Pilates Workshop and Masterclasses-July 23

Hi friends

I'm blogging to let you know about a Pilates weekend of Workshops & Masterclasses I have been invited to teach in Worthing, West Sussex, UK.

You can find full details for the weekend below. I do hope you will be able to join me for what could be a wonderful opportunity to explore and develop your Pilates practice. 

Warmly,

Niedra

    _______________________________________________

Pilates Workshop & Masterclasses

The Cornerstone Centre, Steyne Gardens, Worthing. West Sussex.

for map click here

Saturday 23rd July

Master Class - Standing Mat 

09:30 - 10:30

a flowing and challenging class that brings you off the mat on to your feet - Open to all (beginners must have completed a minimum of a term of classes)

Workshop - Standing Matwork

10:30 - 13:00 

Explore how to use the standing Matwork, in both Mat classes and the studio enviroment.The standing work provides an element of balance essential to older clients along with a fresh challenge for clients who need to shake up their matwork.

Workshop - Magic of the Barrels 

14:00 - 16:30

Presenting for the first time Classical Pilates Mat and Exercises on all of the Barrels plus the T-BOW, ideal for both Mat teachers and Studio.Using the ladder barrel,spine corrector and small barrel along with the T bow we look at how to use all of them for the mat work as well as the more tradtional barrel exercises.

Private sessions available.

17:00  18:00

Sunday 24th July

Master Class - Reformer on the Mat

09:30 - 10:30 

Prepare to sweat and work your powerhouse as you flow through a reformer workout without the aid of the springs or straps. Open to anyone of intermediate level and above.No injuries please

Workshop -How to Practice and teach the "backbend" within the Pilates Method

10:30 - 13:00 

We look at how to safely work the spine in extension,learn how spinal extension is vital for the bodies overall flexability and health.We take the Pilates extension exercises and show you how to teach and progress them on every piece of apparatus,reformer,mat,chairs etc.

Workshop - How to spot clients for maximum efficiency 

14:00 - 16:30 

Covering many of the traditional ways teachers such as Romana used hands to help place the client correctly and help them discover the potential of every exercise. This is a very "hands on" workshop ,please be prepared to join in!

Private sessions available.

17:00  18:00

FOR MORE INFO &  BOOK YOUR PLACE click here

 

UK Yoga intensive

Hello everyone I will be running the following event in a beautiful studio in Berkshire-details are: Yoga Intensive details:  4 workshops  Saturday & Sunday, August 20 - 21 Location:  Winkfield Lodge Hatchet Lane Winkfield Berks SL42EG  ______________________________________________ Saturday August 20,       9:00am - 12:00am.   HONORING & CARING FOR THE FEET. We will cover ; Ways to strengthen the arches. How to increase range of movement. Relieve deep foot tension. Relieve the pain of plantar fascitis. Reduce bunions, and hammer toes misalignment. With nerve energy in the feet free and open, accesssing correct alignement for ankles, knees and hips, through the feet has a whole new meaning, whether in standing poses, or any other function in life.  *  *  *  *  *     Saturday August 20      3:00 - 6:00 PM     WAKING UP THE SPINE & OPENING THE CHI ENERGY. We will explore ways to wake up the spine and open the nerve channels of the body. By gradually increasing the intensity of the moves using prinsciples taken from Kundalini yoga, we prepare the nerves for fluid interchange. we will then move into Sun salutations and Flow yoga and celebrate the innate beauty that this linking process can open within us. *  *  *  *  * SUNDAY August 21, 9:00 - 12:00am BACK BENDS & INVERSIONS    A flexible spine is essential for good posture. When the spine is open and charged there is a natural bounce in the step ( the spine acts as a shock absorber) the posture is tall and we feel bright and happy. In this workshop we explore ways to gradually open into back bends and inversions, move the energy in the spine, release the tissue and open our hearts. *  *  *  *  *   SUNDAY August 22,   3:00 – 6:00 pm RESTORATIVE YOGA   “ Silence is more musical than any song.” Christina Rosetti Spend time with conscious breathing and restorative yoga poses to facilitate deep restoration of nerve flow. In this workshop we explore ways to  recharge our batteries on a deep nerve level. Most everything in our lives, including most of our yoga practices, rely on action, power and will. As westerners we do not often respect the power of rest and quiet to nurish us.   Restorative yoga allows our energy to recharge and frees us to feel youthfulness, and happy. This is a relaxing workshop where we first discuss and understand how to use restorative yoga as therapy and then “apply “ the teachings. ________________ Each workshop limited to 14 people  ______________________________ Cost:  if paid by June 30 1 workshop $140.00  USD 2 workshops $260.00  USD 3 workshops $360.00 USD 4 workshops $400.00 USD If paid by July 30 1 w/s - $150.00, 2w/s - $280.00 3 w/s - $390.00 4 w/s - $440.00 If you want to sign up email me niedra@spirit-moves.com and I will send you an invoice for payment through paypal. My website is being redone and will have a sign up page set up very soon, I will let you  know. ________________________________________ PLACES TO STAY There are many lovely B and B locations as well as hotels with all price ranges in both Windsor and Ascot.   I am compiling a list to send out as a reference for those interested.  I am also working on getting a special group rate from one of the hotels and will let you know what I set up when I have all the details. ________________________________________________ I will be staying in London and available for Private lessons July 26 - 30. More details soon. ________________________________________________

