Mindful movement for folks who want to create a dedicated practice

Though the hands and feet may seem far apart, their roles in weight-bearing share many similarities. In this 2-hour lecture, we will explore the anatomy of both hands and feet, highlighting the parallels and differences between these systems. We’ll dive into common pain points and contraindications specific to mindful movement in Pilates and Yoga, discussing why these issues occur and how to address them effectively.

The workshop will cover assessment techniques and cueing strategies to optimize the plantar and palmar connections to the ground, props, and equipment. Prior knowledge of basic anatomy labeling is important for this workshop. To prepare, consider brushing up on the anatomy of the hands and feet through the following resources.

Who is this for? This workshop is ideal for individuals looking for a more complex discussion around movement, movement education, and movement practices. This is a full 2 hour indepth lecture that may include some physical participation or assessment. Students can attend “viewers” or “participants” If you are a viewer you can observe how teachers work with assessment and learning. If you are a participant it is important to have a working knowledge of the hand and foot anatomy and terminology.

Balance is often a buzzword, but what does it truly mean in the context of bipedal movement? As bipedal beings evolving from quadrupeds, the integration of four limbs in a two-limb stance is frequently misunderstood. In this lecture, you’ll explore how the joint structures of the lower limbs communicate with the torso and upper limbs through tensegrity. Discover how injuries often occur when this integration is lacking and learn practical strategies to modify your own movement, awakening and enhancing these interconnected systems for better balance and coordination.

Who is this for? This workshop is ideal for individuals looking for a more complex discussion around movement, movement education, and movement practices. This is a full 2 hour indepth lecture that may include some physical participation or assessment. Students can attend “viewers” or “participants” If you are a viewer you can observe how teachers work with assessment and learning. If you are a participant it is important to have a working knowledge of the hand and foot anatomy and terminology.

The spine is often viewed simply as a boney head-to-tail structure, but the true function is to house and protect the central nervous system (CNS). Understanding this symbiotic relationship creates a much deeper, more intricate system of movement. In this lecture, we will explore the spine from within, focusing on the deeper connection of the spinal canal and its transformative impact on movement. From the occipital connection down to the lower lumbar, understanding what one graduate calls the “baby spine” will forever change how you approach forward folds and backbends. This session delves into the structure of the nervous system, offering insight into how it informs sensation and movement. Rather than focusing on the spine as a bony column, we will examine it as a dynamic canal of communication and information.

Who is this for? This workshop is ideal for individuals looking for a more complex discussion around movement, movement education, and movement practices. This is a full 2 hour indepth lecture that may include some physical participation or assessment. Students can attend “viewers” or “participants” If you are a viewer you can observe how teachers work with assessment and learning. If you are a participant it is important to have a working knowledge of the hand and foot anatomy and terminology.

Extension causing discomfort and pain is a common issue in both yoga and Pilates, often leading instructors to prioritize comfort and safety to the point of avoiding spinal extension altogether. But what if we took a different approach? What if we did more and deeper extensions? In our modern world, dominated by screens and convenience, our spines are no longer required to pull, lift, or reach as they once did. Without consistent activation of the posterior chain, it’s no surprise that aches and pains arise. Additionally, improper cues for spinal support can create an internal struggle between muscles and structures, exacerbating discomfort (don't worry, we’ll break this down in the lecture!). This workshop explores the sagittal plane, focusing on the mechanics of flexion and extension, and how reactivating these essential systems can lead to a stronger, healthier spine.

Who is this for? This workshop is ideal for individuals looking for a more complex discussion around movement, movement education, and movement practices. This is a full 2 hour indepth lecture that may include some physical participation or assessment. Students can attend “viewers” or “participants” If you are a viewer you can observe how teachers work with assessment and learning. If you are a participant it is important to have a working knowledge of the hand and foot anatomy and terminology.

Have you ever noticed yourself looking surprised while rolling up off the mat? It’s not just because the movement is challenging—it’s due to the anatomy of the fascial backline, the vestibular system, and the structural dynamics of the neck. These areas play a crucial role in what we often refer to as "core strength." The neck, jaw, and tongue are intimately connected to our spinal core and are frequently over-relied upon, which can hinder progress. This lecture will dive into how these systems interact, and how better understanding their role in movement can enhance both your strength and overall body awareness.

Who is this for? This workshop is ideal for individuals looking for a more complex discussion around movement, movement education, and movement practices. This is a full 2 hour indepth lecture that may include some physical participation or assessment. Students can attend “viewers” or “participants” If you are a viewer you can observe how teachers work with assessment and learning. If you are a participant it is important to have a working knowledge of the hand and foot anatomy and terminology.

Do these conditions sound familiar: frozen shoulder, scoliosis, thoracic outlet syndrome, anxiety, TMJ, rotator cuff injuries, rib displacement, or chronic lung inflammation? What they all have in common is that upper thoracic mobility and coordination can directly influence both breathing capacity and upper extremity function. Similarly, the strength and coordination of the upper limbs can either support or hinder respiration. This workshop will explore the dynamic relationship between the scapulothoracic joint and the respiratory system, providing practical tools to optimize both shoulder movement and breathing efficiency for enhanced performance and injury prevention.

Who is this for? This workshop is ideal for individuals looking for a more complex discussion around movement, movement education, and movement practices. This is a full 2 hour indepth lecture that may include some physical participation or assessment. Students can attend “viewers” or “participants” If you are a viewer you can observe how teachers work with assessment and learning. If you are a participant it is important to have a working knowledge of the hand and foot anatomy and terminology.

