Established in Ireland in 1998 the PP Academy is dedicated to the Pilates Movement System and it evolution .

There are two paths to entering into or becoming a Pilates System Mat Work Instructor.

• PROGRESSIVE Pilates Academy Level 1 – 2 and 3 Certificates in Mat Work Pilates
• CYQ Level 3 Diploma in Mat Work Pilates

• If you are currently employed or qualified in Fitness / Personal Training, Yoga, Dance and hold a valid anatomy and physiology certificate  and wish to become a Pilates Professional the Certificate course would suit you.

• If you are an active  participant in Pilates and or someone wishing to change or augment their career and wishes to become a Pilates Professional – the Level 3  CYQ Diploma would suit you.

For further details on each course including dates, fees and prerequisites please scroll down.

Advanced Mat Work Professional Qualification

Already a qualified Level 2 Instructor -

Take your Mat Qualification to Level 3 Comprehensive Mat Work instructor.

This is a 1 day course taken one on one with your tutor to ensure the maximum attention to detail

scroll to bottom for further details

The PROGRESSIVE Pilates Mat Work Instructor Level I/II Cert.

DESCRIPTION:
This 4 Day course is an ideal entry level for any Fitness/Yoga/ Movement Instructor that would like to teach / add Pilates to their class list. This course is approved by the Complementary Therapists Association (UK) they offer membership & insurance.
*THIS PILATES COURSE OFFERS the new FASCIAL FITNESS MODULE

Prerequisites include:

• 30 hours of Pilates participation (signed by qualified instructor) Movement teaching Certificate
• Anatomy and Physiology qualification

This Level I/II course will qualify the Learner to teach Group Classes from Beginner to Intermediate Level – utilizing a wide range of small Pilates props

• This is the only Pilates Academy offering the Fascial Fitness Module

To attain the Level I/II Certificate in Teaching Mat Pilates the learner must achieve a pass in the following assessments

• Written Theory Paper
• Teaching Practical
• Personal practical (demonstration of the Intermediate movements)

COURSE FEE: €695.00 –

(€95.00 – discount if fee paid in full 30 days prior to commencement
Fees include:

• Comprehensive Manual and DVD
• Fascial Fitness module
• Fit circle and Gurdi ball module
• Tutor / Mentor on-line support
• Assessment

Dates:

• NEXT COURSE
• JUNE 15th & 16th / JULY 6th & 7th – ASSESSMENT Aug 24th

NOTE: This course is run over 2 x 2 day weekends – Days are Saturday and Sunday – full attendance is required

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CYQ DIPLOMA IN TEACHING MAT PILATES

• Worksheets.
• Theory papers
• Case study
• Preparation and teaching practical
• on going movement assessment.

Next 2013 Dates :

September 14th and 15th – 28th and 29th

October       11th and 12th

November  2nd and 3rd – 23rd and 24th

2014 January 18th

January 19th Assessments

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ADVANCED MAT PILATES LEVEL 3

• Advanced movements
• Up-skill to Progressions of all Intermediate Movements
• Re-cap on core connections / control for each movement

I was approached by a friend to write a short letter about my experience within fitness, both from the perspective of being an athlete and a professional coach – a letter that may possibly inspire someone – just one person to fitness …
Having pondered this request and with 30 years fitness coaching experience, severe back issues and neck surgery I would like to write this piece from this perspective – fit for what ? –
If you cannot MOVE – you will not be fit
I work with people daily – some unfit in the conventional way – some in extreme pain from injury or dysfunction – some in pain due to poor posture or poor repetitive movements – all of these wonderful people tell me they want to be FIT….
When I speak with them Fit then becomes able to move without feeling stiff, without pain, moving with comfort and ease – so they can go on to do other things – like getting fit
We are all becoming more sedentary, this is leading us to being overweight, this is bringing on stiffness in our joints and mostly in our spines – so then when we want to walk, jog, play soccer with the kids – our bodies feel too stiff – unable to respond to what we feel are simple demands
If you are reading this – firstly thank you, and secondly congratulations as you are already half way there – you have decided that you want to, must do, have to do something to change how you are feeling/living
I want to encourage you not to be daunted by the word ‘FITNESS’ – fitness suggests hours of training – and let me tell you even as a professional that even seems daunting for me – especially the older I am becoming
Let me substitute ‘FITNESS’ for ‘MOVEMENT’ – now how do you feel? Don’t seem so bad does it?
Quick question have you seen a cat waking recently? The first thing they do is stretch every inch, every paw – even down their tails – they wake and they instantly create movement in their bodies, this gives them the suppleness to continue to hunt, pounce, jump, roll – generally enjoy life. When was the last time you pounced or rolled!!!?
But seriously the way we live our lives , sit, stand, walk, sleep – these positions repeated with poor movement patterns daily leads us to stiff hips, spines, aching shoulders – this in turn makes us feel tired, listless and not the slightest bit inclined to exercise or take up fitness… a vicious circle I say.
So what if I said start MOVING and start slowly – try ten minutes at first – then build up slowly to 30 minutes.
Think like the cat – at the start of your day move, roll out the ankles, the hips, circle those wonderful arms of yours, sway your body from side to side, turn and twist your torso
Remind your body how wonderful it is to move in all various directions – loosen up – think of this as your personal dance routine – it doesn’t matter how it looks – just start slowly and rythmetically – keep your movements smooth and breath … let the air and the body flow freely.
After a few mornings of this you will start to feel more fluid – when you wake you will feel less stiff and now that walk (that you know you must do as its for your good) for 20 plus minutes does not seem as daunting, because you are feeling so much better within your self.
The nature of our lives today is contributing to our lack of wellness, increasing our weight and is increasing our lack of mobility.
If you start by simply being a ‘copy cat’ and start by mobilizing at the start of your day – getting the joints limber and the blood flowing, your daily activities will seem easier, you will be buoyed by the energy you feel and taking up something more active like walking, a dance class, a Pilates or Yoga class will seem less daunting
Personally I do this myself every day – if I don’t, the sins of a sporting past will visit me very quickly. I become stiff with niggles and aches, once this happens I, like everyone else feel daunted by the prospect of attempting anything more strenuous.
Remember it is the cumulative effect of your efforts that will reap the rewards – A daily ten minutes – is much better that spurts of one hour here or there
Start Moving – Move for your health and the move towards your fitness – start today you have all the tools you need – you have you and you are worth the effort