Feel free to email me at: niedra@spirit-moves.com Visit my blog at http://niedraatspiritmoves.blogspot.com

Upcoming local workshops!

Hi!

I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you some information about upcoming Pilates based classes that I will be running locally-a wonderful opportunity to develop your Pilates Backbends and another to help save your poor, tired feet! I look forward to seeing you there!

BACKBENDING WORKSHOP
Sunday May 29, 11:00AM-2:00PM


 It is at the
 intermediate level
 that back extensions are added into the 
 Pilates workout.

• How do you get the back to "bend back" easily and safely without compressing the lower spine?
• How do you use back extensions to open the chest and spine and release the lungs and ribs?
• How can back bends increase the over all flexibility of the body?
• Why are back extensions so important for good natural posture and positive attitude?

In this workshop we will explore and experience how to approach practicing back bends. The workshop will cover the various back extensions exercises, how to prepare and progress to the full interpretation of the exercises as well as when& how to modify.

SWAN DIVE, BREAST STROKE, FLYING EAGLE, ROCKING
GRASSHOPPER  

The variations will be covered for each of the above using mat, reformer, Cadillac, chairs, spine corrector & ladder barrel.  
Cost: $100, Early bird $90 by 5/22
Returning students $60
 
PUTTING YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD!
with Niedra Gabriel and Stephanie Herrman

Sunday May 29, 3:00PM-6:00PM

Are your poor feet suffering from fallen arches, chronic aches, hammer toes, bunions, or do they just feel heavy? In this workshop, we'll explore several exercises to put the "spring" back into your step and help you feel light on your feet again!
 Learn exercises to:

• strengthen and lift your arches
• increase range of movement in the toes, feet, and ankles
• release chronic tension and plantar fascitis
• straighten and even reduce hammertoes and bunions
• balance your weight to support ankles, knees, and hips

In a few short hours, you'll see how good your feet can feel without relying on orthotics or aggressive (and usually ineffectual) surgeries.

Cost: $100, Early bird $90 by 5/22
Returning students $60
 
DID YOU KNOW? YOU CAN:
Save $30
Sign up for both the Back-bending Workshop and Putting Your Best Foot Forward for $150 - a $30 savings! Available online in "Packages."
Offer Expires: 5/28/2011

QUELLEN HOTEL AND SPA, AUSTRIA: Special Yoga week with Niedra Gabriel July 31 - August 13

I am excited to be coming to Europe again this summer.

I will be teaching for two weeks in Austria at the Quellen Hotel and Spa.

http://www.quellenhotel.com/specials.htm

Those who came last year loved it, were amazed at how reasonable the price was and just how great the facility and services were.

My teaching schedule will be Yoga in the am and Pilates in the PM.

Please pass this on if you know anyone who may be interested. If you want to come please contact Miranda below.

If you have questions or just want to stay in touch - I would love to hear from you, you can read click here

warmly,

Niedra

This program was such a HUGE success last year - the resort invited me back for two weeks.

