Moving Well Podcast

In this episode, Janet and Nikki chat with Claudia Moose, founder of Primal Movement Works about how to apply primal movements to post rehab, Pilates and fitness.

They cover:

• The theory behind primal movement and why it's beneficial
• Different styles of and applications for crawling
• How crawling and other primal movements can help us recover from injury and improve gait patterns and performance.
• How to integrate primal movement explorations into a Pilates or fitness setting
• The difference between increasing tolerance to novel movement and physical pain that could lead to injury
• Claudia's  journey in using primal movement to come back from a traumatic ankle injury

About Claudia Moose

Claudia Moose, ATC, CSCS, NASM-PES, PMA-CPT, Movement and Manual Therapist: B.A. Movement and Exercise Science emphasis Sports Medicine (Exercise Science and Athletic Training) Chapman University.  Balance Body Master Instructor (Anatomy & Movement, Pilates, MOTR, Bodhi), Partner of Absolute Center and Founder of Primal Movement Works!.

As an Athletic Trainer, working in the industry since 1985, she shares the dual role of a movement educator and a manual therapist. Her manual therapy studies including myofascial release, PNF, joint mobilization, muscle energy, positional release, active release, and acupressure.  Her movement studies include functional movement training, Olympic lifting, power lifting, suspension training, plyometrics, sports specific training, integrated movement, rehabilitation and post-rehabilitation, corrective exercise, Pilates, yoga and CoreAlign.

To learn more about Primal Movement Works visit absolutecenter.net or primalmovementworks.com. To connect with Claudia, say hello on Facebook or Instagram. 

In this episode, Janet and Nikki chat with Pilates teacher and movement educator Jennifer Gianni about how to work with pre and postnatal women in a Pilates and fitness setting:

They cover:

- Basic recommendations for working with pre and postnatal clients

- How to assess for common issues related to pregnancy, such as pelvic floor dysfunction and diastasis rect

- Stretching considerations and contraindications 

- Strategies and exercises to train the pelvic floor and the abdominals during and after pregnancy

- How women can tell if an exercise is right for their body during or after pregnancy

- Exercise myths related to pregnancy

- What the recovery period might look like after having a baby and how to progress back to regular exercise

About Jennifer Gianni

Jennifer has over 20 years of experience in the mind/body field. She began her formal Pilates training in Los Angeles at Performing Arts Physical Therapy under the direction of Melinda Bryan (certified and ordained by 1st generation Pilates Master Romana Kryzanowska). Jennifer’s training during these years included workshops, testing and continuing education seminars with Romana Kryzanowska as well as other Classical Pilates greats like Siri Darma, Jillian Hessel and Jay Grimes. 

Jennifer was chosen to be one of the first Master Teacher Trainers in the United States by Balanced Body in 2007. Jennifer brings her own style and passion to the Balanced Body program and many students chose Balanced Body in order to work with her.

Jennifer discovered her passion for Pilates for pre & post natal women when she was pregnant with her first child which sparked the creation of her own method in 2001 and has been honing it ever since. She has presented her Fusion Fusion Pilates Pre & Post Natal Teacher Training program around the world since 2003 – from the United States to Japan to Russia and more…

Jennifer is the owner and director of Fusion Pilates DVD’s, which specialize in DVD programs for women’s fitness. Jennifer released her original Pre & Post Pregnancy series in 2001, two DVD’s for the Pilates Professional in 2009, and a Pilates Birth Ball series in 2011.

Jennifer is based in Asheville, NC at her Fusion studio, but travels to present her courses across the country and around the world. She is the owner and director of FusionPilatesEDU.com – a website dedicated to bringing the best online continuing education to Pilates professionals.

Trina Altman about why people get hurt doing yoga and her new online course Yoga Deconstructed™

They cover: 

• Common causes of pain and injury in yoga
• The movements that are missing in yoga that can contribute to muscle imbalances and pain
• Why stretching isn't always the answer
• How people who are both too stiff or too mobile can benefit from adding strength and stability training to their routine
• How breaking down a pose into smaller movements can reduce the risk of injury and increase the longevity in your yoga practice
• Why Trina created Yoga Deconstructed ™ and how the exercises she teaches can be used to balance out a regular yoga practice

Links Mentioned:

Hips Don't Lie Online Course

Yoga Deconstructed®

About Trina Altman, E-RYT 500, PMA®-CPT

Trina leads teacher trainings in Yoga Tune Up®, the Roll Model® Method and Rx Series for Equinox locally and internationally. She is the creator of Yoga Deconstructed™ an innovative interdisciplinary approach that fosters an embodied understanding of Yoga and its relationship to modern movement science.

While at Brown University, Trina took a Kripalu yoga class which ignited her passion for the practice. Emphasizing the importance of inner focus, she teaches anatomy for yoga teacher trainings across the country. She has presented at Kripalu, PURE YOGA® NYC, Cal-a-Vie Spa, SYTAR, the Yoga Alliance Leadership Conference, ECA, UCLA and multiple yoga conferences.

