The Workshops

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PREPARE THE BODY FOR PILATES MAT - ALAN HERDMAN

This workshop will look at the ways Alan uses to prepare the “body” for the Pilates technique.
The emphasis will be on working towards correct posture and muscle balance. Teaching the client to recognise, and recruit the muscle groups that are so important to a correct fluid posture and the pilates method.


PILATES PROGRESSIVE CHAIR WORKSHOP - MICHAEL KING

The progressive chair workshop will explore the unique qualities, purposes and functions of the "original" Pilates chair and also the equipment and mat exercises that are associated with this great piece of Pilates equipment. Originally designed by Joseph Pilates for home use, today it is a standard piece of equipment found in most studios. It offers unique movements that are only preformed on the chair but also can allow modification and variations for clients with who need adaptive programming

Michael King will share his knowledge of Pilates as passed down to him over 40 years of study with many of the original elders and also many contemporary influencers, to show how to apply the latest information we have about the body to the work we do with the method.

The workshop is designed for instructor teachers who are new to the chair and also for those who use the chair but are looking for a new perspectives on the traditional repertoire.

REFORMER STRETCH - MICHAEL KING

In this session Michael, will go through a series of pre-Pilates stretching using the reformer to prepare the body for the workout. Also. using the movements from a traditional repertoire, Michael will bring his creative flair to show some variations that will allow you to motivate and design mobility stretch programmes for your clients who need this as a focus on within their session programming

YOUR PILATES BUSINESS - BEN BROWN AND JOAKIM VALSINGER - (LECTURE)

We all love teaching Pilates and the opportunities it brings. But it can be hard to make a living or find a way forward as a viable business.

The very real issues of being able to sustain your passion in practical terms of balancing home life and keeping afloat financially can seem like a difficult juggling act. After last year’s Pilates Gathering, we asked for ideas for future sessions. Business advice was a prominent topic that was requested.

The most logical solution was to approach two of Scotland’s most experienced and successful Pilates business people to share their journey, experience, ideas and anything other advice they have, to help you run a successful business at any level that allows you to flourish.

Ben and Joakim have pioneered and succeeded, running Matwork classes, seminars, and studios. They have lugged mats and other equipment into church halls and other open spaces; dealt with a full spectrum of clients; used a variety of online booking systems; failed; succeeded and now have something that suits them and which their clients love.

Most importantly, they will share some vital nuggets of life advice with you, and our Question and Answer session will allow you to ask specifics that can help you be as successful.

This is guaranteed to be a fascinating interactive session.


MAT - GET ON IT! - JOAKIM VALSINGER 

The Pilates Mat Class is often the first exposure people get to our wonderful Method.  Your skill as a Pilates Teacher is to make that class suit your clients whatever backstory they bring to the Mat. 

This class is designed to let you – the experienced Pilates Teacher – get on the Mat and get moving.  We all love to look at the finer details, and sometimes we just want to express the joy of life through movement.  The Mat is the perfect place to do exactly that - Just Get On It!

THE VERSATILE CHAIR FOR ALL - ALAN HERDMAN 

This piece of equipment is very important for the client in the studio environment. The repertoire covers flexion, extension, rotation, strength and importantly balance. From simple exercises for the more mature and less able client to challenging routines for the able and experienced client. The workshop will look at different ways to approach the wide variety client we see on a daily basis

CHAIRS ARE FOR SITTING ON, RIGHT? WRONG! - JOAKIM VALSINGER

The Pilates Chair is a space saving work of genius!  The possibilities are endless from support and assistance in the Rehab setting, to seriously advanced challenges for the fit and able client.  

The Pilates Chair allows you to explore muscular imbalances and create an effective and fun workout to help achieve balanced results.

Joakim loves the Pilates Chair and wants to share his passion for this intense package of power.  It is the first place he takes fit and strong clients who think that Pilates is all easy to achieve clouds and flowers - and they soon learn the truth!  In this session you will get a chance to feel the burn the way Joseph Pilates wanted every person in a small New York apartment to train! You will never look at a Chair in quite the same way again.

THE FEARLESS SPINE (THEORY) - THE LECTURE - CAMERON ANGUS - (LECTURE)

We now know that the major obstacles in getting the majority of clients who have had a back pain episode well again, are less to do with the biomechanics and named structures, but more to do with them as humans and the mindbody dysfunction that has occurred. The cognitive effect of the words, both our clients and ourselves use, plus the outdated models of injury and care that are promoted, create “fearful” barriers to full recovery and a worry free movement life.

As a movement teacher you can give people “ permission to move” joyfully and fearlessly. You have a place in the FULL recovery of someone who has had back pain.

This session will explore the evidence for psychological barriers to recovering from back pain and why exercise is the “treatment approach “ of choice.

Importantly, the strategies that a Pilates Teacher can employ are reviewed including how to find out about deep seated fear of movement (kinesiophobia), and how to use appropriate language, along with a movement programme to effectively deal with a clients fear of moving. We will introduce some strategies to give clients “Permission to move” .
This session is challenging to the outdated status quo but is an up to date evidenced based way forward for the movement practitioner. Cameron has been involved with spine rehabilitation and research for over 30 years and this approach has been integral to his practice for most of that time. He has also had to get rid of some approaches he used over the years as evidence shows it wasn’t what it was! Can you do that ?

