Pre-Pilates Mat Master Class (Deborah Lessen)
Tune in with Deborah's pre-Pilates stabilization and mobilization exercises.
Turn on with traditional Pilates mat exercises.
Meet your day with balance and vigor.
Discover, or re-discover, the Contrology matwork developed by Joseph Pilates himself.
Challenge your body and refresh your mind with this original repertoire.
The dictionary defines 'proficiency' as 'skillfulness in the command of fundamentals deriving from practice and familiarity.' The word 'proficient' implies an advanced degree of competence acquired through training.
As Pilates teachers, the development of our proficiency is directly related to an ongoing study of the movement concepts underlying the Pilates exercise repertoire.
Deborah Lessen was trained to teach the Pilates method by Joseph Pilates' first protégé, Carola Strauss Trier. She has a unique insight and proximity to the source of our work in the Pilates industry today. Deborah will present her unique approach to understanding the movement concepts underlying the Pilates exercise repertoire. Deborah will draw from her diverse background including her work with Carola, Irene Dowd and other influences to help us define the basic movement concepts underlying the Pilates method.
In this course participants will thoroughly examine:
Concepts of Center
Joint Release
Breathing
Imprinting
Sequential Movement of the Spine
Mid-back, Lumbar and Pelvic Stabilization
During this workshop, Deborah will define each concept. Through active participation and observation, participants will refine their visual and teaching skills. They will be able to more accurately assess movement and have new methods to target and neutralize weaknesses and asymmetries, thus enabling clients to progress more quickly and with deeper understanding.This course is beneficial to teachers of all levels.
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The Booty Barre™ workout is a uniquely fun, high-energy group fitness experience, which fuses exercise techniques from the worlds of Pilates, Dance, Cardio-Sculpting Moves and Yoga. You'll firm, tighten and tone your whole body without adding bulk, and you'll burn mega-calories along the way.
All golfers want to be able to hit the ball faster, longer and straighter and they need their bodies to be strong and flexible to do this.
Teach your golfing clients to hit the ball with more power and less strain through a simple but effective Pilates programme. Learn some of the common swing faults and how to identify and correct them.
*Please note that Part 1 is pre-requisite for this workshop
Gyrokinesis: Therapeutic Application for Osteoporosis (Shari Rosenburg)
This workshop, will focus on exercises that target the areas of the body that are most often effected by Osteoporosis – the hip joints and the thoracic spine. Osteoporosis is a thinning of the bones that occurs over time for most people. Although most common in women, it can also effect men as they age. There are certain characteristics that increase the chances of developing Osteoporosis, among them is a diet that is low in calcium and Vitamin D, and a lack of weight bearing exercise. Osteoporotic fractures occur in situations where healthy people would not normally break a bone, typically these 'fragility fractures' occur in the spine, ribs and hips. Multiple vertebral fractures, lead to a stooped posture, loss of height, chronic pain and reduction in mobility.
Evidence shows that exercise may help build and maintain bone density at any age. The force of muscles pulling against bones, stimulates this bone building process. So any exercise that places force on a bone, will strengthen that bone. These exercises also increase muscle strength, co-ordination and balance and decrease the likelihood of falls in the elderly.
Participants will rediscover the Pilates foundations within the body and learn how these foundations may transform and become more effective with the addition of the Wunda chair. This workshop will require participation.
This workshop assesses foot function and the underlying structure which
makes efficient weightbearing and ambulation possible. Common
malalignments and the problems they cause are reviewed.
Modalities promoting recovery and maintaining good biomechanics are
discussed. The workshop aims to use demonstrations, peer assessment
and visual aids as learning tools.
Teaching Strategies for Posture Patterns (Deborah Lessen)
Utilizing Pilates concepts of balance, stabilization and uniform muscle development, we will examine strategies for working with spinal asymmetries and muscular imbalances.
Demonstrations will include work on the Wunda Chair and Ladder Barrel.
Take your understanding and level of Pilates and push it further. From basic to advanced exercises, re-educate your body as you progress through exercises that you already know. We will use the Dynaso (half a large ball) to enhance your understanding of Pilates and challenge your clients.
Various ailments and conditions come with age. The slowing down process has to do with confidence and appropriate exercise is important.
PILATES enhances the enjoyment of life well into old age.
