb, did not help; reconstruction surgery was than scheduled. About a month before the surgery I had the good fortune of finding out about Beverley Ikier at the Ikier Wellness Center. She does therapeutic massage and bodywork, with specialization in hands and shoulder work for musicians. I began hourly session to work on my osteoarthritis of the thumb.
With the therapeutic massage, strengthening exercises, and weightlifting my hand and thumb returned to normal use within three months!! I was committed to doing all of the exercises, and it definitely paid off. After the first month I could only play my bass about five minutes a day, and the improvements in holding my bow resulted in my canceling the surgery. Gradually I worked up to one hour day, and then was ready for the three hour rehearsals and concerts.
I’m happy to say that I’m back playing regularly with the Concord Orchestra, and I’ve played in two concerts, and plan to play in the final one for this season.
I still continue with my exercises, and I’m pain-free. Many thanks to the therapeutic massage and bodywork provided by the Ikier Wellness Center.
~PatI recently had my annual examination with my endocrinologist. My doctor is a very well known physician and a leading authority on Osteoporosis. After battling Osteoporosis for 13 years and participating in exercise classes with The Ikier Center, I am happy to report that my bone density has improved by 8{67e6c5986eff7ba0978040416f540166ad84a3d37fa5c4aabc8288ac1804d241}!! Considering that my Osteoporosis is critical, this is a very big improvement for me! Through proper diet and exercise, my prognosis is improving! My doctor was very impressed with my flexibility and program of appropriate exercise. I have really achieved new levels! You can do it too!
~Marcia "Strong"!!I had been trying to find an exercise class for a number of years and, after one introductory session, knew the various programs were not for me.
After practically giving up my search of true exercise programs, with an emphasis on health issues as we approach the aging process, I wanted to know more about the advantages of more technical programs, along with an emphasis of having fun. I found Beverley Ikier, founder and owner of the Ikier Wellness Center. And- what a find that was. Her specialty is Osteofitness.
For those of us who want to learn and be challenged for one hour per session, it is “the place” to go. Some of the most important aspects of the osteoporosis classes are to be stretched a bit beyond our capabilities, absorb a great amount of information and knowledge about the various aspects of osteoporosis while enjoying the camaraderie of Beverley and a group of great attendees who appear to be very supportive of Beverley and one another. Beverley is a subject matter specialist in her field; she’s also charismatic, unique, supportive and caring. I could go on, but you’d think we were related.
These are some of my impressions of The Ikier “experience”. By the way, many of her students have been enjoying these Programs for a dozen years and beyond.
~Susan H. Lexington, MADear Beverly,
Well, once again you have fixed me. You not only have fixed my aching foot but you have fixed my mind. What I have leaned now from your services and valuable knowledge is that all of the ailments I have experienced over the years had nothing to do with old age: they were from bad habits committed over a long period of time.
Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that my crossing by feet on a lazy-boy recliner was the cause of my formerly crooked right foot. It only took you five minutes into my appointment for you to easily come to that deduction.
No matter what kind of curve ball I throw, you always manage to knock it out of the park. Each and every time, whether it was my back, my bicep, my calf, or my foot, you have always figured out the best treatment and regimen necessary for getting back to good health. All I had to do was absorb your analysis and follow the plan.
I can’t figure out what the next ailment I will have but if I can’t figure it out, I will be sure to make another appointment with the Ikier Wellness Center.
Thank you again!
~John V.A few years ago, I had acute pain in my right thumb. It was diagnosed as tendonitis, likely from overuse with my computer keyboard. I received a splint to help stabilize it and to avoid the pain from moving it. It was very difficult for me to work since it was my dominant hand. Around that time, Beverley offered a hand workshop which I signed up for. In addition to the workshop, I did some private hand sessions with her. I did the exercises faithfully for a few months. The pain went away without the need for cortisone shots or, even worse, surgery. I have not had pain since even though I continue to use that thumb on a regular basis when working. Occasionally, I start to feel a twinge of pain. When this happens, I start doing the exercises again and ward it off. This has made a huge difference in my life.