This session is followed by a practical session on the mat looking at progressions and how to use movement to install joyful, robust fearless movement.

THE FEARLESS SPINE (PRACTICAL) - MAT WORKOUT - CAMERON ANGUS

This follows on from the Fearless spine lecture. It is not essential to have attended, it but it makes this practical session easier for you to understand. 

Work through a progressive confidence building class for the spine. Aimed at addressing common fears and myths about spines and leaving clients with a healthy respect to the integrity and possibilities of the spine in integrated movement and the pilates repertoire. 
A practical version of the full biopsychosocial model of spine management.
With confidence building mobility in three dimensions and “appropriate” stability rather than stiffening “core” exercises, this session will give you lots of movement progressions and new ideas. We will review and use cues and appropriate language to facilitate your clients movement journey to being confident and therefore achieving that return of fearless, enjoyable movement again. We will explore moves, explore language and look at how exercises work in another light. 

Leave with thoughtfulness, new light and skills on the what you do and can do to enhance your effect on back pain. Your clients will be forever grateful. 

INTERACTIVE SHOULDER ANATOMY - PAINT, MOVE, LEARN - ANATOMY PAINT SHOP

Join our anatomy academic friends PaintME, Anatomy Fundamentals and Karen Kirkness for a hands-on shoulder anatomy discovery experience. Our expert team will lead participants through a function-focussed anatomy body painting session to better understand how the muscles and fascia come together. We will learn review the shoulder anatomy by painting the structures on each other and then seeing them move in different exercises. Learning outcomes for all include an increased understanding of fluency in the anatomical structure to see how we can support the stability needed for safe and progressive movement in professional practice. This is a fantastic interactive and fun way to learn review and understand anatomy in relevance to what you do. Come dressed in something to expose your shoulders and do not worry about your painting skills our artists will help you create your human masterpiece.

MATWORK EVOLUTION - MICHAEL KING

Michael leads you through a session using modified Matwork Pilates movements as well as movements taken directly from the repertoire of the Pilates Studio Equipment. Breath, being the fuel of the body, is the guide for us on speed and movement quality and in this session, we will be exploring the options of breath to both help and challenge the movements. Purposeful creativity on programming gives us flexibility to motivate and also balance muscle work with corrective plans. 


TOGU - ENHANCE YOUR PILATES MAT - KAREN LAVERN 

Togu balls can be used in a surprising variety of ways to add challenge, interest and fun to your Mat classes. The Togu ball is used to increase proprioception and alignment, assist in engaging the core and add balance and stability challenges. Soft and flexible, it conforms to the body and provides excellent feedback for you and your clients. Strong enough to kneel on, it can also be used as an unstable surface under the torso, foot or knee. Using the Balanced Body movement and Mat principles paired with the Togu Ball, you will learn new exercises and exciting sequences to enrich any mat workout, from the beginner to the advanced level. This class is recommended for anyone wanting to broaden their Pilates repertoire.

REFORMER EXPLORER - KAREN LAVERN 

Come explore and experience the Balanced Body Reformer. This innovative class is designed to show you the ins and outs, versatility and the sheer genius of the reformer. Learn new exercises and exciting sequences to enhance core strength and stability while finding deeper full-bodied engagement. Selected Reformer exercises will be examined with a focus on flow and feel, while still ensuring proper technique. Come ready to work hard and have fun the Joe Pilates way.

REFORMER FOOTWORK / LEG WORK - ALAN HERDMAN

In this session, Alan will work with you on "the footwork or leg work", as he likes to call this sequence of exercises. As people often use "the footwork or leg work" as a quick warm-up, Alan sees this sequence of exercises as a careful preparation for the whole reformer repertoire.

CHAIR EXPLORER - KAREN LAVERN 

Discover the unique benefits of the Pilates Chair. The Chair, in its versatility, provides ample ways to support and challenge the body and mind connection. This amazing piece of Pilates equipment can provide specialised programming options for core stability, peripheral strengthening and overall body conditioning. Applying selected Balanced Body Chair repertoire, learn how the Chair can create more efficient movement, allowing the body to work at its fullest potential. Suitable for all.

MORE FLOW - NORA STUCKMESTIER

Nora will take you through a total body pilates inspired session that strings together moves you know and more. Taking a contemporary twist to pilates principles she will provide plenty of inspiration for both your own practice and your future classes with your clients.

Let Nora take you though combinations of moves that allow you to connect your teaching aims with this thoughtful session.
 
PILATES REHABER - POST OP HIPS (LECTURE)  - STEVE AND GILL WRIGLEY 

With Steve and Gill who as part of  The Pilates Rehaber team will, teach, inform and get you thinking about Post operative hip clients. They will review common surgeries of the hip including replacements, labral repairs and other revisions. They will review the post operative protocols and when and how you as a Pilates Teacher can and should get involved. 

PILATES REHABER - POST OP HIP MOVES 
 
Theory to practice - Run through post operative hip progressions using Pilates principles and exercise reasoning. Learn and think through some of the contra indications and also importantly, the signs to allow you to progress your clients. Work through common scenarios and moves that post operative hip clients should be focusing on and doing well.  An active session that will make you think too.