kinectED: 2 workshops for the pregnant client!

The focus this weekend at Kinected will be on the pregnant client. Join us for two continuing education workshops addressing this special population. First up: Debbi Goodman’s Pilates Through Pregnancy workshop will take place this Friday from 2-6, Saturday from 9-4 & Sunday from 9-12. Topics that will be covered are:

• the anatomical and physiological changes that occur during pregnancy
• the role of the abdominals and pelvic floor during pregnancy and how to appropriately strengthen these muscle groups
• how to approach designing a safe and appropriate exercise program for the prenatal client

Also this weekend, on Sunday from 1-4, will be Ask the Expert: Reformer Programming for the Pregnant Client taught by Debbi Goodman & Matt McCulloch. Participants will learn:

• modifications of traditional reformer exercises for the pregnant client throughout all stages of their pregnancy
• new exercises on the reformer specifically created for the pregnant client
• contraindications of traditional reformer exercises for the pregnant client throughout all stages of their pregnancy

There are a few spots left in each workshop; sign up before they fill up!

Instructor Spotlight!

Meet Stephanie!

Stephanie Lang Bittner, Master Pilates Instructor, has been training privately as well a facilitating instructor certification programs in the tri-state area for over 10 years.   Her weekly clientele include professional dancers and athletes, Broadway performers, and those recovering from chronic or major injuries.  She carefully creates on-going wellness programs for those suffering with chronic conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and multiple sclerosis.

Stephanie is excited to bring her insight and talents to assist women during and after their pregnancy.  Stephanie’s vast knowledge enables her to make adjustments to any workout class or program- even for those with special needs.  (She is even her own client and “Mom” to Cooper since August 2010!)  Her excitement and enthusiasm for Pilates are contagious.  You will leave her class feeling great, filled with knowledge, and constantly inspired as you progress through your pregnancy.

Stephanie is certified by the Center for Women’s Fitness, Pilates Academy International and AcitivCore Redcord Stability Programs. She is a retired Radio City Rockette and Broadway performer, holds a B.A. in Dance from Point Park University, and is an adjunct professor at New York University.

Preferred Prop? “Flex Band. A very useful prop for pregnant women and you can put it in your pocket and take it with you!”

Favorite Prenatal Exercise: Transverse Abdominals focus in Quadraped position. This exercise will help stabilize the lumbo-pelvic region as your belly grows and shifts. It will also help to prevent lower back discomfort.

Fun fact? During a press-event while still a Rockette, Stephanie once spent a sunny afternoon in Gillette Stadium kicking field goals with Adam Vinatieri.

Q&A – Stephanie answers her clients’ most frequently asked questions:

Q: At what point in my pregnancy can I do pilates?

A: As long as you have clearance from your doctor, you can perform guided pilates exercises through every stage of pregnancy. Doing pilates throughout your pregnancy will help you feel more energized, stand taller and deal with the changes that your pregnant body goes through on a daily basis.

Q: What is a diastasis?

A: This is a separation in the abdominals due to the growing uterus. To help prevent diastasis, avoid flexion of the spine (doing a sit-up type movement) and always roll to your side first when getting up from lying on your back. A diastasis can be healed with the help of pilates and depending on the severity, phyical therapy.

Q: How soon after I give birth can I do Pilates?

A: Every birth is different, however, you can start to re-strengthen the pelvic floor about 24 hours after birth by doing kegel exercises. Getting clearance from your doctor is important to start any activity and it is generally safe to wait approximately 6 weeks. If you have a C-section, you may need to wait 8 weeks.

Don’t miss Stephanie, this month and next:

• *Free* off-site class at Tribeca Parenting’s UES location: Prenatal Pilates at Home; Wednesday, March 30: 6-7pm (details here)
• For lactation professionals: Ergonomics of Breast Feeding; Pilates Protocols for Lactation Professionals — April 3rd; 2-5pm
• Ongoing: prenatal mat class: Thursdays, 11am-12pm.

Instructor Spotlight!

Meet Sarah!

Sarah Smith, a native of Fort Worth, TX has studied and performed dance since the age of 3.  She graduated with a B.P.A in dance performance from Oklahoma City University and has performed in regional productions of Crazy For You, 42^nd Street, The Producers and Christmas Dreams. Understanding how important Pilates has been for her dance training, health, and well-being, she went on to get her Pilates certification through the Kane School. Since receiving her certification, she has studied Pilates through Pregnancy, Post-Natal Pilates, and Gait Analysis. Sarah currently studies Voice with Tom Burke, The Alexander Technique with Emily Whyte and dance with various instructors throughout Manhattan.  Sarah believes that each individual is unique, with their own set of needs and that knowledge of one’s own body inherently leads to self-appreciation.

Fav muscle?

“The Diaphragm is my favorite muscle. It is unique because it can be controlled consciously and unconsciously. It supports the voice through speech and singing and it supports life via breath. Understanding the diaphragm and utilizing it in various patterns can help us to relieve stress. And who doesn’t need a built in stress reliever?”

Preferred Prop?

“Physioball. It can be as functional as a chair, a footrest, or an inexpensive version of a rocking (or bouncing) chair. But you can also use the physioball to work your entire body in fun and challenging ways.”

Fun Fact?

“I do a great Aaron Neville impression.”