Namaste
Joyce

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 new-found 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

is proud to offer  a wealth of continuing education to Pilates / Therapists / Mind Body movement professionals from all lineages.

WORKSHOPS FROM APRIL TO OCT 2013

To make a reservation or seek further information please call

The PROGRESSIVE Pilates Academy @ 01 8684600

or email training@bodyfirmpilates.com

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April Sat 13th

Master Class 1 hour –           Rolling for Balance and Space

Workshop 1.1/2 hours        Reform your Mat

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May Sat 18th

Master Class  1h                     Yin Yoga ‘be still & create space’

Fascial Fitness 1 day           Part 1 – Fascial Lines & Effects

Part 2 – Fascial Fitness Movements

May Sun 19th

Pink Pilates -                             Exercise Specialist course

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June Sat 22nd

Master Class 1 hour             BYOB bring your own body

Workshop 1.1/2 hours        Mobility & Movement for 50′s plus

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July Sat 20th

Master Class 1 hour             Power Plus Pilates

Workshop 2 hours

Toe to head – Fitness of the ankle equals fitness of the spine

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October Sat 19th Pilates Pre-Natal Workshop / Specialist course

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April Sat 13th

Master Class 1 hour – Rolling for Balance and Space €25.00 – 11am

Striving for balance and space on our body – this power master class lead by J Gavin Master Coach will open our hips and lower back to provide a more open & solid foundation from which movement can flow

Workshop 1 hour    Reform your Mat €40.00 – 12.15 to 1.15pm

A complete and power workout that provides an alternate to your classical Mat work sequence. This  workout requires no reformer but demonstrates the complete inter-connectness of the Pilates System – combining  movements offering a dynamic Advanced Mat workout

Combine the two for only €55.00 (paid in full 30 days in advance)

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May Sat 18th

Master Class   1 hour    Yin Yoga be still & create space €25.00 – 11am

Stretch the inner you – working on the deepest of the Fascial layers – bring your body back to postural balance with this beautiful Still Technique this physically and mentally powerful master class lead by J Gavin Master Coach & Spaitial Medicine Practitioner – will help to create structural alignment

Fascial Fitness 12 – 6pm €100.00

Part 1 – Fascial Lines & Effects  12 to 2.30pm

Learn about Fascial Layers and lines, the effects they have on how we should train for optimum postural and structural well being -

Part 2  Fascial Fitness Movements 3.15pm to 6pm
Working on the old adage ‘use it or lose it’ – utilizing GRF (ground reaction forces) learn 3 strategies to improve Fascial fitness, structural well-being and sporting performance

Strategy 1 Rolling – the Magnificent 8

Strategy 2 AIS – active isolated stretching

Strategy 3 Fascial Bridges GRF

Combine the two for only €110.00 (paid in full 30 days in advance)

PINK PILATES – MAY 19th 9.30am to 5.30pm

Exercise Specialist for Post-Operative Breast Cancer

Date(s) commencing: 19-May-2013 @930 until 530,

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June Sat 22nd

Master Class 1 hour        BYOB bring your own body €25.00 – 11am

‘Bring your own Body‘ a no props no nonsense good old fashioned full body – body weight only workout – movements from various movements systems including but not limited to Pilates, Yoga, primal / animal movement.

