Smile and notice how the muscles of your face activate.  

Now place your hands on your lower abs and smile your lower abs.  

Feel the abs contract wide against your pelvis.  

Feel how you created your own internal spanx.

Pilates is more than abdominal workout.  It is about connection of the entire body.  When the lower and/or upper body works in harmony with your torso, you create better alignment, strength, balance of tone and mobility with your entire body.

Newcomers to Pilates sometimes get stuck on the idea that a hard muscle is a functional muscle.  A lot of people are hardening their muscles that is destroying correct movement of the body.

As you advance in your practice, Pilates repertory has more sequencing of movement and level changes.  This teaches you to have dynamic stabilization of your body.

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

Teachers,

Happy New Year!!  We have an exciting year ahead to support your education as a Pilates teacher.

Anthony Lett joins us in April teaching a workshop based on his fabulous book. Innovations in Pilates.  Finally there is a book for professional Pilates teachers beyond just learning the repertory.  We are selling a dvd of his book at the studio, a more affordable price.  Since the book is published from Australia,  the costs of the book and shipping is expensive.  Please feel free to come by the studio to view the book.

Pilates Lab for Teachers: Muscular Imbalances
With Shelley Studdenberg $60   
Register by the 1st of the month $50 * see overview date

Mondays 1:30-3:30

• Pelvis   1/16/2012
• Lower extremity – knee and foot 2/27/2012
• Upper extremity shoulder  3/26/2012
• Disc  4/23/2012
• Neck  5/21/2012

Franklin Method: Series of workshops

See Workshops for All
With Lesley Powell

• Relax your Neck – Liberate your Shoulders February 11, 2012
• The Knee March 10, 2012 3 -5
• The Spine May 12, 2012  3 – 5 PM

Anatomy in Clay®
with Marcy Schafler
Sunday 10 AM -6 PM  $275  
Early discount see dates below

• April 1     Core        Early bird discount by 3/15  $250
• June 3     Legs    Early bird discount by 5/15  $250
• August 5  Arms      Early bird discount by 7/15  $250

Therapeutic Muscle Stretching on the Pilates Equipment
With Anthony Lett
When; April 14, 15, 16,  2012. 9-5
Cost $800   Early Bird special Register by 3/15/2012  $750.
Workshop includes;

• Joseph Pilates philosophy and stretching
• Relationships between core strength, good posture, dynamic exercise and flexibility
• Case studies and Flexibility interventions
• Anatomy revision-muscle function animations and experiential practice
• Deep and effective Therapeutic Muscle Stretching for the Calves, hamstrings, hip flexors, adductors, gluteals, trunk, arms shoulder and neck.

The workshop will leave you with new insights into Pilates, new class formats, and a whole bunch of new and exciting repertoire. Backed up by 3d muscle function animations and a mostly practical content, your Pilates teaching will feel invigorated and so will your clients!
About Anthony; Anthony is the author of Innovations in Pilates. A student and teacher of Pilates for 25 years, he has qualifications in Philosophy, sports science, exercise medicine, mind/body medicine and clinical anatomy. Anthony has presented his workshops in various parts of the world to Pilates audiences and runs his practice in Melbourne Australia. His workshops are known for their good humour and relaxed but thorough approach.

DVD is on sale now of this book $54 (tax included)
Pregnancy Workshop
Sun Date: 6/10/2012 From: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
with Joy Puleo $250 Early Bird Discount by 6/1 $230
Understanding the stages of pregnancy and its effect on maternal movement and exercise protocols. Applications will be made to Pilates and fitness.

Working with Clients with Back Pain using Pilates Repertory
With Lesley Powell
July 21, 2012 2-5 PM  $120  Early Bird Discount $110 before 7/1

Developing Pilates programs for adults with back pain associated with ruptured, herniated, bulging and/or degenerative discs.

Pilates teachers are often engaged in preventing or improving chronic or intermittent back problems. Some of the most commonly diagnosed causes of back pain relate to disc pathologies. To be effective and not put clients at risk, it is important for the programs we design to contain relevant, customized exercises with intentional, flexible goals.

This workshop will focus on disc problems and basics of how they might affect the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. Attendees will review related trunk anatomy and spinal biomechanics. We will then actively apply this focus to specific Pilates repertory, determining whether an exercise is indicated or contraindicated.

To register and more info for Teacher Workshops

To register and more info about Franklin Workshops


How Yoga Can Wreck your Body in New York Times

There is a wonderful article this week in the New York Times about yoga.  There is also a bigger issue to address.

 A lot of students think pushing hard to almost an injury is a hard workout.

Many new students trying Pilates for the first time complain about being not hard enough.  The majority lack awareness and deep internal connections of how to stabilize.  If you are doing legs in straps or leg springs with no center control,  you can be pushing from your back.  Rudoph Laban had a wonderful concept of Stability/Mobility.  To mobilize a part of your body, you need to stabilize somewhere to facilitate any simple movement.

