October 1, 2016

Special Population Training

To complete your training work with the experts in their field in the UK – 10 days over 5 months

Book Here 

Older adults -2 days

With the increasing numbers of our older population, we now find that more and more older people are looking to take part in exercise classes. The benefits of continued activity are being promoted from every angle, and with more health care professional recommending patients exercise there is a definite need for more classes. Although gyms and health clubs have traditionally catered for a younger age group many are now adding classes for the over 50’s, even so many older people still feel they have no place to go.

At first glance, Pilates seems to be the ideal solution however as we know not everything in Pilates is suitable for all clients. As with any class taught our primary aim must be to offer our clients’ safe, effective, and appropriate exercise. In working with an older age group, there are many more factors to consider:

Workshop aims and objectives

  • Understanding the ageing process
  • Discussing the common medical conditions that affect older people
  • Defining our responsibility as exercise teachers
  • Understanding our limitations as exercise teachers
  • Signposting to national guidelines and current practice

The aim of this workshop is to give an overview only of working with clients 50+, by understanding the age related changes that occur we as teachers can be more prepared to adapt and change our technique and offer good informed advise about how to exercise.

Back Pathology and movement direction -1 day

This interactive workshop has been developed to help us gain a good understanding of the common range of pathologies we come across in our work. Each participant is given a topic to research and present to the rest of the group, which will be discussed and reviewed by Sally.

  • Psychology of chronic Lower back pain
  • Hypermobility Syndrome
  • Back Surgery, and post operative long term management
  • Scoliosis
  • Extension related lumbar spine to include spondilolythesis and facet joint syndrome
  • Sacro–iliac Joint Dysfunction (SIJ)
  • Whiplash
  • Disc related injuries
  • Ankylosing Spondylitis
  • Thoracic spine issues and thoracic outlet syndrome
  • Movement Direction Considerations

We will workshop each movement direction, the emphasis of the exercise, movement faults and cautions/contraindications. From the clients’ medical history and postural presentation we may choose to modify the exercises or exclude exercises.

The consideration of movement direction is useful when putting together a balanced class. Namely: flexion, extension, rotation, side flexion both in the trunk and peripherals. The layering of more complex movements should be integrated as the client progresses. The evaluation of how a client performs in a particular direction of movement informs us how we will facilitate improvements in the execution of the exercise.

Small Equipment -1 day

Small apparatus to include overballs, weights, dyna bands, foam rolls, barrels and magic circle.

Utilising small equipment within a mat class can add variety and enhance the Pilates experience. This one day experiential workshop will look at how adding props like the Magic Circle can alter the focus, muscular emphasis and feel of an original Pilates exercise. We will discuss when it is appropriate to add equipment like barrels, slopes and therabands to support and facilitate those struggling with the movement shapes and explore how to include balls and foam rollers in a class to increase the strength and stability challenge for your more advanced clientele. This day aims to inspire the teacher’s creativity with new ideas and exercise variations so come ready to move and have fun.

Pilates for Breast Cancer -1 day

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with women having a 1 in 8 chance of being diagnosed with the disease. Even though the incidence of breast cancer has increased greatly, the survival rates have also improved with more than three quarters of women diagnosed surviving for 10 years or more.

Covering the journey from diagnosis, treatment to reconstruction and beyond, Allison will bring her personal experience to this workshop offering a unique perspective on Pilates for Breast Cancer.

Research has indicated that regular exercise both during and after treatment can have a positive affect and can improve the long term quality of life and future health of those affected by breast cancer.

This is especially important as people who have been treated for cancer tend to have a lower quality of life after treatment than they had before. Suffering from higher rates of depression, low self esteem, weight gain, osteoporosis and a whole host of other psychological and physical problems.

Basic biomechanics and pathology of Upper and Lower limb -1 day

Aims of the course

Upper Limb

  • Revision of shoulder anatomy
  • Posture of the cervical spine and shoulder.
  • Pilates and the shoulder.
  • Shoulder practical
  • Lower Limb

Revision of lower limb anatomy and posture

  • Practical analysis of the lower limb
  • Problems and solutions for the lower limb
  • Pilates application

Understanding Abdominal control and decision making in Pilates -1 day

A lecture on, and demonstration of,  using feedback to show the specificity of the abdominal muscle contractions.

Transversus abdominis is an increasingly familiar muscle thanks to the ground-breaking work of the Queensland University Physiotherapy Research Team (Jull, Richardson, Hodges and Hides) and the dissemination in the UK via Kinetic Control (Comerford and Mottram). But, are you familiar with what a specific transversus abdominal contraction actually feels like? Or looks like on a scan? When does an oblique contraction come in? Warrick will also relate normal breathing patterns into pre-Pilates exercise.

“Typical Pilates assessment includes a ‘Roll down’, an exercise in standing that uses a sequential flexion pattern of the spine, through to the hips as the hands reach towards the floor. The observational skills of the Pilates Teacher come into play, looking at sequencing, flow, tightness’s, rotations of the trunk, asymmetries, and decisions are made from there. Teachers take in to account how the client is ‘today’, and ‘in relation to previous sessions.’

It is when special populations are involved that such assessments possibly become inadequate. It is in the blur between injury and risk that Pilates Teachers decisions become potentially more serious. ”

The Business of Pilates – an overview on set up, branding, social media 1 day

To enable Pilates practitioners to understand the requirements of running a business from administration to winning new clients, we will also look at social media, and branding,
Purpose of a business plan

  • Thinking strategically – 3 questions
  • The vision – setting your goals
  • Market analysis – identifying the market and the need
  • The competition and how you will compete to win and retain work
  • Marketing activities – targeting new clients
  • Marketing activities – retaining clients
  • Financial forecasts
  • Business records
  • Business structure
  • Tax requirements
  • Using advisers
  • Sources of advice

Pre and Post Natal Pilates – 2 days.

Pelvic Floor – The session will cover anatomy and physiology, teaching cues and a variety of exercises and ways of cuing the pelvic floor. The session is an interactive learning experience and will develop your teaching skills giving you knew areas of insight and adding a richer depth to your practice.

Pre natal Pilates

  • To present an overview in pre natal anatomy and physiology of pregnancy
  • To discuss the relevant contraindications for these terms
  • To discuss class considerations for these terms
  • To discuss posture for these terms
  • To give you tools to work safely with a pregnant woman who may come into your class

Post- natal Pilates

  • To present an overview of postnatal anatomy and physiology of the postnatal period
  • To discuss the relevant contraindications for this term
  • To discuss class considerations for this term
  • To discuss posture for these terms
  • To give you tools to work safely with a post natal woman who may come into your class
  • Class planning and teaching skills

This can be followed by a YMCA Level 3 Award in Adapting Exercise for Ante Natal and Post Natal Clients