Many are pressing the shoulders down from the wrong place.  This is compressing the ribs and the spine down as well as locking the scapulae.  Sometimes teachers see the shoulders are up and try to solve shoulders pressing down.  The real source of the problem could be somewhere else.

This last weekend Lisa Love had this wonderful cue about the first rib.

Feel the first rib lift in the front and slide down in the back.

The placement of the ribs will influence the spine.  Here is a picture of the ribs being dropped because of the spine having scoliosis. How the ribs and spine can affect the placement of the shoulder girdle.  Slump and feel where the shoulder blade comes.  Pressing the shoulders down from the wrong place could make your posture worse.

Lift the first rib up and now slide the back of the rib down.  Feel how lifting the first rib changes the other ribs.  With the change of the ribs, observe how it changes your shoulder girdle.  Lift your arms up and feel the ease.

Go back to back version with the ribs compresses and lift the arms.  The arms lifting do not have the same ease.

My image is the first rib is a necklace, diamonds of course.  I want to place the necklace on a horizontal plane over my pelvic floor. Practice this image throughout your workout.  Especially in plank pose, see how you use your core and arms differently.

]]> http://movementsafootblog.com/2010/06/14/change-the-spine-change-the-shoulders/feed/ 0 Body thinker uprotation First rib down w. scoliosis First rib up with spine Diamond ribs. http://movementsafootblog.com/2010/06/13/m-e-l-t-yourself-into-a-new-core-hands-and-feet/ http://movementsafootblog.com/2010/06/13/m-e-l-t-yourself-into-a-new-core-hands-and-feet/#comments Sun, 13 Jun 2010 10:58:25 +0000 Body thinker http://movementsafootblog.com/?p=1567 Read more]]> Karen Wells gave me an introduction to the M.E.L.T. System.  It was a remarkable experience.  I could feel my alignment change after each exercise.  The footwork is very different from the Yamuna system.  The balls are smaller.  The rolling of the balls on the feet had definite connections to reflexology.  It is a very intelligent system that is more than rolling on a ball to feel good.  There is a backup of science there.

As seen Friday on ABC’s Live with Regis and Kelly, Sue Hitzmann, creator of the MELT Method, literally swept the viewing audience off of their feet as she revealed the secret to alleviating common pain symptoms in just minutes a day.   Thousands of viewers flocked to her website, MeltMethod.com, to purchase her pain-relieving treatment video, balls and rollers and to sign up for her classes and teacher training. Read More

Karen will be giving two Workshops at Movements Afoot Friday July 23

Introduction to MELT CORE with Karen Wells

Friday July 23 at 6:30 – 7:45
Price –   $35 for class only
$75 for class and roller when you pre-register by July 22
$45 for just the roller on the day of the event

MELT Core is your solution!  Improve whole-body balance, eliminate tension in your neck and low back, and instantly feel better!

MELT Core helps balance and strengthen the neuromuscular core system to keep your belly flat, back strong, and body functioning well. Traditional abdominal exercises do not improve core stability and posture. MELT Core is the answer to improve alignment of the spine by decompressing the neck and low back, teach you new ways to stabilize the pelvis, and give the organs integrity for proper digestion.

MELT’s unique foam roller works WITH your connective tissue with the feel of a real person’s touch.  You will never want to be back on your old foam rollers after you experience the special pro-foam roller. The new self-treatment concept of Hands-off Bodywork™ is sweeping the nation! For a fraction of the cost of a hands-on bodywork treatment, you can learn why MELT truly is the “art of self-care”.

Rollers will be available for purchase at the event. Discounts are available if you pre-order your roller when registering.

Introduction to MELT Hand and Foot Master Class

Friday July 23 at 8:15 – 9:15
Price –   $30 for class only
$80 for class and roller when you pre-register by July 22
$55 for just the hand and foot ball kit on the day of the event

Eliminate tension in your hands, feet, neck and back, and instantly feel better!  All it takes is a quick lunch break to get your body back into a more ideal state! The MELT Hand and Foot Treatment helps to improve your balance and relax your body while maintaining an active, healthy, pain-free life style!

If you have experienced hand or foot pain then this class is for you! You will immediately feel the difference when you stand on the special MELT balls or rub your hands with the MELT balls.

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

To register

Our bodies should be like a Alexander Calder mobile.  As one body part moves, there is a response in the entire system.  Even lifting an arm, the rest of the body organizes to facilitate this simple movement.

When we have habitual poor habits of posture and/or repetitive stress from doing the same movement over and over again, the body disorganizes.  When one part of the body is not moving correctly, it affects the entire body.  Look at it like a car with misaligned wheels.   The tires out of line will put stress on the car parts from this imbalance.

This is what happens to the body.  If the upper body is slumped forward, there is a chain reaction to the rest of the body.  With the upper body in constant flexion, the back body is kicked out.  There will be compensations of the body to maintain erect.  A lot of my clients with this posture tighten their shoulders or backs to find erectness.

Keeping muscles well toned and aerobic conditioning is important.  Keeping our joints moving in healthy ranges is just as important.  I am not talking about stretching (this can help at times).  When one single joint (i.e. A bone in the foot, a vertebra of the spine, the femur in the hip socket) is locked, it will affect the entire body.

Walk with your body slumped.
How does this affect your legs?
Can you walk fast?
How is your hip extension and back extension because of this posture?

We need to educate ourselves to bring back in our lives movements that invites proper sequencing of our joints.  If a client who loves golfs and does not rotate well in their spine and legs, the movement will go into their backs in a unhealthy fashion.

There are simple movements that we can do in our daily life that will enhance our well being.  It could take a few minutes during each day to keep the joints moving well.  The time allotted depends on your variations of movements within your day.  If you sit at a computer all day,  I would recommend at least 5 minutes of every hour sitting.

Somatic practices like Hanna Somatics, Bartenieff Fundamentals, BodyMind Centering, Franklin Method and Feldenkrais are great examples of possible classes to bring back healthy movement to the body.  Pilates Teachers here is a great workshop to explore how to improve wellness in a Pilates Mat.

Stay tune next time for sneaky exercies for the offices.

Disc Risk

With Lisa Love
Date:  Saturday, June 5, 2010
Time:  1-5:30   $150
Early Bird Discount $120 by 5/28

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 four hour 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.

Lisa Love, Ed.M., R.M.T., has an Advanced Master of Education in Motor Learning from the Department of Movement Sciences & Education, Teachers College, Columbia University with additional graduate studies in biomechanics and clinical kinesiology at NYU.  She has taught movement reeducation for over 20 years, and maintains a private practice in Pilates in NYC.  She has been researching and working with MS clients for 15 years.

Great article about Sciatic pain and Pilates in about.com

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 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.

When the hips are unleveled (this picture shows a subtle gluteal weakness) with lifting a leg up, this is a reflection of gluteal weakness.  This weakness can show up in back, knee and hip discomfort.  Even my working with dancers,  there is poor use of the gluteals to maintain good alignment of the spine and leg.  When the true function of a muscle is not working correctly, other muscles compensate to stabilize.

Rudolph Laban had a concept of stability/mobility.  We need both principles in any movement.  As in the movement above,  true function the standing leg and core should stabilize the mobility of lifting one leg up such as the passe in dance.   If the leg/hip hypermobilizes on the standing/working side,  the back has to compensate.

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

Join us this April.  Register before April 4 and save $20 on each workshops with Dianne Woodruff

for a workshop with Dianne Woodruff.  I took a workshop about the Gluteals with Dianne at a Laban Conference last year.  I felt amazing and it helped with my sacrum as well.

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 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

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!