New ideas of stabilization can enhance the body without making the body rigid. Past old principles of knitting the ribs together and tucking does not allow proper movement principles of walking, dancing, golf and tennis for example.  The problems of the back being hyperextended may have other reasons than weak upper abdominals.

• How does the legs organize the pelvis?
• Are the legs not doing their correct job and the back is compensating?
• The Back muscles are tight.
• The iliopsoas is tight.

When I feel well organized over my legs, my abdominals naturally engaged.  With full breath and a diaphragm that moves,  the pelvic floor and transverse abdominus can engage.  Knitting the ribs together diminishes the movement of the diaphragm.

Visualizing the multifidus helps me get back my flexion in my ribcage of a neutral spine.  We have a skeleton at the studio that suppose to move.  Seeing the skeleton, its posture is horrible.  When I bring the spinal processes together, you can see the skeleton come back to a neutral spine and the ribs open in the back.

Taking a stand

What makes Pilates Upright different is using the block.  Betweeen a workshop with Liz Koch, Marika Molnar and my studies in yoga, they inspired me to play with the block to explore balance and correct sequencing in standing.  Many are trying to use the gesture side to hold themselves up. The block shows how important the standing leg is.

Balanced Body’s Mat & Toys in May -Inspiring Ideas to challenge all w/o breaking the bank

Dates: Sun   5/2/2010
Time:  9:30 AM – 5:00 PM with Lesley Powell $249 per day (6 hours of training).
Workshops include props and manuals.
To register: 877-PILATES (745-2837).

Learn how to use a variety of small props in your Pilates Mat classes with this four part workshop including the resistance bands, and small balls. New moves, new choreography and a lot of fun will be had as you learn how to play with your new toys! Choreography, prop safety and creativity will be covered.

Here is an affordable way to challenge yourself and your students without the equipment. Balanced Body has come up with some unique ideas with the bands that it will feel like you are on the reformer.

BBU – Resist and Reform with Elastic Bands This workshop includes a heavy and extra heavy Thera-bands and a set of Thera-Band Exercise handles ($22 value) and a BBU Mat & Tubes Manual ($25 value) mat

BBU – Small Ball Magic
Make boredom disappear and health and vitality return using 2″, 5″ and 13″ balls for classes that stimulate, educate, strengthen and release. Whether you want to loosen a tight spot, strengthen a weak one or add energy to the whole body, small balls can speed you on your way.  This workshop includes a Togu ball, “Pinky” ball and a Red Playground ball, 5″ ($35 value) and a BBU Mat & Small Balls Manual ($25 value)
Each workshop comes with a manual and a set of Mat props.

The balls are amazing tools.  It teaches you deep connections and where you are weak.  If one side of your torso is weaker, the ball will reflect it right away. It is an affordable tool and a very demanding workout.

Before the exercise we observed each other’s walking.  What was amazing…Targeting the exact physicality made such an incredible change.  One person whose walk and posture had an anterior tilted pelvis, made incredible changes in her walk.  Even though we did low repetitions, you could see her tone of her gluts change.  The first few times without the cueing,  she was compensating in other places to do prone leg lifts.

I felt absolutely amazing.  Grounded. My back felt great (I have SI dysfunction from dancing).

We are hoping to have Dianne Woodruff come back for more workshops.  Stay tune.

A former client was facing a 24-hour flight to  Australia  to get married only he was in so much back pain he could not stand, sit or lie down with any comfort. On the phone, I talked him through a movement sequence to target his specific problem. This took about 10 minutes. He made it to the plane and the church on time in no pain. The workshop, Sacroiliac Protocol, helps you understand this frequent low back complaint and solve it with the most useful approach I have ever used.  Dianne Woodruff

Dianne L. Woodruff, CMA, PhD, has been teaching for 35 years and has been in private practice for 20 working with people who have movement difficulties and unresolved myofascial pain. Her newest video, 3-D WORKOUT™, vol II, an integrated approach to fitness, was released in 2006. A Certified Movement Analyst with a doctorate in Somatic Education, she developed the anatomy curriculum for Stott Pilates in Toronto. She writes and lectures widely.www.body-in-motion.com.