Workshop 2 hours  Mobility & Movement for 50′s plus €50.00

12.15pm to 2.15pm

An introduction workshop to ‘Silver Pilates’ this is an under-served population, Breathing and postures that address flexibility balance, strength  and joint mobility
Combine the two for only €65.00 (paid in full 30 days in advance)

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July Sat 20th

Master Class 1 hour        Hot Power Plus Pilates €25.00 – 11am
Fast and furious Advanced Mat class postures in a sequence that will not only get your blood flowing but the sweat pumping … not for the faint hearted

Workshop 2 hours            Toe to  head €50.00 11.15pm to 1.15pm

Fitness of the ankle equals structural fitness of the body

the foot and ankle are the foundations for the entire body they act as shock absorbers on surface contact and they also adapt to terrain.  Lets introduce ourselves to the structures of  the foot and ankle  and how the alignment of these parts affects the alignment of other body parts
Combine the two for only €65.00 (paid in full 30 days in advance)

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October 19th

Workshop 3 hours Pre-post Natal Pilates

Specialist Course Fee €75.00 (further payment)
All handouts -
Specialist Course fee includes Case Study assessment and tutor mentor 

Note: Specialist Qualification – the candidate must develop and submit for internal assessment a client profile and 12week progressive program – and internally assessed Class/Session 12week Plan

Date(s) commencing: 19-Oct-2013 to 19-Oct-2013,

To make a reservation or seek further information please call

The PROGRESSIVE Pilates Academy @ BODYFIRM Studios

01 868 4600

or email training@bodyfirmpilates.com

Body firm Pilates Wishing you all a very Happy and Successful 2013

As ever we are pleased to bring a wealth of workshops for 2013. We will be looking at the importance of the Fasical System within movement and how it effects our clients and more importantly how to assist them with postural restricitions that may be inhibiting their ability to perform their Pilates movements effectively.

For Up-skill we will be covering a wide variety of topics to include (but not exclusive too)

Pilates for runners

Pain Free Pilates for Spine Care

Pink Pilates – Irelands only specalist qualification for Pilates Instructors for the care of the client recovering from Breast Cancer (in its 5th year)

Pre – Post Natal Ireland only specalist qualification for Pilates Instrucors for the care of the pre – post natal client

Introduction to Fascial Meridians

Rolling for release

Safe Abs – looking at the very latest research on this muscle group

Functional Movement Patterns primal and animal movements – bring us back to basics to help in more functional movements

Chi Walking – ease of movement

Pilates props

Pilates and medicine balls

Pilates and kettlebells

Pilates and the rip60 – a great tool if the reformer is not the way you wish to go

We are kicking off on Sat 23rd Feb check out the web or this link http://www.bodyfirmpilates.com/blog/workshops-feb-2013/

For reservations please call the studio at 01 8684600

In 2013 we are offering Private Coaching Courses to advance your Pilates – Level 3 Mat – Level 1/2 and 3 Reformer – are all available on a 121 tutor / student ratio
this format proved very popular and successful from October 2012 with several new Reformer Graduates out working successfully in the market place

So time / date restrictions do not apply – Advance your credentials NOW – pick the day / date of your choice – pick up the phone and book today

full details on www.bodyfirmpilates.com  <http://www.bodyfirmpilates.com/>  - instructor training

Wishing you all the very best and hope to see you soon

Namaste Joyce

Programming Director PROGRESSIVE Pilates Academy
01 868 4600
training@bodyfirmpilates.com

FEBRUARY 2013

Saturday 23rd February

PILATES FOR RUNNERS  - €40.00 1-1/2 hour

Running has long been a favorite fitness activity for millions of people – it’s accessible, fun and social plus in this econimic retraction it has become an affordable method of fitness.

However as more catch the running bug, more and more succumb to the common overuse injuries – running is high impact, repetitive  and occurs mostly in a sagittal plane- many runners fall prey to injury, imbalance, lack of flexibility and core stability

• Join us and learn a sample class that draws from the influences of Pilates, Primal Movement, Yoga and Shape Shifting
• Feel free to replicate the class exactly, or use it to inspire, stimulate your creative process to fuse something of your own
• Entitled ‘Mind Full Movement – this fusion class draws from the influences of Pilates, Primal movement and Fascial Stretching
• Learn a seamless sequence that will both invigorate and challenge you and your clients. Following the experience we as a group will discuss the technical aspects of each movement to gain understanding in progressions and regressions to suit client ability and capability.