~Sherry LitwackBefore this class I could not sleep because of back pain. Now, I am pain free and sleep through the night.
~Crasella KaplanBeverley’s holistic approach has worked well with many patients, especially one wheelchair bound with right-side stroke and speech aphasia. Her work resulted in patient’s ability to turn and pivot in small steps, to speak in short sentences and in reduced anxiety.
~Nancy Ayoub, Home Health Care RNCondition: Stress and Muscle tension
Working with Beverley has really improved my life. As a busy executive, she helped with chronic muscle tension. In addition to great massage, she has taught me stretching and breathing exercises. Her help and coaching allowed me to complete a 60 mile charity walk, injury free.
~Lynn WolfI am a violinist and have been freelancing in Boston for over 20 years. A few years ago, I started having wrist pain and tingling in both arms after playing. A colleague had worked with Beverley and recommended her highly. She was able to reduce, then eliminate my symptoms and coach me in a carefully crafted program of stretching and strengthening which has allowed me to continue my career as a musician.
~AnonymousI had spent almost 2 years looking for relief from daily pain in my back, neck, arms and hands before I found Beverley. The pain I was experiencing made simple daily activities hard to do, and also made it impossible for me to finish my Master’s degree in flute performance.
Before meeting Beverley, I saw many doctors or specialists who offered a short term fix for my pain, which usually required my coming in numerous times a week at a very high financial cost. I had the opposite experience at The Ikier Wellness Center. Beverley helped lessen my pain when I had an appointment, while at the same time providing me with exercises and stretches to strengthen weak areas, so that my pain gradually decreased over time. This approach was empowering: I felt much more in charge of my health I was able to play the flute again and complete my degree thanks to Beverley!
~Annie Stoddard, Graduate student, Boston University College of Fine ArtsCondition: Bells’s Palsy
The left side of my face developed a significant droop and numbness. Was this a stroke? The Emergency room doctor told me I had a classic case of Bell’s palsy. I was told my face probably would recover full expression and function in six weeks to six months. After about a week, Beverley assessed that the facial nerves and muscles were ready for therapy and she put me to work with strengthening exercises. During each appointment, one each week for four weeks, she would massage and tap the affected areas ever so gently to encourage healing and circulation and given me additional exercises appropriate for the next stage of healing. After just one week people began to comment on noticeable improvements. After three weeks, most of the droop in my face was gone, creases in my forehead almost matched my right side, my eye almost closed fully on its own and my smile was almost back. The ophthalmologist said my eye looked GREAT and to keep doing whatever I was doing but I had to have a follow up in a month. At four weeks I could do twenty eight of the thirty facial exercises. Thank you Beverley for your care, expertise and push during this partnership to heal and rehab my face!
~Renee VigorosoCondition: Breast Cancer
The Ikier Wellness center gave me strength to better carry on my activities of daily living, ie lifting grocery bags, better balance, more confidence and less dependence on others. Beverly Ikier is is the most positive and caring of all my care takers, she knows when to push and when to pull back.
~J. Smith, Lexington MACondition: Elbow Pain
I’ve been continuing with my practice of martial arts, and working on it, stretching, strength training, etc. Yesterday morning I woke and it felt good. felt better as the day went on, I had a late night practice at the beach and it felt great. Today I woke up and it felt like much had opened up, I was able to work on my fine art painting for a solid 5-6 hours today, and a few hours yesterday, it felt really good! Best it’s felt since February. Thank you so much, you’re phenomenal.
~Ian FactorFitness for over 50… I have found Beverley Ikier to be a friendly, very outgoing, creative instructor who knows her craft and believes 100{67e6c5986eff7ba0978040416f540166ad84a3d37fa5c4aabc8288ac1804d241} in her ability of seniors to change their lives through commitment to weekly exercise classes. Her positive attitude and sense of humor are great attributes to all who meet her and who participate in her classes.
