ZEN•GA Course Descriptions
ZEN•GA Programming Guide
The ZEN•GA Mindful Movement program is a teaching modality that consciously connects the body and the mind through innovative programming. This evolved methodology is a synthesis of movement applications that have been used for many years, along with information that is only recently being brought to the forefront. Throughout the work, the power lies not only in the movement itself, but rather on a purposeful intention while we move. Through intention and imagery, ZEN•GA will unleash the body from tension and bring more clarity to the mind. We use various props to support the body and to create a focal point to direct our breath allowing for more fluidity and ease in the physical body.
Foundation Course Objectives
Upon completion of the ZEN•GA Instructor Foundations courses, you will have learned everything you need to:
- Explain the origins of ZEN•GA and be able to define what it is.
- Summarize the ZEN•GA principles and explain how they are incorporated in movement: Breath, Support, Yield, Flow
- Teach a ZEN•GA Foundation class to any level participant.
- Effectively teach ZEN•GA programming to a client at any level.
- Explore foundational movement patterns and the fascial system through movement.
- Experience programming ideas that bring the principles to application.
ZEN•GA Instructor Foundation Course, Mat
The ZEN•GA Mat Course will help us explore the foundational principles that make up the method and apply them to movement programs designed to help reach the desired goals.This is a 7 hour in-class training (plus one-hour break); no prerequisites are needed, but some yoga or other mind-body training is highly recommended.
ZEN•GA Instructor Foundation Course, Equipment
The Equipment programs created through the ZEN•GA approach to movement, allow us to utilize the unique quality of spring resistance. The coiling and uncoiling quality of the springs creates a more fluid, resilient body. The ZEN•GA Equipment Course will help us explore the principles that make up the method and apply them to movement programs designed to reach the desired goals. This is a 7 hour in-class training (plus one-hour break); no prerequisites are needed, but some yoga or other mind-body training is highly recommended.
ZEN•GA Workshop Descriptions
All ZEN•GA Workshops are created by the Merrithew Health & Fitness™ programming team.
RECOMMENDED: Complete the ZEN•GA Workshops to receive further programming content and choreography that is not covered in the courses. Currently there are 8 ZEN•GA workshops; 3 equipment based, and 5 Mat based and many more to follow. See additional information on workshops offered. All workshops will provide CECs from STOTT PILATES and possibly other organizations.
ZEN•GA Mindful Movement: Breathing Workout
This mindful movement workout is based on the foundation that proper breathing is the key to a healthy, nourished and vibrant body. We use the breath to activate movement from the inside-out so we can concentrate on optimizing the core connection and mobility of the spine, hips and shoulder girdle. The exercises presented incorporate the Mini Stability Ball™ and aim to improve posture, relieve the body of negative tension, and strengthen the core.
ZEN•GA Fluid Conditioning with the Mini Stability Ball™
This fluid dynamic workout, includes sequences of movements that transition gracefully from one to the next. The Mini Stability Ball™ brings awareness to the deep stabilizing muscles of the body throughout this flowing workout and encourages focus on core connection and peripheral suppleness. Combining balance, strength and fluid mindful movement, this routine will bring a sense of composure to any group or personal training environment.
ZEN•GA Flowing Sequences
A moving meditation, this mindful workout combines elements of movement and flow with a deep awareness of connection and control. The workout promises to increase circulation, stimulate the central nervous system, and improve flexibility all while strengthening the mind-body connection. The fluid floor-based sequences feature a greater focus on core strength, balance and coordination. If you’d like to have the grace of a dancer, with the power of a warrior, this workout is definitely for you.
ZEN•GA Power & Strength
Energize both your body and mind with this fluid but powerful workout. Experience first-hand how the foundational principles of the ZEN•GA method are explored in a routine that brings calm and peace to the mind and strength and control to the body. This challenging mat-based program includes all components of fitness training – the pace will rev up the cardiovascular system, the fluidity of the sequences will enhance flexibility, and the controlled stationary holds result in improved total-body strength. Discover how this unique program can be a potent adjunct to a workout routine by bringing the concept of mindful movement to your training.
