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LA Bodywork at the Los Angeles Urban League Celebrity Golf Classic

On July 29, 2024, LA Bodywork, led by LisaMarie Arreguin with fellow practitioner Ryan Spiwak, proudly participated in the 2nd Annual Los Angeles Urban League Celebrity Golf Classic at the Calabasas Country Club. Organized by Hammond Entertainment, this annual fundraising event brought together community leaders, celebrities, and corporate partners for an exciting day of golf to support programs that uplift young individuals, families, and underserved communities throughout Los Angeles.

About the Los Angeles Urban League

The Los Angeles Urban League has served as a beacon of hope and a champion of social justice for over 104 years. As one of the nation’s longest-standing civil rights nonprofit organizations, the League has remained steadfast in its mission to help African Americans and underserved communities achieve social parity, economic independence, and civil rights.

Through its pillars of Advocacy, Education, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development, the Urban League empowers individuals and families by providing job training and placement, small business development, educational programs, and leadership initiatives.

The Los Angeles Urban League Celebrity Golf Classic reflects this mission, uniting community leaders, celebrities, and sponsors such as Bank of America, FedEx, PepsiCo, and The Walt Disney Company for a day of golfing in support of education, mentorship, and career-building programs.

This year’s event was attended by sports legends and celebrities including Byron Scott, Mitch Richmond, Scottie Pippen, Kathleen Bradley, Emilio Rivera, Michael Irby, Marcellus Wiley, Chris Spencer, Alex Thomas, Adrian Holmes, Mike Hill, Mike Phillips, Norm Nixon, and Will Hammond—all coming together to uplift the Urban League’s vision for a brighter future.

The 2nd Annual Golf Classic was a success thanks to the support of board members, celebrity guests, sponsors, and volunteers. Special appreciation went to Calabasas Country Club for hosting and to Hammond Entertainment for organizing a seamless event dedicated to empowering Los Angeles communities.

Why Bodywork Belongs at Golf Tournaments

Golf might appear low-impact compared to contact sports, but it places very specific and repetitive demands on the body. The sport requires powerful rotation, precision, and control, which can put strain on the shoulders, hips, spine, and wrists over time. Even professional golfers deal with aches, mobility restrictions, and injuries caused by repetitive swings, uneven terrain, and long hours on the course.

Having on-site bodywork during a tournament is not just a luxury—it’s a strategic advantage. Whether for elite golfers or recreational players, targeted bodywork supports performance, reduces the risk of injuries, and ensures faster recovery between rounds.

Benefits of On-Site Bodywork for Golfers

Improved Swing and Mobility

A fluid, powerful swing depends on proper joint mobility and soft tissue flexibility. Golf involves complex movement patterns, including spinal rotation, hip stability, and shoulder mechanics. Fascial release, assisted stretching, and targeted mobility techniques help unlock tight areas, allowing golfers to rotate more efficiently and generate better power without compensating or overloading their joints. This improved range of motion leads to smoother swings and better follow-through on every shot.

Injury Prevention

Common golf-related injuries such as golfer’s elbow, shoulder impingement, wrist strain, and lower back pain often stem from repetitive motion and muscle imbalances. On-site bodywork helps identify these issues early, addressing tension and improving alignment. This proactive care reduces strain on overworked muscles, helping golfers stay healthy and avoid injuries that can sideline them mid-season.

Faster Recovery and Endurance

Golf tournaments are physically demanding, involving long walks, variable terrain, and sustained concentration. Myofascial release, circulation-focused massage, and recovery techniques help decrease soreness, flush lactic acid buildup, and restore energy levels. Golfers leave feeling refreshed, ready for awards ceremonies, networking, or even back-to-back tournament play.

Why This Matters for Tournament Play

When bodywork is available on-site, golfers can address stiffness, soreness, or mobility restrictions immediately. Pre-round work improves flexibility and readiness, while post-round recovery helps them bounce back faster. This not only enhances performance but also provides a sense of confidence and comfort throughout the day.

Ultimately, bodywork transforms a tournament from a physical challenge into a more enjoyable, optimized experience—allowing participants to focus on their swing, their camaraderie, and the cause they’re supporting.

LisaMarie Arreguin: Expertise in Golf-Specific Bodywork

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LisaMarie brings years of experience working with golf athletes and attending tournaments to provide performance care directly on-site. Her deep understanding of golf’s unique physical demands—rotational movement, posture, and repetitive strain—allows her to design customized sessions that keep players swinging pain-free and performing at their best.

“I’ve been part of many golf tournaments over the years,” says LisaMarie. “Golfers perform best when their bodies move freely and without pain. Bringing bodywork directly to the course helps them play better and recover faster.”

Alongside Ryan Spiwak, she supported players throughout the Celebrity Golf Classic, offering warm-up, mobility prep, and recovery work tailored to golfers’ needs.

Gratitude and Community Impact

The 2nd Annual LA Urban League Golf Classic was a remarkable success, thanks to Hammond Entertainment, Calabasas Country Club, and generous sponsors like Capital Group, Intuit, and UPS.

As one of the proud vendors, LA Bodywork extends heartfelt thanks for being invited to this incredible event. It was an honor to provide on-site care and be part of a cause that uplifts underserved communities in Los Angeles.

