bodyART
Combining controlled postures and TCM with
house music and energetic moves, this holistic
workout spans genres and defies categorisation.
odyART is an intense holistic and functional mind and body
workout combining strength, flexibility, cardio and breathing.
Based on the principles of yin and yang and the five elements
of Traditional Chinese Medicine, bodyART training creates a dynamic
link between active and passive movement, as well as the effects of
tension and release. In other words, energetic moves are combined
with controlled postures that incorporate strength, internal awareness
and balance, giving the program a unique rhythm and flow.
bodyART was created in Germany by Robert Steinbacher, a former
dancer, movement therapist and global group fitness presenter, back in
1994, but it has really gained momentum in recent years. Steinbacher
and his team launched bodyART in Australia at FILEX and then trained
the first team of bodyART instructors in 2015 (the second certification
will be held in the next few weeks – see box below).
Practiced barefoot, bodyART has been described as a tribal,
flowing yoga-inspired class set to cool house music. Classes
incorporate a range of energies, from gentle breathing and mindfulness
to the warming, uplifting moves of the deepWORK section.
So, how do the five key elements of Chinese Medicine manifest
themselves in a bodyART class?
EARTH – ‘Arriving’ in class in child’s pose to peaceful music,
allowing internal focus, calming breath, and gentle mobilisation of spine
WOOD – An awakening of the senses and body’s movement
patterns, with gentle building of heat via movement, music and energy
FIRE – This popular section, set to earthy upbeat music, includes
the warming deepWORK movement section that incorporates elements
of dance, dynamic flowing sequences and heat. This is contrasted
with the inclusion of controlled static postures that add strength and
balance and a unique rhythm to the class. Dynamic and static strength
training, therapy and yoga-inspired exercises are added within the flow.
METAL – Energy levels are settled and grounded with core work and
active stretches
WATER – Mobility, flexibility and relaxation bring members to a
peaceful completion of their bodyART experience.
The bodyART program works well as a stepping stone for Group
Fitness Instructors wanting to segue into the mind body world – and,
conversely, yoga and Pilates teachers are finding that it allows them to
move and feel their bodies in a new way and expand their philosophies
and teaching styles.
Lisa Westlake, a recently registered bodyART trainer said; ‘I’m not a yoga
instructor or dancer, and yet this program gels with all my senses, and my
class participants of all ages and fitness levels just love it. I have not felt this
excited about learning and teaching a class style in a long, long time.’
B
29 APRIL TO 1 MAY 2016 / MELBOURNE CONVENTION CENTRE
Discover bodyART for yourself at this year’s incredible FILEX convention
• bodyART – PURE (C2M)
All details and registration at filex.com.au
MORE?
26 | NETWORK AUTUMN 2016
This year, bodyART Certification Level One Training is taking place in
Melbourne between 31 March and 3 April, and in Sydney between 7 and
10 April. For details contact [email protected] and go to
bodyartaustralia.com