Her teaching fosters body cognition and self-discovery, firmly grounded in anatomical awareness. Trina builds bridges between the mystical and the pragmatic, and specializes in helping others to access their body’s tissues and their heart’s purpose. Trina works out of Los Angeles at Equinox and The Moving Joint. Find her at www.trinaaltman.com or say hello on Facebook or Instagram.

In this episode, Janet and Nikki talk with Rebekah Rotstein, movement + Pilates educator and creator of Buff Bones about applications for Pilates and movement to osteoporosis.

They discuss:

• The process of being diagnosed for osteoporosis and what it means
• How to acknowledge the fear that can come with diagnosis and how to create a safe space to move through it
• The importance of looking at multiple movement systems when creating a holistic movement or fitness practice
• Rebekah's personal experience with osteoporosis and how it inspired her to create buff bones and contribute to research on how to use movement to help osteoporosis
• What the current research is finding in regards to movement and osteoporosis
• Exercise and movement recommendations and contraindications for osteoporosis (e.g. how to add load, beneficial types of exercises, ect)
• Spinal flexion and posture in relationship to osteoporosis
• General tips for bone health and longevity

About Rebekah Rotstein   Rebekah is an industry leader in exercise, Pilates and movement education. She is the creator of the medically-endorsed Buff Bones® system, with trained instructors in more than 25 countries and offered at Hartford Hospital's Bone and Joint Institute.   She has presented throughout the U.S. and internationally, and at conferences including the Pilates Method Alliance, Pilates on Tour, the International Osteoporosis Foundation Worldwide Conference and the Smith College Women's Leadership Conference. Rebekah began her anatomy training in the sports medicine department of Smith College and served as a Senior Expert Instructor at the Kane School in New York City where she was a member of the teacher training faculty. Her ongoing study of the body includes seven annual cadaver dissections, somatic studies, fascia research education and visceral manipulation. Rebekah has been a partner of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and is a visiting instructor at Pilates Anytime.   For more information, visit www.rebekahrotstein.com and www.buff-bones.com

In this episode, Janet and Nikki talk with Benjamin Degenhardt about his perspective and research of the traditional Pilates work and how it fits into the modern movement world.

They cover:

• How we can apply modern science and innovation, while staying true to the traditional work
• What Joe Pilates intention may have been with the work and how to define Pilates in relationship to other forms of movement and fitness
• Why it’s important to remember that Pilates is a system and how to understand when to apply the order and when to deviate from it based on the needs of the body in front of you
• Some of the differences between Joe’s philosophy around teaching and how Pilates is marketed today
• The power in creating a culture for people to feel successful in and curious about their Pilates experience and movement exploration
• A discussion around fear based movement and how Joe Pilates was somewhat fearless
• Why Benjamin created #MarchMatness and how it has evolved in the past few years
• Benjamin's work with 360° Pilates

About Benjamin Degenhardt

Benjamin Degenhardt has been involved in Pilates and movement training for more than 15 years and is the founder of 360° Pilates, an educational resource and program synthesizing the original Pilates method with modern knowledge on movement, health, and fitness training.

Benjamin presents his work at conferences and training facilities around the world and is the mastermind behind the annual March MATness social media campaign. He is currently in the process of finishing and publishing 360° Pilates Mat, a smartphone app for matwork practitioners. To learn more about Benjamin, visit www.benjamindegenhardt.com.

In this episode, Nikki and Janet talk with Pilates teacher Carrie Russo about working with different populations using the authentic Pilates method as a framework.

They cover:

• Carrie’s experience coming back to Pilates after abdominal surgery and how it’s informed her current teaching practice
• Myths about Classical Pilates (e.g. no modifications, always pointed toes, ect)
• Examples of how to work with special populations while still staying in the “Classical Pilates box”
• Similarities of the approaches between Classical and Contemporary Pilates
• Elements of what makes a good instructor

About Carrie Russo

Carrie first began studying Pilates as part of her curriculum as a dance minor.  Years later she decided to pursue teaching Pilates as a career. After a rigorous year and a half long program, she earned her certification from the prestigious Romana’s Pilates in 2005.  While in training, Carrie studied under the direct tutelage of Romana Kryzanowska.  She continues to study with the Master Teachers of Romana’s Pilates to ensure she is always challenging herself and growing, both as a practitioner and a teacher. Carrie’s unique style of teaching combines her expert knowledge of the craft and genuine enthusiasm for helping people transform their bodies.  Her clients will tell you that although she can be tough, there is guaranteed laughter to be had in every session.  She takes to heart what Romana always said, “If you’re not having fun, then what’s the point?”

Carrie is a sought after instructor and teaches workshops for both teachers and Pilates enthusiasts.  She takes great joy in sharing her knowledge and passion for Pilates. To learn more about Carrie, visit her website or say hello on Instagram. 

In this episode, Janet and Nikki chat with health coach Courtney Townley about how to set meaningful goals.

