The Merkaba Method — Local services in Town of Oyster Bay

I started working out at the Merkaba Method studio in March on the recommendation of a dear friend who swore that Dale Stasco has changed her life. I’ve been pretty active for a 70-year old. While I’ve never been an athlete, I walk, hike and garden on a regular basis. I belong to the YMCA. I do yoga, either in a class or on-line. I started playing pickle ball 2 years ago, and play 2 to 3 times a week. I took Zumba and Cardiodance classes, and worked with personal trainers on machines at the Y for a while. But the one area of weakness that I knew I had was my core. Every time I went to a Pilates class, I’d end up hurting. Then I wouldn’t go back for another 6 months, even though it was what I needed. I knew I had to address this area of weakness, but wasn’t sure how. Then I had an unusual symptom that really scared me. My left arm would feel strange, almost dead, whenever I did a downward dog in yoga. The symptom would start after a few seconds, and sometimes lasted for 2 hours. My GP sent me to a cardiologist—all normal (after lots of expensive testing). The cardiologist sent me to a vascular surgeon—all normal (again after expensive testing). The vascular surgeon sent me to a thoracic surgeon. Here I had the least expensive test, but it revealed the problem: when my left arm was raised above my head, my pulse disappeared. The doctor explained that this problem was very rare in anyone who isn’t a major league pitcher. The treatment was a very nasty surgery, but physical therapy might help. I chose PT, and it did indeed help. But, after a number of months in PT, I had to continue the exercises at home by myself. I started out strong, but after a while I found the exercises mind-numbingly boring, and stopped doing them consistently. The symptom returned. I decided to give the Merkaba Method a try to see if Dale could help my arm and my core.

My plan was to work out with Dale twice a week for 4 months, then transition what I learned there to the YMCA. Well, 4 months have passed and I’m not leaving the Merkaba Method. There is no way I could take what I do there to the Y, because Dale is what I need. As soon as Dale heard my symptom he knew what I needed to work on. His knowledge of anatomy and physiology is incredible, but he also understands the importance of maintaining proper form when working on a skill, and he knows how to communicate what must done to achieve that form. Dale continually provides feedback during sessions: to change a weight, to tweak a movement, or just to give a cheer for reinforcement. His sessions build on skills learned, yet he keeps the classes varied so you never feel bored. He never starts with a task that is too hard, because that’s how you get hurt. Instead, he judges where you need to start to be successful, and then makes things incrementally more challenging. I am now able to use my arm in ways that I couldn’t before: I can lift heavy Le Creuset pots and cast-iron pans (I love to cook). I can move huge potted plants that I couldn’t budge in the past. I can carry heavy laundry baskets up two flights of stairs. These are functional skills that I notice every day. My arm is fine and my core is stronger (but I’m still not a major league pitcher). And of great significance, I just had my bone density test, and for the first time in 12 years, my scores are within normal limits. Working with Dale has changed...

At 63, I’ve got decades of working out and training behind me. From 70s jogging and 80s aerobics and step classes to triathlon training and personal trainers, and everything in between—I’ve done it all. Not surprisingly, I’ve gathered some injuries along the way, caused by overuse, and often my own or a trainer’s (let’s not say stupidity; let’s say) over-enthusiasm.

I joined The Merkaba Method to get back in shape and to rehabilitate some nagging injuries/aches. In the months since Dale recorded a full assessment of my health and I took my first class, I’ve regained strength & fitness, and those issues have been alleviated.

In each class, Dale presents a combination of strength, flexibility, and cardio training that works.

Dale's precision and breadth of knowledge is astonishing. He brings years of tested experience to the gym and supports his clients through every workout. Not only does he recall what weight we use for which move, he also remembers all of our weaknesses/strengths and provides adjustments during class to compensate for them. While we train, he watches us carefully, and if necessary, offers corrections or variations on the fly to keep us safe.

It’s obvious that he doesn’t just say he cares. He actually does.

Dale is thrilled about our accomplishments and is extremely patient with our challenges. He is encouraging and boundlessly enthusiastic. For real.

Though we’ve all arrived at MM from different fitness levels, Dale finds a way to help us achieve our goals in a supportive and effective environment.

I for one am very happy. After a few months of training at the Merkaba Method, I am much stronger and finally pain free. What’s better than that?

A big, gigantic thumbs-up to Dale and The...

I came to Dale last fall for an assessment and to see what Merkaba was about. His approach takes into account your goals, current physical condition and a path to achieve. A slot opened in March and I’ve been working with him twice a week ever since. I feel better, am stronger and more flexible each week. He has a good sense of one’s potential and will encourage you to reach it. Proper form is important, during class he watches everyone and instructs anyone as needed. At times we all have physical limitations, made aware of them he will change your exercises to help you heal and improve. He is very passionate, competent, dedicated and knowledgeable about his business…..all the while personable and friendly! The facility is always clean, the equipment is kept in excellent condition and classes are always on schedule. Whenever I need advice or have questions he always makes time. His clientele are all pleasant and fun to be around. He is always upgrading the facility, providing educational opportunities, and inspiration in person and through emails. There community events for Merkaba members that bring everyone together to get to know each other. Always fun and very generous of Dale. I can go on….bottom line I am very glad to have joined Merkaba. Feeling great, having fun and enjoying my life more…..Dale and Merkaba has improved my life immensely! I Highly...