INTRODUCTION TO MERIDANS –  €40 1-1/2  hour introduction

This is an one hour introduction to Myofascial Meridians – a 3D map of the body via the connective tissue. *Learn about Myofascial Meridian Lines – As professional body workers it is essential we have an understanding of this system and its effects on movement – posture and exercise

• Learn about the people/ history behind the development in this science
• Learn about the effects on posture

Following our introduction  experience we as a group will discuss the technical aspects of each the ‘Magic 8 ‘ movements to gain understanding in major fascial trigger point locations – stratagies for release and stretching to suit client ability and capability.

OPEN YOUR CLIENT –  Rolling for Fascial Release -€30  1 hour workshop

Take the ‘Magic 8′  and some  balls and open your client up – this is fantastic for assisting with clients who have restricted movement due to postural  deviations.

Toe to Head strategies using the GRID Roller and tennis balls to release fascial tensions and trigger points in areas such as

* IT Band * Piriformis *Lower Back *Hip Flexors *Thoracic Spine

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

Combination discount

€90 – for all three – individual prices as above
Fees include:
Handout
Certificate of attendance

Times:

PILATES FOR RUNNERS  - 1pm to 2.30pm

INTRO TO MERIDIANS –  2.45pm to 3.45pm

ROLLING FOR RELEASE  -  4.00pm to 5.00pm

with that in mind we have created a Private Tuition format for both the Advanced Mat Level 3 Certificate and the Level 2 and Level 3 Certificate in Reformer.

You pick the day / time that suits you and you learn privately – that’s right a tutor all to your self.

check out the format on www.bodyfirmpilates .com

or call 018684600 right now to arrange the day and time that suits you to move to that next level ..

Workshops November 3rd

NOVEMBER 3rd

Yin – Yang Pilates – 1h Master Class €25.00 (no handout)

Do Something positive for your body- the soft Yin Yoga and the more dynamic strength Yang of Pilates as class born out of a demand for an energetic, stamina building, flowing core experience, which will stretch, open and release joints, strengthen and restore postural alignment. Increases flexibility and produce a state of calm and relaxation.  Designed for instructors / students who want to physically challenge their core!

Pilates CROSS OVER TRAINING  €40.00 – 1H

Take 2 props (Pole/Kettlebell/Gurdi Ball) and 20 plus exercises and build a  2 X 3omin -  cross over fitness routines to put  into your current Pilates class. This workshop will leave you with unlimited ideas as well as dynamic and fresh content to use with your clients.

A PROGRESSIVE Integrated System for Sports Conditioning

2.5 hours €50.00

The PROGRESSIVE integrated 4 staged approach is to improve your Athlete / Weekend Warrior – alignment and structural balance  in all loadable joints, decrease repetitive strain / overuse injuries and improve performance

Combination discount

€95 – for all three – individual prices as above
Fees include:
Handout
Certificate of attendance

Times:

YIN/YANG  – 11am to 12 noon

CROSS OVER FITNESS  -  12.30pm to 1.30

PILATES SPORTS CONDITIONING  -  2.15pm to 3.45pm

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Workshops October 6th and 7th

OCTOBER 6th

SAFE ABDOMINAL’s – €35.00 – 1 and half hours

The knowledge that surrounds Pilates and exercise thankfully continues to evolve – in this session we will evaluate the most up to date information and recommendations for the safe exercising of the Core.

REFORM YOUR MAT €35.00 – 1 and half hours

Utilizing reformer intermediate and advanced movements learn how to sequence new choreography and integrate it into the traditional Pilates Mat repertoire. Practice the exercises and link them together with smooth transitions to create flawless routines off the Reformer and on the Mat

Suitable for Mat Level II / Reformer Level I instructors

AIS STRETCHING (active isolated stretching) €45.00 – 2hours

The Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) method of muscle lengthening and fascial release is a type of Athletic Stretching Technique that provides effective, dynamic, facilitated stretching of major muscle groups, but more importantly, AIS provides functional and physiological restoration of superficial and deep fascial planes. (developed by Arron Mattes USA)

Learn the system and stretching protocols for major muscle groups

Combination discount

€100 – for all three – individual prices as above
Fees include:
Handout
Certificate of attendance

Times:

SAFE ABS – 11am to 12 noon

REFORMER YOUR MAT -  12.30pm to 1.30

AIS STRETCHING -  2.15pm to 4.15pm

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OCTOBER 7th

PINK PILATES - PROGRESSIVE Pilates restorative exercise for post operative Breast Cancers Survivors -(Ireland’s first and only Pilates Course for exercise and breast cancer – in its 3rd Year )

Suitable for Mat Level 2 or 3 instructors / Reformer Level 1 plus instructors.

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 advance Pilates program is sensitively designed to assist the client 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.

This course will also address muscular imbalances due to specific surgeries.

This 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
• quality of life

Dates and times

• Sunday October 7th
• 9.30am to 6pm
• Workshop only €120
• Exercise Specialist Certificate €75.00

Case study and progressive 12 week program required for assessment