Sacroiliac Treatment Protocol

With Dianne Woodruff
Date: Sunday 11 April 2010
Time: 9:30-12:30  $120

This workshop offers a step-by-step method of assessment and treatment for sacroiliac pain. It includes the anatomical framework and function, observation of whole-body and defined body parts in motion, various tests for sacroiliac dysfunction and methods for treating the problem. The workshop, aimed at “the dead seven inches” is an application of Bartenieff Fundamentals in a therapeutic framework. Open to personal trainers, pilates/yoga instructors and health practitioners.

Register before 4/4/10 and get a $20 discount on all workshops.

A 68 year-old client comments: “I didn’t think twice about taking off after that taxi after leaving my parcel, but I would never have been able to it without my 3-D Workout practice. What fun to realize I could do that!”  My workshop, An introduction to 3-D Workout™, will demonstrate to you how truly functional fitness can be, especially when inspired by the work of Laban and Bartenieff.

Dianne L. Woodruff, CMA, PhD, has been teaching for 35 years and has been in private practice for 20 working with people who have movement difficulties and unresolved myofascial pain. Her newest video, 3-D WORKOUT™, vol II, an integrated approach to fitness, was released in 2006. A Certified Movement Analyst with a doctorate in Somatic Education, she developed the anatomy curriculum for Stott Pilates in Toronto. She writes and lectures widely.www.body-in-motion.com.

Introduction to 3-D Workout
With Dianne Woodruff
Date: Sunday 11 April 2010
Time: 2-5 p.m. $120

3-D Workout is a low-impact, low-tech fitness program you can do anywhere. This workshop introduces you to the basics as shown on the DVD and then some. We use our bodies in three-dimensions at all times so your exercise should go beyond the conventional biceps curl and other single plane exercises. The 3-D Workout program, developed by Dianne Woodruff, CMA, PhD, is inspired by the Laban/Bartenieff framework. Available in classes and as instructor training, this workshop is open to all. DVDs will be available for sale at a discount.

To Register

Register before 4/4/4o and get $20 off any workshop w. Dianne.

Dianne L. Woodruff, CMA, PhD, has been teaching for 35 years and has been in private practice for 20 working with people who have movement difficulties and unresolved myofascial pain. Her newest video, 3-D WORKOUT™, vol II, an integrated approach to fitness, was released in 2006. A Certified Movement Analyst with a doctorate in Somatic Education, she developed the anatomy curriculum for Stott Pilates in Toronto. She writes and lectures widely.www.body-in-motion.com.

Early Bird Discount for Workshops

with Dianne L. Woodruff, CMA, PhD
$20 off each workshop if registered by 4/4/2010

Introduction to 3-D Workout

With Dianne Woodruff
Date: Sunday 11 April 2010
Time: 2-5 p.m. $120

3-D Workout is a low-impact, low-tech fitness program you can do anywhere. This workshop introduces you to the basics as shown on the DVD and then some. We use our bodies in three-dimensions at all times so your exercise should go beyond the conventional biceps curl and other single plane exercises. The 3-D Workout program, developed by Dianne Woodruff, CMA, PhD, is inspired by the Laban/Bartenieff framework. Available in classes and as instructor training, this workshop is open to all. DVDs will be available for sale at a discount.

Sacroiliac treatment protocol

With Dianne Woodruff
Date: Sunday 11 April 2010
Time: 9:30-12:30  $120

This workshop offers a step-by-step method of assessment and treatment for sacroiliac pain. It includes the anatomical framework and function, observation of whole-body and defined body parts in motion, various tests for sacroiliac dysfunction and methods for treating the problem. The workshop, aimed at “the dead seven inches” is an application of Bartenieff Fundamentals in a therapeutic framework. Open to personal trainers, pilates/yoga instructors and health practitioners. Taught by Dianne Woodruff.

Glute strength for true balance

With Dianne Woodruff
Date: Saturday 10 April 2010
Time: 1-4 p.m. $120

We have only two legs and must stand on one of them to take a step. No one would argue the importance of good balance and prevention of falls. Balance boards and other devices are fine but the anatomical and functional issues behind bipedal stability deserve more attention. This seminar for pilates instructors, personal trainers and health-care practitioners addresses essential movement patterns for bipedal stability and a healthy back in a pedestrian culture. Such patterns were identified and researched by Dr. Vladimir Janda as early as 1964. Over the last 20 years Dr. Woodruff has developed an approach to assessment, correction and preventive exercise that you will learn in this seminar.

