Are you treating the Symptoms and not the Cause?
With 18 years experience of watching movement patterns and treating bodies, we really need to start addressing the body as a full kinetic chain. We are emotional, spiritual and mental beings. I long for the day when all medical practitioners and ourselves connect that niggling knee injury with the rest of the body.
Think of it like this, you are sat in an inflatable dingy that springs a leak, unless you do something quick the dingy will sink. Do you keep bowling out the water? Or do you plug the hole to stop the water coming in? Plugging the hole gets to the cause of the problem, where-as bailing out the water just deals with the effect (the injury) at first, we need to understand the cause as well so that we can ensure the injury does not reoccur or cause a different problem in the future through a faulty recruitment pattern or compensatory pattern.
To give you more of an insight, I use 6 basic principals taught to me by Paul Chek , the founder of the Chek institute.
1.THOUGHTS: The mind-body expert Dr. Deepak Chopra has stated that we have between 60,000 to 80,000 thoughts per day and of those thoughts nearly 80% of them are negative. This is important to realize because almost every person is habitually invested in his or her thoughts. In others what we think is what we believe to be true about ourselves! Because thoughts are catabolic in nature, meaning they lead to breakdown of the body and use up a tremendous amount of resources (like working out), it's important that each of us finds a way to balance our thoughts with no-thought activities. Examples would be anything you enjoy that brings you closer to a state of no-mind like meditation, walks in nature, artwork, listening to inspirational music, sleep, etc. Remember that all choices are thoughts. So it's up to you as to what type of thoughts you want to invest in when it comes to food choices, amount of exercise, the people you hang out with and your life experiences.
2. BREATHING: The average person breathes approximately 25,000 times per day. If you are stressed or you are a chest breather, the number of breaths increases up to 40,000 times per day. Some yogic and Chinese philosophies claim that each person is allotted a certain number of breaths per lifetime. Thus, a stressed person or person that has poor breathing mechanics essentially is taking years off their life. What I find interesting is that most people are focused on what they eat and how much they exercise, which is also important, but considering that if we don't have air we lose brain function after three minute and die after five minutes. So the body will do everything it can do keep itself alive using muscles and resources that aren't primarily designed for breathing which can lead to a host of health challenges. It has been shown that 70-75% of most visits to the GP are all related to incorrect breathing patterns. Another interesting fact is that improper breathing mechanics can lead to the deep spinal stabilizers to shut down! This may show up when you reach down to pick up your kids or groceries and your back goes out. Proper breathing mechanics is where 2/3 of the breath starts from the belly and the last 1/3 of the breath expands into the chest. Then let it out naturally. Just practicing proper breathing five minutes a day can go a long way to improving your health and keeping you out of the doctor's office.
3. HYDRATION: Water makes up approximately 75% of your body and 85% of your brain tissue. Almost every chemical reaction and interaction in your body is dependent upon water. With just 1% of water loss your brain can show signs of malfunction, headache and fatigue according to "Your Body's Many Cries for Water" by Dr. F. Batmanghelidj. For optimal body weight and performance, you must drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily and adjust that amount based on your level of physical and mental activity.
Many of the filtration systems take out the vital minerals found in natural water so add a pinch of organic sea salt to each litre bottle. Not so much to taste the salt, but enough to give it some body. Remember, dry mouth is one of your body's last cries for water so drink adequate amounts of high quality pure water each day.
4. FOOD: We are as different on the inside as we are on the outside from person to person. Each of us has a unique cellular metabolism and makeup. Each person needs unique macronutrient proportions of fats, proteins, carbohydrates to facilitate optimal cellular and bodily functions. It is critical to remember that each meal, including fluids, should be balanced. Just as you wouldn't put diesel fuel into a gasoline engine and expect it to run optimally, you should not put the wrong fuels or mix in your body if you want it to run optimally and look your best. No matter what type of engine you have it's best to choose organic, unprocessed whole foods whenever possible. Otherwise, food can be a source of stress coming from the poisonous chemical pesticides the body has to work so hard to detoxify or store in your fat cells (yes, weight gain!) and malnutrition because conventional foods have been shown to be up to 40 times lower in vital nutrients that organically grown plant and animal foods.
