Janeen Galati
This is part of a two video set from www.alternativefitness.com and
you yoga/pilates fans ought to love these videos. I've only gotten to do
the first video but it picks up where the Method never started in
combining yoga and pilates. In the Method I never knew WHY we were doing
all these movements but this first video outlines the principles of Body
IQ (mind body fitness) so clearly that the movements make sense to the
thinking part of the body! On this first video Janeen outlines her six
basic Body IQ principles by presenting an outline at the beginning of
each segment then she describes it and you practice exercises embodying
that principle. Her philosophy is "what you do with your body you do
with your mind" The principles are: 1) Conscious Breathing You do
breathing exercises 2) Anchoring and Stabilization Work on functional ab
strength to stabilize spine--exercises like the Hundred, roll ups, leg
circles, rolling, the fives, double leg stretch, single straight leg
stretch, criss cross, and double leg balance. 3) Spinal Sequencing
Childs pose with spinal unrolling, cat/dog stretch series, downward dog.
4 Core Control A lat and oblique exercise, push ups focusing on holding
in the downward motion using lats and abs, single arm/leg balance 5)
Muscle Lengthening and 6) Dual Action and Lines of energy These produce
a stronger,more balanced use of muscle and less injury. Series of Sun
salutations A & B which embody these principles (ie sending energy
away from anchor) The purpose of the first video is to present the
principles, describe them thoroughly, and practice them individually to
lead you up to the second video where they will be used in a workout
sequence. I think this is a great video for those interested in yoga and
pilates. It is not new-agey and looks like it may have been filmed on
the CIA set (same set as Afro Caribbean step anyway) and was produced by
Greg Twombley. It is very thorough. I will review the 2nd video as soon
as possible.
Instructor comments: Janeen is a former dancer and exercise
physiologist. She is very precise,descriptive and knowledgeable on these
videos while coming across as warm and friendly. Her descriptions are so
precise you have no problem moving and feelinh what she describes.
Sandy Mascio
mmascio@stratos.net
3/28/00
