Hi folks 

hope you are all well and looking forward to a wonderfully busy 4 months to the end of the year. 

From September to November we have a fantastic range of workshops / master classes and courses for you – full details are  in the September newsletter & also the web.  

There are some new workshops not previously presented and some that by demand you have requested – these include a full day on AIS stretching and of course the Pilates for Breast Cancer Survivors – your feed back on the last course was just wonderful. 

See full newsletter here

So have a read and to book just call the studio at 01 868 4600 or email training@bodyfirmpilates.com 

wishing you all a sunny September 

Regards Joyce

Just a quick note to all of you who completed our July 4 day intensive Mat Instructors course. (it was fantastic both myself and Mathew had a blast working with you) 

September 4th (exam day!!) is fast approaching and I hope that training is going well - any questions / assistance you need for Sept 4th assessment just give us a call.

See you all soon Joyce 

I hope you are all enjoying the dry if not sunny weather!

check out this little snip, the wunda chair while maybe not being ideal for your home is a fantastic piece of Pilates equiptment – if training in or on the wunda chair is of interest give us a call – in the mean time have a great June

Regards Joyce

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_tRgTiABBE

Emma and myself had a great time working with you.

Our 3 phase approach with bio-mechanical knowledge will cover all sports and offer you a wider client base.

I hope your clients find all the new information about corrective flexibility and injury prevention utilizing the Pilates Method useful and effective

Good luck with it and look forward to seeing you all again soon

Regards Joyce

Pilates and the Professional Sportsman

Tour de France

My response to this terrible misconception: “You choose to question the wisdom of sporting professionals who play international rugby, NFL and premier league soccer, not to mention members of GAA county football and hurling teams, Olympic athletes, Tour de France cyclists, professional golfers etc, the majority of who consider Pilates to be an integral part of their overall training regimes.

Exercising in a gym can be great for building strength and muscles, but top sports coaches and trainers understand that Pilates helps their elite athletes achieve greater postural balance in their bodies as well as considerably reducing the incidence of injury and pain.

So, if it works for the professionals, why are there still a few ‘Weekend Warriors’ who cannot see the benefit of this excellent system of movement?

The Simple Facts about Pilates and Men’s Health
I don’t have the answer to that question, but I would like to present some Simple Facts about Pilates and Men’s Health that show there is more to Pilates than meets the eye.

In addition to helping men who suffer the occasional twinge or knock from sporting activities, regular Pilates workouts can help build resistance to some very serious health conditions that affect men as well as greatly improve your overall health and quality of life.

Just take a look at Joseph Pilates, the founder of  Pilates techniques, he was still teaching and training in his 80s.

Meet ‘The Reformer’
If you are a man who thinks working on a mat is not tough – then let me introduce you to The Reformer; a customized piece of Pilates resistance equipment.

Working with the principles of Pilates and resistance, a Reformer Workout tones muscle and helps to create a masculine streamline shape while simultaneously improving posture, stability, flexibility, mobility and co-ordination. The beauty of a Reformer workout programme is that it works your body as a whole, unlike individual exercise machines that can be found in a gym.
As I have stated in earlier blogs, Pilates works to create a balanced body – right left, front back.

Pilates provides:

• – Improved Stability
• – Increased Mobility
• – More Fluency of Movement
• – Better Co-ordination and
• – Greater strength

– All the components required for living injury and pain free.

So, in terms of  physical workouts, Pilates offers men an opportunity to build a better-balanced body with more strength and muscular endurance and create a flexible masculine shape.

Pilates and male medical conditions
Erectile Dysfunction
At BODYFIRM Studios we see the Pelvic Floor as essential part of both male and female health. Most men do not realize how important their Pelvic Floor is to their overall health. However, we have in the past had men referred for PF (pelvic floor) work to aid with Erectile Dysfunction.
Prostate Cancer
In more recent times with the apparent increase in the incidence of Prostate Cancer, Pilates has been acknowledged as a movement system that can play a big part in helping men fight the possible onset of the disease.
Deterioration of the Pelvic Floor has been cited as a contributing factor to the contracting of prostate cancer. By working with Pilates movement, becoming aware of Pelvic Floor activation and strengthening, the risks of contracting prostate cancer can be reduced.

