Time: 6 Hours

Description: This workshop will employ a movement analysis schema to numerous classical Pilates exercises on the Reformer, Chair and Mat. This schema is designed to delineate the primary muscle groups utilized to execute a given movement, as well as key muscles used to stabilize the body and promote optimal technique. The role of gravity, positioning and spring settings will also be addressed. This movement assessment will then be used as a basis to address the risk, effectiveness, modification, cueing and progression of selected Pilates repertoire.

Time: 6 Hours

Description: This workshop will include a discussion of key alignment problems such as kyphosis, rolled shoulders, in-facing knees, hyperextended knees and excessive foot pronation in terms of their commonly associated strength imbalances, flexibility imbalances, and related postural patterns. Presentation of classical and novel Pilates-based exercises designed to improve these alignment problems, with a particular emphasis on developing kinesthetic awareness and desired muscle activation patterns that can be transferred from isolation exercises to functional movement. 

Time: 6 Hours

Description: Research has advanced our understanding of core stability and how to optimize its training. This workshop will provide exercises designed to effectively develop core strength through higher intensity overload, as well as exercises with large exercise balls and rotator discs on the reformer to develop proprioceptive aspects of multi-planar core stability.

Time: 24 Hours

Description: This four-day certificate course presents repertoire that addresses key demands of dance and common imbalances, so that dance performance can be enhanced and injury risk reduced. Participants will learn repertoire on the mat and Pilates apparatus designed to improve upper back extension and core stability, turnout, extensions of the legs, arabesques, floorwork, knee hyperextension, point of the foot (plantar flexion), ankle-foot stability, jumps, carriage of the arms, and body support with the arms. In addition to learning individual exercises, participants will participate in a sample mat class with elastic bands, as well as a sample reformer class. A course manual that is over 100 pages in length is included that covers repertoire and lists the exercises in these sample classes. Participants will receive a certificate of completion.

Time: 6 Hours

Description: Participants will learn novel strength exercises on the reformer to foster optimal execution of selected essential dance vocabulary, as well as potentially reduce the risk for injury. Although this repertoire is designed to improve turnout, extensions, arabesques, knee hyperextension, and ankle-foot stability for the dancer, it can also help the nondancer develop the lower body range, grace and tone, as well as the core connectivity for which dancers are known. So, whether working with dancers, or wanting to add more variety to your studio offerings, these exercises can provide benefits that will keep your clients coming back for more.

Time: 6 Hours

Description: This workshop will discuss the anatomy of the hip joint as related to turnout and dance technique. Participants will learn novel and classic Pilates strength, flexibility, and technique exercises designed to improve turnout, front extensions, side extensions, and the arabesque. Effective cueing and progressions will be provided to help optimize dance, as well as provide variety and challenge for selected non-dance clients.

Time: 6 Hours

Description: Many clients miss potential flexibility benefits of Pilates by failing to adequately stabilize body segments or by allowing undesired compensations to occur when end ranges of motion are approached. This workshop will provide easy assessment tools, cues, and stretches on the Reformer than can be added to a movement session without breaking the flow. The focus will be on providing exercises for the spine, hip, and shoulder that incorporate static, PNF, dynamic and functional approaches in a progressive manner. These exercise progressions will both improve flexibility and help prepare clients for classical repertoire that demands large ranges of motion.

Time: 3 hours

Description:

The foot plays a fundamental role in shock absorption, propulsion, and balance during upright movements such as walking and running. These demands make the foot a common site for injury and disrupted mechanics. This workshop will provide a brief review of fundamental anatomy of the ankle-foot complex. Participants will then learn exercises on the Pilates reformer designed to challenge key muscles of the foot often missed in Pilates workouts. Cues and technique exercises will also be included that are designed to promote optimal foot mechanics that can be utilized in classical Pilates repertoire and functional movement.

Time: 3 hours

Description: Earlier Pilates approaches often emphasized hollowing to activate deep abdominal muscles and provide lumbopelvic stability. More recent approaches encourage co-activation of the deep back extensors with the abdominals to maintain neutral lumbopelvic positioning through various bracing strategies. This workshop will provide scientific rationale for the utilization of both of these approaches. Participants will then learn Pilates-based repertoire, as well as cueing for classical exercises designed to optimize the benefits of bracing and hollowing that will help prepare clients for creating core stability in a variety of functional movements outside of the Pilates studio.

Time: 3 Hours

Description: Kyphosis and loss of bone density are two common problems that accompany aging and can have dire health consequences. Pilates offers a promising modality to work with these conditions. This workshop will provide useful anatomical and physiological information about kyphosis and osteoporosis, as well as offer Pilates-based exercises designed to help with these conditions. Common recommendations for exercise modification or contraindication for osteoporosis will also be described.