~Joan Pippin, Arlington Senior center association coordinatorCondition: Partial Hip Replacement, Broken Radius
I received continued therapy to help me regain maximum use, including strengthening and rotation of my left hand and wrist. I continued to work on my left hip area to relieve knots in the muscles from the accident, increase flexibility and strength to relieve discomfort. I have achieved my goals, feel educated and continue to strengthen my hip.
~P. Basteri, Bolton MA
Condition: Severe Inflamation of the Left Posterior Tibidis Tendon
Ikier’s approach is to listen extensively – look at the whole problem, take the time needed to repair post. damage to my foot and then carefully build both flexibility and strength. all of this takes patience and care. I am highly motivated to regain a high level of activity. For me the results have been absolutely wonderful.
~D. Griesinger, Cambridge MA
Condition: Knee Pain and Weight Gain
Beverly Ikier is a miracle worker! She got me onto a regular and extensive exercise program, featuring both stretches and weight bearing activities, and moved me to a supported and healthier weight loss diet. That together with massage therapy releived much of my pain. With her her emotional support I have changed my lifestyle.
~B. Keegan, Milton MA
Condition: Chronic Leg Pain
During the six months I have been attending Osteofitness sessions with Beverley Ikier at the Ikier Center, my strength and endurance has greatly improved. I began attending these sessions due to chronic leg pain and decreased ability to participate in activities with friends and family without the fear that I would not be able to keep up the pace. Beverley is dynamic, full of energy and the classes are done to the rhythm of exciting music and laughter. I now see that I am standing straight, my energy level is amazing and often when I participate in an activity, I say quietly. “thanks Beverley”. because I am healthier and stronger for having known you and being in your class.
~Gail Gauthier, RN Blue cross, Blue shieldCondition: Osteopinea of the Back Neck and Feet
Beverly is a talented, experienced, can do professional who provides opportunities and services in many areas of day to day health. Her exercise and massage have increased my mobility, decreased pain and inspired regular exercise habits.
~V. Clough, Lexington MA
Condition: Osteoporosis of Lower Spine
I find the Ikier Center to be the most attuned to the needs of a 50+, and Ms. Ikier is the only practitioner of several personal trainers I have worked with who understands the reversing of osteoporosis. She has a deep knowledge of musculoskeletal interaction and is very positive and encouraging to keep me on track. My posture has improved markedly thanks to her program, and blood test results show that bone building is going well.
~M. Knoll, Belmont MACondition: Osteoporosis
Reversed the condition (osteoporosis) to osteopinia within two years.
~J. Curtice, Burlington MA
Condition: Osteoporosis
I was diagnosed for osteoporosis three years ago. My doctor recommended an osteoporosis medication. I refused, and told him I would start strengthening at the Ikier Center. I enrolled in the Osteofitness program for Osteoporosis, and my last two bone density tests show that I have reversed my Osteoporosis. My doctor was thrilled and said, “keep up what you are doing”.
~JoanCondition: Scoliosis and Hip Pain
Through therapeutic massage and specific stretches I have improved my mobility and flexibility and lessened my chronic pain about 85, Beverly Ikier’s program is keeping me out of pain and out of surgery.
~J. Ehlke, Lexington MA
My 15 year old son was in pain for over 2 years with a sports related back injury. After several sessions with Beverley he began to feel better and eventually became pain free. She taught him about how to take care of his back and his body and in his words, “Beverley knows everything you can imagine about bodies and how they work!”
~Grateful mother, Lexington MACondition: Stroke
After my husband’s severe stroke, Beverley worked on his paralysis, balance, headaches and vision. Her program, by far the most effective, has been instrumental in his recovery.
~Paula FiorenzaCondition: Stroke
Beverley’s holistic approach has worked well with many patients, especially one wheelchair bound with right-side stroke and speech aphasia. Her work resulted in patient’s ability to turn and pivot in small steps, to speak in short sentences and in reduced anxiety.
~Nancy Ayoub, Home Health Care RN