Movements Afoot’s Blog

BodyMind Fitness

Last weekend, the B Fit faculty initiated the first segment of our BodyMind fitness certificate program.  Dr. Martha Eddy, Doris Pasteleur Hall and Lesley Powell, taught practical and effective movement approaches to working with the core of the body.

Friday night: Lesley Powell started out with understanding how the spine moves in different planes from a skeletal perspective.  Dr. Martha Eddy took us through spinal roll downs with using imagery from different physiological imagery – we flexed and extended initiating from vertebral articulations, organ activation, spinal cord lengthening, and synovial fluid loosening.  It was fascinating how a roll down could change in response to how you thought about the movement.  Each image brought different kinds of mobility and connection.

Saturday: Doris showed through Anatomy in clay what the muscles of the back looked like and their importance for support.   Students loved being able to see visually how anatomy looks. It’s an exciting way to learn the details of muscular anatomy. They also enjoyed a Movements Afoot Pilates mat and springs class using body-mind imagery, taught by Kim Fielding.

Sunday: Lesley Powell gave a class using balance equipment to physically feel the importance of coordinating breath, and the muscles of the pelvic floor, deep abdominals and the multifidus is for core support.  We explored movement in all levels and planes.

In the afternoon Martha reviewed all the prior info of the weekend and brought in the importance of organ support, equal joint space, and the interaction of four horizontal diaphragms in the body.

Monday: The students brought newly gained info into teaching task.  Each showed how they used these concepts to a familiar core stabilization or strengthening exercise. Many were surprised that the majority of activities involved deep relaxation! Martha helped them see what bigger kinesiological and somatic concepts they each were applying and put the whole weekend into a developmental perspective. This gives everyone an understanding of what exercises to use when.

We are delighted to have this wonderful group of fitness professionals sharpening their expertise with us.

You are invited to join us in May or July if this of interest to you!