In the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, agency is defined as "the capacity to act," and the term "agency" represents the expression of this capacity. As educators, especially in the realm of mindful movement, we have a unique responsibility to create learning environments that nurture and expand our students' agency. This is not just an educational goal but a public health imperative. Our role as movement educators is to empower students to take ownership of their movement journeys, equipping them with the tools to make self-directed, informed decisions about their bodies. For lasting behavioral changes to occur, students must become agents of their own transformation, integrating what they learn in the studio into their lives beyond it. This workshop will explore how the conditions we set for practice and the feedback we provide can either cultivate or diminish a student's sense of agency. By fostering agency, we help students build lifelong, autonomous movement skills that promote overall well-being.

Who is this for? This workshop is ideal for individuals looking for a more complex discussion around movement, movement education, and movement practices. This is a full 2 hour indepth lecture that may include some physical participation or assessment. Students can attend “viewers” or “participants” If you are a viewer you can observe how teachers work with assessment and learning. If you are a participant it is important to have a working knowledge of the hand and foot anatomy and terminology.

Assessments: What are they, and why do they matter? When used thoughtfully, assessments can be powerful tools for personal growth and self-discovery. However, if misapplied, they may undermine a student's trust and confidence, leading to fear or perfectionism. This workshop will explore how to approach assessments in a way that fosters empowerment and agency, rather than creating barriers to progress. You'll learn practical assessment techniques focused on fascial lines, soft tissue, and dynamic movement, and how to apply them in a way that supports both your own development and that of your students.

Who is this for? This workshop is ideal for individuals looking for a more complex discussion around movement, movement education, and movement practices. This is a full 2 hour indepth lecture that may include some physical participation or assessment. Students can attend “viewers” or “participants” If you are a viewer you can observe how teachers work with assessment and learning. If you are a participant it is important to have a working knowledge of the hand and foot anatomy and terminology.

In a class of 30 people, no two students have the same structural or functional capabilities. Offering options seems like the right approach to accommodate different skill levels, but how effective is it? The psychological and emotional impact of providing options in movement education is significant and should not be underestimated, especially in public group settings. For students, learning how to make informed decisions between different options fosters confidence and builds agency in navigating their practice. This workshop emphasizes the importance of guiding students in quick, informed decision-making during each movement scenario. It also encourages curiosity about how one option differs from another and why certain choices may be more beneficial based on individual needs and goals.

Who is this for? This workshop is ideal for individuals looking for a more complex discussion around movement, movement education, and movement practices. This is a full 2 hour indepth lecture that may include some physical participation or assessment. Students can attend “viewers” or “participants” If you are a viewer you can observe how teachers work with assessment and learning. If you are a participant it is important to have a working knowledge of the hand and foot anatomy and terminology.

Demonstration is a powerful teaching tool—until you realize what people are actually focusing on! The science behind mimicry and mirror neurons reveals fascinating insights, but it also exposes common misconceptions. While the visual system plays a significant role in learning, the question is: what exactly are we processing when we observe someone else move? And how does this differ from when we observe ourselves? This workshop will delve into the science of demonstration, exploring how to use it effectively and how to guide your focus when observing others. Join us to enhance your understanding of visual learning and apply these principles in your teaching or practice.

Who is this for? This workshop is ideal for individuals looking for a more complex discussion around movement, movement education, and movement practices. This is a full 2 hour indepth lecture that may include some physical participation or assessment. Students can attend “viewers” or “participants” If you are a viewer you can observe how teachers work with assessment and learning. If you are a participant it is important to have a working knowledge of the hand and foot anatomy and terminology.

The nervous system is the foundation of our movement, often seeming complex or elusive—but it doesn't have to be. From pain to joy, the nervous system is our primary communication network, and it can be our greatest ally in understanding movement. In this workshop, Krista will share research and insights into neuromuscular disorders, exploring how we can more deeply connect with the nervous system in movement education. By learning to interpret its subtle signals—its tingles, wiggles, and whispers—we can better understand how our body communicates with us. Come with curiosity and openness as we dive into the “inner voice” of the nervous system, uncovering how it guides us in both movement and daily life.

Who is this for? This workshop is ideal for individuals looking for a more complex discussion around movement, movement education, and movement practices. This is a full 2 hour indepth lecture that may include some physical participation or assessment. Students can attend “viewers” or “participants” If you are a viewer you can observe how teachers work with assessment and learning. If you are a participant it is important to have a working knowledge of the hand and foot anatomy and terminology.

Unpopular opinion: Modifications aren't very helpful. This workshop will challenge traditional approaches in public movement education by rethinking the role of modifications. Using the visual system to provide modifications can be inherently flawed. Instead, we’ll focus on the deeper, more effective practice of understanding the systems at play and how to facilitate mindful movement through clear processes. Building on the concept of agency, this workshop encourages shifting from offering "modifications" to guiding students in optimizing environmental constraints to support their physical progress. Krista advocates for removing the term “modification” from our teaching language, and instead, embracing an approach that enhances student autonomy and promotes optimal movement solutions.

Who is this for? This workshop is ideal for individuals looking for a more complex discussion around movement, movement education, and movement practices. This is a full 2 hour indepth lecture that may include some physical participation or assessment. Students can attend “viewers” or “participants” If you are a viewer you can observe how teachers work with assessment and learning. If you are a participant it is important to have a working knowledge of the hand and foot anatomy and terminology.