I am so honored that a friend in the film/tv industry invited me to try some stunt training. Well, thought I'd try for some kicks (ooo, bad pun), and see what developed.
So. Much. Fun!
We did a variety of things, bit of MMA stuff, police tactics, lots of rolling (yay for Aikido at age 15, double yay for Franklin Method, and super big yay for Pilates and Ashtanga Yoga).
Do I really get to use the Katana next time? It's a Japanese sword. Was given a quick intro to some "choreography," if I can use that term. Wow, can hardly wait!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
VISUALIZATION: a key to the mind/body connection
Wow, I am so fired up!
Truly, the one thing where we have no limitations is in the mind.
Think about it: when we dream, we find ourselves doing "impossible" things like flying, hanging out under water or in space ships, dancing with people in costume and offered blue milky liquid, morphing from one scene to another. (Well that's what I dream about, LOL).
And then there's brain training like neurofeedback. Many studies show that if you picture yourself doing something, you can actually become better at doing it. Apparently the Russian Olympic team has been doing studies on themselves. A growing number of elite athletes are using neurofeedback and other brain training.
Then there were some great exercises that we learned from Eric Franklin. He'd give us a somewhat complicated move to do with hands and feet, most of us on the first time would struggle with it. Then we'd watch him do it and picture in our heads that we were doing it too. Next time around, most everyone got it. INTERESTING!!!
I've been testing a number of personal theories on the concept of VISUALIZATION. Not just of my physical body, but the energetic one -- and oh my goodness it totally works. Actually, it started two years ago visualizing my spine the way I wanted it to be, and yes indeed x-rays show that it's working. Now I'm working on "weaker" points in the hip, and shoulder. Leftovers from the Scoliosis which no longer exists, but which caused many years of habitual weakness in the right lower body and left upper body. Actually, I don't like that word "weak." Instead I'll say "less organized". It's only been a week and my body is much improved.
Well, I look forward to discovering more insights, and sharing them!
Truly, the one thing where we have no limitations is in the mind.
Think about it: when we dream, we find ourselves doing "impossible" things like flying, hanging out under water or in space ships, dancing with people in costume and offered blue milky liquid, morphing from one scene to another. (Well that's what I dream about, LOL).
And then there's brain training like neurofeedback. Many studies show that if you picture yourself doing something, you can actually become better at doing it. Apparently the Russian Olympic team has been doing studies on themselves. A growing number of elite athletes are using neurofeedback and other brain training.
Then there were some great exercises that we learned from Eric Franklin. He'd give us a somewhat complicated move to do with hands and feet, most of us on the first time would struggle with it. Then we'd watch him do it and picture in our heads that we were doing it too. Next time around, most everyone got it. INTERESTING!!!
I've been testing a number of personal theories on the concept of VISUALIZATION. Not just of my physical body, but the energetic one -- and oh my goodness it totally works. Actually, it started two years ago visualizing my spine the way I wanted it to be, and yes indeed x-rays show that it's working. Now I'm working on "weaker" points in the hip, and shoulder. Leftovers from the Scoliosis which no longer exists, but which caused many years of habitual weakness in the right lower body and left upper body. Actually, I don't like that word "weak." Instead I'll say "less organized". It's only been a week and my body is much improved.
Well, I look forward to discovering more insights, and sharing them!
Friday, August 6, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Day Two of Eric Franklin Method! Osteopathy and More.
Well, Day Two was even more fun -- is that possible? The presenter today was Morten Dithmer, a dancer and Aikido practitioner who has studied Osteopathic Sciences (study of the bones, basically).
We had some fun exercises with the Franklin Bands and Franklin Balls. Wow, my feet feel great after using them. And I wasn't expecting it to be such a sweaty workout. Boy, I hope we get to do them again today, haha! Left side was so easy, but the right side so much more challenging to coordinate my entire body. What a revelation.
Also seems as if the more advanced level students repeating the class this week have big projects. I can't wait for mine -- already have the thesis in my head.
Now I'm kind of wishing that the week would go by more slowly. Today is Day 3!
We had some fun exercises with the Franklin Bands and Franklin Balls. Wow, my feet feel great after using them. And I wasn't expecting it to be such a sweaty workout. Boy, I hope we get to do them again today, haha! Left side was so easy, but the right side so much more challenging to coordinate my entire body. What a revelation.
Also seems as if the more advanced level students repeating the class this week have big projects. I can't wait for mine -- already have the thesis in my head.
Now I'm kind of wishing that the week would go by more slowly. Today is Day 3!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Eric Franklin himself!!!
What a great week it's going to be -- yesterday was the first day of the Eric Franklin method, teacher training. He speaks so much truth, and I am already a fan of his books.
My friend Zoreh introduced me to the method, by hosting a few workshops with a certified teacher, Tracie. I was already hooked and started applying his principles to my Pilates practice. It's wonderful to see that most of us from those workshops decided to dive in more.
Eric Franklin is such a fun teacher -- very humorous and good natured. Oh, and I believe he does everything precisely for a reason. I love his focus on not being so much an "instructor" of a set method, set cues. It's the client who counts the most, so if they are not "getting" our set cue, we must find another way to connect. And when the client can "teach" himself or herself, it's much more powerful. Love it.
Oh, and the exercises were fun. And they felt really great.
Can't wait to see what's in store today!
My friend Zoreh introduced me to the method, by hosting a few workshops with a certified teacher, Tracie. I was already hooked and started applying his principles to my Pilates practice. It's wonderful to see that most of us from those workshops decided to dive in more.
Eric Franklin is such a fun teacher -- very humorous and good natured. Oh, and I believe he does everything precisely for a reason. I love his focus on not being so much an "instructor" of a set method, set cues. It's the client who counts the most, so if they are not "getting" our set cue, we must find another way to connect. And when the client can "teach" himself or herself, it's much more powerful. Love it.
