The Spine

Did You Know: The dynamics and supportive properties of the human spine are provided by: • an intricate network of blood vessels • countless specialized nerve endings • hundreds of small nerve fibers which connect to structures of the spine • more than 220 specialized ligaments • greater than 120 individual muscles • over 100 intricate joints • 34 vertebrae • 24 presacral vertebrae (movable) • 5 sacral and 3-5 coccygeal vertebrae (non-moveable) • 31 pairs of spinal nerves • 23 intervertebral discs The human spinal column provides flexibility for movement, support for weight bearing and protection of nerve fibers. The spinal column surrounds and protects the spinal cord, which is the main pathway of communication between the brain and the rest of the body. The spinal column also protects the nerve roots and part of the autonomic nervous system. The spine has three major types of joints: • synarthroses • diarthroses • amphiarthroses The vertebral column consists of 24 presacral (moveable) vertebrae • 7 cervical vertebrae • 12 thoracic vertebrae • 5 lumbar vertebrae The sacrum and coccyx are composed of fused vertebrae and are also considered part of the spinal column. The cervical vertebrae are the most mobile of the 24 presacral spinal vertebrae. The 12 thoracic vertebrae articulate with 12 pair of ribs. The thoracic spine is designed for a minimum of movement, thus providing protection for the internal organs. The large stocky lumbar vertebrae are designed to support the weight of the body Info By American Academy of Spine Physicians Art by Andrea Schillaci

Private Sessions

I am offering private one on one sessions at the reduced rate of $20, an absolute steal.  These classes are being run from my home, should you desire a private session in the comfort of your own home the cost would be $30.

Your own private, designed for your needs, Pilates/BarreConcept workout.     The session can either be Pilates, BarreConcept or a combination of both.  More details on the benefits of both are available at the top of the page.

This offer expires on January 17th, 2014

Barreconcept Promotional Video

Check out this fabulous workout.  Classes will be available in The Blue Mountain area from June onwards.  

Great video

What it's all about

THE BODY CONTROL PILATES METHOD

WHAT MAKES BODY CONTROL PILATES DIFFERENT?

Body Control Pilates is renowned as a world-leading education provider for Pilates teaching.

Our education curriculum is internationally renowned and our membership body for Body Control Pilates teachers is the largest professional Pilates organisation outside the USA. 

Body Control Pilates offers a comprehensive programme of exercises for both mat and machine work. They are adapted from the ‘classical’ exercises developed by Joseph Pilates. We believe that many of these classical exercises are often not suitable for the average person and the average body. In order for someone to work safely and effectively and to gain the full benefits of Pilates, these classical exercises should be broken down to establish good movement skills thus building the best possible foundation upon which to progress towards the classical, more advanced work. This is the essence of the Body Control Pilates Method.

Body Control Pilates is remarkably effective - and medically-approved. It is of an holistic nature, being based upon a well-constructed philosophical foundation. Central to the Method is 'awareness of your own body' and each and every exercise is built around its eight basic principles: 

Relaxation	Concentration
Co-ordination	Centring
Alignment	Breathing
Stamina	Flowing Movements

By working on the deep architectural structure of the body, 'core stability' is achieved, and then maintained, through increasingly complex movement sequences. Specific problem-areas can be targeted by an exercise, but always in relation to the rest of one's body.

 Your body awareness is heightened by bringing together mind and body - Body Control Pilates literally teaches you to be in control of your body, allowing you to handle stress more effectively and achieve relaxation more easily.

The Body Control Pilates Method can work for everyone, regardless of fitness level! Exercises can be mat or machine-based, but matwork exercises have a great attraction in that they need no special equipment, and are particularly safe for those with back problems (and don't forget that 95% of the UK population has, or has had, backache). Its consistent success rate in solving such problems has brought it to the attention of osteopaths, chiropractors, physiotherapists and homeopathic doctors, many of whom have either set up Pilates studios as part of their practices or established a close working partnership with their local Body Control Pilates teachers.