To register

Dianne Woodruff

Dianne Woodruff will take your teaching and your body to a new fitness level this April.  Whether you are a Pilates teacher, fitness trainer or just a client, experience unique workshops to fine tune your body’s and your client’s connection to wellness and fitness.  Lesley Powell

Dianne L. Woodruff, CMA, PhD, has been teaching for 35 years and has been in private practice for 20 working with people who have movement difficulties and unresolved myofascial pain. Her newest video, 3-D WORKOUT™, vol II, an integrated approach to fitness, was released in 2006. A Certified Movement Analyst with a doctorate in Somatic Education, she developed the anatomy curriculum for Stott Pilates in Toronto. She writes and lectures widely.www.body-in-motion.com.

Introduction to 3-D Workout

With Dianne Woodruff
Date: Sunday 11 April 2010
Time: 2-5 p.m. $120

3-D Workout is a low-impact, low-tech fitness program you can do anywhere. This workshop introduces you to the basics as shown on the DVD and then some. We use our bodies in three-dimensions at all times so your exercise should go beyond the conventional biceps curl and other single plane exercises. The 3-D Workout program, developed by Dianne Woodruff, CMA, PhD, is inspired by the Laban/Bartenieff framework. Available in classes and as instructor training, this workshop is open to all. DVDs will be available for sale at a discount.

Sacroiliac treatment protocol

With Dianne Woodruff
Date: Sunday 11 April 2010
Time: 9:30-12:30  $120

This workshop offers a step-by-step method of assessment and treatment for sacroiliac pain. It includes the anatomical framework and function, observation of whole-body and defined body parts in motion, various tests for sacroiliac dysfunction and methods for treating the problem. The workshop, aimed at “the dead seven inches” is an application of Bartenieff Fundamentals in a therapeutic framework. Open to personal trainers, pilates/yoga instructors and health practitioners. Taught by Dianne Woodruff.

Glute strength for true balance

With Dianne Woodruff
Date: Saturday 10 April 2010
Time: 1-4 p.m. $120

We have only two legs and must stand on one of them to take a step. No one would argue the importance of good balance and prevention of falls. Balance boards and other devices are fine but the anatomical and functional issues behind bipedal stability deserve more attention. This seminar for pilates instructors, personal trainers and health-care practitioners addresses essential movement patterns for bipedal stability and a healthy back in a pedestrian culture. Such patterns were identified and researched by Dr. Vladimir Janda as early as 1964. Over the last 20 years Dr. Woodruff has developed an approach to assessment, correction and preventive exercise that you will learn in this seminar.

To register

For new clients only,Reservations are required.

For times, call or sign online www.movementsafoot.com

• During the Introductory class we will teach you a taste how the unique Pilates equipment will enhance your fitness:
• Reformer
• Tower
• Pilates arc
• Magic circle

You will experience a sample class.

• Here is your chance to ask questions about how Pilates will make a difference in your body.
• This class will have a different flow than our regular classes so you can understand how the equipment works and a taste of the Pilates concepts.
• It is the mastery of the Pilates concepts that makes the difference in your body compared to traditional fitness.

This class is FREE and a one time offer.

All other equipment classes are paid reservations.

If you decide you cannot come after all please go back into your account to “My Info” and then “My Schedule” and cancel yourself out or call.  Any no shows loses to your chance of having this free class again. Please arrive 10 minutes early to fill out a client intake form. You must be on time or you will not be admitted to class.

6:30 at Movements Afoot.

IntenSati is a revolutionary high-energy cardio workout created by Patricia Moreno. This class is a unique combination of aerobics, martial arts and endurance principles with positive affirmations. The result is an unprecedented practice which is empowering physically and mentally.

IntenSati has given me the conviction of anything is possible. This class has changed how I think about my body and control my mind to a new love and appreciation for Life.
‘Chantall Brachmann-Scott

Join us March 3 for a free class 6:30.  Please bring sneakers and a towel.

To Register

49 W. 27th St. Mezzanine B, New York City 212-904-1399

49 West 27th St. Mezzanine B
New York, NY 10001
212-904-1399