They have some wonderful packages available, included in the package is:

Special English Yoga Event with Niedra Gabriel

31th July – 13th August 2011

·         6 or 13 nights incl. buffet breakfast and 4 course     dinner

·         Daily group Yoga and Pilates with Niedra

·         (5 days – Mon – Fri each week)

·         1 signature full body massage, 45 minutes per visit

·         1 guided Nordic Walking tour

·         Free access and use of extensive spa facilities  directly  connected to the hotel

·         Free tennis and squash (tennis centre 800 m)

·         Bicycles to use, free of charge


              Cost: (P.P. means per person)

6 nights p.p.  € 755,00 – No single supplement!   (approx $1118.00 USD)
13 nights p.p.  € 1.473,00 – No single supplement!   (approx. $2193.00 USD)
Extra nights € 98,00/night p.p.

For reservations and bookings please contact:

Miranda Allard

CEO

Spa Austria.com

43 Mount Park Road

London

W5 2RS

United Kingdom

www.spaaustria.com

miranda@spaaustria.com

Tel +44 (0)208 901 6464

fax +44 (0)208 991 1433

A new Slant on New Year resolutions.

No, I have not written anything down on paper yet.
I wanted to formulate a deeper flavor for my "goals",  I'm allowing for maturation before I put them into words and hang the list on my wall.

I watched a wonderful,  movie called "happy" by director Roco Belic, just before Xmas.  About the persuit of happiness. The movie made the whole theater happy, the way a  child is.
It was about inner values, and how they, not external values create happiness. It showed people who value money, power, fame and good looks, being less likely to be happy than those who value compassion, cooperation and a willingness to make the world a better place.

Having a high standard of living does not increase your capacity for happiness. It can often be a false stepping stone as everyone wants to be happy and socially we link more money with becoming happier. One of many examples  was a rickshaw driver from Kalkuta who felt like a king,  when he came home and was greeted by his son. His sense of joy from the shared community he lived in was rich beyond the greatest moment us westernerers ever experience spending a day in a 5 star hotel.

And, happiness is a neurological pattern within the body. It is an emotion that must be cultivated to grow. If we do not practice happiness, the happiness nerves will atrophy within us.

This brings me full circle to my goals for this year - what will be my focus ? What are my deeper values,  for life and living ?  How do I prioritize?  Should my to do list for the day mean I  internally snap at my 89 year old Mom when she interrupts me to ask for help finding her glasses?  or,  do I welcome this moment as a treasure that wont be around much longer and  find another way of laughing with her when we find them on the table where she put them?

Happiness is now at the top of my list for goals this year: practicing happiness, searching out moments for me to laugh, smile, and pay more attention to the people around me.

An addendum to this is that happy people are more socially responsible, they improve the communities in which they live.

Ultimately - the persuit of happiness is not about me. It is about us!

Please join me in this wonderous journey.

Share your goals here, and perhaps we will find magical ways to support each other with them.

Niedra

for more info about the film check out www.TheHappyMovie.com
created by Academy Award nomitnated directore Roco Belic (of Ghenghis Blues.)

Cleansing for the New Year.

I am on day 3 of a cleanse, yes, an all liquid ( juices) colon cleanse.
The end of the year is just round the corner, and I wanted to clear out the old and feel bright and healthy for the upcoming New Year.
I have travelled a lot in 2010, moved back from  St Lucia ( in the Caribbean) to California,   and started a brand new chapter in work and personal life and as I have been feeling overloaded by that life dished out ( and I know, this is really "my story" not the truth of how "life is" ) I decided the best way to cut through is to clear out.

Clear out for me means clearing my mind through my body. and I chose a cleanse.

The first day I was grumpy and deprived, with the normal chatter of  " where is my doffee? I have a head ache, why am I doing this?" running through my head.  Fortunately, I know myself well enough to recognize withdrawal symptoms and the way I talk to myself, so I ignored the inner noise.

Now I am on Day 3 and I feel wonderful!
 my senses are heightened, my yoga practice was inspired, I feel 10 years younger, and my emotions are stable and loving.
It feels great to not be attached to foods and patterns now the cleanse is on it's way.

Reflecting on my goals for next year, I am in progress to starting the new Year with a head start, clean, eating a raw food diet, honouring my body and feeling free.

I will be teaching a raw food class for daily living Jan 8 and I have never been one to teach unless I do, hence the additional motivation to get back to a life style I love.

So life is good again.

