Wed., April 23
9:00-11:30 AM

Pilates for Postural Imbalances & Scoliosis Part I

Scoliosis workshop (pre-conference):
Jillian Hessel has been a Pilates teacher for 26 years, taught by Kathy Grant, Carola Trier, and Ron Fletcher. Her personal experience as a professional ballet dancer with scoliosis led to severe back pain, which only began to abate as she learned more about her condition. Part I of this workshop will review postural assessment techniques, both to hone the eye of the teacher, and to learn more about the individual clients' muscular imbalances caused by scoliosis. We will then progress to Jillian's B.E.A.M. (Breathe, Energize, Align & Move) Fundamentals, modifications of the original Pilates Matwork. These Fundamentals can be further adapted to teach clients with skeletal and muscular imbalances. Learn how to cue and guide clients with scoliosis to alter their skewed proprioception of "center." Also learn to aid them to "forget" faulty muscle firing patterns that increase the rotational imbalances!

Wed., April 23
1:00-4:00 PM

Pilates for Postural Imbalances & Scoliosis Part II

Scoliosis workshop (pre-conference):
Once a good foundation has been set in identifying a clients' spinal rotation, and re-educating them both neurologically and proprioceptively HOW to move (See Part I above), we are ready to progress to Part II. This part of the Workshop taught by Jillian Hessel will focus on exercises taught on the Classic Pilates apparatus that are specially adapted for clients with uneven muscular development, and spinal rotation abnormalities. We will highlight many unilateral exercises that focus on developing strength and support on the concave side of the curvature, as well as lengthening the short, contracted muscles that pull the spine into abnormal rotation. Finally, we will emphasize de-rotating the curvature in the opposite direction using spiral exercises.

Thu., April 24
8:30-11:30 AM

Upper Quarter: Building Strength and Balance in the Upper Back, Neck, Shoulders & Thoracic Spine — Part I

Pilates workshop:
Due to the repetitive stress and relative inactivity of modern life, many Pilates clients have neck, thoracic spine or shoulder problems. We will examine many different exercise modalities both on and off classic Pilates equipment. In Part I we will have a brief overview of postural alignment. Jillian will present her BEAM Fundamentals, which focus on enhancing client awareness of proper body placement, as well as joint and muscle mobility of the upper quarter. Mats, foam rollers and exercise bands will be used during this portion of the presentation.

Thu., April 24
1:00-4:00 PM

Upper Quarter: Building Strength and Balance in the Upper Back, Neck, Shoulders & Thoracic Spine — Part II

Pilates workshop:
In Part II of this workshop, Jillian will present exercises on the Wunda Chair, Step barrel, Reformer and Cadillac that focus specifically on the upper quarter. The workshop will finish with a class focusing on the upper quarter using the Magic Circle.

Sat., April 26
8:00-9:00 AM

Beginner Mat Class with Exercise Bands

Pilates workout:
Jillian Hessel, the Teacher's Teacher, has developed her B.E.A.M. (Breathe, Energize, Align & Move) Fundamentals specifically to prepare beginning clients to approach Pilates with a heightened mind/body awareness. This one-of-a-kind, step-by-step program makes Classic Pilates Mat easier to do with total confidence and more precision. Exercise band and ordinary hand towels are used to help modify Classic Mat exercises to fit each individual client's needs. Take Jillian's class to enhance your OWN mind/body connection, and then incorporate her 26 years of teaching experience into your own budding practice!