Want to give Pilates a go?
Pilates is a movement system that has much to offer men looking improve their fitness. It is a programme that combines both mat and resistance machine exercises with great results

So, come and give it a go.

I think you’ll find you can be man enough for it…

Joyce

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Click here to book a course or learn more about what Pilates can do for  you.

Call Bernie on 018684600 if you have a specific Pilates query.

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Images courtesy of www.freedigitalphotos.net . Tour de France Photograher Tom Curtis Worker waistcoat – Photographer: Suat Eman

Just a short note to keep you updated on the next few months

• On Feb 13th Master Classes in Mat and Reformer
• On Feb 13th Workshop on the 30minute BLITZ workouts
• On March 6th Master classes in Mat and Reformer
• On March 6th Workshop in AIS stretching and Foam rolling

For full Master Class and Workshop details click here

Please note a date change and apologies for any inconvenience caused

the workshop :Breast Cancer Exercise Rehabilitation based on Pilates Principles is now on May 8th & 9th full details click here

Due to a date clash with the 6 Nations Welsh game we have changed the PPM1 course in March to April  full details click here

On March 6th we are adding a workshop on AIS stretching (active isolated stretching) and Foam Rolling- these two systems are fantastic for assisting with clients who have restricted movement due to postural deviations full details click here

I look forward to seeing you soon

Regards Joyce

The PROGRESSIVE Pilates Academy

@ BODYFIRM Studios

Workshops & Master Classes August to December 2010

The PROGRESSIVE Pilates AcademyPilates Up-Skill workshop Schedule

September 25th Workshop Super Saturday

Master Class Mat Core Endurance  10am – 11am Cost Fan 20 non Fan 25

do something positive for your body – CORE ENDURANCE  a class born out of a demand for an energetic, stamina building ,flowing core experience, which will tone and strengthen the core, increases flexibility and produce a state of calm and relaxation

Designed for Instructors / Students who want to physically challenge the stamina in their core!  -  1.5 CDC’s for attendance

Back Care Going beyond the technique

11.30am – 1.30pm 3 CDC’s for attendance – Cost Fan 55 – non fan 65

Nobody is immune from pain, most of all back pain. Simple daily tasks can often act as torture, in this practical advice class learn Pilates and Pilates evolved movements that will allow your client to stretch, open and release joints, strengthen and restore postural alignment .

Suitable for Mat & Reformer Level I/II instructors min 1 year qualified – certificate of attendance and hand out provided

October 2nd Workshop Super Saturday

AIS Stretching (solo & partner assisted)

9am to 5pm Cost €125 members €150 non members

EXTRA DATE Due to demand we will be running a 1 day course on AIS stretching to include partner stretching techniques on
Flexibility is a key component for developing optimum neuromuscular efficiency. Learn about the most recent scientific rational in the stretch continuum. AIS stretching (active isolated stretching) working in the active stretch continuum one of the most effective stretching techniques available to us today.

October 30th Workshop Super Saturday

Master Class Mat Flow  10am – 11am Cost Fan 20 non Fan 25

An inter to advanced Mat class following the strong elements of Joseph’s classical progressions and transitions, emphasizing fluidly and continuity as we build up the intensity ‘piece by piece’

Designed for Instructors / Students who want to physically challenge the stamina in their core!  -  1.5 CDC’s for attendance

Body Rolling trigger point and fasical release

11.30am – 1.30pm 3 CDC’s for attendance – Cost Fan 55 – non fan 65

Body rolling is a therapeutic self-care practice and educational tool used by body therapists to empower clients to develop a deeper and more flexibile relationship with their own bodies.

Toe to head stratiges using the foam roller / small ball and spiky ball to release fascial pain and trigger points in areas such as it band, piriformis,lower back, hip flexors &  thoracic spine

Suitable for Mat & Reformer Level I/II instructors min 1 year qualified – certificate of attendance and hand out provided

November  20th Workshop Super Saturday‘

PROGRESSIVE Pilates restorative exercise for Breast Cancer Survivors  (due to demand we are running this course again)

9.00am – 5.30pm – Cost Fan 150 – non fan 200

Suitable for Mat & Reformer Instructors min 2 years qualified, Phyisical, Physio Therapists with Pilates qualifications. Certificate of attendance, manual and 8 CDC’s provided

There is a growing support for research that suggests moderate exercise can aid post-operative breast cancer recovery and improve quality of life for women who have been through a breast cancer operation. In the field of health and fitness, as its main focus is to ‘build body core strength and stability’ Pilates is  acknowledged as an accessible form of training where exertion is considered to be relatively moderate.