They cover:

• Why knowing your why is important for setting a goal that you'll actually follow through on
• Strategies to identify your why
• Why most women struggle to reach their health and fitness goals
• How to combat overwhelm
• Why consistency gets you better results than drastic action
• The role of self compassion in reaching your gals and achieving better health
• Why self awareness and tracking can make the difference in creating progress
• How to find the balance between grace and grit

About Courtney Townley:

Courtney began working in the fitness industry over two decades ago when she transitioned from the professional dance world. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a BFA and is fully certified as a STOTT PILATES® instructor, National Strength and Conditioning personal trainer (NSCA-CPT), ACE Health Coach, Precision Nutrition Level 2 Coach. She is also a very proud student of the Ido Portal Method.

Courtney has owned 2 fitness facilities and was so blown away by the results that clients got from her health coaching services, she decided to commit fully to developing that aspect of her business. She’s driven to learn everything she can about her field to help her clients get the results they desire and to be sure they have fun along the way.

Courtney is passionate about a multi-dimensional approach to health and fitness, and integrates the practices of clean eating, functional movement and stress management. She loves to move and share her love of movement with others while also introducing them to optimal health through healthy living practices.

To connect with Courtney, visit her website graceandgrit.com.

In this episode, Janet and Nikki talk with Joe Hook, CSCS and Director of Human Performance, about the science of stress and how stress can affect your workouts.

They cover:

• A brief overview of how our bodies regulate stress
• The relationship between breathing and stress
• The differences between chronic stress and acute stress
• How lifestyle factors like sleep, nutrition and recovery can reduce or increase stress
• The effects of stress when you don't get enough recovery
• How your body responds to different kids of workouts and how that relates to stress

 

Links Mentioned:

Ep 21: Joe Hook | Best strength training practices (part 1)

Ep 22: Joe Hook | Barefoot training, footwear and recovery (part 2)

About Joe Hook, CSCS, USAW

Joe is the Director of Human Performance for Real Human Performance (Cincinnati, Ohio). His background is in sports performance training, and he works with clients ranging from professional athletes to the average person. His training philosophy is rooted in improving movement patterns and stress resiliency.

For more information, visit his website at realhumanperformance.com or connect with him on Facebook or Instagram.

In this episode, which originally aired October 13, 2016, Nikki chats with Kyria Sabin Waugaman, director of Fletcher Pilates.

They discuss the history of Fletcher Pilates, Ron Fletcher's philosophy of movement and how the Fletcher Towelwork® can be used in post rehab and performance settings.

Who was Ron Fletcher?

Ron Fletcher studied directly under Joe and Clara Pilates and is responsible for introducing and popularizing the Pilates Method in the West Coast.

He is known for having evolved the Pilates Method while maintaining the intention of the work. With Clara Pilates permission, Ron brought the work to standing and added elements of barre to enhance the function of the exercises. He also developed the Fletcher Towelwork® to improve integrity strength and balance in the upper body.

Using the Towelwork® to improve performance

The Towelwork® progresses movement from basic to complicated patterns. It starts with stabilization exercises to teach clients how to move from their backs and from a place of symmetry.

Depending on the activity, the application of the Towelwork® will vary, but it gives everyone a sense of strength, flexibility, ease of movement and taking the Pilates principles all the way up through the body.

For many people who play a one sided sport like tennis or baseball, there's an instability or imbalance in the body that can be corrected with the Towelwork®. Additionally, it can teach dancers how to perform upper body movement from a place of strength and ease.

Fletcher Towelwork® for breast cancer

One of the applications of the work is opening the front of the body. In the case of chest wall surgeries like mastectomies, lumpectomies and open heart surgery, there's a tendency to close down in the chest particularly when there is scar tissue or pain involved.

This causes changes in upper body posture and compromises the stability of the shoulder girdle. The Towelwork® helps expand the chest wall, improve shoulder stability and correct upper body posture.

Ron Fletcher's teaching philosophy

Ron approached every body from an idea of movement potential - not limitations.

He was all about helping people embody their bodies and he often talked about how we have this give or take, 70 trillion cells that we get to move through life with. He believed that we should treat each person, no matter where they are in their lives as a whole being, not just as someone who is recovering from something.

Links Mentioned

Fletcher Pilates Website: http://www.fletcherpilates.com

Fletcher Pilates in Seattle with Teresa Chikoore: http://www.pilatesintolife.com/

In this episode, Nikki and Janet talk with David Nolan, founder of human performance advancement, about what it means to have an evidence based training program and how to interpret a research study.

They cover:

• Why you shouldn't take sound bite references to research at face value
• Why it's important to look at the methods behind the research when interpreting the results
• The limitations of research both within the lab and when applying it to real life
• Common mistakes made when reading a study
• What sources you should look to for accurate information
• The impacts of placebo effect and confirmation bias

About David Nolan

David is the founder and director of Human Performance Advancement, a team of highly motivated coaches with sports science backgrounds who have experience in both the practical applications of strength and conditioning and research of sports science. He is also the host of the Human Performance Advancement Podcast.   David graduated with 1st class honours degree in sport and exercise sciences from the University of Limerick and is currently working on carrying out a research project in University College Dublin examining the effects of different foods on hunger & satiety hormones.   He takes an evidence based approach to education of health and fitness and works with a variety of athletes, general populations & sports teams. To learn more about David, visit his website www.hpascience.com or connect with him on Facebook or Instagram.