5. EXERCISE: My favorite philosophy when it comes to exercise is work hard, rest hard! Many people forget that the body gets stronger when you are resting and recovering, not while exercising. Therefore, if you don't allow adequate rest time between workouts, or if you simply work too much, you are never going to reap the benefits from your hard work in the gym. If the thought of working out makes you tired or you don't have the authentic desire to workout then it's best to do what my mentor Paul Chek calls "working-in" exercises like qigong, yoga, tai chi, sleep, slow walks ... something that you don't really have to think about and doesn't raise your heart rate or breathing rate and should feel like it's improving your digestion. The key point is to balance your working-in and working-out to meet your own movement needs, but no matter what you need I suggest getting 30 minutes of exercise daily to pump the body making it look great from the inside-out.
6. SLEEP: Our bodies have natural built-in clocks intimately linked to the solar, lunar and celestial rhythms that direct our body's healing cycles. When you sleep, you release anabolic hormones to repair and regenerate. The body does its physical repair between the hours of 10pm and 2am and its mental/nervous system repair between the hours of 2am and 6am. Frequently going to bed after 10pm will reduce the body's healing time resulting in progressive fatigue, inability to recover from illness and injuries, and loss of balance and memory. I would have to say the most common complaint of clients, is that they are fatigued and want more energy. A great place to start is sleep. You may find that your best treatment approach to any current complaints could be as simple as going to bed by 10pm and sleep to 6am or longer if you need to catch up on lost sleep.
For more details please call 0800 246 1251 or email info@pilates4sport.com
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Next Pilates Course in St. Helens
Clinical Pilates and Garuda Pilates
We are now taking bookings for the next Clinical & Garuda Pilates, please email info@pilates4sport.com or call 0800 246 1251 to enroll .The next course starts Thursday 16th April with Clinical or Garuda Pilates. Whatever your age, level of fitness, or amount of Pilates experience you've had, there is a class to suit you. Please email for more details. All class sessions are limited to spaces and must be pre booked and pre paid. Class sessions are non refundable and non transferable. Please arrive 10 minutes before your first session with a non slip Yoga mat and bottle of water. Please note that our terms and conditions apply to all bookings. To enrol click here.
| Day | Class | Time | Course start & length | Cost | Venue |
| Thursday | Clinical Pilates Mat | 5.30-6.30pm | Thursday 16th April - 6 Week | £42 | St.Helens United Reform Church |
| Thursday | Clinical Pilates | 6.30-7.30pm | Thursday 16th April - 6 Week | £42 | St.Helens United Reform Church |
Thursday
| Garuda Pilates | 7.30-8.30pm | Thursday 16th April - 6 Week | £42 | St.Helens United Reform Church
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| Course start date | Number of sessions | Price |
| Thursday 16th April 2015 | 6 | £42 |
| Monday 1st June 2015 | 7 | £49 |
| Monday 7th September 2015 | 7 | £49 |
| Monday 2nd November 2015 | 5 | £30 |
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| Nordic Walking £7 drop in | 1 | £7 |
Please choose from the following streams:
CLINICAL PILATES: About 8 in 10 people have one or more bouts of low back pain. In most cases, it is not due to a serious disease or serious back problem, and the exact cause of the pain is not clear. This is called nonspecific lower back pain. The usual advice is to keep active, and do normal activities as much as possible. In most cases, the pain disappears within six weeks but may come back (recur) from time to time. Chronic (persistent) pain develops in some cases and further treatment may then be needed. Clinical Pilates is taught by an STOTT ISP (injury-specialist populations) teacher or an APPI physio trained teacher. This class is suitable for both post and ante - natal mums .This class is limited in numbers to ensure individual attention. Please bring a Yoga mat and bottle of water to class,booking essential.
CORE PILATES/YOGA FLOW: This class is based on the latest research in fascial trains incorporating James de Silva's Garuda work which takes the class to the next level. Garuda combines the strength work of pilates, the breathwork and asana practices of yoga and the grace of dance.
The benefits of Garuda include increased strength, flexibily, coordination and endurance with a greater sense of ease and wellbeing. Garuda draws deeply on mental focus and teaching relaxation through movement. Like yoga garuda also massages the internal organs and aids in detoxification.
Garuda is a non stop flowing class that is challenging and mindful. You will leave feeling invigorated. It is suitable for anyone with some experience of yoga and or pilates. Watch a Garuda Class here. Please bring a Yoga mat and bottle of water to class, booking essential.
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| James D'Silva Garuda Yoga Pilates DVD amAya Music |
Nordic Walking: Nordic Walking is an enhancement of ordinary walking - it makes something we can all do.... twice as effective! Nordic Walking uses poles to in order to add two major benefits to walking Nordic Walking is the fastest growing fitness activity in the world and is used by individuals, personal trainers, health clubs, physiotherapists, doctors and health promoters because it is highly effective, affordable and FUN!