Exercises that address the following are of the utmost importance: Posture, Balance, Gluteus and Quadriceps strength, Upper body strengthening, Feet
Awareness of medical conditions: Osteoarthritis, Hip replacements, Frozen shoulder etc.
Other Conditions: Loss of hearing
The practitioner must understand the importance of when and how to de-load and exercise the client.
TRE is a simple, organic, somatic approach to help individuals release anxiety or tension as a result of difficult life circumstances, immediate or prolonged stressful situations, or traumatic life experiences.TRE involves a set of six simple exercises that encourage and elicit body shaking/tremoring in a controlled and sustained manner. Evoked in this way, the neurogenic tremors release deep chronic muscular tension held within the body. This profound technique facilitates the lengthening and relaxation of the psoas muscle, which acts as the guardian of the lower belly. In its role as protector of our organs, it contracts and tightens, becoming shorter, in response to life stress. A tight psoas can create many problems for the physical body including sciatica and lower back issues, to mention a few. TRE ultimately brings the nervous system back into balance, discharging long held tension or unconscious muscle contraction in order to restore the body to wholeness.
In this intro to TRE, we will learn how to evoke these powerful tremors as well as understanding more, the power of the body to self heal from life stress.
Joseph Pilates based his exercises on observations of quadrupeds and babies. We will explore his idea of natural movement, taking key exercises on the Reformer and Spine Corrector, translating them onto the mat, and integrating the two to deepen our theoretical and experiential understanding of movement.
"Eve evolved from dancer into teacher, into Pilates teacher, into a healer. It's an evolution that few people make."
This engaging and moving documentary traces Eve Gentry's life journey . . . from her childhood beginnings in ballet and later discovery of modern dance in California; through her dance and dance teaching days in New York City (for example, with Hanya Holm) and her initial and ever-deepening connection with Joseph and Clara Pilates; to her decades-long creation, in Santa Fe, of "Gentry Technique" as a foundation for the expansion of the Pilates movement.
The film's primary narrative content is conveyed by Michele Larsson and Suzanne Gutterson, two of Gentry's primary students in New Mexico who are themselves 'master teachers'. Their recollections and reflections are complemented by illustrative material from teaching/workshop sessions, archival photographs, and most significantly, by audio and video excerpts of Eve Gentry herself. The compelling quality of those excerpts (notably her remarkable, post-mastectomy rehabilitative work with Joseph Pilates) not only amplifies the direction of Gentry's evolution but helps to foster a deeper understanding of the roots, guiding spirit, and essential quality of "Pilates".
Familiarity leads to adaptation. This class takes the Classical Mat repertoire [which eventually feels well oiled and systematic], adds cardiovascular elements and creates a workout beyond the Classical Mat! This is a practical workshop. Level: Advanced
This growing and popular trend is finally coming to South Africa! Understand the guidelines of working with children and providing a safe and fun environment to improve balance, co-ordination, muscle tone and fine motor skills.
Experience the reformer repertoire in the sequence and manner Carola Trier learned from Joseph Pilates.
The Temperamental Psoas (Yasmin Lambat)
The Psoas is the emotional messenger of the spine and the only muscle that connects the spine to the legs. Its complexity and function are the subject of debate in many movement modalities yet its feelings are often ignored! This workshop is dedicated to looking at the physical and emotional psoas and how to maintain its healthy function by looking at:
The Bio intelligent messaging system that influences its function.
Its influence on the diaphragm, pelvic floor and the adrenal glands and its connection with breathing, walking and emotional wellbeing.
Stretching, resting and releasing the Psoas for optimum mobility, flexibility and core efficiency.
Trauma and the effect it has on the Psoas and deep core.
An experience of "tremoring" to release the Muscles of the deep core which includes the Psoas.
The receiver is seated and fully clothed during the massage. It is deeply relaxing and can be done in the comfort of your home or in a professional environment.
The benefits include:
·Reduced tension in the upper back, shoulders, arms, neck,head and face
·Improved circulation to the upper extremities
·Relief from sinus congestion
·Improved memory
·Helps with ear conditions and eye strain
·Decreased frequency of headaches and migraines
·Enhanced condition of the scalp and hair
·Acupressure points on the face stimulate cell renewal and rejuvenate the senses
Open to everyone this forum will update you on the current situation and the future of Pilates in South Africa.
