Balance Performance has worked alongside Pilates Sanctuary for 5 years now, its been a great relationship as they fully understand our concept of movement, function, performance and recovery. They guide the clients we refer to their equipment and mat studio within our site in Clapham to adopt improved active lifestyles based on a strong foundation of core and movement control. Alice and Agur are teachers of the highest calibre. See their latest news below:

Hello from everyone at Pilates Sanctuary,

As some of you may already know, Pilates Sanctuary is 5 this November and we would like to express our thanks to you for being one of our clients. Whether you are someone who has been with us since day one or if you have recently joined us, we would love you to help us celebrate this occasion.

Please join us on Friday 25 November between 6pm-8pm at the Pilates Sanctuary studio, Balance Physiotherapy, 113-115 Gauden Road, SW4 6LE. So that we have some idea of numbers, please would you email us on info@pilatessanctuary.co.uk by Monday 21 November if you are able to join us for these celebrations. It would be lovely to see you there!

Pilates Assessment

Agur and Alice went to a fantastic workshop led by Warrick McNeill,a physiotherapist and Pilates Foundation teacher, who belongs to an organisation called Performance Stability (www.performance-stability.com). We learnt how to use the Pilates Movement and Performance Screen; a series of tests which provide formal assessment tools and enables pilates teachers to see potential areas of injury. The results of the test are input into the Matrix software which then produces a detailed report highlighting the participant’s areas of strength and weakness . This is going to be very useful for anyone who wants to address any recurring problems, deepen their understanding of their own body and improve their performance in Pilates and other activities.

If you are interested in the assessment please speak to Alice or Agur directly either in class or contact us on alice@pilatessanctuary.co.uk 07881 953843 or on agur@pilatessanctuary.co.uk 07824901063.

Pilates Sanctuary Teachers

In other Pilates Sanctuary news, we said goodbye to Anja who is focusing on her work in North London and we welcome Rosalie who some of you have already met. Rosalie is a fantastic teacher and those of you working with her already, will have enjoyed her knowledge and experience of Pilates.

Rosalie Pastrana suffered from backache while growing up due to Scoliosis. She tried many different exercise programmes. In 1997, after completing a Degree in Advertising and PR in Spain, she moved to London in the hope that she would find a solution to her constant pain. She came across the Pilates Method while practicing Yoga in London. Within a short space of time, her back pain became more manageable. The sense of balance and wellbeing she felt encouraged her to study and develop this body movement discipline in depth.
She completed the British Wheel of Yoga Foundation Course with Barbara Joseph, going on to qualify as a Matwork and Equipment Pilates Foundation Teacher® with Anoushka Boone at Pilates in Motion.

Rosalie is committed to continuous professional development. She regularly attends Pilates and Anatomy workshops so that she can enhance both her teaching and personal practice.

Gift Vouchers

We are pleased to be able to offer Gift Vouchers for Christmas or other occasions. You can choose if you’d like to give someone some private or group sessions in the studio: a single private session is £55, a block of 5 private sessions is £250. A single group class is £24 and a block of 5 group classes is £110. Whether you are introducing someone to pilates or you want to give someone a gift they currently enjoy, we are sure you will agree, a pilates gift voucher will be well received.

This fascinating course is aimed at anyone who wants to use Trigger Point Therapy in their professional capacity. You might be a Physiotherapist, Osteopath, Chiropractor, Sports Therapist, Massage Therapist, Personal Trainer, Sports Coach or even an Athlete. If you work with people who want to perform better, recover faster and prevent injuries from occuring then this course should be on your radar.

It is being taken by Jonathan Lewis (above) who is not only the Uk’s sole Trigger Point Therapy Master Trainer but also a formidable knowledge on rehabilitation and training methods to ensure that individuals develop not only agility, speed or strength but resilience which is key to the concept of Trigger Point Therapy, so you are guaranteed an afternoon of the highest quality teaching

It comprises of 4.5 hours of CPD and runs from 1pm-6pm on Friday the 17th of June. Places are obviously limited so book soon to avoid disappointment, course fees are £145. To book and reserve your place call Balance on 020 76272308

The Lissom Technique is the truly innovative creation of two exceptionally gifted specialists in human movment and part of the Balance strength and conditioning team Julien Diaz & Jason Prog.