ZEN•GA Fascial Fitness: Exploring Arm Lines
This ZEN•GA workshop incorporates the latest findings in fascial research. It is thought that the myofascial lines act as global tension complexes that simultaneously stabilize, transmit forces, preserve joint integrity and allow for coordinated movements throughout the skeletal frame. The Arm Line Exploration uses the four arm lines as a map to begin to understand these well documented myofascial continuities, to stimulate awareness of our three-dimensional structures and to “see” or sense the arm lines experientially in the body. These simple exercises can also be a helpful guide for approaching global movement patterns when faulty movement compensations exist. Tactile feedback and support tools (Mini Stability Ball and Flex-Band) add imagery and gentle resistance to improve tone, proprioception and circulation. The Exploration is followed by a dynamic Flex-Band Arm Line Workout designed to further build on the concepts of myofascial continuities using Flex-Band resistance with coordinated global movement patterns to seamlessly integrate the arm lines into the entire body.
ZEN•GA Intro to V2 Vinyasa Flow on the V2 Max Plus™ Reformer
Perfect for those beginning their mindful journey or those looking to refine their mind-body connection, the flowing sequences are invigorating and revitalizing for all levels of fitness. The application of the ZEN•GA™ mindful movement principles to sequenced exercises on the Merrithew Health & Fitness™ Reformer, will help build strength, endurance and flexibility of the entire body. The spring-loaded resistance is used to condition the neuromuscular and neuromyofascial systems and introduce the body to the flowing movements and static holds. The Vinyasa Triangle™ provides ergonomic support and facilitates the unique series of exercises. ZEN•GA programs are designed to increase stamina, stability, resilience and fortitude through the practice of breath and embodiment.
ZEN•GA V2 Vinyasa Yoga on the V2 Max Plus™ Reformer*, Level 1
Experience a one-of-a-kind ZEN•GA Vinyasa routine on the V2 Max Plus Reformer. This new and innovative program offers a unique blend of the foundational principles of both Yoga and STOTT PILATES®. Combined, they create an innovative fusion workout that focuses on clarity of the mind, core strength and stability, stamina, and resilience. By holding postures against the spring-loaded resistance of the Reformer, and with the added benefit of new exclusive accessories, these new ZEN•GA™ Flow movements engage every muscle, heighten body awareness, and enhance the mind-body connection.
ZEN•GA V2 Vinyasa Yoga on the V2 Max Plus™ Reformer*, Level 2
There is no other program available that compares with the ZEN•GA™ V2 Vinyasa routine on the revolutionary V2 Max Plus™ Reformer* with specifically designed accessories. This mindful movement routine features the inventive fusion of conventional and original foundational movement principles. This unique routine focuses on stability of the body, flexibility of the joints and clarity of the mind. The second-level program challenges coordination and strength by adding longer static holds against the Reformer’s spring resistance. Having learned the patterns and positions in Level 1, you can now increase the demands on the neuromuscular system and reap the benefits of strength and stamina – resulting in overall improved fitness.
ZEN•GA V2 Vinyasa on the V2 Max Plus™ Reformer*, Level 1 & 2
Experience the one-of-a-kind ZEN•GA™ Vinyasa programs on the V2 Max Plus™ Reformer. These mindful movement routines offer a unique blend of conventional and original foundational movement principles. When the two methods are combined, they create innovative fusion workouts that focus on clarity of the mind, core stability and strength, and resilience. By holding postures against the spring-loaded resistance of the Reformer, and with the added benefit of new exclusive accessories, these new sequences will engage every muscle, heighten body awareness, and enhance the mind-body connection. Learn the patterns and positions, then increase endurance and stamina by holding them longer, resulting in overall improved fitness.
Current Specials
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Early Course Registration SpecialSign up and pay in full for any STOTT PILATES course at least 4 weeks prior to the course start date and get your required course materials free.
Instructor-Trainers
