Hypermobility ~ A Practical Workshop on the Apparatus with Dianne Graci

About This Class

Many Pilates instructors know how to modify choreography for hypermobility, but the knowledge typically ends there. Join Dianne Graci in an experiential format to focus on useful techniques and specific Pilates exercises on the Apparatus for the spectrum of Hypermobile clients. This range includes clients with “joint instability” down the spectrum to clients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Advanced concepts in connective tissue and the neuromyofascial web will be introduced within the workshop as well as some Hypermobile Spectrum Disorders themselves. No prior knowledge in these areas is needed, we will be exploring to deepen the understanding of the body in front of us. Choreography will be focused on utilizing the Reformer and Cadillac with a “bonus”
recording of the Wunda Chair.

This workshop was created to address the ever-growing need for more specific movement-based positive strategies for the hypermobile community. The class will begin with a brief explanation of a useful three-prong method that can be applied to any hypermobile client. Then, we will progress to dynamic strength rather than creating limits and restrictions around hypermobile joints. Unwinding patterns created by false stability, assisting strength building of local musculature, and creating global organization are key areas of focus. Progressions, specific “hot spots" in the body, and breathwork will also be addressed. Instructors will come away from this course not only with a greater understanding of the spectrum of hypermobility but also a greater toolbox for their clients!

PREVIOUS WORKSHOP FEEDBACK or QUOTES:

“I have hypermobile EDS and the techniques she has used on me have been the absolute best!”
“I’ve been thinking SO much about the hypermobility workshop in my teaching lately. I think all that
information has been marinating since the workshop and now I’m really seeing how effective it is!
Your teaching has always been the most potent for me and I’m so appreciative to learn with you.”
“Such a wonderful bunch of ‘goodies’ I have taken away... both for myself and my students.”

EQUIPMENT REQUESTS FOR CLASS PARTICIPANTS:
-Block
-Trigger point release ball (OPTP “pinky” ball is best)
-Bumpy Ball or Overball
-Sticky Mats for the Apparatus
-Appropriate head rests (a towel, head cushion, small block, etc)

*Dianne will be demonstrating the live class on a Balanced Body reformer of custom height (between the studio and clinical sizes) and an Infinity Footbar which works well for hypermobile clients of all sizes. Participants can utilize any reformer/footbar and do not need this specific model. The Cadillac exercises will be shown on a Balanced Body Tower (converted from the Reformer) with a mix of yellow, blue, and red springs. Specific spring strategies will be addressed. The “bonus” Wunda Chair recording will be on a Stott Chair (so used due to its high resting position of the pedal, which is very useful at the start of exercises).

Dianne Graci received her full Mat and Equipment certification from Kelly Kane at The Kane School of Core Integration in NYC in 2005. She then became a long time Teacher Trainer, Private Anatomy Tutor, and Pilates Instructor for The Kane School / Kinected Center. Since her certification she has continued her education with industry leaders such as Debbie Goodman and The Midwives of NJ in perinatal studies, Irene Dowd, Kuan Hui Chew, among others. Other education includes certification programs for Sue Hitzmann's The Melt Method™ and Core Align. She was also selected to study in the dissection work study program for The FAMI Workshop at Mount Sinai Hospital.

Dianne has run several Pilates retreats including Cascina Papaveri in Italy and La Serrania in Spain with Cobham Pilates. She is proud to have been a guest instructor at Cobham Pilates and Alderley Pilates in the UK. In 2014 Dianne opened the Pilates Studio elevate cooperative with two of her colleagues to provide a centre for advanced practitioners in a diverse wellness space. Through elevate Dianne launched the "Advanced Certification for Movement Professionals" as a mentoring program for post-certification Pilates Instructors and other movement professionals. She has also authored numerous other Continuing Education Workshops such as Birth Strong (A Prenatal Pilates Course), Pilates for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and multiple Biomechanics and Anatomy courses. Since the CoVid Pandemic Dianne has taken to virtual teaching, like so many others. She sees her clients now from anywhere in the world. Dianne is currently writing a book that encompasses the “best” of her workshops, entitled “Pilates by Design”. She strives to elevate her clients' relationships with their own bodies so that they may cultivate healthy movement patterns that can apply to all aspects of a healthy lifestyle.

diannegraci.com