Movements Afoot’s Blog

BodyMind Moves

Movement is essential to our well-being on all levels – including the neurological, the muscular, and the emotional. In our culture now, we are forgetting essential habits of movement in large part because of being less physical due to cars, computers, and TV. We believe all people should move more. When we move with awareness and a sense of pleasure, all will benefit from it.

BodyMind Think Tank shares philosophies and practices of healthy movement. You are taught the basic concepts of movement theory: proper movement initiation, integrating breath with movement, spinal integrity, and understanding motivation and intentions. Our aim is to equip people with the necessary tools for a lifetime of fitness and wellness.

24 Comments »

24 Responses

on March 4, 2007 at 11:43 pm Sharon True

So great to read this dialogue between two women I greatly admire! I’m a CMA, RSMT, certified Pilates trainer out in the Berkshires region of Massachusetts. I’m also very active in my twins’ Waldorf school here in Great Barrington. I’ve been quietly practicing a somatic approach to Pilates sessions since the late nineties, but here Martha and Lesley have beautifully described what it is I’m doing, and what the benefits are. I’ve been out of the professional networking loop for awhile now, but reading this makes me feel like maybe I’m not hopelessly provincial after all. My kids are going into high school now, so maybe y’all be hearing from me again soon.

And I love the “movement addict” idea. I will write about it in my next article for the local “artzine,” The Artful Mind.
on March 6, 2007 at 1:10 pm moveaddicts

Thanks Sharon. We want this blog to be a forum for teachers and movers. One of my teachers was excited about our new blog. Finally she has a place to go when she has questions about a client. It is one step to understand concepts of a system and then another to understand and problem solve with clients with movement issues. Look forward to hearing from you all. Lesley Powell
on December 28, 2007 at 8:39 am markwalsh

Love it, want to link swap:
http://integrationtraining.blogspot.com/

Greetings from the other side of the pond by the way!
Mark
on February 18, 2008 at 4:39 pm uptown woman

Can you tell us more about three-dimenstional movement?

Thanks
on May 17, 2008 at 5:13 pm tara stepenberg

greetings dear friends/teachers/guides

have another question about scoliosis – particularly the head-neck shoulders situation. I have been working with a 14-15 yearold. Her scoliosis seems stable at this moment. (S curve, right hip and shoulder are high). We are doing very well, but i particularly challenged by her head/neck alignment. The neck has shifted to the left with some additional curvature (almost like another “S”). Any suggestions about ways to bring more symmetry is appreciated (i have already brought awareness to the tight right shoulder situation – but still i don’t believe we are addressing this adequately

thanks ladies – i am listening.
smiles and lots of kudos
tara
on August 24, 2008 at 3:13 am COLIN HENRY

Hello Lesley:

Classical Intermediate Mat “MERMAID”?(SITTING ON THE RIGHT BUTTOCK WITH LEGS BENT TO THE LEFT, KNEE OVER KNEE AND FOOT OVER FOOT. USE LEFT HAND TO SECURE YOUR ANKLES. STRETCH RIGHT ARM UP ALONGSIDE YOUR EAR, ETC, ETC)

I have been trying to find out who introduced this exercise to the Classical repertoire. It is not in Return to Life through Contrology.

Was it introduced by a Dancer?

Would really like to know its history, and if it is a sort of “prep” Mermaid for the Advanced version, etc.
Being a male I find it impossible to stack my knee on knee…………….I have to open them in order to sit upright………..any exercises that would alleviate this problem?

Thank you very much.

Thank you very much.
on August 24, 2008 at 2:27 pm Body thinker

The mermaid is a Pilates reformer exercise that I bought to the mat. With the reformer, you place the hands on the foot bar to push out as you stretch.

What is wonderful about this exercise is working on the flexibility of the spine and hips. This is especially needed in the mat exercise ” the saw”.

Place a pillow, blankets or towels under the hip with leg in front. What is great about this exercise is it works on inner and rotation of the thigh bone in the hip socket. For some with serious knee and/or hip problems, this exercise should be avoided. Deep knee bending with an injured knee is contraindicated. This is not an exercise for those with Hip replacements.
on October 19, 2008 at 2:44 am COLIN HENRY

Lesley:

Do you know where I might get hold of a copy or relevant extracts of a book by the late BRUCE KING entitled RULE OF THE BONES.
I would love to read it!
Thank you. Colin Henry.
on November 29, 2008 at 9:45 pm Don

We are blogging Martha…I love Martha
on January 21, 2009 at 6:34 pm wrightgolf

Great to see instructors passionate about their work and equally passionate about sharing it. Your group at Movements Afoot is awesome. Thanks for the blog. I am sure all instructors and public Pilates teachers will love your content. Look forward to it! Take care, Yes, the 3C’s, commutes, couches, computers equal collapse- of the spine, body and mind. Pilates is the counter-balance. Stand tall, breathe deep and have a GREAT DAY!
on January 21, 2009 at 6:40 pm wrightgolf

Also, Pilates is a positive addiction. We (all humans) are addicted to feeling better, and the only way to feel better is to FEEL BETTER and more. Thanks for the great impact you have had upon my teaching and life. Just want to learn more-and have no choice. Teaching is learning. As an MD. client said of Med school, “See a procedure, do a procedure and teach a procedure, that’s how you learn.” Take care,
on February 10, 2009 at 12:04 pm Nettie

