Tue Mar 22, 2005
The Feminine Approach to Fitness
As a teacher of classical dance and fitness, I have taught women for over 25 years. The women I have taught have been of all ages; from the young ballet students to the inspiring women of 80. They have given me their respect, love and also their wisdom. They have shared their thoughts about why they first started and now continue to pursue healthy and fit bodies. The reasons vary, from a release of tension to honoring the temple of their soul. But the years have certainly given me a clear understanding that women’s needs are special due to the unique qualities of women. As I listened and watched and taught women, I let go of the concepts that the fitness industry had practiced and reevaluated the particular needs of women. Over 15 years ago, I started the redesign of fitness classes from a feminine approach. The equation in the design of these classes was an equal balance between strength and flexibility using the age-proven theories of traditional forms of movement.
Strength is defined as the discipline of the muscle groups. Flexibility, in contrast, is the freedom to increase ranges of motion. These two descriptions should be balanced equally in a well-thought out fitness class for women.
Women achieve a self confidence in the mastering and control of their own bodies. Pilates and dance conditioning techniques are helpful tools in the strengthening aspect of a perfectly balanced fitness class. Yoga and classical stretches will train women to gain flexibility as well as mastering the mind/body connection necessary in the relaxing aspect of fitness which is vital to the emotional well being of women.
In designing the feminine approach to fitness, I have used my many years of training in ballet, pilates and yoga. The philosophies of these practices use the same theories that adapt well in the feminine approach to fitness. A dancer, as an example, uses strength and flexibility to move with grace and gentleness, the power of the body appearing effortless. Women balance their lives in much the same way. Women often go from embracing a sad child to facing an angry boss, or from boosting the confidence of a husband or friend to facing the consequences of their own lack of self-esteem. Women are mighty in perfecting many aspects of their own lives. So their fitness classes should also offer them a balance between being strong and being flexible, from the discipline of strength to the freedom of gentleness.
Another aspect of working with women, is the style of teaching which works well for them. Teaching is a practice of compassion, knowledge and mutual respect. I have learned from working with women that they appreciate a hands-on-approach from their teacher. Each student has their individual ranges of motion, skeletal alignment and expectations, therefore general corrections do not allow the student to understand and make corrections that apply specifically to them.
When a woman has made the decision to better herself and has done it for her own reasons, she clearly must have fitness classes that have been designed to meet her own needs. Being a woman is a gift in itself. Being feminine is a special part of what we are as women. The beauty of a healthy and fit body is for all women. It is not how long we have accomplished our goals, but when we began to do it. It isn’t about our age, or our capabilities or the needs of those that share our lives. But it is about our own needs as women-for this day and the next and the next and for our lifetime.
Sue West is an award winning choreographer and teacher. She has taught for over 25 years. She has received national and international praise for her skill as a teacher and creator of classes for women. The Synergy Video Series was created to make unique exercise videos that use modern interpretations of traditional movements and use locations that serve as metaphors for the philosophies of the creator the Series. It was founded in 2002 and the first release The Santa Fe Stretch has won a Telly Award for Cinematography as well as receiving press reviews all over the country for its beauty and well thought and well executed workout.
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