We were joined by amazing fellow vendors such as Mercedes-Benz of Beverly Hills, Asombroso Fine Tequilas, Nebula 9 Vodka, Mommie Helen’s Bakery, Family Affair Southern Cuisine, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, Compass, Fuel Station, The Cookie Dip Company, and more. Collaborating with these outstanding businesses not only enhanced the event but also showcased how local partners can come together to support transformative community initiatives.

Being part of this day truly underscored how much impact we can make when businesses, leaders, and community members unite for a shared purpose. It was inspiring to combine our work in body recovery and performance with such a meaningful cause.

Gratitude and Community Impact

Whether you’re a golfer or simply want to move better, LA Bodywork offers specialized sessions to help you increase mobility, prevent injury, and recover faster.

🔗 Book Your Golf-Specific Bodywork Session Here

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The Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Why Functional Movement Screening & Testing Is Essential for Your Fitness Journey

Embarking on a fitness journey is a transformative endeavor that requires more than just lifting weights and breaking a sweat. It demands a keen understanding of your body’s movement patterns and a commitment to optimizing functional fitness. Enter Functional Movement Screening (FMS) and testing – powerful tools that offer a comprehensive assessment of your movement quality. In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the top 10 reasons why integrating FMS into your fitness routine is not only important but pivotal for unlocking your body’s full physical potential.

Identifying Movement Dysfunctions:
Functional Movement Screening serves as a diagnostic tool that goes beyond the surface. It allows fitness professionals to delve into the intricacies of movement, identifying dysfunctions and asymmetries that may go unnoticed in traditional fitness assessments. By pinpointing these issues early on, individuals can take proactive measures to correct imbalances, preventing potential injuries and creating a solid foundation for their fitness journey.

Customized Exercise Programs:
Understanding your unique movement patterns is the cornerstone of tailoring an effective fitness program. FMS provides fitness professionals with valuable insights into your specific biomechanics, allowing them to design exercise programs that not only align with your fitness goals but also address underlying movement deficiencies. This personalized approach ensures that your workouts are not only effective but also safe and sustainable.

Injury Prevention:
One of the most significant advantages of FMS is its ability to predict and prevent injuries. By identifying movement imbalances and weaknesses, individuals can take targeted actions to mitigate the risk of overuse injuries. This proactive approach to injury prevention is particularly crucial for athletes and fitness enthusiasts engaging in repetitive or high-intensity activities.

Enhanced Performance:
Optimizing functional movement isn’t just about injury prevention; it directly translates to improved performance. FMS empowers athletes and fitness enthusiasts to fine-tune their movement patterns, leading to enhanced agility, strength, and overall athletic performance. By addressing limitations and imbalances, individuals can unlock their full physical potential and excel in their chosen activities.

Movement Efficiency:
Efficient movement is the key to maximizing performance and minimizing the risk of strain and fatigue. FMS highlights areas where movement can be refined, promoting biomechanical efficiency. By addressing inefficient movement patterns, individuals can ensure that energy is utilized effectively during workouts, leading to improved endurance and sustained performance.

Progress Tracking:
FMS serves as a dynamic tool for tracking progress over time. Regular screenings allow individuals to gauge improvements in movement quality, strength, and flexibility. This ongoing assessment provides valuable feedback on the effectiveness of fitness programs, helping individuals fine-tune their approach and achieve their goals more efficiently.

Holistic Approach to Fitness:
Unlike traditional fitness assessments that often focus on isolated muscle groups, FMS takes a holistic approach to fitness. It recognizes the interconnectedness of the body’s movements and emphasizes the importance of balanced muscle activation, joint mobility, and overall functional capacity for comprehensive well-being.

Enhanced Body Awareness:
Functional Movement Screening promotes heightened body awareness by encouraging individuals to pay close attention to their movement patterns. This increased awareness fosters a stronger mind-body connection, allowing individuals to have better control and coordination during workouts. Improved body awareness is not only beneficial for optimizing movement but also for preventing potential injuries by recognizing and addressing discomfort or strain.

Adaptability for All Fitness Levels:
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a beginner taking the first steps on your fitness journey, FMS is adaptable to all fitness levels. It provides a comprehensive assessment that can be tailored to meet the specific needs and abilities of individuals at different stages of their fitness progression. This adaptability ensures that everyone, regardless of their fitness background, can benefit from the insights gained through functional movement screening.

Long-Term Health and Functionality:
Investing in Functional Movement Screening & Testing is an investment in long-term health and functionality. By addressing movement deficiencies and imbalances early on, individuals lay the groundwork for a sustainable and injury-free fitness journey. This proactive approach not only supports short-term fitness goals but also contributes to overall well-being, promoting a healthier and more functional life in the years to come.

Incorporating Functional Movement Screening & Testing into your fitness routine is a transformative step toward understanding, optimizing, and celebrating your body’s movement capabilities. It’s not merely about preventing injuries or enhancing performance; it’s about establishing a foundation for a lifelong, holistic approach to health and fitness. By embracing FMS, individuals can embark on a journey of self-discovery, ensuring that every step of their fitness journey is guided by precision, efficiency, and a commitment to long-term well-being. May your exploration of functional movement be both enlightening and empowering as you unlock the full potential of your body.