This dynamic workshop explores muscular balance, coordination, strength, and flexibility of the shoulder. We will literally journey 360⁰ around the Reformer as we examine exercises from all positions to facilitate optimal functioning of the shoulder complex. We will look at the relationships of the anatomy of the shoulder to function and integrate the function of the shoulder with thoracic mobility and ultimately to whole body movement. Come and learn shoulder focused exercises that are safe, practical, and immediately applicable to practice in both private, semi-private and group settings.

How we breathe tells a story about how we interact with the world.
In this workshop, we will draw upon insights from the Franklin Method to take a deep dive into the function of the diaphragm. We will explore the diaphragm’s relationship to the muscles of the body wall, and common postures that can play a role in breathing patterns.
You will learn exercises to help you, and your clients, improve deep diaphragmatic breathing,
how to leverage the power of imagery in breath work, and cues to help ensure the image matches the function.

Elevate your teaching with a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles that make Pilates truly effective. This course refines your ability to recognize and cue the subtleties of movement, enhancing precision, control, and efficiency. Through targeted exercises and hands-on practice, you’ll explore how small adjustments can create significant improvements in strength, mobility, and coordination. Perfect for instructors and movement professionals looking to sharpen their eye for detail and deliver more impactful sessions.

Neuromotor training incorporates various motor skills, including balance, coordination, gait, agility, and proprioceptive training. Mr. Pilates may not have used the term in describing his Contrology exercises, but all these elements are very present in his original work and are certainly within the capabilities of the Reformer he developed. Join Joy as you explore balance, agility, and coordination on the Reformer. In this workshop we will also translate elements of upright mobility to the Reformer and create a rich proprioceptive environment for your client’s movement and training experience.

Mat Pilates is often overlooked, but with a little creativity, props like the Ultra Fit Circle, Pilates ball, and resistance bands can add a whole new level of fun and challenge! In this workshop, we’ll explore how these props can deepen body connections, refine movements, and bring playful complexity to your practice. Whether you’re looking to spice things up or add extra challenge, we’ll show you how props can transform your Mat Pilates routine into a more dynamic and engaging experience!

Janda emphasized the importance of stimulating the entire sensorimotor system using instability for passive and active influence on controlling equilibrium and posture. This neuromotor stimulation has been shown to improve muscle reaction. In this workshop, you will learn how to utilize sensory motor training theory with synergistic and integrated whole-body movements to create functional training, specifically as it relates to gait and walking mechanics. You will come away with strategies to apply to your client’s workouts that directly optimize movement patterns with every step they take!

This workshop aims to use the Reformer as a tool to improve spinal mobility and raise awareness of the possibilities with different force vectors and body positions. The focus will be on the thoracic region to allow for better lumbar-pelvic stability, thus maintaining a healthy back and preventing injuries.

As Pilates teachers, we likely see, hear about and work with clients with pelvic floor dysfunction. How we as movement educators cue the pelvic floor is not a one size fits all. In this workshop we will explore creative ways, through movement, creative cuing, and imagery, to help our clients have a fit and functional floor.

Balance starts to deteriorate at the age of 30. Most people don’t realize they’re having balance problems until they have that first fall. We wear shoes that immobilize our feet and walk mostly on hard flat surfaces, which takes away our dynamic base of support; our feet! Most falls are attributed to weakness and lack of articulation in the feet.
In this course you will learn how to mobilize, stabilize, and add balance, strength and coordination exercises to a class or program for our active aging population.

The Infinity bar on the reformer allows the footbar to be moved to the front of the reformer. This change makes it possible to modify the pre-existing exercises of the Pilates world and to create new ones. Come and discover how this alteration of force vector impacts muscle work and paves the way to a multitude of new possibilities.
Over the years, Marie-Josée has developed a series of exercises with the Infinity bar that balance muscle tone and provide well-being. She was inspired by contemporary and classical Pilates approaches, including the AMP (Ann McMillan Pilates) repertoire.
Come discover a host of engaging and safe exercises to add to your work and delight your clients!

Give your client wings! Strategic use of balls and rollers throughout a mat class can significantly and quickly increase joint mobility. This newfound freedom of movement hugely improves client satisfaction and self-investment in their Pilates journey. Come learn how to wisely choose pressure points and ball density to achieve this outcome. You will be amazed by the positive impact this will bring to your mat class.

This dynamic workshop explores muscular balance, coordination, strength and flexibility of the pelvis and hip joint. We will literally journey 360⁰ around the Pilates studio as we examine exercises from all positions to facilitate optimal functioning of the pelvis and hip. We will look at the relationships of the anatomy of the pelvis and hip to the function of the spine and rib cage above and the knee, ankle and foot below, and integrate the pelvis and hip into whole body movement. Come and learn hip focused exercises that are safe, practical and immediately applicable to practice in both private, semi-private and group settings.

What is our “scope” of work and how do we lean into movement and the practice of Pilates to create an environment rich and ripe for supporting the people in front of us. Join Christine Crooks and discover ways to maximize your teacher-client relationship to create endless movement possibilities. In this workshop we will utilize the Pilates Reformer to explore ways to make movement accessible and to support the body specifically for clients with limitations of the low back.

This workshop explores how the feet serve as the foundation for whole-body posture and movement efficiency. Participants will learn to assess dynamic posture through gait analysis, foot mechanics, and their impact on joint alignment and muscle function. Through hands-on practice and movement-based assessments, attendees will develop skills to identify compensatory patterns, improve movement strategies, and enhance overall body alignment from the ground up. Ideal for movement professionals, therapists, and anyone interested in optimizing functional movement and reducing injury risk.

Understanding the anatomy and biomechanics of the shoulder girdle is paramount for fitness and movement practitioners, particularly those in the Pilates field. This workshop delves deep into the structure and function of the shoulder girdle, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to enhance shoulder function and movement freedom within their Pilates practice. As part of this exploration, participants will critically evaluate the widely used but often misunderstood cue, “pull your shoulders down,” assessing its applicability in various contexts and gaining a nuanced understanding of when and how to employ it effectively in their teaching and practice.

In this workshop, you will learn basic postural and gait analysis; both static and dynamic, cross patterns, and common gait patterns that result in chronic pain. You will learn guidelines for observation and protocols for common imbalances. You will learn how to give your clients the tools they need to take the Pilates work they do in the studio to the streets with every step they take.

Core engagement and diaphragmatic breathing can be at odds with each other in the Pilates environment. For example: how does one diaphragmatically inhale while “pressing the navel into the spine”? The subtle movement of the diaphragm necessary for optimal ventilation can be hindered by the tension core muscles must develop to maintain the required stability in exercise. In this workshop we will analyze and feel core/diaphragm interactions. This will bring about clear images and cues to enhance movement outcome. A great way to feel, understand and pass on to your clients a more fulfilling Pilates experience.

The changes in the female body during menopause is more than simply due to aging. The hormonal effects create changes to connective tissue pliability, inflammatory processes and muscle development. This course will discuss the physiology behind menopause, the physical fallout, and how movement/exercise can help manage these changes.