Tribute to Carola Part 1 (Deborah Lessen)
Every Pilates teacher should learn about the contribution of first generation teacher Carola Strauss Trier. Ms. Trier had a profound influence on the direction and development of Pilates, and her professionalism will deepen every teacher's approach.
Deborah Lessen, a student and protégé of Carola, will introduce students to the theoretical and practical developments made to the Pilates method by Joseph Pilates's first protégé, Carola Strauss Trier. The workshop will include a biographical portrait and will trace the professional development of her distinctive teaching philosophy and practice. Through movement, partnering session, and a lecture and learning workshop, participants will glean greater insight into the work of Carola Trier as well as their own teaching. Participants will also experience some rarely-seen exercises and variations from her equipment and mat work that can be applied directly to daily teaching.
In this workshop you will learn the basics of and experience Body
Intelligence® (BI), a unique movement form developed by Meret
Storck-Matchett. BI is based on the latest scientific research in the field of joint stabilization techniques and influenced by yoga as well as Pilates.
The first part will cover the following BI principles:
What is a weak link in the movement chain and how does it affect joint stability;
How does joint stability depend on reflex mediated and intrinsic muscle stiffness;
How do you distinguish between low load motor control and high load strength training;
How can you improve muscle stiffness through low load motor control and high load strength training;
And how to apply direction dissociation to improve joint stability.
In the second part Meret Storck-Matchett will lead you through a series of BI movements/exercises applying the BI principles.
Avoiding injury is crucial to the longevity and quality of a dancer's career. Yet, dance injuries are often the result of incorrect technique. Faulty movement patterns can therefore be remedied by strengthening the appropriate muscle groups. Utilising Pilates method is one of the best ways to complement and enhance a dancer's training and to contribute to a long and healthy career. "Pilates for dancers" workshop will provide important insights into various aspects of a dancer's training and will show you how to adapt the Pilates method to accommodate the extreme ranges of movement intrinsic to dance.
Stretch (Renee Watson)We often limit ourselves and our clients to a narrow range of stretches. Using a mat and bands, discover a wide variety of stretches that are appropriate for your most basic client to the advanced dancer. The balance of stretches become a flowing one hour class.
Tribute to Carola Part 2 (Deborah Lessen)*Please note that Part 1 is pre-requisite for this workshop.
Gyrokinesis Class (Megan McLaren)
In "Gyrokinesis® Methodology Group Class", we will present the basics of Gyrokinesis® Exercises; guiding you through the latest updated Gyrokinesis® class format.
Gyrokinesis® exercises invite your entire body to become supple through natural elements of spinal movement: forward, backward, spirals, arches, & circular. Systematically and gently the joints and muscles work through rhythmic, undulating movement and breath. No previous experience needed.
Kathy's Alchemy of Movement Workshop, based on Nia, is a body mind approach that sharpens and enlivens dialogue and relationship with self and others. Using a variety of great music and simple movement, Kathy brings fun back to exercise, invigorating the spirit through the body's unique energetic language.
Intended primarily for Pilates instructors, this Workshop will provide a practical, movement-oriented introduction to a teaching approach that has evolved from Marion's many years of experience, notably her engagement with the work of some of the Pilates Elders such as Eve Gentry. In particular, she will discuss and demonstrate the principles and possibilities of highly focused, gradually paced instruction that emphasizes fine-grained separation and functioning as an essential step towards centered, controlled body integration. Marion will also provide specific examples of how such an approach has proved successful in working with clients recuperating from surgery and/or injury.
Although not an unstable surface, the generic kitchen stool is an astonishing accessory for Pilates classes of all levels. Its rather small surface area guarantees correct placement and alignment and leaves very little room for error. I have designed a complete Pilates workout using only the stool and, since none of the exercises are supine, there is never any pressure on the spine and the exercises are safe and suitable for all. So if you thought a stool was only for sitting or standing, join me and discover how versatile this ordinary household item can be...
A stretch class with a difference aimed at increasing the mind body awareness during stretching and experiencing the active elongation and strengthening of specific muscle tissue through this sustained stretching.
Classical Mat a la Carola (Deborah Lessen)
Employ the concepts learned in the TRIBUTE TO CAROLA lecture in a basic mat format.
