EXCLUSIVE TO PILATESEMBODIED LLC: THE NERVOUS SYSTEM/TRAUMA-INFORMED GROUP CLASS OR PRIVATE SESSION

A Nervous System-Informed One-on-One Session or Group Class prioritizes regulation of the Autonomic Nervous System. Nervous System-Informed considerations include a person-centered approach, cognizant of creating an atmosphere that allows each person to relax extrinsic muscle tension caused by neurological stress and effectively connect with the deeply embedded intrinsic muscles that can atrophy due to chronic stress. This atrophy compromises posture, breathing & heart function, anxiety management, energy, and resilience. Variables such as breath, sound, spinal manipulation, touch, pacing, specific eye and head movements, and grounding techniques - along with the 6 Pilates Principles [More on these principles and background information on the Pilates method can be found HERE] will be offered individually to each class participant to awaken lethargy and clear a cluttered mind with an optimized workout.

One-on-One Pilates Sessions With Me Are:

SAFE

The importance of client physical safety is ingrained in me, as the Pilates certification program I completed, Romana's Pilates®, prioritized the safety of clients above all else. My training helped me develop a keen eye for safety, which I am very grateful for as it is absolutely necessary to be safe when teaching someone who has experienced the ultimate lack of safety. It is your decision whether or not you would like to be touched. My hands-on assists are done the way I prefer them, as do many survivors: firmly, with purpose and permission.

In developing Nervous System-Informed Pilates, I have always been aware of the possibility that anyone can be triggered by exercising. It is not abnormal whatsoever to become uncomfortable when connecting with your body. Your body holds history that your mind may have willfully (or not) forgotten. Trembling, confusion, "getting it wrong" - these are normal responses when introducing any physical movement. If you are triggered, become overwhelmed or confused during our session, it will not alarm me and I will be able to help you through it. I have been there. I have been triggered during an exercise class, and what made it awful was that no one knew what to do or what was happening to me and so they just chose to ignore me. Learning with me Pilates is a dignifying practice.

It is also a practice based on your nervous system's regulation. If your nervous system is moving into balance, the probability that you will be triggered decreases. So, while a trigger response is something I am prepared for, it is also a circumstance that my teaching approach was designed to assuage.

ACCESSIBLE TO ALL

Just as Joseph Pilates intended, I offer Pilates to anybody - regardless of age, injury, lifestyle. Everyone can be physically fit and benefit from Pilates. In the Pilates method there are hundreds of exercises, all with modifications. Therefore, no matter what you are working with, your Pilates practice will leave you strong and flexible, without exacerbating an existing condition. Together we will address your body’s daily specific needs, while factoring in your long-term goals. You will find over time that your Pilates sessions are not only leaving you physically stronger, but mentally stronger as well and invigorated by decreased tension.

MINDFUL OF MODERN PACE, POSTURES + CULTURE

Unfortunately, trauma is one of many external forces that cause maladaptive physiological responses. We will evaluate how possibily modifiying your routine (or creating one to begin with) and the physical movements that your routine involves may benefit you in stress reduction. Looking at tasks you find burdensome and brainstorming on how they might better serve you physically, rather than impair you, is offered to limit the uncomfortabilty survivors often feel in their body and in their interactions with others. As well, for those forced into a more sedentary lifestyle, you will be equipped with ideas on how to daily counteract the effects of prolonged sitting.

Person-Centered Pilates

I do not teach Pilates using a one-size-fits-all model. Your workout will adapt to you and you will never be pushed into an exercise that your body, memories, nervous system, or viscera resists. By offering a Person-centered approach to Pilates, your workout sessions will not be controlled by me, but will take a shape based on the two of us collaborating. Your feedback and observations are welcomed as you feel comfortable. Yes, I know a lot about Pilates and the body, but when it comes to your own body, you know more.

What Does A Person-Centered Approach To Fitness Look Like?

Your Pilates sessions are guided by my instruction, but driven by you and your:

  • strengths (mental + physical)

  • needs

  • goals

  • physical history and any related limitations

  • personal learning style

  • instincts

  • insights

Our sessions together will be to the benefit of your body, and a safe place to honor you past and present experience. Over time you may find that you are more comfortable listening to your body, and attuned to its feedback. Communicating with me about what your body is telling you during session exercises is welcomed in the moment or upon reflection, and can benefit your healing process. However, I know there are some things that cannot be verbalized or articulated. Your simple statement that you would like to pass on an exercise with be honored with question.

Trauma-Informed Locations

  • I teach private, one-on-one sessions out of a fully equipped North San Diego County Pilates studio in Encinitas.

  • There is both minimal noise and foot traffic in the space. Often times, we will have the studio to ourselves.

  • In-home sessions are also available. Props will be provided, no equipment is necessary, though I do request that you obtain a Pilates mat - which is a bit thicker than a Yoga mat.

  • I also make use of FaceTime and Zoom to work with survivors not closely located. Everyone’s needs are different and some people I coach through a workout and with others we will engage in nervous system regulation techniques that may or may not include Pilates.

  • Please contact me directly HERE for a free consultation and pricing information.

Going Beyond Pilates

Based on your immediate needs and long-term goals, I may include TRX Suspension Training, manual myofascial release work as well via Yamuna® Body Rolling, cardiovascular training alternating with restorative work, Yoga, functional movement, self-soothing exercises, meditation (possibly combined with chanting), and use creative props to help ease the body out of maladaptive, compensatory postures and breathing patterns. We may also use music and guided imagery, should either be appropriate. More can be learned about adjunct modalities by clicking the link below.

All exercise, movement, release work, vocal work, etc. are offerings to you. If your body/mind resist, we will work until we find a path that feels comfortable and effective for you. There are a multitude of healing pathways and yours is unique.

Nothing you do, say, or express, and nothing about the way you present yourself in our sessions is ‘wrong.’ What was wrong is what was done to you which you’re now healing from. What is right is your presence in the studio and everything you do therein.