I will be posting more about raw foods, cleansing and how to get going in this lifestyle.

Upcoming Workshops & Classes: Pilates, Yoga, Raw Food, Trapeze!

Welcome to my new blog niedraatspiritmoves.blogspot.com!

I'll be using this blog to keep you posted on upcoming workshops and activities and to share thoughts and ideas over the course of the year. This posting tells you more about local activities that are coming up soon. If you're interested in signing up to a class please email me at niedra@spirit-moves.com

Enjoy and warm namaste!


1) Pilates workshop at InandUpPilates, Silverlake, CA

How to practice and teach back-bends in the Pilates Method

A workshop taught by Niedra Gabriel, Sunday November 28, 2010,  2pm – 5pm
Location:  In and Up Pilates, 2616 Hyperion Avenue LA, CA 90027, 323 906 9908

It is at the intermediate level that back extensions are added into the Pilates workout.

• How do you get the back to “bend back” easily and safely without compressing the lower spine?
• How do you use back extensions to open the chest and spine and release the lungs and ribs?
• How can back bends increase the overall flexibility of the body?
• Why are back extensions so important for good natural posture and positive attitude?

In this workshop we will explore and experience how to approach practicing and teaching back bends.

The workshop will cover the various back extensions exercises, how to prepare the person and progress them to the full interpretation of the exercises as well as when and how to modify.

• SWAN DIVE
• BREAST STROKE
• FLYING EAGLE
• ROCKING
• GRASSHOPPER

The variations will be covered for each of the above using mat, reformer, Cadillac, chairs, spine corrector and large barrel.

Cost: $90.00

To sign up or for more information call or email :

Niedra Gabriel 805 272 8062        or                In and Up Pilates  323 906 9908

Niedra@spirit-moves.com                                    Info@inanduppilates.com

2) Yoga Back bending workshop, Sacred Space Studio, Ojai, CA. Sunday Dec 5th, 3 - 5pm

In this workshop we delve into how the spine and bends "backwards",  experience ways to release muscle and cover where to focus so poses (that seemed impossible) may be within reach. Cost $40.00 at the door, $ 35.00 if you sign up in advance.




3) Raw Food class for the holiday season /Ojai

Start the healthy lifestyle early ...Learn easy to prepare, plant based, raw food dishes and enjoy a DELICIOUS  & HEALTHY holiday season (even cakes and sauces can taste divine and be good for you)   

When:    December 11, 2010

Where: 129 Layton street, 1:00 - 4:00

Cost:     $75.00 ( if paid by by December 4) $90.00 after that.

Other:   optional / stay & watch “raw for 30 days” documentary after the class  (  journey of 6 diabetics, type 1 and 2, and the  results of eating raw for 30 days ...)

GAIN                                                                     LET GO OF
Energy                                                                   Unwanted  weight effortlessly
Improve digestion & elimination                              Aches and pains
Sense of Health and well being                                Fatigue
Connect with your true nature

  

4) Atlas Profilax

Atlas Profilax is a type of bodywork I experienced in London. A sub-occipital and cranial release that restores structural stability where cranium meets spine and opens and enhances energetic flow, while harmonizing and activating vital life force.

If you are interested in experiencing this amazing work let me know as I can help coordinate times with Michael Hane, who worked on my mother and husband. He will come to Ojai & LA, if I get a group together.

Email me at niedra@spirit-moves.com to register your interest!

 

   The Core Activation...A Treatment for our Times!                                               

     Evoke the Intelligence of The Body and Ascend to Greater Vibrancy, Clarity, Strength and Balance.   Experience the Freedom and Liberation from Chronic Stress and Pain...

Please contact Michael to reserve your appointment. By phone: (760) 808 0359 or by email: michael@amazingatlas.com

Michael Hane will be offering The Core Activation technique as well as free rechecks. He is also providing massage and body work sessions at an hourly rate of $70.  Work includes cranial sacral/polarity and a blend of Swedish and Shiatsu.  Michael's passion for his work and experience offers clients a unique opportunity to feel harmony and balance, and a deep sense of peace.   Michael is greatly committed to the children.  Their future development can be greatly enhanced.

The Core Activation treatment cost: $250 (includes initial session and follow up recheck)

Please contact Michael personally to discuss financial hardship and family/children prices....

