The following Franklin Method ® classes are the being taught all around Southern California. If you are interested in learning more or scheduling a workshop, please contact me at tracie@franklinmethodsocal.com
Pelvic Power for Core Integration
This workshop focuses on the application of imagery exercises to increase the balance, alignment and flexibility of the joints, ligaments, muscles and organs of the pelvis. All these systems need to interact dynamically to create power and balance in the core. This, in turn, will increase the safety of the lower back, knees and feet. Sacral balance is key to the alignment of the spine and legs. We will experience how the sacrum actually moves as a key to understanding proper cueing for Pilates, dance, Yoga and any other movement discipline. Throughout the workshop imagery and language is used that explains the complex subject matter at all levels of experience. Through the evolutionary logic this workshop will provide a fresh understanding of anatomy and biomechanics of the pelvis. The participants will leave the workshop with a sense of aligned strength through the pelvic floor, the feet firmly balanced and the spine long and buoyant.
Join us at this workshop and:
- Experience effortless alignment and balance for the whole body through experiential understanding of the pelvic bones, joints and muscles
- Discover and apply the dynamic alignment of the sacrum
- Understand the importance of the pelvic ligaments in creating the pelvic tensegrity system
- Experience how the pelvic floor musculature relates to the abdominal, lower back and hip flexor musculature
- Experience the importance of the organs in pelvic floor training
- Learn ball and imagery exercises to train and balance the pelvic joints and muscles
Relax Your Neck, Liberate Your Shoulders
Experience the power of imagery, touch and movement exercises to lengthen and balance shoulder and neck musculature. Learn how to melt away tension and associated mental anxiety. Release holding patterns in the upper body by activating the pelvic floor foundation and becoming aware of organic causes of tightness and muscular rigidity. Learn the experiential anatomy of the shoulder girdle and benefit from an increased awareness into the function and interaction of joints and muscles. Exercise
with small rolling balls to experience smooth joint action, increased circulation and balanced posture. This serves as a wholesome foundation for a liberated shoulder girdle and a relaxed, mobile neck. A unique evolutionary invention, our shoulder girdle allows us to maintain our arms above our heads for a fairly long period of time without tiring. The counterbalancing effect of the shoulder blade is especially helpful in arm elevation. Anyone attempting to reach for the coffee container on the top
shelf needs to be able to lift their arms effortlessly without disturbing their centers or increasing tension in the shoulders, back and torso. If it weren't for our tree-picking progenitors, we probably wouldn't have shoulders constructed to do so.
Join us at this workshop and:
- Learn imagery that melts away shoulder and neck tension
- Understand the evolutionary background of shoulder girdle anatomy
- Experience the balance and poise of centered head on a liberated spine
Imagery for a Healthy, Flexible and Aligned Spine
The spine is a masterpiece of design containing over one hundred joints and associated muscles and ligaments. How, then, is it possible that so many people suffer from debilitating pain associated with the spine? Complex design requires conscious maintenance. Why do we have a spine in the first place? Why is it shaped the way it is? This workshop will explain spinal evolution, design and function using imagery and simple movement. A new embodied understanding of the spine will allow for all daily movement and exercise to benefit spinal health.
Join us at this workshop and:
- Exercises to strengthen the intervertebral discs, joints and muscles
- How the ligaments and discs interact to strengthen the spine
- The rotational and coupled motion dynamics of the spine
- Understand which cues in Pilates, Yoga and dance support optimal spinal function
- Why the spinal discs are force transducers
- How the spinal joints maneuver to create ease of motion and stability
- How to train the Iliopsoas muscle group to relieve lower back pain
- How to stand, walk and sit to benefit the spine
- What imagery is most useful when exercising the spine
- How we can transform our body image to create a healthier spine
Feet for Life: Organizing our Dynamic Base
Our feet carry us throughout our life-yet most of us are unaware of the amazing design that makes this possible. A myriad of bones, joints and muscles interacting in complex fashion allow the foot to propel us forward, adapt to terrain, and serve as a foundation and sensory organ. This course will elucidate the function of the foot in an experiential manner, allowing us to improve the agility and well being of our feet in all situations, including walking, running, jumping and dancing. In life the strength and agility of the feet are key. Without strong and well-aligned feet good posture cannot be attained and safe running and jumping is all but impossible.
Join us at this workshop and:
- Gain insight into the functional anatomy of the foot
- Learn imagery exercises for creating strong, flexible and agile feet
- Practice Theraband exercises to strengthen the muscles of the foot and ankle
- Learn imagery and self-touch exercises to improve the efficiency of the bones, tendons, muscles and joints for walking and jumping
Psoas Integration: Liberating your Lower Back
Through its many connections, the iliopsoas is a key muscle in creating good spinal and pelvic
alignment, correct muscle balance and ease of movement in the spine and hip joint. Furthermore,
psoas and pelvic floor function are closely interrelated. Experiencing your Psoas is foundational for all of your movements. This workshop will combine both theory and practical work and promises to release your back, free your neck, and relax your shoulders.
Join us at this workshop and:
- Enjoy full flexibility in your hip joints and spine
- Improve your ability to balance
- Feel more grounded and stable
- Create more ease of movement in walking, running and sitting