I usually pick from one or more of the below movement systems and then add my own spin to them as I see fit for each client. A session might also include techniques from my Physical Therapy toolbox, like Gait analysis, PNF and functional movement. You might even find yourself doing a dance related move. I like using tools like balls, foam rollers or SmartSpine products to get you ready and in touch with where your body is today. If you seem particularly stressed or had a hard day, we might do an easy yoga or breathing sequence. I like collaborating with my client during a session and will ask you for your feedback.

Pilates and pre-Pilates movement

Joseph Pilates (1883-1967) was a true innovator in his quest for optimal health.  Being a frail, illness ridden child he overcame his shortcomings and developed his very own fitness regimen. In his book 'Return to Life', along with a series of exercises now commonly known as the 'Pilates Mat',  he focuses on optimizing all aspects of one's life, even down to details in personal hygiene. He also had a real genius for designing exercise equipment.  As opposed to common equipment that moves only in one direction and provides stabilization, Pilates machines require you to find your own stability as you work cohesively from a myriad of angles. As a result the Pilates approach builds both strength and coordination. Resistance is provided by springs, which nicely mimic the elasticity of muscles and fascia and create graduated tension. Some of the studied benefits of Pilates are: decreased back pain, increased muscle flexibility, increased spinal mobility, improved bone density. I personally like the Pilates work for its focus on alignment and stability. Especially here in LA's car culture, people's bodies tend to be so imbalanced, that through the closed-kinetic-chain work for example on the reformer you can get wonderful results in correcting leg length differences, pelvic rotations or foot/arch weakness.

As much as Pilates was innovative at the turn of the 20th century when the world view was still formed by Newtonian physics, the GYROTONIC® method is definitely the innovative system for the 21st century. Current science teaches us the connectivity of all life and energy systems and with the DNA spiral as a basic common image, the spiraling, multi-dimensional movements of the Gyrotonic method feel to be in sync with these principles. Using breath, rhythm, circular and expansive movement, the client is slowly and safely guided to full range of motion and can so experience the exhilaration of unrestricted movement. Juliu Horvath created the Gyrotonic method in the 1980's as a way to recover from severe injuries that ended his dance career. He drew inspiration from his knowledge of dance, yoga, martial arts and swimming. Benefits of the Gyrotonic method are: elongation of the spine while strengthening the core, mobilization of joints and surrounding structures, increased flexibility, better coordination, development of agility. Gyrotonic exercises are adaptable to any body, any age , ranging from beginners to professional athletes and gymnasts. I love it for my clients, because it is the perfect antidote to today's mostly seated and restricted lifestyle. Many of my clients sit on a computer every day and develop poor posture and tight hips. For these individuals the truly pleasurable experience of simply opening the chest, drawing a deep breath and getting the spine moving or getting some much needed traction on a joint is THE 'feel-good' experience they have been craving all day.

Yoga

Yoga is an ancient and powerful method of self transformation. It utilizes crystal clear mental focus and deep breathing while performing a series of special postures (asanas) . It's enormous popularity lately to me can only be explained by the desperate need of people to find a 'Pause' or 'Re-boot' button in a ever faster moving world. The word 'Yoga' means to 'yoke', 'to join with', to join your spirit with the spirit/energy of the universe. As a Yoga student you work on three levels simultaneously.  You cultivate

the mind: through intention, mental /emotional or spiritual focus involving meditation, self study and study of ancient texts.

the spirit: energy cultivation through breathing and the awakening to ones 'higher self' or surrender to God (in whatever form you choose) and lastly

the body: Involving a physical regimen including movement and postures while simultaneously holding one's intention and utilizing breathing practices.

Yoga, since it doesn't require any equipment can become your best friend, your refuge, your 'home' you can take with you anywhere you go. I use it to help clients feel centered, restored, balanced and have energy to face the day. The style of Yoga I teach is called Vinyasa Flow Hatha Yoga, which uses breath initiated movement in a flowing sequence. As a result the practice becomes a moving meditation. I also start and end with a meditation and/or visualization. Yoga's calming effects and healing power has many a client gotten back to a grounded, relaxed and centered feeling of being.