Marian Barnick

Registered Kinesiologist & Movement Expert

...because Movement is Power

I have been absolutely blessed that my ‘job’ has given me such an amazing opportunity.

I’ve met thousands of people, from all walks of life, and helped them on their journey back to the activities they love.

And the best part? I absolutely LOVE what I do. I am more passionate about movement, and alignment, and biomechanics now than I was when I first graduated, over 25 years ago.

Movement is Power my friends.

And you should Never Settle.

A Little History

I discovered Kinesiology as a high school runner when I was receiving treatment for knee pain that was holding me back from training. I loved the idea of Kinesiology – studying and applying the science of human movement. So my future was created by my bad knees!

I obtained my Honors Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology from University of Waterloo and started on the journey that I am still passionate about.

I discovered that I had a real eye for analyzing movement and seeing asymmetries in the body.
And as I worked with patients to correct movement and alignment problems, I could see – and more importantly, they could feel – the changes this made not only to their bodies but to their life.

I continue to this day, even with decades of experience, to work on my evaluation skills and corrective exercise programming.

It’s an absolute thrill working with patients, figuring out how their body is compensating and creating corrective exercise strategies that help them feel better, move better, and reach their best potential.

But it’s a lot of work, don’t get me wrong. The patients I work with have a strong desire to achieve.

That’s why I work within 3 Specific Patient Pathways.

Why Breast Cancer?

If you haven’t experienced my passion for movement first hand you might ask this question.

So let me explain why I took on this most amazing challenge that changed my perspective and fueled by passion.

I had the opportunity to meet this amazing breast cancer survivor when her insurance company asked me to evaluate her ability to return to work. We met, chatted, and I asked about her treatment. I then asked about her rehab program. She told me “I had breast cancer. I didn’t break anything.”

But this woman could barely move her shoulder, couldn’t reach into her cupboards, and had daily pain in her chest, her arm, and her back. And she believed this was just part of her life now, as a survivor. This was her ‘new normal’. And no one told her any differently, so it was accepted that this quality of life was just what happens when you survive breast cancer.

I said, “No Way!”

I knew I could help her.

I knew there was a way for me to take the strategies of movement therapy I’d used for years with my patients and even for myself and create a Cancer Movement Therapy Program. I knew I could help with these side effects, these problems with mobility and tightness and pain after breast cancer treatment.

So that was my mission.

That was the moment I started my journey in developing specific movement therapy to support breast cancer patients.

My Athletes

The never wavering belief in achievement.

To me, that’s what makes an athlete.

Yes, I work with athletes who compete at a high level, but athletics to me is the desire to develop your skills to your best potential.

It absolutely aligns with my mantra of Never Settling.

Sometimes it can be tough, mentally, for athletes to work on foundational exercises. They want to move, sweat, win.

But when they see the changes that happen – the increased speed, better recovery, and how their body can respond to their desires – it’s no longer a struggle to get athletes to work on their corrective exercises.
It’s a no-brainer when your desire is pure.

To be your best.

I love being part of their journey.

The Juniors

What a thrill to have such potential in front of you.

As these junior athletes start to develop their skills there is so much in front of them to discover.

But previous injuries, technique problems, and just some bad habits, the body is at increased risk of injury if pushed to hard and too fast.

This is the groundwork, the place to make the most difference. And it’s incredible to see how malleable the young athlete can be – their bodies and minds soaking in all this new information.

By setting proper movement foundations at this level – when the body and the mind are still growing and adapting – the changes made at this level are invaluable for both skill and longevity.

I feel like I’m making a real difference in helping to develop the potential in the junior athlete.

It might be for high school sports, high performance competition, or kids that have already been seen as potential superstars.

The body needs the foundations – mobility, stability, and THEN STRENGTH (this is for the parents and coaches who are pushing strength development before the first two foundations).

The development of the neural pathways at this age to sequence proper muscle firing and peak performance from the neuromuscular level is an incredible competitive edge.

Just the Facts

Registered Kinesiologist with over 25 years experience

Developer of WELLFIT Cancer Program & Your Next Move Post Surgery Breast Cancer Program

Developer of the 3B Method for Sport Performance and Athletic Achievement

Creator of the Foundations First Framework for Movement Therapy & Rehabilitation

Treating Cancer Exercise Practitioner for Sunnybrook Hospital and Odette Cancer Centre breast and prostate cancer patients

Registered Member of the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario
Professional Member of the Ontario Kinesiology Association
Member of the Canadian Kinesiology Alliance

FMS Certified Levels 1 and 2
Kinesio Taping 1 and 2

Certified Work Capacity Evaluator: Roy Matheson and Associates
Certified Ergonomic Evaluation Specialist Candidate: Roy Matheson and Associates

Conference Speaker, Cancer Exercise Protocols: Canadian Personal Trainers Network

Movement Expert Contributor: EverydayHealth.com