The most common quote that I hear from clients is: “My physio or surgeon said I need to fire up my core?? So what exactly is the core and does it even exist. Firstly Joseph Pilates referred to the core as powerhouse or centre. In Yoga it is referred to as the bandhas. In cadaver and dissection I have seen the isolated muscles groups integrated with the fasciae across the body so the traditional anatomy books appear outdated.
For me the core is technically everything apart from the appendages, which are the arms and legs. Understanding the science of core conditioning is confusing for people as they do not realise that the organs plus breath are part of the system. If there is inflammation in the digestive system this will effect surrounding tissues and their support to the rest of the body. When an organ becomes inflamed the surrounding muscles and fascia become inflamed allowing more room for the swollen organs to sit. The internal challenges of the body effect core recruitment. When we have optimal function and stability through the centre of the body we will have better functioning of other joints such as the hip, knee and shoulders.
The Bandhas – in Sanskrit literally means ‘Lock’. As there are four types of locks we say in plural’ bandhas’. There are six sphincters in our digestive system. A sphincter is a ring of muscle surrounding and serving to guard or close an opening. The Band-has that I use are:
1.Pada bandha (foot)
2.Mula bandha (Root)
3.Uddiyana Banda( Stomach)
4. Jalandra Bandha(Chin)
5. Hasta Banda (Hand)
The breath – The breath works in a cylindrical pattern using the inner unit which is pelvic floor, transverse abdomens, diaphragm and deep stabilisers of the spine. By using a pursed lip breath will help keep tone. Efficient breathing is important in any peak performance activity and needs to be considered part of any conditioning routine for dance.
The most important muscle for breathing is the diaphragm, which consists of a large muscular dome with a flat central tendon. This is key to posture because it is linked to the emotions of the heart. When we feel trauma, sadness or depression we tend to take a forward folded posture. We can see this clearly below in Vincent van goph portrait; “At eternity gate”.
The powerhouse –According to Joseph Pilates, the powerhouse is the centre of the body and when strengthened it offers a solid foundation for any movement. The powerhouse is the centre of the body and if strengthened, it offers a solid foundation for any movement. … It is the powerhouse that gives us the energy, stability, strength, and control to move into the intermediate and advanced Pilates exercises.
Nisha is a certified level 3 Chek practitioner and holistic lifestyle coach specialising in Pilates and Yoga. Her journey started when a visiting Laban teacher introduced her to Pilates at Dance College in a contemporary class during her first year.
Its effects were forgotten but she then re-discovered Pilates through Michael King eleven years later whilst running her dance school.
Her background spans over 32 years with formal training in classical ballet, modern dance, tap, national choreography, stage production and theatre.
Her formation includes Pilates, Thai bodywork, Yoga, GYROTONIC, GYROKINESIS, Garuda and anatomical studies. Her particular interest is fascia, and the connective lines and movement patterns that allow a full moving structure rather than the isolation of bones and muscles.
Her fascination with questioning the traditions of modern medicine and fascination with searching for meaningful answers has taken her in many different directions and has offered her an abundance of opportunities gaining a wealth of knowledge. “I tried many movement modalities and extended my search after experiencing fascia, because of its connection of movement. Quickly, I noticed my own body changing, as well as the bodies of my own clients. In the last 32 years of teaching I’ve developed my own movement and lifestyle philosophy".
Throughout her studies Nisha has done numerous dissections with Julian Baker, Mel Cash and Cery Davies and has the opportunity to take lectures and courses from James de Silva, Robert Schleip, Joanne Avison, Tom Myers, Matt Wallden, Leigh Brandon, Emma Lane, Gary Carter, Paul Chek, Dan Hellman, Peter Blackaby plus many more.
Nisha's teaching method promotes reflective self-discovery and provides the requirements to integrate a shift in consciousness for attaining individual goals.
Nisha teaches in her own studios in St. Helens and Manchester, plus she also has an online following. Throughout her career she has also taught Sting, Sir Ian McKellen, Cirque de Soleil, Will Young and Belinda Carlisle. She has also worked in professional football and both Rugby League and Union for over 20 years. Players she has provided a specific program for were former Manchester Citys Vincent Kompany, Everton's Steven Pinnear and goal keeper Jonas Lossi.
She maintains that an attitude of compassion, consistency and joyous humour are excellent components to growth and expanded potential.
She welcomes all level of movers from the beginner to the seasoned athlete who have a desire to increase their skill potential, also teachers and students. Her specialties include assisting post rehabilitative back pain individuals, injury prevention for athletes and spine health for everyday people.