Just as Bonnie Prudden inspired people to learn how to improve their own fitness levels and reduce their muscular pain, her institute‘s focus is on education to improve the physical fitness, health and wellbeing of the world wide community by providing the knowledge and tools all peoples of all ages and abilities need to live life physically fit and free of muscle-related pain.

As an advocate for public health and healthy lifestyles Bonnie Prudden recognized early on and very clearly, that Americans were “getting soft” and that with the advent of TV, fast foods, the school bus and a car in every garage it could only get worse.  Worse being what we see today as an epidemic of obesity, back pain, heart disease, muscle tension, high blood pressure, lack of strength and flexibility.

Her report to President Eisenhower at a White House luncheon in 1955 on the Unfitness of American children as compared to their European counterparts became known as “The Report that Shocked the President” and was the basis for the formation of the President’s Council on Youth Fitness.

Bonnie believed in the everyday person and felt that, for the most part, given the right information and tools, that person could take care of him or herself and be fit and pain-free.  Motivating people to take care of themselves was her passion.  To this end, in the late 1940’s, she began developing exercise programs and exercise equipment that could be made in the average garage and could be used by anyone, regardless of age and ability.

Noting the continued physical deterioration, prevailing muscle pain and rising health care cost of the American population, in 1976 she began the research that led to the development of Bonnie Prudden Myotherapy® a way to relieve muscle pain and restore function.  It requires no special training or tools, can be learned easily by anyone and can be done anywhere. It is outlined in her book published in 1980, PAIN ERASURE THE BONNIE PRUDDEN WAY, a NY Times best seller which is still in print.

Starting in 1956 with her first of 15 books, she began describing her methods, philosophy, program and equipment.  She produced 195 TV programs, made numerous educational films for children, developed programs for infants, classrooms, Girls’ Club, prisons, veterans, Ys, retirement communities, opened a school for Physical Fitness and Myotherapy…and more.

Click here for Bonnie Prudden’s bio!

We believe that the first years of a child’s life are the most important and that it begins at birth. Therefore we will especially target the needs of young mothers, infants and children which is ultimately where physical fitness for life begins.

The child’s brain and the child’s body develops most quickly in the first three years of life.  Those concerned with babies and little children should know that the foundations for everything they will ever be or do are laid down between birth and six and are honed from 6 to 12.  Their bodies are formed and the way they will use those bodies is set.  They assume their future posture, habits, and traits of character. They begin the journey of confidence building, rhythm, curiosity, strength, attitude, action, courage, emotional stability, social skills and language.

Once, children in this country developed their bodies naturally.   Once we were a tough, strong and vital people.  Today is different.  If we are to turn this around it will have to be done through the youngest of today’s children along with their mothers, family members and teachers.

If a baby is exercised from day one and is encouraged to move throughout the first three years of life she will not only develop a good body, she will always want to move because it feels so good to move.

The Bonnie Prudden programs of exercise have stood the test of time.  They are outlined in her books, manuals, records and videos and remain as viable today as when they were first developed.

The institute will provide the program of Bonnie Prudden Myotherapy and Physical Fitness through web based blogs, newsletters, manuals, training workshops, videos, podcasts, film, on line programs, internet, books, and tools.  We are available to provide guidance through every step of the way for new moms and those working with them including doulas, mid-wives, nannies and pediatricians, as well as pre-school and elementary school teachers, and counselors, aides and personnel including superintendents, principals, nurses and counselors.

A REAL Head Start program begins at day one with YOU and your child. Start now and make it happen!

“There is a vocabulary of movement and depending on what you have been exposed to in the world of movement…. just as in intellectual life… music life, art life, book life, math life, experience life, and love life  – people use what has been imprinted….”  Bonnie Prudden

Our helping hand and tools are extended to all populations: health care professionals, educators, corporations, towns and cities, clubs, youth groups, social workers, recreation centers, retirement communities, nursing homes, hospice, special needs, athletes, trainers, coaches, teams, artists, dancers, musicians….