Lissom is a free flowing movement technique that encompasses a combination of simple but challenging moves and stretches to build core strength, flexibility, balance and endurance.  The movmements used in Lissom stem from movments which have been in use for centuries through dance, martial arts and most importantly play. Lissom takes technicaly difficult moves and breaks them down into managable and enjoyable routines.

The Lissom technique  has been born out of the need to challenge both the physical and mental elements of our bodies.  Our bodies are designed to move in a free flowing and dynamic way, yet in todays society we have become very rigid in our movements as a result of the computer generation.  

Using body resisted exercises is both physically and mentally challenging.   It is this type of movement which really challenges the body’s stability and coordination and strength.  Using precise techniques to achieve good alignment through movement brings fluidity, stability, flexibility and strength.  Overall, there is a feeling of body empowerment, liberating your body and mind. 

There are two Lissom classes at Balance at 7am and at 7pm every monday, please call to book or for more information.

Introducing the WarMachine for the ultimate in “3D bodyweight training.”

Jonathan Lewis, Cj Swaby and Ricardo Abreu will be sharing their expert knowledge and experience of how to get the most from this exciting piece of kit.

They will go through basics of press, pull, legs, trunk and combined, compound movements  before “pulling the pin” and meeting the challenge of rotational control.

There will be plenty of tuition and group work using the WarMachines so there will be plenty of time to practice and ask questions to learn how strength, endurance, and power are delivered with balance, control and flow.

 Cost is £35.

For those that decide they can’t do without CrossCore’s Pulley Suspension System in their lives £35 will be discounted from the cost of your WarMachine.

 But we’re not selling time shares! You don’t have to buy one! Just as use of the WarMachine is increasing at Balance Performance gym  you will start finding War machines across London and UK so if you want to get the maximum from them this workshop is unmissable. 

Call 02076272308 to book a spot or call Jonathan with your questions on 07960 861 267.

Look forward to seeing you there,

Regards

Jonathan.

 www.crosscore-USA.com

http://bit.ly/ijyJKr

Chris Chirsalys - professional circus/sideshow performer

This article was written by J.P. Brice. Co-inventor of the War Machine Suspended Pulley Trainer by CrossCore, Inc.

Bodyweight training. It’s been around forever. But as the sports of bodybuilding and powerlifting really started to evolve in the 50’s and 60’s, we became fascinated with big, shiny, “muscle specific” machines and training with massive amounts of weight. Bigger was better, especially in the 80’s when I began lifting. Well, I will always have a deep passion for bodybuilding and heavy weights. It’s just who I am. But, now that I am almost 40 with three bulging discs caused by all the years of heavy squats and shrugs, I now tend to put longevity first when I train. After all, big muscles are really only temporary, but your tendons, joints and skeletal system are forever and you’ve got to take care of them.

Nowadays there is a growing focus on getting back to the basics. By basics I mean bodyweight training, tire flipping, kettlebells etc. I personally think the recession the past few years has had a lot to do with this. Lets face it, lifting your own bodyweight is pretty affordable compared to a rack of dumbbells. But at the same time I also think that we are all realizing after sixty years of huge leaps in fitness equipment technology, that good old fashioned basics can often give you the same desired end result, if not better.

Today some of the most popular bodyweight training routines include suspended straps. Some are made from two separate straps and some are joined together in a Y configuration toward the top near the anchor point. There are many great attributes of these straps such as allowing us to workout at many different locations, giving us a wide range of exercises that can isolate each muscle or combine many in the same movement…including the beloved “core” we all hear about these days. Straps give us a variety of multi-planar, compound exercise movements that tend to be much easier on the joints because they compliment the body’s natural mechanics. I have to be honest, as a heavy weightlifter of over twenty five years, I first laughed at these straps. I thought, “These don’t weigh 500 lbs….what use could I possibly have for them”. After I was able to shove my ego to the side I soon realized the benefit bodyweight training could offer even me. I now incorporate bodyweight training into my workouts and all my shoulder pain has gone away and my back is much better than it used to be.

