Pilates and Dance
A dancers body is a finely tuned instrument, demanding all round fitness and
body balance to achieve optimum performance. The body of a dancer is under
extreme physical demands leaving it susceptible to injury. Although in the
past much emphasis has been placed on flexibility it is also necessary to
create stability around a mobile joint to reduce injury and enhance
performance.
Dance encourages certain patterns of movement targets specific muscle
groups, for example point work and turn out in ballet. In turn the external
rotators of the hip are constantly worked in a shortened position, which
leads to weakness in the internal rotators creating a muscular imbalance.
Overtime these imbalances leave the dancer prone to injury.
Lumbar stabilization is another important aspect of a dancers body. By
creating a strong core you improve posture and reduce the development of
muscular imbalances. The most common region for injury in a dancers career
is the lower back followed by the lower limbs.
Pilates is a form of exercise with helps create postural awareness by
developing a strong centre from which to work. It incorporates balance,
stamina, co-ordination, flowing movement and concentration by using a
sequence of precise movements to restore body balance.
At Sportswise we offer the dancer the opportunity to be assessed on a 1:1
basis that focuses on alignment, core stability, muscle length and balance.
The client can then progress with a specific personal Pilates programme to
correct any imbalances. We have a fully equipped Pilates studio with a
reformer and Cadillac enabling the use of pulleys and springs to increase
load and determine imbalances present when working with resistance.
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Nutritional Analysis
What is a nutritional analysis programme?
It is an investigation into an individual's dietary and lifestyle habits through a series of 3 one-to-one consultations.
A detailed case history is taken, followed by the client completing a food and lifestyle diary. An "analysis" of the diet is carried out, and a detailed personal report is then prepared. This is fully discussed, and the relevant changes and recommendations are made. This is followed by a "reassessment" a month later.
1) The first consultation involves taking necessary personal details, medical, and diet and exercise histories. Relevant dietary and lifestyle habits will be discussed as well as any dietary-related health problems, weight problems or allergies. Weight, height and blood pressure will also be measured and body type/body fat will be assessed and discussed.
2) You will be provided with a food and lifestyle diary to fill in. Food intake, times of eating, digestive symptoms, mood, appetite and activity is recorded over a 5-7 day period. The purpose of this is not only to look at amounts of food in the diet (i.e. total calorie intake), but to also assess the balance of diet (i.e. the ratio of fat: protein: carbohydrate); it's general nutrient content, your relationship with food, and how the food you eat may be affecting digestive health. A food diary provides the valuable information regarding any "problem" foods that may be causing digestive discomfort and malabsorption, health problems, hormonal problems or weight gain. Finally, it reveals vital information about general lifestyle and lifestyle habits, which are accounted for when recommending dietary and lifestyle changes.
3) The food diary is returned to the clinic when a comprehensive dietary analysis can then be carried out. This gives accurate details of current fat, carbohydrate and protein intake. It also provides information on vitamin and mineral levels in the diet and compares intakes to current UK daily reference values (DRV's) and recommended nutrient intakes (RNI's). Patterns of eating, lifestyle and exercise habits are also assessed in relation to the individual, and any weight, health or digestive problems.
4) The next consultation involves in-depth discussion of results and findings, recommended dietary and lifestyle changes, and relevant treatment protocol. If nutritional supplementation is thought appropriate, this will also be recommended. Food suggestions, meal ideas and suggested daily eating plans are provided to help incorporate dietary changes. A full written report is provided for each client.
5) One further consultation, usually 4 weeks later, assesses changes that have been made, individual progress; difficulties faced etc. Any relevant changes to "treatment" protocol is discussed, and further help, support and advice is given.
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