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Mbodies Training Academy & Chris Onslow Pilates Consultancy: Reflecting on 2023 and Looking Ahead

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As the year 2023 draws to a close, we at Mbodies Training Academy and Chris Onslow Pilates Consultancy wish to share our achievements and plans with you and extend our warmest season’s greetings to all. Adapting to the Evolving Pilates Landscape This year marked a significant phase of adaptation and growth for us.  Acknowledging the dynamic nature of the modern fitness world, Mbodies Training Academy has continued to pivot our offerings to meet these changes. Our efforts have been geared towards addressing the challenges posed by substandard Pilates products and integrating the needs of the contemporary fitness market into our curriculum. Growth in Online Learning and CPD Our shift towards high-quality, flexible Pilates CPD, initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic, has strengthened this year.  By choosing Thinkific as our learning portal, we've seen a notable 30% increase in participation in our Special Population CPD courses.  This approach aligns with the current trends in medical

The complementary benefits of Myofascial release and Pilates

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The combination of myofascial release with Pilates has been gaining popularity during the last decade.  Clients quickly identify the added value of the dual approach in the studio and will often practice self-myofascial release at home between Pilates sessions. Why is this ? Complementary Benefits: Myofascial release and Pilates offer complementary benefits. Myofascial release focuses on releasing tension in muscles and fascia allowing more range of movement around joints as well as preparing soft tissues before stretching, while Pilates targets focused strengthening, flexibility, muscle balancing, and improved posture. By combining the two clients quickly recognise the improvements the dual approach delivers. Enhanced Results: The release of muscular tension and fascial restrictions often improves the effectiveness of Pilates exercises, allowing for better movement patterns and muscle engagement. Pain Management : Many clients turn to Pilates to aid pain management as well a

New for 2023 : Dance For Your Bones and Pilates:

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  New for 2023 : Dance For Your Bones and Pilates: A Fusion of Dance and Pilates exercise to Boost Bone Health Embarking on a revolutionary journey towards comprehensive bone health, The UK Royal Osteoporosis Society introduces an innovative exercise program, "Dance For Your Bones."  In a remarkable twist, the Mbodies Training Academy aligns this initiative with their Bone Safe Pilates CPD Instructor courses, unveiling a harmonious blend of impact-based and safe-strengthening exercises for optimal bone wellness. Dance Your Way to Stronger Bones Developed in collaboration with Scottish Ballet experts, Dance for Your Bones is a breakthrough program designed by The UK Royal Osteoporosis Society.  It combines weight-bearing, moderate-impact exercises with artistically curated dance routines.  The primary aim is to inspire individuals to embrace impact exercises that are not only effective but enjoyable, fostering a consistent and engaging fitness routine. Structured in s

Combining Self-Myofascial Release with Pilates Exercise

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In the realm of fitness and wellness, there are countless methods and techniques aimed at improving our physical health, flexibility, and overall well-being.  Two such techniques that have gained significant attention are self-myofascial release and Pilates exercise.  While each of these practices offers distinct benefits on its own, combining them can create a powerful synergy that enhances the effectiveness of your workouts and promotes optimal body function.  Let’s explore the advantages of integrating self-myofascial release with Pilates and how this combination can contribute to a healthier, stronger and more balanced body. Self-Myofascial Release and Pilates Exercise:  A Body Working method combined with one of the leading exercise methods Before delving into the benefits of their combination, let's briefly review what self-myofascial release and Pilates entail. Self-Myofascial Release (SMR): Myofascial release involves applying gentle pressure to the connective tiss

Addressing Pelvic Health Dysfunction: Awareness and Practical Education

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  Awareness and Practical Education Whilst in 2003 RCOG Calls for Action to Empower Women, Mbodies does its bit to educate Pilates Instructors and Physios to work effectively to provide targeted exercise for these conditions. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) has sounded an urgent call for action to combat the widespread issue of pelvic floor dysfunction in the UK, affecting millions of women. Disturbing new data shows that over 60% of UK women experience symptoms of poor pelvic floor health, yet many are unaware of the importance of pelvic floor exercises and lack access to crucial information. A survey involving 2,000 women highlighted a concerning lack of awareness and education. Shockingly, a significant portion of women (55%) have either never attempted or currently do not engage in pelvic floor exercises, which can alleviate and prevent symptoms.  Additionally, 15% of respondents couldn't recognise common symptoms linked to a weakened pelvic f

2023 Advances in Breast Cancer Treatment: Breakthroughs from ASCO Clinical Trials

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  The 2023 American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual clinical meeting in cancer research showcased groundbreaking advances in Breast Cancer treatment. Among the plethora of clinical trial updates, two stand out as game-changers. Firstly, CDK4/6 inhibitors are taking a prominent position in Breast Cancer therapy.  Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4 and CDK6) are enzymes important in cell division.  CDK4/6 inhibitors are drugs designed to interrupt the growth of cancer cells.  CDK4/6 inhibitors are used in combination with hormone therapy to treat some Breast Cancers.  These inhibitors block cancer cells' growth cycle, preventing cancer progression, and were initially developed as a treatment option for endocrine therapy-resistant Breast Cancer.  Palbociclib (Ibrance®) received American FDA approval in 2015, followed by ribociclib (Kisqali®) and abemaciclib (Verzenio®) in 2017 and in the UK NICE approved it in 2018.  Researchers presented trials with these inhibitors

What is Good for the Heart is Good for the Brain: A Pilates Perspective

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  What is Good for the Heart is Good for the Brain: A Pilates Perspective With wellness and brain health gaining prominence, individuals are increasingly focused on optimising cognitive function and preventing neurological disorders. As the understanding of brain health evolves, it becomes clear that it is a critical aspect of overall well-being, intertwined with mental health and physical wellness. The brain is a complex organ that impacts every aspect of life, from mood and memory to more serious neurological conditions. However, the definition of brain health remains broad and lacks universal acceptance. While some may confuse brain health with mental health, they are distinct but related concepts, as recognised by the World Health Organisation. The growing interest in brain care is evident, with the global neuroscience market projected to exceed £ 565 billion by 2026. Brain health disorders account for a staggering £2.35 trillion of lost productivity annually. Research on bra