Now that I have covered why I personally think bodyweight training is making a comeback and what it has done for me, let me put a different “spin” on things. Imagine adding a 3rd dimension to bodyweight training with suspended straps and even gymnastics rings. An improvement of balance through imbalance. The 3rd dimension I speak of is by way of adding a pulley to these straps that now gives your presses, pulls and everything else you did before, “rotational movement”! Because rotational movement now allows you to train one side of the body at a time or both together, any limitations your bodyweight training routine had before are now totally gone. The balance this improvement creates and the mind-muscle awareness you gain in your form and overall functionality is incredible. Rotation is also great for telling your weak side it had better quickly catch up with the dominant side. I know, my fellow weightlifters out there are still skeptical. But hold on, I’m getting to the icing on the cake for you. The implementation of the suspended pulley also allows you to attach counterweights to one side. These counterweights can range from kettlebells to weight plates. I like kettlebells because they balance perfectly when being hoisted on a pulley. The isolation exercise capability via freeweights (curls, tricep extensions, lat rows, etc.) is now just like being at the gym and the single pulley transfers all the actual weight to the handle so not much weight is needed. If that wasn’t enough, resistance bands can be used in place of the counterweights to give the user even more resistance versatility, not to mention a whole slew of different cable attachments that can be used.

This new “hybrid” concept in bodyweight training equipment is sure to please the beginner all the way up to the elite athlete and I’m convinced it is the future of many exciting things to come in our industry. Now get out there and do the “iron cross” on those rings…but this time with rotational movement!

J.P. Brice
“Life’s A Battle…Prepare For War”
www.crosscore-usa.com

The WarMachine is available in the UK and throughout Europe from Balance Performance shop. Click on this link and take a look: WarMachine

There is so much going on at the moment at Balance Performance that i could be blogging daily, the reality is that its so busy the blogging activities are at a low!

Stewart Laing is one of the UKs most respected Sports Physiologists, has worked with some of the worlds elite athletes but is able to find the most relevant tests to suit you and your goals. From hydration tests to help you optimise injury recovery to the full battery of tests to assess aerobic capabilities, body fat percentage/lean mass composition. call Balance on 02076272308.

The strength and conditioning team is very strong. Kettlebell coaches, (Svetlana, Cj Swaby) with the most experience and highest skills, knowledge gained from the worlds best teachers. Movement specialists Julien Diaz, Jason Progl delivering the Lissom technique to individuals and small groups, learn how to move with poise, control and fluidity. Strength and conditioning coach Darren Brown guiding personal training clients through bodyweight drills, olympic and power lifts.

Balance Performance has two of Londons best sports masseurs in Trevor Speller (also an osteopathic student) and Kellie Roberts (who London Irish players also benefit from). they provide deep and effective soft tissue work, Trevor also uses active isolated stretching techniques.

Martina Kehoe is teaching 2 classes each week to empower clients to care for themselves using Trigger Point Performance self massage tools to work on muscular adhesions, scar tissue and trigger points – to see the performance/recovery tools click this link http://bit.ly/fbbYKr to find out more about the classes (FREE for existing clients) call 02076272308.

As always there is an ever present depth of expertise in sports injury treatment and back pain rehabilitation.

To break up the text here’s a video to show you a piece of equipment that encapsulates alot of what goes on at our London performance centre and what we promote across Europe. Flow and control, strength and power in movement for everyone, accessible to all:

CrossCore Pulley suspension system – the WarMachine.

Balance is growing in its impact in providing people with products that are effective in strength, fitness, recovery, prevention, sports injury treatment and back pain treatment, consumables like sports tape, kinesio tape (our brand is KT Tape). Our gurantee is that we will never sell you anything that we dont believe is effective, if you are not sure if a product is right for you contact us to be absolutely confident in your purchases.

Balance Performance is once again extremely proud that Steve Cotter, world class teacher of kettlebells, athletic movement and all aspects of strength, conditioning, movement and wellbeing, will be teaching a 3 hour Masterclass at our London facility.