* The use of poles means the upper body muscles are used as well as the legs * The poles help to propel the walker along - this means he/she works harder than usual yet the support given by the poles makes it feel easier!
Why Choose Me?
A CHEK Practitioner bridges the gap between a Personal Trainer and Physiotherapist or Osteopath that looks at the entire human being as a holistic entity
If you imagine that a trainer is at one end of the spectrum prescribing health and exercise programs and a Physio is at the other end, rehabilitating chronic injuries and providing therapy, a CHEK Practitioner will bridge the gap between these two respected professions. Through an understanding of how our body systems integrate, on a physical, mental and emotional and chemical level, the CHEK practitioner addresses all of these where many do not and prescribe a health and exercise program based on these factors and the goals of the client.
What is the CHEK approach?
The approach I teach is based on the Corrective, Holistic, Exercise, Kinesiology system devised by Holistic Health Practitioner Paul Chek who originally trained as a Sports Massage Therapist, Neuromuscular Therapist (NMT) and trainer of the US Army Boxing Team.
This system or approach is designed to address the person as a whole and analyzes the client's body from head to toe including diet, lifestyle and factors that can create more stress in the body. Stress has many faces and the accumulation of stress in the body may determine the amount of exercise, rest and or lifestyle changes the client needs to take in order to recover from pain or reach the goals they desire before they simply burn out!
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| What is the CHEK Institute Approach To Health? |
The CHEK Institute is an elite educational and corrective exercise centre based in Vista, California. It is recognised as the world leader in functional and rehabilitative exercise conditioning amongst health and fitness professionals. Clients ranging from injured workers to professional athletes, see a CHEK practitioner and Exercise Coaches for individual evaluations and personal trainer programs.
A CHEK Practitioner is taught how to recognize the signs and symptoms of disorders that may impede successful rehabilitation, and then to network with appropriate professionals to achieve the desired outcome. The practitioner is not expected to help everyone or claims to help everyone and so they will refer out to another health care practitioner when needed such as a Chiropractor, Osteopath, Physiotherapist, Doctor and people with specific skill sets.
For more details please call 0800 246 1251 or email info@pilates4sport.com. |
Yoga and Pilates Retreat
1st - 4th May 2015, £299pp
Join us for a wonderful Pilates Holiday and Yoga Retreat in the Hacienda Spain.
Join us for 4 days of Pilates, Yoga and Buddhist walking at 'The Hacienda'. Set in the beautiful Andalucian countryside, in an area of outstanding national beauty and ecological diversity, this retreat offers a complete getaway from everyday life as well a touch of rustic. Accommodation is set amidst spectacular views of the Andalucian countryside, in an area of outstanding national beauty and ecological diversity; this retreat offers a complete getaway from everyday life.
"A retreat so jam packed with Nisha's ever creative and challenging classes, Nordic walking and belt busting meals we did not even realize it was raining"
- Peter
Facilities include:
- Indoor and outdoor yoga areas
- A purpose built Yoga studio
- Meditation temple with prayer chairs
- Infinity pool with two cabanas
- Indoor sauna
- Shiatsu Massage can be booked through The Hacienda upon arrival & costs 65 Euros an hour.
The venue makes an excellent base for exploring Monterfrio in a tranquil, stress-free environment. When you're enjoying a Pilates/Yoga holiday mini break, our stunning venue will help you unwind and rejuvenate. You will be served delicious vegetarian food, twin en-suite bedrooms with panoramic views of the mountains. "Nisha was an excellent teacher, I enjoyed her knowledge and the variation of techniques, and Thai Massage was particularly good".
Teaching sessions are held in the spacious Yoga hall, Yoga deck and meditation temple. The Pilates/Yoga classes are a combination of energizing Dynamic Yoga and Pilates in the morning followed by a more restorative practice of Thai Yoga Massage. Classes are suitable for all levels and those with little or no experience in yoga and/or Pilates are also welcome.
"Amazing lessons, well thought out and nicely taught" - Daniel
View the venue here
Sample Timetable
Friday
Early morning flights from Manchester
11am-1pm - Arrival & brunch
7.00pm - Dinner
9.00-10.30pm-Yoga/Pilates Flows by Candlelight
Saturday
8.00-10.00am -Fusion flow Garuda class including morning meditation
10.15am-Brunch Free Time - For Massage, walks, bike ride etc.