I have moved all my life: sports, modern dance, folk dancing and for the past 20 years pilates. The teacher makes the difference in whether the session is meaningful or whether it is a waste of time or even harmful. How wonderful I have been lucky enough to have met Lesley Powell who has been my teacher for the past 20 years. A good teacher can make the difference in your life between having a body that works for you and one that doesn’t work. What more can we ask of a good teacher than one who cares enough about you to take care of your body and spirit.
on May 4, 2009 at 1:12 pm Laura Gates

Another approach to scoliosis:
I noticed some talk about scoliosis, and I wanted to offer some sequences, techniques, developed by neuromuscular pioneer, Thomas Hanna, PhD. I am offering a workshop this Sat, May 9th, 3-5 PM at Movements Afoot, that addresses scoliosis and other issues like stiffness or chronic pain of the torso. I have had success with my own scoliosis with these techniques, and with my clients, both functionally and even structurally (as in a locked down shoulder rising up, or a hiked up hip settling down!) The most dramatic changes have been through Hanna’s hands on techniques available in a private session. However, in the Hanna somatic movement workshops, many people report increased mobility, less pain, tightness, and they can continue the process at home. Happy to talk more about this resource, and answer questions, but the way to really learn it is in a group or private setting. look forward to sharing it with you!
Laura M. Gates CHSE (certified Hanna Somatic Educator and practitioner)
on July 12, 2009 at 12:28 pm renee

can you help me saw this in Opra’s magazine page 107 article body wise am a senior wanting too exercise here at home can you let me know if you have a dvd or book or vhs tape on these exercise’s shown. thanx hope too hear from you
on July 12, 2009 at 12:31 pm renee

thanx moderation? a tape or dvd on exercixe in Opera’s mag shown page 107 needing it
on July 14, 2009 at 5:44 am Body thinker

In the near future, I will create some podcasts about standing work. At the moment, try to practice the exercises near a wall or use a chair to assist in balance. Trying to stand on one leg and slowly increasing how long you balance is great work. It not only changes your tone, but works on your skills for better balance and posture. See my podcasts Pilates Basics: Having a Leg to stand on.
on August 8, 2009 at 5:26 am Body thinker

Sure. Have link to Movements Afoot Pilates Studio at http://www.movementsafoot.com
on August 19, 2009 at 2:33 pm Ann McNeil

Looking for articles or research materials on the emotional aspects of how Pilates have helped people with Osteoporosis. Is there someone who has any ideas? Thanks!
on August 20, 2009 at 5:47 am Body thinker

Go to this website. Sherri Betz is a leader with this: http://therapilates.com/bio.html

Most of my clients with osteoporsis have had significant improvements in bone density with pilates.
on October 17, 2009 at 8:40 pm Jenny Redford

Hey! I’m so happy to discover a fellow blogging pilates instructor (physicalmind too)! I love what you have to say. I’ve linked you on my new blog: havyourcake.blogspot.com
on November 23, 2009 at 4:30 pm Laura

I am a 3rd year physical therapy student on the verge of graduation. I am very interested in receiving my Pilates certification and Franklin Method certification after graduation. I also want to get some sort of specialization in dance rehabilitation. I was looking for some guidance in this. I stumbled upon your blog through LinkedIn. I saw the Franklin Method courses and was intrigued, however I am too busy finishing up my last academic semester at the time. I did an in-service on the Franklin Method during my first clinic and was fascinated by it. I know NYC is probably the best location for receiving these specializations and certifications, however, I was wondering if there were other potential locations. I am in Syracuse for the time being and I’m originally from Long Island, but I’m looking to move away from NY after graduation.
– Laura
on December 9, 2009 at 7:14 am Body thinker

here is some info about possible directions for your studies.

Marika Molnar is doing a series for dancers. Keep in touch with her website for upcoming changes.
http://westsidedancept.com/wordpress/services/dance-medicine-practicum/module-i/

Eric Franklin is traveling a lot. here is his website for upcoming trainings
http://www.franklinmethod.com/

For upcoming Pilates teacher training
http://movementsafootblog.com/pilates-teacher-certification/
on January 14, 2010 at 3:56 pm cary

can anyone please help me find a web site that helps with kinesthetic children and how to tiolet trian them????
xxx
on January 16, 2010 at 7:02 am Body thinker

Dr. Martha Eddy “Wow – that’s a tricky one!

I’ll start this here:

This is an interesting question. I would need more information about what you identify as kinesthetic about the child. When tailoring activities we look at as many details of a childs behavior and personality as possible. Is the child always on the go? Are they ignoring visual and auditory cues? How does s/he respond to sensory stimuli? Is the child willing to engage in learning new skills? What does s/he like to do?
How old is the child. What has s/he been successful at learning so far?

Next I like to study the elements of the task: what is meant by toilet training – are talking about using a potty? What substance are we eliminating? What are the ways you would train a non-kinesthetic child? How do you imagine your method won’t be sufficient for a kinesthetic child.

Have you been watching any videos or reading any kids books on the subject? Which ones.”