Targeted Mobility Training is a mat-based training method that assists clients with tight hips, locked up backs, and screaming hamstrings. (So that is everyone right??? – LOL)
This training method assists movers to radically change their flexibility, range of motion, and mobility. Who doesn’t need that. This practice uses gravity and time against passive tension to melt into various poses. It is not about the pose – it is about each person’s individual practice. I will look different in a pose or hold then you and that is perfect. Each person can personalize their practice for themselves. The position is held for 2-5 minutes. These longer holds are a true mind game.
SO WHY?
We hold for longer times in the poses to truly change the length of muscles and fascia. (I will get into more detail about this right away- science- so cool)
I have had the privilege and challenge of learning and understanding the science behind this practice. I have years of Pilates training, but this course was my first yoga training. I have always been passionate about movement – balance in the body and mind, yin and yang, stability complementing mobility, flexibility flirting with strength, core working with peripheral. LOVE IT. This practice will take you towards that next level of balance. Truly teaching you how to find more flexibility safely and strategically in your body. Opening your hips, hamstrings, shoulders, back, and even more. WHY – freedom of movement.
The practice has 3 main principles to follow:
1) Wet Noodle – love it – simple and to the point. Letting gravity and passive tension to pull you deeper into your pose.
2) 4:8 Breathing – 4 counts inhale through the nose – 8 counts exhale through the mouth. WHY? To stimulate a strong Parasympathetic Nervous System response. (rest and digest) This reduces the heart rate, reduces activity in the skeletal muscles, and improves digestion. This in turn relaxes the stretch reflex. FABULOUS. The natural need for the body to fight stretch turns off and the muscles, and fascia can truly be changed in length and shape – BRILLIANT.
3) Meet or Beat – here is the real catch and the mental struggle of this practice. These poses are held for a full 2 – 5 minutes depending on the pose and your focus. Yes – your focus. It is not a small task to hold a deep stretch for an extended amount of time. The stretch must be PASSIVE and the use of gravity will gently sink the body deeper and deeper in passive tension. This still takes a gentle energy and can cause a tremble or shake in the muscles as you deepen into the poses.
FACTS
1) You CAN increase your flexibility at any age
2) Flexibility gains do not happen without targeted training
3) Current sports, life routines, exercise routines, and habits are probably making you tighter
4) Stretching reduces adhesion’s – stretching greases the body
5) Passive tension over time lengthens fascia and muscles, increasing range of motion
6) Longevity
In general, our lifestyles make us stiff. Desk jobs, computers, phones, time in cars, many of our sports; all lead us into overly tight bodies. Many forms of fitness training – while fabulous, fun, and necessary; still make us stiffer.
SO LETS CREATE MORE SPACE IN THE BODY WE LIVE IN.
Fascia is SMART! It heals well, it is highly visceral with a high blood flow and nutrient supply. Muscle and fascia can change shape and length. So, let’s capitalize on this and start to open our bodies!
HOW OFTEN?
Targeted Mobility Training is a supplementary exercise. It is designed to complement your other activities.
What does that look like? 75% is the sport your train, 25% is targeted mobility training. Once a week – a one hour practice. Then – 15 minutes of key targeted muscles you KNOW are an issue or are overly tight from our sport. This is not a practice to do early morning, or before your specific training. It is to be done after your specific sport training or late evening. It causes you to relax, to be tired, to be open. To practice this before your sport will hinder your performance.
WHO SHOULD PRACTICE TARGETED MOBILITY?
Anyone wanting to perform better in their sport OR individuals wanting to move freely in their bodies! That is ME thus why I started this journey for myself to compliment my PILATES training and just to feel more open.
CLIMBERS – open hips, open hamstrings, open shoulders and back…. you need it all!
DANCERS – well that goes unsaid
CROSSFIT – want that ass to the grass, the ability to get low and press deep into your squat!?!?
GOLFERS – rotation – need to swing – then the mobility in the spine is KEY
RUNNERS/TRIATHLETES – ok – you know your hips and hamstrings are screaming tight
Finding a sense of balance, a sense of Yin and Yang, an awareness and an understanding of the body can be challenging. We must honor our bodies, listen to them as the speak to us. The body doesn’t lie…. We simply do not listen very well. Open your senses, your mind and your body and strive to a whole new level of awareness.
MEET THE TEACHER
Fiona Hermanutz
Fiona is Fully Comprehensive in Pilates Academy International (PAI) and in Balance Body University. She presently master trains Silks, Mat, and all the apparatus pieces for PAI. Mindful inclusive movement has led her to dive deeper into her own practice and the desire and passion to share it with like minded souls. She presently owns her own studio and teaches workshops, master trains, mentors instructors, and works with clients in studio, online, and on her YouTube Channel Mobile Fitness and Pilates Corp. It has always been Fiona’s goal and desire to start leading retreats. She is ecstatic and honored to have this amazing opportunity to lead a RETREAT in the beautiful Osa Rainforest in Costa Rica. Read more here on Fiona’s retreat, Breathe and Balance.
