In this episode of the Pilates Lounge podcast, I explore the limitations of the "belly button to spine" cue for core activation. While this cue has been popular, I discuss why it may only resonate with some and how it can restrict our understanding of core engagement.

Key Insights:

• The Complexity of the Core: I break down the core as a multifaceted system, highlighting the roles of the pelvic floor, diaphragm, multifidi, and transverse abdominals.

• The Role of Self-Practice: I emphasise the significance of self-practice and self-awareness for both instructors and clients. Understanding our own bodies is crucial for effectively teaching core activation.

• Effective Cues and Imagery: I share practical cues and imagery techniques designed to help clients connect more deeply with their core muscles during Pilates exercises.

• Rethinking Traditional Cues: I challenge Pilates professionals to reconsider conventional cues and terminology. By focusing on functional movement and proper joint alignment, we can enhance our teaching and our clients' experiences.

Takeaways:

• The "belly button to spine" cue is limited and may not be effective for everyone.

• Self-practice and self-awareness are vital for grasping and teaching core activation.

• The core comprises several interconnected systems, not just the abdominal muscles.

• Creative cues and imagery can foster a stronger connection to core engagement.

• It’s important to question traditional cues and prioritise functional movement and joint alignment.

Join me for an enlightening discussion that encourages us to deepen our understanding of core engagement and refine our teaching practices!

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This week, I chatted with David Weinstock, the brilliant mind behind Neurokinetic Therapy (NKT). We dive into the fascinating journey of how NKT came to be, how it's integrated into movement professions like Pilates, and why understanding proper breathing and diaphragm function is so crucial. We also talk in-depth about the role of the psoas muscle in core stability and why it's important to assess whether it’s overworking or underworking before diving into treatment.

David shares his knowledge on how the psoas connect with other muscles and systems in the body, such as the diaphragm and the limbic system. We also touch on the emotional side of things—how trauma impacts movement—and how addressing this can be key to successful outcomes. David’s take on failure and how it’s a vital part of learning really resonated with me, as well as his perspective on the joy and reward that comes from helping others and making a positive impact.

Takeaways:

• Neurokinetic Therapy (NKT) is an amazing system that focuses on how movement patterns connect, using biomechanics and neuroscience to assess and rehabilitate both acute and chronic injuries.

• NKT Meets Pilates: NKT is a perfect complement to Pilates, helping to spot and correct compensatory movement patterns and ensure optimal movement quality.

• The Importance of Proper Breathing: David talks about how breathing needs to involve a 360-degree expansion of the ribcage (yes, all around!) for the diaphragm to function at its best and how this affects core stability.

• Psoas Muscle Misunderstandings: The psoas is such an important part of the core, but often misunderstood. Stretching may not be the answer; instead, we need to figure out if it’s underworking or overworking before deciding on any treatment.

• Body Interconnectedness: Every part of the body is connected, and understanding this is essential for effective movement therapy. The psoas, diaphragm, and even the limbic system all work together in fascinating ways.

• Emotional Trauma’s Role: Trauma doesn’t just affect the mind; it affects movement. Addressing the limbic system is crucial for deeper healing and more effective treatment.

• Embracing Failure: David’s insight into failure was refreshing—it’s a necessary part of learning and growth, something I think we can all relate to.

• The Reward of Helping Others: David reminds us of the deep fulfillment that comes from helping people heal and make positive changes in their lives.

About David Weinstock: David has been at the forefront of manual therapy since 1973, after graduating from Johns Hopkins and traveling throughout Central and South America, learning from native healers. He co-founded the Institute of Conscious Bodywork in California and developed NeuroKinetic Therapy® in 1985. His book, "NeuroKinetic Therapy, an Innovative Approach to Manual Muscle Testing," has become an essential read for anyone in the bodywork field.

He teaches internationally, sharing his knowledge with Pilates instructors, chiropractors, physical therapists, and many others. David also runs a private practice in Marin County, where he treats everyone from athletes to weekend warriors, offering personalized treatments to help them recover and thrive.

In his free time, David enjoys hiking, skiing, and playing tennis, and he loves connecting with people from around the world, always sharing knowledge and learning from others.

Join us for this inspiring conversation to learn how Neurokinetic Therapy can transform the way we approach movement and healing.

Connect With David Weinstock

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NeuroKineticTherapy/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurokinetictherapy/

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In this episode, Katie Crane dives into the topic of pelvic floor health for women in menopause and post-menopause. She highlights the importance of recognizing the unique physical changes women experience as they age and how these changes impact pelvic floor health. Katie explains the role of hormonal shifts, particularly the decline in estrogen, which can cause pelvic floor atrophy and symptoms like vaginal dryness, discomfort during intercourse, and urinary issues. She stresses the value of Pilates professionals categorizing women based on age and hormonal stages to offer appropriate support. Additionally, Katie touches on the significance of nutrition, specifically the role of protein, in preserving muscle strength during menopause.

Key Takeaways

• Recognizing bodily changes: It's vital for Pilates professionals to understand the specific physical changes that women face during menopause and post-menopause, particularly how these affect pelvic floor health.

• Hormonal impact: A decrease in estrogen can result in pelvic floor atrophy, which may lead to symptoms such as vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and urinary complications.

• Age and hormonal categorization: Categorizing clients based on their age and hormonal state allows Pilates professionals to tailor their support to improve pelvic floor health.

• Nutrition's role: Protein intake becomes increasingly important during menopause, as it helps maintain muscle strength. Women may need to boost their protein consumption to meet these needs.

• Pilates exercises for pelvic health: Exercises focusing on breath work, dynamic core engagement, and working against gravity can effectively strengthen the pelvic floor and improve overall pelvic health.

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Take This FREE 60-second Quiz To Find Out ”What's your Pilates Personality?
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