Friday, October 8th, 6pm – 9.15pm
Balance Performance
113 Gauden Road
London SW4 6LE

call 020-7627-2308 to book a spot: £65

Content of the Masterclass is split between the use of the Animal Moves for bodyweight strength and conditioning followed by 90 minutes of kettlebell technique work. For those who do not know Steve Cotter, he is a teacher who not only has an indepth understanding of the subjects he teaches but as an athlete also he is incredible. Poise, touch, balance, power, strength and grace in movement are very obvious.

Animal Movements:

The original Martial Arts originators observed the animals in nature for inspiration in how they would develop such force and ferocity to defend their habits. Certain animals in particular were revered for their fighting prowess. Out of these studies were develop Animal movements, which recreated the power, grace and agility of the natural kingdom. In this course, full contact champion Steve Cotter shares some of the secrets of Animal Movements to teach you how to use your whole body in a powerful, graceful and integrated manner. Not only are these tremendously challenging, but also unique and a lot of fun.

Kettlebell swing, jerk, snatch and variations:

For those new to kettlebell training, we start from the ground up essentials. For those who have been training for years, you have the benefit of Steve’s experience and the constant improvements and refinements he makes in his own training through his study with the Russian and Ukranian World Champions Lifters. If you think you know how to do these lifts, you will still learn some new tweaks and modification to take your current level to the next level. If this is your first taste of KB training, you will learn the essential movements to get you started on a safe and effective fitness program.

Call soon as previously these Masterclasses have sold out rapidly – because of this i have held off sending text messages to my own personal network to give others a fare go at getting on theMasterclass before it sells out.

Hope to see you there.

This Saturday in Edinburgh – Jonathan Lewis, Physiotherapist, Movement Strength and Conditioning coach is teaching alongside Keith Openshaw of Mad Dog Functional Training Sytems the first of a series of workshops they have written for fitness professionals, physiotherapist, sports therapists, osteopaths and chiropractors. Flow Restoration – Kettlebells for Injury Rehabilitation is a 1 day introduction to the subject (though its a subject that you could fill an MSc with).

For an overview of the workshop take a look at the Simple Strength website, our hosts in Edinburgh this Saturday. http://simplestrength.com/workshops-2/

This workshop wil be running in London and the East Midlands soon so if you are interestred in knowing more please contact either Jonathan or Keith.

Days of sled dragging lay ahead, across this shifting landscape

Rupert Goodwin has been connected to Balance for many years now – he has had some tough times and has overcome them. Now he has a daunting challenge ahead of him that was taken on voluntarily!

Rupert's London training involved kettlebells, sandbags, mobility, rowing and copious tyre dragging

Ruperts preparations have been thorough but as with most living in London he has had to deal with the stresses of a his career, long hours and business travel. His physical training has included sandbag training, kettlebell conditioning, bodyweight drills, concept rower intervals and a few efforts on the “Deadmill”.

Apart from setting himself a personal challenge of a lifetime Rupert is doing this with the added incentive of raising some money for 2 wonderful charities.

Rupert pulling his sled on sand dunes in the Netherlands with his Dutch team mates

Please support Rupert in this great adventure by giving to Down’s South and HemiHelp, two wonderful charities that help families with children with Down’s Syndrome and or Hemiplegia – they are local and make a direct and very positive impact. Special children with special needs and their parents need help and support. These charities offer practical help and therapy – to families and especially to the children who need it.

These are the Just Giving sites you can use to support these two very worthy local childrens charities:

Down’s South: http://www.justgiving.com/Rupert-von-Eisenhart-Goodwin0
HemiHelp: http://www.justgiving.com/Rupert-von-Eisenhart-Goodwin-HH

Best wishes to Rupert from everyone at Balance.

Jonathan Lewis and Balance have had a long working relationship with Steve Cotter, one of the worlds best teachers of strength and conditioning, health and fitness concepts, an incredible athlete and an internationally recognised authority on kettlebells. We are therefore very proud to have made our ties even stronger and will now be the UKs exclusive distributor of Steve Cotter products.

Watch this space and the Balance shop as we will soon carry more DVD titles and other information products from Steve and the IKFF.