Time: 12 Hours

Description: This workshop is for the experienced instructor and is designed to take a deeper look at the biomechanics of the hip and knee, as well as their relationship in everyday movements.  In the past, the greatest emphasis has been placed on analysis and conditioning of flexion and extension in the sagittal plane. However, more recent research and this workshop will focus on the importance of evaluating stresses and developing strength and control in frontal plane, horizontal plane, and multi-planar movements that are commonly involved in both injury mechanisms and skilled functional movement. Participants will learn evaluation tools for the strength and flexibility of key muscle groups of the hip and knee, as well as some commonly used lower extremity functional tests. Classic and novel Pilates-based exercises will be presented and practiced on the reformer, chair and cadillac that are designed to develop strength, dynamic flexibility and proprioception for the hip and knee in accordance with test results, and building from simple to more complex movement patterns. Lastly, selected injuries of the hip and knee will be discussed in terms of their associated vulnerability, and common exercise selection and modification recommendations that can be used to protect the joints while conditioning them within the Pilates environment.   

Time: 6 Hours

Description:

This workshop will include a discussion of the importance of the sacroiliac joint and its common dysfunction and associated pain. Participants will learn Pilates-based exercises than can be used to help restore stability to this vital joint, as well as cueing and position modifications for selected classical repertoire aimed at preventing aggravation of chronic conditions in this area.

Time: 6 Hours

Description: This workshop will employ a movement analysis schema to numerous classical Pilates exercises on the Reformer, Chair and Mat. This schema is designed to delineate the primary muscle groups utilized to execute a given movement, as well as key muscles used to stabilize the body and promote optimal technique. The role of gravity, positioning and spring settings will also be addressed. This movement assessment will then be used as a basis to address the risk, effectiveness, modification, cueing and progression of selected Pilates repertoire.

Time: 3 Hours

Description: This workshop will focus on understanding the common low back conditions of disc injury, flat back, and osteoporosis, as well as why spinal flexion can exacerbate these conditions. Participants will learn novel Pilates-based exercises and modifications for classical Pilates exercises designed to build necessary core strength to promote a healthy back that emphasize the use of extension and neutral positions, while avoiding excessive flexion.

Time: 3 Hours

Description: Low back pain is prevalent and the same Pilates exercise can aid or aggravate different clients. This workshop will focus on understanding the common low back conditions of lumbosacral strain, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis, as well as why spinal flexion can aid and spinal extensions aggravate them. Participants will learn novel Pilates-based exercises and modifications for classical Pilates exercises designed to build necessary three dimensional core strength that emphasize flexion and neutral positions, while avoiding excessive spinal hyperextension.

Time: 3 Hours

Description: Various research studies recommend that five exercises be included in training programs to promote optimal movement of the shoulder complex and help avoid shoulder problems. This workshop will translate these recommendations into Pilates-based exercises with anatomically-based cues that can be readily added to arm series or mat classes with bands.

Time: 6 Hours

Description: This workshop will present basic anatomy of scoliosis, as well as exercises with bands and the Pilates apparatus that utilize counter rotation, lateral flexion, and distraction to lessen asymmetries and discomfort often associated with scoliosis. Cues for selected classical Pilates exercises will also be provided to help maximize benefits for your clients with asymmetries from scoliosis or other sources.

Time: 6 Hours

Description: The hip and knee are highly interrelated in terms of alignment and mechanics. Learn to detect and help correct common technique errors involving the hip and knee in standing and on the reformer. Practice reformer exercises designed to optimize function of the hip and knee, including exercises that challenge balance and develop valuable motor control links between these joints.

Time: 6 Hours

Description: Many Pilates programs focus on the large muscles of the shoulder with inadequate emphasis on the small muscles of the scapula and the rotator cuff that are key for detailed technique and injury prevention. This workshop will increase your understanding of and ability to recognize coordinated and disrupted movement between the scapula and upper arm (scapulohumeral rhythm). These concepts will then be applied to classical and novel Pilates exercises that are vital for promoting a healthy scapulohumeral rhythm, as well as working with clients with shoulder impingement and rotator cuff problems.

Time: 3 Hours

Description: Extended sitting at computer work stations can lead to forward head, rounded and elevated shoulders, and slumped upper back postures. This workshop will provide recommendations for workstation adjustments, exercise microbreaks using bands and your desk chair, as well as exercises utilizing Pilates apparatus that can improve posture and help counter stresses associated with extended computer work.