This advanced Pilates program is sensitively designed to assist breast cancer survivors with a comfortable recovery and resumption of a more active lifestyle. The holistic program is designed to aid the restoration of harmony,strength and mobility as well as range of motion not only in the shoulder girdle but in the entire body. It also addresses muscular imbalances due to specific surgeries. Our workshop will provide you with the knowledge and skills to assist women who are in the post-operative recovery and help them in rebuilding their strength, self – esteem and quality of life.

just one comment from our last course more available on face book

Marie Townsend “it was an inspiring thought-provoking workshop – I feel I understand better what women & to a lesser extent men face because of breast cancer. As a result I hope to be able to apply this knowledge and help to improve their recovery thru Pilates. Many thanks”

December 11th Workshop Super Saturday

Master Class - Santa’s supprise ! 10am – 11am Cost Fan 20 non Fan 25

just come along and see !! only guarantee is it will be tough !!

all monies will be donated to Breast Cancer

Become a fan on facebook receive discounts and be kept in touch

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The PROGRESSIVE Pilates Academy

Mat and Reformer Pilates (assessment based ) Course Schedule August to December 2010

MAT WORK Course schedule____

PPM1. PROGRESSIVE Pilates Method Mat Instructor Level I & II

Cost: €750 course material DVD & exam included 3 Day intensive course for qualified movement instructors i.e. yoga, fitness,personal trainer, dance etc  New for 2010 1 day teaching module

EXTRA DATE

Hosted by the Killashee Hotel & Leisure Club in Kildare

bookings through Deidre Webster 045 981600 @ Killashee

or BODYFIRM studios 01 868 4600

Dates: Aug 31st/Sept 1st/2nd Tue/Wed/Thur – Times:9-5.30pm

Teaching module Fri Oct 29th 9-3pmExam Sat Oct 30th 9am start

(these dates are held in Dublin @ BODYFIRM studios)

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Dates: Sept 17th/18th/19th Fri/Sat/Sun – Times:F/S9-5.30pm Sun 9-4pm

Sept course Teaching module Fri Oct 29th 9-3pmExam Sat Oct 30th 9am start

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Dates: Oct 8th/9th/10th Fri/Sat/Sun – Times:F/S9-5.30pm Sun 9-4pm

Oct course Teaching module Fri Nov 26th 9-3pm/Exam Sat Nov 27th 9am start

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PPE2 PROGRESSIVE Pilates Method Intermediate Up Skill for PPE level 1 instructors

November  2010

1 day intensive course for qualified Level 1 instructors taking Pilates to the Intermediate Level

Dates: Nov 13th – Times: 9am-5pm

Exam: Jan 2011 tba

Cost: Fan member €295 – Non Fan member €325 Comprehensive course manual / DVD  & assessment included

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REFORMER  Course schedule____

PPR 1PROGRESSIVE Pilates Method Reformer Level 1  Group Class Instructor 10 hr intensive

September 2010

Course material for beginner / improver group reformer class programming suitable for Mat Level I/II instructors- new teaching module

Dates: Sep 10th/11th Fri/Sat  – Times: Fri 2pm-6pm Sat 11am-6pm – Exam: 12th Nov

Cost: Fan Member €375 – Non member €400  (Comprehensive course material & exam included )

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PPR 2 PROGRESSIVE Pilates Method Level 2 Reformer Group Class instructor

October 2010

1 day intensive for Reformer qualified level 1  instructors

Dates: Oct 15th – Times: 9am-5pm

Exam: Jan 22nd 2011 

Cost: Fan Member €295 – Non Fan member €325 Comprehensive course manual & assessment included

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Pilates can be used to great effect in overcoming many of the problems associated with bad posture.

Have you ever considered how your posture affects the way you present yourself on a daily basis or indeed its influence on your physical and mental well-being.?

