The Centred Body closes for two weeks during Christmas and New Year and bookings for Pilates and IHM are unavailable on Bank Holiday Mondays and Easter weekend.
We recently participated in three fascinating workshops with leading physio, Dr Ruth Lovegrove PhD MCSP. The first concentrated on the shoulder and neck; a hot spot of tension for many people. The second focused on the hip and knee to gain greater insight into common imbalances of the lower limbs. The back was the final topic in the series. In each workshop we discussed assessing alignment, dysfunctional movement patterns and examined in detail the extraordinary relationship of movement, pain and the brain.
Usually we only recommend Pilates or health related books but this one is rather special. Captain Kevin Ivison GM, the husband of a client, has written an extraordinary and courageous book about his experiences of being a bomb disposal expert in Iraq and his subsequent suffering of PTSD. If you're looking for a birthday gift or simply wanting a read that will both challenge and inspire you, then please buy a copy of Red One: A Bomb Disposal Expert on the Front Line via the Amazon link. Kevin is generously donating the commission on Amazon sales to Help4Heroes. click here to buy it on Amazon.
In September 2009, BCPA held their annual Development Weekend at the Royal College of Physicians in London. Presenters came from as far afield as the USA and Ireland to deliver fascinating lectures and give workshops that challenged both the body and mind of all the teachers present.
One of the workshops I participated in was led by Elizabeth Larkam, Director of Pilates and Beyond Studio in San Francisco and a leading light on Mind Body movement techniques. We practiced mat sequences that involved non-habitual movement, designed to stimulate our motor skills.
In June 2009, Pilates Umbrella hosted a weekend workshop with Alan Herdman. Having studied with Carola Trier and Bob Fitzgerald (both trained by Pilates himself), Alan brought Pilates to the UK in 1970, setting up the first Pilates studio in this country.
Two of the modules we studied on the weekend were Postural Assessment and Exploring Spine Pathologies. We looked at the various types of spinal conditions a Pilates instructor might encounter and suitable exercises to ameliorate and correct these conditions. Curves, Twists and Bends: A Practical Guide to Pilates for Scoliosis was published in September 2009, written by Annette Wilson and Alan Herdman. Annette is a Pilates Instructor who suffers from scoliosis and she writes from first hand experience of dealing with this spinal condition.
For more information about Alan Herdman, you can visit his website, Alan Herdman Pilates.
As part of my continuing profession development, I have attended the specialist course run by BCPA on Osteoporosis and Pilates. The day started with a lecture on the nature of osteoporosis followed by an in depth look at the differences between osteopenia and osteoporosis. The afternoon session was a practical workshop, exploring suitable exercises for different target groups.
If you are interested in reading more about this condition which affects so many people, I can recommend Osteoporosis: The Silent Epidemic by Marilyn Glenville.
I was fortunate enough in 2008 to participate in an enlightening masterclass with Lolita San Miguel, a first generation Pilates teacher. She is only one of 2 teachers who were certified by Joseph Pilates himself. It was inspiring to be taught by a teacher who was taught directly by the master.
Stuck for an idea for a gift for someone? Gift vouchers can be exchanged for a Pilates or IHM session and are valid for 6 months from the date of issue. Please note, they are non-refundable and non-extendable.
Details are available on request.
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