Breathe class (Yasmin Lambat)
The breath connects our physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. We often associate breath with life and seldom explore breath as movement. We often limit the breath to its mechanics and function and forget to feel the movement it allows in the body. This masterclass explores the dimensions of breath and how it integrates seamlessly with movement, it's a great way to awaken the awareness in the body, touching spaces and places that are often ignored. Explore it's full range and learn to play with its rhythm and flow. Learn to use its full power in balancing the temperament of the autonomic nervous system. Connect with the fullness and whole body breath and feel energised invigorated and integrated.
Take yourself and your clients to a new level of training, literally. This challenging class provides functional repertoire and is great for all clients, especially those that have done Pilates mat for a long time and need a new perspective on the work.
FOAM Roller (Tash Barnard)
The CoreFitnessRoller is an innovative new fitness product, which is simultaneously versatile, portable and affordable. The CoreFitnessRoller increases strength, health, flexibility, and energy. It can be used by average exercisers or athletes in their prime. Combining the comfort of a foam roller with three different weight level resistance options, the CoreFitnessRoller provides unique, challenging and diverse exercise options. Small enough to be slung over the shoulder, the CoreFitnessRoller requires minimal space and takes only one minute for set up, in any location.
Improves strength, flexibility and most importantly your balance
Enhances yoga, Pilates and core strengthening workouts
Easily incorporated into existing fitness routines
Smooth pulling resistance and three weight levels allows you to switch your resistance quickly while targeting different areas
Weight capacity – max capacity 135kg on main roller
Jai Yoga (Jax and Sy)
This is a fun and challenging 1hr class. Focus is on alignment, flow and correct breathing technique. There are many sequences to choose from which keeps the classes fresh and exciting. This is a suitable class for beginners to join as modifications are given for the more difficult poses. Jai draws inspiration from Ashtanga yoga, general Hatha yoga poses and martial arts. The basis of the practice is to form a strong foundation in the legs and to create and maintain a healthy spine.
AWARENESS THROUGH MOVEMENT® CLASS – Feldenkrais Method®
The Feldenkrais Method® established 50 years ago by Israeli physicist Moshe Feldenkrais, remains the cornerstone of somatic approaches, influencing every discipline since. The term "somatics", the integration of body and mind and flourishing of self, was coined by US Feldenkrais teacher Thomas Hanna in the 1970's. Feldenkrais® excels in refining your ability to listen to your body, hone your proprioception and use the nervous system's sophisticated feedback system to bring about change. The class will introduce you to some developmental movement patterns to enhance natural movement, change habitual patterns of action and promote flexibility and flow. One of the most rewarding aspects of the Feldenkrais Method® is the realisation that improvement can happen almost magically without strain or pain.
Capoeira (Beleza)
Explaining Capoeira
Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art and, fundamentally, a bodily conversation. "Played" by two people, in a circle ('roda') of clapping, singing, and instrument-playing onlookers, capoeira is rooted in African music and ritual. Legend has it that slaves in Brazil disguised their martial practice from plantation owners by introducing music and singing. Capoeira has developed into a smooth, acrobatic, stylized and interactive game of "attack" and avoidance. The emphasis in capoeira is on cooperatively playing a game, rather than on fighting a fight.
Abadá-Capoeira
Abadá Capoeira is Brazil based non-profit entity that aims to expand Afro-Brazilian culture through the art of capoeira. It uses the unique energy of capoeira to integrate diverse peoples. Abadá Capoeira operates in over 40 countries and was founded in South Africa by Marcio Lopes (Graduado Beleza) in 2000.
The workshop
The workshop will start with a demonstration for the participants to have idea what they are about to learn. Next comes the warm up and learning the basic movements of Capoeira (Ginga, Chair, Descent Basica, negative, role and Au). After learning the movements participants will practice the interactive sequences between them. Towards the end of the workshop, particpants will have the opportunity to play capoeira in a ritual called Roda with live instruments and singing.
Pilates for Pregnancy (Amanda Cloete)
This comprehensive workshop outlines the physiological and postural changes that take place with mother and baby during the first, second and third trimester of pregnancy.
Participants learn mat repertoire, modifications and class design appropriate for second and third trimester. Equipment repertoire and specific modifications are also addressed. Special emphasis is placed on pelvic floor exercises, technique and cueing.