Oh, and the exercises were fun. And they felt really great.
Can't wait to see what's in store today!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Zumba Toning, Bay-Bay!
Wow, it's always inspiring to attend a Zumba workshop -- new choreography, lots of familiar faces, and networking with fellow instructors for work and community service ideas!
Yesterday, we did a specialty class in Zumba Toning. We got these great sticks that touched my heart as a drummer and Latin percussionist -- they made noise like maracas! Can you even imagine all the artistic possibilities? Woo hoo!
A few key things where I recognized how I could further make this super-fun cardio workout "my own" with some Pilates principles:
1. Jumps and squats: Protecting the knees!
Teaching proper alignment of knee-to-foot; and using all the muscles in the leg and hip to prevent over-straining the "quads" (in the front of the leg), and to prevent joint injury, especially in the knee.
2. Using the sticks: Protect the neck!
It's so easy to cause strain in the neck because our modern living already does it -- sitting at computers, in cars, and in comfy couches tends to create a "forward head" in virtually everyone, which already strains neck muscles and places excess pressure on the disks. Ideally, the head should balance over the shoulders with minimal tension in the neck. It's then very important now that we have a bit of weighted resistance, to use arm movements that create a sense of relaxation in the neck and shoulder.
3. A good hip release, and moving the spine!
Well, I teach every one of my clients a beautiful dynamic stretch that I used to bring myself from a state of extreme inflexibility, to getting close to full sideways splits, in a short time. And I also show how to get the spine moving and 'unlock' the areas which feel tight, and strengthen the areas which feel weak. While everyone's rate of improvement will differ, it's all in the alignment again. Well, after a full 8 hours of Zumba, I am not sore or stiff at all. And I look forward to sharing how to keep injury-free and enjoy the benefits of cardio, keep reaching those weight management goals, and have a fun and creative time with Zumba!
Zumba Zumba Zumba!
Aloha from Lahela!
www.lahelafit.com
Yesterday, we did a specialty class in Zumba Toning. We got these great sticks that touched my heart as a drummer and Latin percussionist -- they made noise like maracas! Can you even imagine all the artistic possibilities? Woo hoo!
A few key things where I recognized how I could further make this super-fun cardio workout "my own" with some Pilates principles:
1. Jumps and squats: Protecting the knees!
Teaching proper alignment of knee-to-foot; and using all the muscles in the leg and hip to prevent over-straining the "quads" (in the front of the leg), and to prevent joint injury, especially in the knee.
2. Using the sticks: Protect the neck!
It's so easy to cause strain in the neck because our modern living already does it -- sitting at computers, in cars, and in comfy couches tends to create a "forward head" in virtually everyone, which already strains neck muscles and places excess pressure on the disks. Ideally, the head should balance over the shoulders with minimal tension in the neck. It's then very important now that we have a bit of weighted resistance, to use arm movements that create a sense of relaxation in the neck and shoulder.
3. A good hip release, and moving the spine!
Well, I teach every one of my clients a beautiful dynamic stretch that I used to bring myself from a state of extreme inflexibility, to getting close to full sideways splits, in a short time. And I also show how to get the spine moving and 'unlock' the areas which feel tight, and strengthen the areas which feel weak. While everyone's rate of improvement will differ, it's all in the alignment again. Well, after a full 8 hours of Zumba, I am not sore or stiff at all. And I look forward to sharing how to keep injury-free and enjoy the benefits of cardio, keep reaching those weight management goals, and have a fun and creative time with Zumba!
Zumba Zumba Zumba!
Aloha from Lahela!
www.lahelafit.com
Thursday, July 22, 2010
My thought for the day. . .3 keys to unlocking flexibility in the body
Another way of defining flexibility: letting go gently.
That can be physical, mental, emotional, even spiritual, sure.
In the case of muscles, you will NEVER gain flexibility by pushing. When you do a forceful or ballistic (bouncy) stretch, you cause a mini-trauma (or major trauma) to the muscles, and your body reacts with the "stretch reflex," getting tighter.
What is the best way to gain flexibility? There are 3 keys to unlock this puzzle.
1. Breath
2. Proper Alignment
3. Kindness to your body (patience, acceptance, gaining awareness, moving gently).
What are great gentle ways to gain flexibility: Again, 3 more keys:
1. Gentle static stretches, held for several breaths. Keeping those 3 principles stated above.
2. Dynamic (moving) stretches through your given range of motion, whatever that is for the day. This can be done on the mat, on special equipment like the Reformer, Cadillac, Trapeeze, etc. You can do this alone or assisted with a qualified profesional. Again, remember those 3 principles.
3. Eccentric movements. What is that? Come see me to find out!
That can be physical, mental, emotional, even spiritual, sure.
In the case of muscles, you will NEVER gain flexibility by pushing. When you do a forceful or ballistic (bouncy) stretch, you cause a mini-trauma (or major trauma) to the muscles, and your body reacts with the "stretch reflex," getting tighter.
What is the best way to gain flexibility? There are 3 keys to unlock this puzzle.
1. Breath
2. Proper Alignment
3. Kindness to your body (patience, acceptance, gaining awareness, moving gently).
What are great gentle ways to gain flexibility: Again, 3 more keys:
1. Gentle static stretches, held for several breaths. Keeping those 3 principles stated above.
2. Dynamic (moving) stretches through your given range of motion, whatever that is for the day. This can be done on the mat, on special equipment like the Reformer, Cadillac, Trapeeze, etc. You can do this alone or assisted with a qualified profesional. Again, remember those 3 principles.
3. Eccentric movements. What is that? Come see me to find out!
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