Sessions are one hour and includes Core balancing and upper neck tension release, cranial sacral therapy, and muscular/energetic body work. 

  

What is it?  A sub-occipital and cranial release that restores structural stability where cranium meets spine and opens and enhances energetic flow, while harmonizing and activating vital life force.

• For a variety of reasons, stemming back from early childhood development, the vital entry point where the skull and spine merge is unstable and chronically stressed due to a weakness and imbalance in the upper neck and occipital ridge, obstructing our Life Force and creating compensatory tension and pain, as chronically spastic muscles work harder to protect and secure the instability.
• This was discovered by Swiss René-Claudius Schuemperli, himself painfully affected by occipital imbalance and tension.  Between 1993 and 1996, he developed a revolutionary method to release and stabilize one of the greatest connections in the body, the entry point of all our bodily sensations and higher conscious activity!
• For most people, one treatment is lasting and permanent. Free follow-ups are always welcome and will be re-treated free of charge, if necessary.
• No chiropractic techniques are used; no adjusting, no cracking, no torquing, and no hands.  This modality employs trigger point therapy, neural-muscular and vibratory massage, cranial sacral and acupressure techniques...

view from below

The Method 

• The Core Activation addresses chronically tight and restrictive muscles that compensate for instability and imbalance around the upper neck.
• The Core Activation is a Neuro-muscular massage that releases tension and naturally balances the spastic sub-occipital muscles of the neck and cranium.
• An ingenious and highly effective massage tool was invented to soften and release occipital muscles and deliver specific frequency of vibration effectively able to work through and open up the most chronically restrictive muscles.  Through this tension release, the intelligence of the body is activated, opens and trusts the transformation and shift within as balance is restored. 

• The client will experience gentle vibrations around the base of the skull and in other important trigger points along the neck and shoulders.  There is a moment of reorganization, as muscles are released by the steady vibration and can no longer hold the old pattern of compensation.  A new, fresh shift occurs and harmony returns.
• Treatment is so natural and simple, that it is profound and powerful.....
  
  
  

  

Symptoms 

     

• The chronically tight, spastic sub-occipital muscles puts constant pressure on the marrow of the spine, on the cranial nerves and on the carotid artery leaving the clients feeling burdened, disconnected, incongruous, separate from the body as if the head is not resting properly.  Inner knowing that there is something simply 'off' or 'wrong'.
• Chronic pain in the neck, hips, shoulders and low back. 
• Migraines and tension head-aches, ANXIETY, RESTLESSNESS, FIGHT OR FLIGHT SYMPTOMS.  Unusually and mysterious bodily pain all over especially in the joints. 
• Trouble sleeping through the night (from trouble finding the right pillow) to waking up with tingling in the arms and hands.
• Ringing in ears and tension at the jaw.
• Short leg, lower back issues and chronic compensation.
• Posture is rounded in upper back and show signs of scoliosis, degeneration and compression.

Reactions &  Results 

The Core Activation elicits a self healing and regenerative process that strengthens and harmonizes, often evoking old tension and compensation.  As a result of the body's intelligence and wisdom, shift, change and growth occur, sometimes with temporary discomfort.  This can be on an emotional level as well.

• The Core Activation will enhance the physical, emotional, and spiritual bodies, some feel more of the physical, while others sense a combination of all three.
• Improved freedom and mobility in the neck, shoulders and lower back.  Greater stability and balance of the head.
• Some neurological changes may occur such as clearer eye sight, less ringing in the ears, better respiration and digestion.
• Blood flow improves to the brain and this can be witnessed by a change in complexion and a softening of the facial muscles.
• The head feels lighter, more erect and supported.
• As the pressure has been released from the brain stem, clients feel a rush of energy flowing from the base of the spine up through the crown. 
• An integration of heart and mind and a centering and calling of divine purpose.
• In general, people overwhelmingly admit to an increase of steady energy.
• There is a state of equanimity that washes away the tension inside and encourages a stronger appreciation and gratitude for life.
• The emotional aspect of the correction can release suppressed fear, grief, anger and joy. 
• Meditation improves and deepens, making it easier to access more tranquil states.
• Many clients express a profound change in attitude. They feel more centered, grounded and peaceful.

More Info

Michael's website

Interview with Conscious Media Network

Rene Schumperli's official website