4.00pm-Chai & tiffin
5.00-7.00pm Thai Yoga Massage class
7.00pm-Dinner
9.30pm - Yin Yoga Nidra, Pranayama, Meditation
Sunday
8.00-10.00am -Fusion flow Yoga/Pilates class including morning meditation
10.15am-Brunch Free Time - For Massage, walks, bike ride etc. optional visit to Monteria
6.00pm-Dinner
9.30pm Yin Yoga Nidra,Pranayam,Meditation
Monday
8.00-10.00am- Power Pilates/Yoga Baptiste style
10.15 am - Brunch Free Time - For massage, walks, bike ride etc
1.00-3.00pm Buddhist walking, meditation, Pranayama
4.00pm - early Dinner
5.00pm onwards Departure
What to bring
- Light, loose clothing for Yoga
- Walking clothes & shoes
- Swimming costume
- Yoga mats & props provided
Things to do
Situated 8km from The Hacienda - Monte Frio was officially declared a Town of Historical and Artistic Interest in 1982 and forms part of the Poniente Granadino - The Last Frontier of Al-Andalusia. The town sits at just over 830m above sea level in a landscape made up of mountainous slopes and olive groves with a skyline dominated by the monumental El Centinela.
"Amazing, best Yoga retreat so far" - Penny
 Deposit is £150. Full payment is for a sharing twin room. Some rooms have an en suite bathroom and these rooms are booked on a first come first served basis. If paying a deposit the balance can be paid eight weeks before the retreat commences. We do have a limited number of single occupancy rooms at extra cost. Please contact us for details and availability. Flight, insurance, additional activities and excursions are not included. Travel insurance is required. Transfer cost of your transfer from Malaga airport to The Hacienda is £25-£35 each way. There are set times that the transfers are available so please check with us before booking your flight. Please contact regarding our payment plan and to check availability before booking online. "Nisha organized a wonderful yoga retreat with a great variety of yoga, Pilates and meditation designed to rejuvenate and relax. The level of knowledge, experience and teaching was first class. The retreat offered the perfect balance of yoga and free time and was great value for money".
What is included in the cost?
All classes, accommodation, meals, snacks and fresh fruit and herbal teas are included in the cost. Flights and transfers are not included.
Where shall I fly?
Malaga. Easyjet, Ryanair, Monarch and Norwegian run cheap flights from the UK. For cheaper rates check www.skyscanner.net
Transfers from the airport?
We will be arranging a transfer to The Hacienda around 2pm on the first day of the retreat from Malaga airport. For your departure, please organize flights from 10pm on the last day of the retreat. The transfer costs £25pp- £35 each way. It is possible to get flights at different times to those advised and get a taxi to the venue. However please be aware that taxis in the area are costly and one to the venue from the airport will cost 130 Euros.
For more details, click here.
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The Yoga Show Manchester
15/16/17 May 2015
I'm so excited to be teaching two 30 minute sessions at the Yoga Show,Manchester. Join me on Friday 15th May from 4:45-5:15pm at the OM Yoga studio for - Spinal Revolution
"A Breakthrough In Back Science". The thoracic spine is built for rotation, flexion, and extension. It is highly mobile - or, rather, it has the potential for lots of mobility. Because of its mobility, the thoracic spine must be used, must be moved. But it has to be known.
If people are unable to visualize and feel the movement of the thoracic spine, or if they're unable to even grasp the concept of its existence, they'll just attempt to twist, rotate, flex, and bend with something familiar to them: the lumbar spine. That's bad news. A movement system that gently works the entire body opening energy pathways through rhythmic, spiraling movements.
Fluid movements that feel like dance are smoothly and harmoniously connected through the use of breath, utilizing low stools and mats. All fitness levels, from novice to professional, can benefit from this system.
And...
Garuda Pilates on Friday 15th May 11.45-12.15pm and Sunday 17th May from 3:45-4:15pm at the Warrior open class
The benefits of Garuda include increased strength, flexibily, coordination and endurance with a greater sense of ease and wellbeing. Garuda draws deeply on mental focus and teaching relaxation through movement. Like yoga garuda also massages the internal organs and aids in detoxification.
Garuda is a non stop flowing class that is challenging and mindful. You will leave feeling invigorated. It is suitable for anyone with some experience of yoga and or pilates. Watch a Garuda Class here. Please bring a Yoga mat and bottle of water to class. 
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Free Talks @ Your Sports Club or Business
What to improve your golf swing? Recover better after football or rugby? Increase your speed at running? Improve your posture? Gain flexibility, mobility and core strength? Or are you the boss and want your staff more productive, less stressed, better posture, and to reduce absenteeism due to back problems etc Get all this information for free by letting NorthWest Pilates visit your centre. Email or call 0800-246-1251 for more details
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