About Ed Morand
For Ed Morand, movement has always been more than just exercise—it’s the foundation of vitality, confidence, and joy. His journey began as a high school distance runner, clocking hundred-mile weeks by the age of 16. A passion for theatre led him into dance, where he trained professionally and performed with renowned companies like the Dance Theatre of Harlem. It was there that he first encountered Pilates—not just as a method of conditioning, but as a tool for resilience.
What began as a way to support his performing career evolved into a calling. Ed transitioned into the fitness industry, becoming a trainer and lecturer for New York Sports Clubs. Inspired by the work of Tom Purvis, he pursued advanced certifications through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and achieved the prestigious Resistance Training Specialist credential. Yet, he sought more than just strength and flexibility—he wanted to understand why bodies break down and how to rebuild them.
At Muscle Activation New York, our mission is to provide exceptional physical therapy services that enhance recovery and promote overall wellness through advanced techniques and compassionate care. We believe in empowering individuals to achieve optimal health and mobility.
About Ed Morand
For Ed Morand, movement has always been more than just exercise—it’s the foundation of vitality, confidence, and joy. His journey began as a high school distance runner, clocking hundred-mile weeks by the age of 16. A passion for theatre led him into dance, where he trained professionally and performed with renowned companies like the Dance Theatre of Harlem. It was there that he first encountered Pilates—not just as a method of conditioning, but as a tool for resilience.
What began as a way to support his performing career evolved into a calling. Ed transitioned into the fitness industry, becoming a trainer and lecturer for New York Sports Clubs. Inspired by the work of Tom Purvis, he pursued advanced certifications through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and achieved the prestigious Resistance Training Specialist credential. Yet, he sought more than just strength and flexibility—he wanted to understand why bodies break down and how to rebuild them.
At Muscle Activation New York, our mission is to provide exceptional physical therapy services that enhance recovery and promote overall wellness through advanced techniques and compassionate care. We believe in empowering individuals to achieve optimal health and mobility.
Driven by Purpose: Restoring Freedom Through Movement
In 2006, Ed discovered Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT) under its founder, Greg Roskopf. It wasn’t just another certification—it was the missing link. MAT revealed how muscle inhibition and postural imbalances, often overlooked by traditional fitness and rehabilitation, were the silent culprits behind pain and dysfunction. This discovery fueled Ed’s mission: to help people reclaim their bodies and, with them, their lives.
His work isn’t about exercise for the sake of exercise. It’s about restoring freedom of movement—whether that means walking without discomfort, dancing without restriction, or simply living without the constant reminder of physical limitations. This mission led to the founding of Muscle Activation NY in 2020, where Ed shifted his focus from general fitness to specialized, results-driven care for those who had tried everything and still found themselves stuck.
Why It Matters: From Pain to Possibility
At Muscle Activation NY, Ed helps clients understand that pain and tightness aren’t the problems—they’re symptoms. The real issue lies in the body’s inability to function optimally, often due to inhibited muscles and poor biomechanics. Ed’s work is about empowering clients with solutions—not just quick fixes, but sustainable changes that transform how they move, feel, and live.
For Ed, the ultimate reward is seeing someone go from frustration to freedom—whether it’s a first-time exerciser gaining confidence, a weekend warrior returning to sport, or a Broadway performer stepping back on stage without fear. His approach has earned recognition from New York Magazine, O, The Oprah Magazine, Strong, Men’s Fitness, Elle, and The New York Daily News, along with appearances on Later Today, Good Morning America (New York edition), and MSNBC’s Morning Blend.
A Lifelong Student, A Relentless Advocate
Ed’s passion for movement extends beyond practice—he remains a perpetual student of biomechanics, anatomy, exercise physiology, and physics. He holds the highest-level MAT certifications as an MAT Rx Specialist and NUEX-certified Rx Specialist, alongside training in Posturology, studying under Dr. Bernard Bricot of the International Center for the Study of Posture in Marseilles, France, and Mat Boule, CIES, in Montreal, Canada.
But for Ed, the credentials are just the foundation. The real drive comes from seeing lives change—from watching someone take their first pain-free steps in years to hearing how they finally slept through the night without discomfort. It’s about replacing helplessness with hope and proving that, with the right approach, the body can heal and perform beyond expectations.
“At the heart of it all, I’m here to show people that movement isn’t just about fitness—it’s about living fully. When you move better, you live better.”
– Ed Morand
