This method works on participants’ overall proprioception, alignement, centering and control while superimposing extremities movements using a small board on swiveling wheels. The Pilates method’s principles are tested to their limits on this “portable reformer” which needs to be controlled in all plans, versus the linear motion of the reformer’s carriage. Some exercises are directly imported from the Pilates reformer work, others are inspired by Yoga postures, animal movements as well as mechanical objects such as “windshield’s wiper”. This is a very intense body conditioning method. Because the muscles will be mainly trained in an eccentric fashion, it is recommended to work in this method no more than 2-3 times per week for 30 to 60 minutes per session. Participants should pass the “plank” test before using the board; if unable to maintain a correct plank for 30 seconds or more, adding the difficulty of controlling the board on wheels will lead to back discomfort/injury. Although some exercises are modifiable for the very unconditioned client, the Mylène’s Balancing Act Method is mostly geared at taking athletes - from the recreational to the professional ones - to their ultimate level of body conditioning.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIjEkUeKbqs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmaA1_rXXHA