When you are weak and you increase the load, a lot of times you will initiate your poor habits to do the exercise.  When I do leg springs with a quiet spine, it targets the legs.  I have had many clients complain that their back hurts in legs springs.  One has to look at their form and retrain how they perform the movements.

The majority of new clients coming in, have no clear idea of how to stabilize the torso.  When you find it,  it has a lot of lightness.  They are very much into the more superficial mucles of the torso and body.

More does not equal more.  Awareness, concentration and precision in form is key to any fitness routine.  This is the “MORE”

Innovations in Pilates is a landmark work expanding the Pilates Method in an entirely new direction. The Pilates community is genuinely excited by this new development with programs and workshops now running to teach this additional focus to students and teachers of the Pilates method.

We are now selling a dvd of the book at Movements Afoot.  Since the book is being published in Australia,  the dvd is a more affordable way of getting this info.  It is only $54 (tax included) compared to $105 for the book.  I have this book on hand at the studio.  You are welcome to come by and see it to get an idea about the dvd.

I am also excited to announce Anthony is coming in April to teach.

Therapeutic Muscle Stretching on the Pilates Equipment

With Anthony Lett
When; April 14, 15, 16,  2012. 9-5
Cost $800   Early Bird special Register by 3/15/2012  $750.  To Register, click here

Anthony Lett, author of Innovations in Pilates will present a  three day workshop covering all of the theory and major stretches selected from his popular Pilates book.

Workshop includes;

• Joseph Pilates philosophy and stretching
• Relationships between core strength, good posture, dynamic exercise and flexibility
• Case studies and Flexibility interventions
• Anatomy revision-muscle function animations and experiential practice
• Deep and effective Therapeutic Muscle Stretching for the Calves, hamstrings, hip flexors, adductors, gluteals, trunk, arms shoulder and neck.

The workshop will leave you with new insights into Pilates, new class formats, and a whole bunch of new and exciting repertoire. Backed up by 3d muscle function animations and a mostly practical content, your Pilates teaching will feel invigorated and so will your clients!

About Anthony; Anthony is the author of Innovations in Pilates. A student and teacher of Pilates for 25 years, he has qualifications in Philosophy, sports science, exercise medicine, mind/body medicine and clinical anatomy. Anthony has presented his workshops in various parts of the world to Pilates audiences and runs his practice in Melbourne Australia. His workshops are known for their good humour and relaxed but thorough approach.

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

Start your education this year to become a Pilates Teacher through Balanced Body.  Here is Movements Afoot’s Upcoming Schedule

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

“Good Morning BBU!!

I am proud to say that I passed the BBU PilatesTeacher Comprehensive Exam on Friday night at Movements Afoot!!

I am writing to thank you and everyone at Balanced Body University.  The program is excellent.  The information is written wonderfully and organized beautifully!  I received great support from you, and everyone at BBU whom I contacted, as well as the Customer Service Representatives that I spoke with to order my equipment, DVDs, etc..

So, again, THANK YOU!

I also want everyone at BBU to know what a tremedous asset you have in  Lesley Powell as your New York, New York  BBU Educator.  She is truly a gem.  Her knowledge is unparalleled and her feedback is essential.  She ran the BBU program seamlessly!!

I am the mother of three small children, I teach classes/train clients in the mornings/evenings/on weekends and care for my family when I’m not “working”.  Having the ability to take the modules at Movements Afoot once a month allowed me the time to do everything I needed for BBU, for my family, for my profession and for myself.  I love the way Lesley set up the program!

She made me a better teacher AND a better student!  During my observations at other studios, I found my appreciation and admiration for Lesley grow.  Most Pilates Teachers, while good in their own right, do not have the extensive biomechanic/body-mind knowledge that I have gained from doing my training with Lesley!  It takes an incredible teacher to make great teachers and BBU has that in Lesley Powell!

I look forward to doing my continuing education as a Teacher and Student with Lesley and BBU!”   With gratitude, and, Kindest regards,  Cheri Wild

• Mat I        11/19-21/2011
• Mat II        1/7-8/2012
• Reformer I    2/17-19/2012
• Reformer II    3/24-25/2012
• Reformer III    4/21-22/2012
• Apparatus I    5/19-20/2012
• Apparatus II    6/23-24/2012
• Apparatus III    7/21-22/2012

To register, go to www.bbupilates.com 
or call 877-PILATES (745-2837).

Pilates teachers do not realize the tremendous influence Irmgard Bartenieff had on our work.  Eve Gentry, a second generation Pilates teacher, took  the BARTENIEFF FUNDAMENTALS into her pilates practice.  Many Pilates teacher certification programs have been influenced by this work.  

Eve Gentry was one of the founders of the Dance Notation Bureau.  She had studied with Irmgard Bartenieff when she lived in New York City.

