About

Using small balls in mind-body practices can be of benefit to people of all ages and physical capacities. Using  balls of various sizes and textures can support, engage, massage, and stretch specific areas of the body.  Small balls can release tight connective tissue and muscles, restore healthy circulation and enable more functional relationships in movement dynamics. Release of tension in muscles and fascia is effectively used in  trauma release. There are many techniques from different mind-body modalities and can  vary for different parts of the body. Incorporating the use of small balls to any fitness regimen can provide  an overall sense of lightness, freedom of movement, improved posture, increased proprioception, and a surprising quiet alertness of the mind. 

Mind-body movement specialists acknowledge that life experiences register in both the body and the mind simultaneously, are integrated and inseparable, and are unique to each person. Focusing on body work will affect one’s mental state and mental focus can shift one’s posture and physical state.  When we do not feel integrated, releasing tension held in the body and reintroducing range of movement with light strengthening, can so simply reintegrate one’s sense of self. 

This workshop will use a variety of small balls with yoga preparations and poses as well as Pilates exercises, to address different quadrants of the body, focusing on tension release, strengthening, range of movement, balance, posture and more. Understanding the basics will lay the foundation for students and mind-body professionals alike to apply these practices to any fitness regimen, broadening self-exploration and improving overall body function. 

The three  hour workshop is supplemented with a handout, sent a week prior, to support the following areas of focus:

• The importance of body awareness and how to use small balls to refine.

•  Simple review of anatomy of the limbs and spine, with ballwork techniques for common problems. 

• Light review of anatomy trains and discussion of the fascial system of the body.

• Mind-body connection and how emotions are expressed in the body.