How you stand, sit or move can affect how you wear clothes. And how heavy, slim, young or old you appear can and do affect how you carry yourself. And all of these things combined can impact greatly your overall physical and mental wellbeing.

‘Good posture is a good habit that contributes to the well being of the individual, conversely bad posture is a bad habit and unfortunately, is of rather high incidence’ Florence Kendall, ‘Muscle Testing and Fitness’, 4^th edition

Posture can be a good or poor habit, which can have positive or negative effects on our sense of wellbeing. Good posture can make you feel good; you stride out with more confidence, looking life in the eye, no apology for existing. Standing tall, you look more graceful, more streamlined in your shape.

Alternatively, Poor posture is not as pleasing aesthetically and can contribute to ailments, the most common being lower back pain.

If you have a problem with posture you should consider how you can change and lessen the degradation poor movement is having on your body. Pilates is a movement technique that helps you work on your posture. Pilates is a therapy with its essence in muscular balance and postural alignment; both essentials for good posture.

With uniformity as a philosophy – combining movement, visualization, imagery and touch – the progressive Pilates system can empower you with greater postural/body awareness and wellbeing.

If you have poor posture, the impact of movement and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) are distributed through your spine.

But with Pilates training, you can develop a strong centre, organize your trunk, and align your extremities. And by this simple but complex action you can distribute the load of movement through a network of appropriate structures dedicated to your own wellbeing.

By participating in Pilates movements that enhance body awareness, everyday movement quality and efficiency, you can redevelop your body to be strong, supple and flexible.

If you have any questions about how Pilates can help your posture, call the studio on 018684600 to book your sessions or email us at training@bodyfirmpilates.com

In short, the answer is yes; in many instances Pilates is very beneficial to those recovering from particular medical treatments, injuries or indeed looking to ease pains associated with common long-term medical conditions.

But always remember, when embarking on any such Pilates programme you must work personally with a highly qualified Pilates instructor who understands your condition, can answer any questions you will have and can monitor your progress.

Before outlining a number of medical conditions or injuries can be improved trough specific Pilates routines, let’s first recap on physical principles associated with Pilates.

Pilates is based on three physical principles

• – ‘Core stabilization’,
• – Neutral pelvis/shoulder girdle and spine
• – Working the body uniformly

As a result Pilates is a recognized form of rehabilitative care.

What medical conditions or injuries can benefit from professional Pilates programmes?

There are many conditions that can benefit from professional Pilates programmes.

Pilates has for instance, been particularly successful in easing pain or aiding recuperation for those who suffer with the following medical conditions:

• – Lower back pain
• – Pelvic pain
• – Pubic Symphysis Disorder
• – Hamstring/Groin Strains
• – Osteoporosis
• – Scoliosis
• – Prenatal care
• – Postnatal care

Considerations for any Pilates recuperation programme

Again, I must stress that the safest recommendation of working with Pilates to rehabilitate any condition is to work personally with a highly qualified Pilates instructor – optimally with dedicated Pilates machines to allow for any added assistance or resistance as required.

Pilates for rehabilitation, should be a personalized dedicated process, where attention to technique and detail is paramount.

Working with the premise of ‘8 loadable joints’ all movement should be:

• Performed from the inside out – with the core set and ready to protect and support the spine prior to movement
• Performed With due attention to joint and postural position with focus and precision
• Functional taking body balance (front /back right/ left) and the effects of the activities of every day (ADL’s) living into account

Long term benefits of Pilates

While you should feel the benefits of a planned Pilates programme very quickly, once your rehabilitation programme is complete and you are confident in your newfound core strength and balanced body, a group class is a great way to maintain your gains and keep discomfort/pain at bay.

If you have a specific question or medical condition and would like to know more about how Pilates may help you, drop me an email to joyce@bodyfirmpilates.com and I will respond to you in strictest confidence.

“A few well-designed set of movements, properly performed in a balanced sequence, are worth hours of doing sloppy calisthenics or forced contortion.” – Joseph Pilates

Click here to find out more about Prenatal Pilates classes at Bodyfirm Pilates

Related Blogs
A short blog about Prenatal and Postnatal Pilates