Come Experience these principles to enhance your practice and your teaching with Dr. Dianne Woodruff.  Last year at Movements Afoot, my body went into heaven using the Bartenieff Fundamentals to enhance function.

INTRO TO BARTENIEFF FUNDAMENTALS: MOVEMENT PRINCIPLES FOR LIFE

With Dianne Woodruff  CMA, PhD

November 5 & 6   9-5 PM.  $450  Register by 10/15  $425  To register, click here

Take this workshop to learn how your body is designed to move. In this course, understand the basics that keep us moving elegantly and efficiently on two feet. Teach them to your clients for lifelong readiness to move. Wake up and tune up your muscles, nerves and connective tissues for movement. The basics of movement organize your body so it is responsive to your wishes and needs. 

Re-vamp your exercise life If your exercise program is not working there’s probably a reason. Your body is organized in patterns that support everything you do but most conventional exercise programs skip over this. When you lack these patterns your exercise program may be a struggle. Maybe you drop out and think you are just not suited to exercise. You could be right. You need something else. 

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

Working out with certain kinds of pain can weaken the nerves and/or exacerbate the injury.

When a client has back pain that is not disc or nerve related, I look at their posture and how they move during their sessions.  Many injuries are caused by poor habits, repetitive motions and poor support/mobility of the body.  I use the Bartenieff Fundamentals/movement principles to evaluate their form and teach better function.  Teaching extension exercises of the spine and hips are very important.  Most lowback clients are very weak in their backs and legs.

Sometimes when teaching extension work, clients complaint of pain.

A lot has to do where the movement is being initiated.  For instance, neutral pelvic bridge is an excellent exercise for backs.  Because they are weak in their legs, they will push from their backs.  Too much posterior tilt at the beginning of the bridge can kick out important muscles of the hips and legs that help extend the hips.  These muscles are important in standing.

Another big problem is getting clients of understand pelvic stability with leg mobility.  Some clients unleveled their pelvis to lift their legs.  This could lead to back discomfort.

Differentiation of thigh bone

Irmgard Bartenifeff’s Thigh Lift is a precursor to all Pilates mat exercises.

Can the client differentiate the thighbone from the pelvis?  So many are tight around the hip sockets.  They lift the leg up partially from unleveling the pelvis.  My goal is to teach them the amazing hip socket as the hinge for movement instead of the disks.

Balanced Body’s Orbit™

I just took a teacher training course on Balanced Body’s Orbit. I can’t tell how great my body feels and I am even sore.

This deceptive simple tool invites a 3 dimensional fitness.  The Orbit opens your spine, legs, hips and shoulders in such a unique way.  I have been having some hip problems from my dancing career.  With the Orbit, I was able to gently invite new mobility in my hip.

When you use it to enhance your fitness, it will up the ante.  Ahhhh, pushups with either your hands or feet on the Orbit will make it so much harder.

Balanced Body’s Orbit™

With Lesley Powell 11/13  9:30 – 4:30
Roll through a fun, full-body workout that strengthens, stretches and challenges on multiple planes!
Super fun and super circular, the Orbit™ rolls into your classes or personal training sessions to enhance flexibility, stability, strength, balance and coordination. This 6 hour course includes standing, seated, all fours, plank, prone and supine exercises creating a full body workout for any client. Workouts are included to teach you how to format a group class.
Workshop package includes:

• Six-hour workshop (value $229)
• Orbit and Level 1 DVD (value $229)
• Training manual (value $50)

Note: prerequisite for workshop is Mat 1 or personal training certification.
Register early and save!
Just $399 for a package that includes the Orbit, six-hour workshop, DVD and complete manual. Must register at least 30 days prior to workshop date. (You save $109.)
Just $429 if you register within 30 days of workshop. (You save $79.)

If my schedule does not work for you, go to Balanced Body for other faculty teaching the Orbit.
Call Balanced Body 1-800-pilates or www.pilates.com to register

Pilates Arc

Balanced Body's Pilates Arc

With Lesley Powell
May 15, 2011 9:30-4:30 PM PMA 4 cec
$199 plus $25 for manual Sign up is with Balanced Body 1-800-PILATES

Create exciting new Pilates workouts with the Pilates Arc. It’s a lightweight Pilates Step Barrel and a whole lot more! Balanced Body’s Pilates Arc instructor training includes an introduction to the history and principles of Pilates, the features, function and safety precautions for the Pilates Arc, the complete repertoire of exercises on the Pilates Arc with modifications and lectures on class order and programming in a studio or fitness setting. Whether you are an experienced Pilates professional or a beginner, this course will provide you with everything you need to start teaching Pilates on the Arc.

The Pilates Arc:

• Increases core strength and stability
• Improves the mobility of the spine
• Strengthens the upper body
• Develops balance and coordination