As Center Director, Alex Armstrong brings over 20 years of fitness experience to Northern Chi.
She began teaching group fitness in 1985, and received national certification through the American Council on Exercise in 1988. She served two full 2 year terms as Maine State representative for IDEA:The Association for Fitness Professionals. She was a featured presenter at their conventions, and other conventions internationally, including the 1994 Aerobic Health Conference in Taipei, Taiwan.
In 1995, she collaborated with James Bouchard to develop the Bench Defense, an exercise video combining Step training with martial arts basics. This program appeared in Self magazine as “cutting edge”. Alex continued her martial arts studies well after this project, and received her 1st Dan Black Belt in 1998. She then became an integral part of Northern Chi, acting as Dean of the Instructors’ College, and Center Director for the Coastal center in Brunswick. She currently maintains staff training and scheduling for 15 active Black Belt instructors.
She developed Northern Chi’s FIT KICK aerobic kickboxing program, and received her Master level kickboxing certification through the American College of Sports Medicine in 2001. She received her 2nd Dan Black belt rank that same year. In 2002, she expanded Northern Chi’s programming to include Body Harmony Pilates. She teaches mat Pilates classes at the Coastal Center, and acts as premier Pilates instructor and consultant for LL Bean’s Employee Wellness Program. She received her Pilates certification through The PhysicalMind Institute in 2002, and supplemental certifications through Stott Pilates.
In 2004, Alex teamed up with martial arts expert and trainer, Doug Young to develop the AWARE! Program. AWARE emphasizes avoidance, awareness and prevention. Alex and Doug provide accessible techniques, and teach intuitive response as a tool for personal protection and self-defense. AWARE offers programs for specific population needs, including college students, business and international travelers, real estate agents and bank employees.
As Center Director, Alex continues to develop membership at Northern Chi. She networks with area businesses, community organizations and local charities. She is instrumental in establishing Northern Chi’s reputation as a community leader, and quality organization.
"Our mission is to provide an environment where everyone can realize the benefits of martial arts training!"
Martial arts has always carried (rightly or wrongly) an air of mystique, and inaccessibility for the uninitiated. As a martial arts professional, I can't tell you how many people have decided martial arts "isn't for them" before they even walk in the door to our studio! Adults are often fearful of the following things:
Nothing could be further from the truth! At Northern Chi, we pride ourselves on offering safe, effective classes taught by certified instructors. We provide a warm, welcoming environment, and an atmosphere that is supportive and encouraging.
You can find out more by reading our member testimonials!
You can learn more about Northern Chi by visiting me on-line at www.northernchi.com We offer a 30 day VIP trial membership to help you get started.
We also offer a wide variety of seminars, including our flagship seminar: AWARE: An Intuitive Approach to Self-Defense. We present these seminars on location and throughout the country.
To learn more about the AWARE! program, click here!