Shirley Boerssen

Shirley Boerssen, founder of CoreConnect fitness studio in South Africa, now based in Vancouver with her family, is an exercise therapist specializing in women's health. Her personal experience with core and pelvic floor issues during pregnancy fuels her mission to normalize discussions around these topics. Shirley empowers women with similar challenges to regain strength and control over their bodies. As the exclusive Hypopressives representative in South Africa, she played a leading role in this movement. With a background in psychology and personal training, she's proficient in various modalities, including Hypopressives, Pilates, massage therapy, Tensegrity and Fascia in Motion, and Vinyasa yoga.

More About Shirley

Birthday

July 31th (Leo)

Morning Routine 

As a mother of two, my mornings revolve around my kids. To ensure a smooth start, I prep the night before, believing in the power of a morning routine. Rising early, my husband and I enjoy breakfast and coffee, setting intentions for the day. We embrace this calm before the commotion, planning and sharing together. After the kids leave, we cherish walks with our dog or I engage in rejuvenating TRE sessions for energy restoration and regulation. This collective practice helps me approach clients with a grounded and focused presence all day.

Training Philosophy

I steer clear of the "no pain, no gain" mentality in my approach to exercise. My focus lies in cultivating body awareness and attuning to physical sensations. The shift from discomfort to ease, strength, and comfort is paramount. I educate students to differentiate between discomfort levels—identifying hard-worked, overworked, and potentially injured muscles. Many individuals lack this awareness, initiating workouts without evaluating progress or potential movement, muscle, strength, or technique concerns.

My expertise is in working with clients in rehabilitation, particularly those grappling with chronic pain and injuries. I specialize in aiding women on the path to recovery from pelvic floor and core dysfunction, conditions causing prolonged pain and discomfort. In this context, a holistic approach is essential. The "no pain, no gain" concept has no place here, as it could exacerbate anxiety, worsen discomfort, and lead to more injuries.

Favorite Inspirations quote

“We can’t direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.”

- Unknown