Asahi and the Competitive Athlete

Mary Langlie, advanced-level Asahi Nordic certified teacher tells how she found Asahi, how she uses it with students and to prepare for triathlons.

I am an exercise physiologist, a teacher, a coach, an Asahi teacher and a competing triathlete from Madison, Wisconsin. I first discovered Asahi when I was on a skiing vacation in Marquette, Michigan. I saw an article about Asahi Nordic head trainer Margaret Vainio in the local paper, the Marquette Mining Journal.

Mary with "tourist guide" and Asahi teacher Don Bode at the Ice Caves near Marquette, Michigan, the day Mary got her C-level Asahi Certification.

I am always interested in new methods of training and especially ones that can be used with people of all ages and in many different stages of life. I sent off an email and 3 weeks later I was back in Marquette doing Asahi Nordic C Level training.

Mary participating in a workshop at the Holy Wisdom Monastery in Madison, Wisconsin in 2023

Asahi did not present any movements that were foreign or difficult for me. Rather, I was struck by how simple and well organized it was. I immediately saw how I could use it in many situations, from teaching stringed instruments to young orchestra students, to teaching canoe and kayak paddling to adults, to speaking at large conferences and to working with high school athletes!

With her background in exercise physiology, Mary appreciates that Asahi is based in modern medical science and sport science.

I saw the benefits physically and mentally both for myself and for the many audiences that I have had the opportunity to present it to. Later that summer, I went back to Marquette and completed the B Level training.

Mary and Don Bode receiving advanced Asahi certification and Krystyna Rickauer getting her beginning Asahi teacher certification in 2022 at the Marquette Farmer's Market.

I am a Triathlete competing for Team USA in World Championship events. I currently use Asahi in my own training as a warm up or cool down on Strength and Mobility days.

Mary in Australia preparing for the 2025 World Triathlon

I find that Asahi's gentle movements help prepare my body for more strenuous exercises and the mental focus gives me a sense of calm and peace. I had an unfortunate crash on my bike at this year's World Championships in Australia which took me out of the competition.

Mary with her wrist in a brace at the sidelines cheering on the other competitors for this year's Triathlon, which was held at Wollongong, Australia, on the coast south of Sydney.

Fortunately, despite the injury, I was able to practice Asahi on the beach which helped me gain a better perspective on my rehab and healing! As I told Margaret, "If you get hurt and can't race, you can always do Asahi!"

What could be more calming and restorative than Asahi on a white sand beach...

Categories: : Asahi and Exercise Physiology, Asahi and the Competitive Athlete, Asahi as a Warmup, Asahi as Physical Rehab, Asahi for Triathletes, Asahi keeps you young, Asahi Nordic for a lifetime, Asahi teachers' close-ups