November 2010: Balanced Body University Apparatus Training - Level III

Balanced Body Apparatus Training Level III will involve advanced exercises for the Trapeze/Cadillac, Chair repertoire, Barrel and Small Equipment. Emphasis will be on the integration of various equipment for advanced clients and programme design. Participants will have opportunities to design and develop programmes for specific population groups.

Date: 6^th-7^th November, 2010.

October 2010: CoreAlign 1

Learn the latest innovation in functional movement education! A significant addition to a Pilates studio or personal training practice, CoreAlign training aims to stimulate the central nervous system to govern challenging natural whole-body-movements while creating a blend of flexibility, stability, strength and control. This certification programme through Balanced Body University is recommended for Pilates instructors, movement educators and Physical Therapists who are looking to expand their skills and tools for working with different client populations.

Date: 30^th-31^st October, 2010.

October 2010: Pilates Circuit Circus

Pilates and fitness join forces to bring you a tough and challenging workout that incorporates small props, including the reformer, and the Pilates Arc?. This session will blend the music and variety of the fitness world with the stability, strength and length of the Pilates world. By incorporating the use of small props with larger equipment, we’ll add variety and spice to traditional exercises to provide a unique and fun edge to your classes and private sessions.

Date: 29^th October, 2010.

October 2010: Reformer Choreography to the Max

Spice up your classes! Using the traditional reformer exercises as a base, we will take you to the next level of choreography on the reformer by adding small props and a variety of positions and variations. Creative use of this conditioning tool will add variety to the classical work and transform it to a contemporary style that will please any student. The use of small props intensifies the standard repertoire by experimenting with rhythm changes, beefing up the intensity and playing with the repetitions and sequencing.

Date: 29^th October, 2010.

October 2010: TRX Biomechanics::Corrective Exercise Strategies

This workshop will teach you how to use the TRX Suspension Trainer® to regain muscular strength, balance and flexibility around three of the major joints of the body: the knee, hip and shoulder.  Regaining length, maintaining integrity and developing strength in the muscles surrounding these joints rebalances the body, creating ease of movement and peak performance and health.

Date: 28/10/2010.

October 2010: TRX Sports Conditioning::Train Like the Pros

Some of the world’s top coaches and athletes are integrating TRX® Suspension Training® into team or individual athlete programmes to reach peak results. Learn how these techniques can be adapted to be safe and effective for any client with functional and athletic aspirations. This session will provide a programme targeted specifically at enhancing general athletic ability and also address some specific strategies for individual sports.

The focus of the workshop will: introduce advanced training techniques and principles behind suspension training; show how the TRX can be used to enhance and compliment the training for high level athletes; provide a specific program targeted at increasing general athletic ability; and address some specific strategies for individual sports.

Date: 28^th October, 2010.

October 2010: Balanced Body University Apparatus Training - Level II

The Balanced Body University Apparatus Training Level II will involve intermediate exercises in the Trapeze/Cadillac, the Pilates Chair, (including the Exo Chair, Wunda Chair and Combo Chair) and intermediate exercises including Ladder Barrel, Step Barrel and Small Equipment.   

Date: 9-10th October, 2010.

September 2010: Balanced Body University Mat Instructor Level II

The Mat Instructor Training Level II course focus is on intermediate and advanced exercises. The Mat Level Two includes the remaining intermediate and advanced level exercises, as well as tips for creating great group classes. Pilates specific sports are also covered in this programme.

Date: 18-19^th September, 2010.

September 2010: Balanced Body University Apparatus Training - Level I

The Balanced Body Apparatus Instructor Training programme incorporates three levels: Trapeze Table/Cadillac; Pilates Chair; and the Pilates Ladder Barrel, Step Barrel, and Small Equipment. 

The programme is divided into three levels as listed above. The Apparatus Training Level I will involve: Trapeze Table training includes instruction on equipment safety and set up, exercises for beginning level clients and incorporating the exercises into a complete workout for Pilates personal training or circuit training classes. The Trapeze Table is excellent for teaching the principles to new clients, refining movement patterns for post rehabilitation and challenging your most advanced students.    

The Pilates Chair training includes an introduction to the Pilates Combo Chair, EXO Chair and Wunda Chairs, as well as instruction on the complete repertoire for beginning levels. Using the Chair for sports specific conditioning along with programming for personal training and group classes is included. 

Pialtes Ladder, Step Barrels and Small equipment training include an introduction to the Step Barrel, Ladder Barrel, Foot Corrector and Ring. The exercises for the Step Barrel and Ladder Barrel are covered in detail along with applications for personal training and group classes.

Date: 11-12th September, 2010.

August 2010: TRX Suspension Training Basic Certification

Designed by experts for the fitness professional who wants to harness the full potential of the TRX Suspension Trainer, this course teaches you how to incorporate the TRX into your clients' programs and how to grow your training business. In this class you'll learn over 70 TRX exercises, in detail, as well as all the benefits and target muscles of the exercises; how to properly perform and "cue" the exercise; and modifications and progressions to adapt the exercises to every fitness level. You'll also learn how to design your own TRX programs by following suspension training principles, using smart TRX exercise selection, and studying case scenarios to challenge your knowledge.

After completing the course participants should be able to:

• Understand why TRX Suspension Training is a unique training method for sports performance, and general fitness;
• Understand the proper assembly of the TRX in a variety of situations;
• Be able to utilize the TRX efficiently and effectively in one-on-one training and small group.

22^nd August, 2010.

August 2010: Balanced Body Univeristy Mat Instructor Level I

Pilates Mat work is a foundation of Pilates and provides a great full body workout. The BBU Mat programme includes the full repertoire of Pilates Exercises, along with modifications and variations designed to make your programme successful for a wide range of clients. By focusing on the principles underlying the Pilates method, we give you the power to be creative, inspiring and transformational teacher. The Mat Level I course is the Introduction to Pilates and beginner and intermediate exercises.

The Mat Instructor Training Level I course will focus on: the introduction to the history of Pilates; the pre-Pilates beginning and intermediate level exercises with modifications; lectures on class order and prog ramming in a group setting; and guidelines for teaching specific groups such as older adults and pre/post natal classes.

Date: 7-8th August, 2010.

August 2010: TRX GROUP Suspension Training Certification (GSTC)

Learn not only the basics of TRX® Suspension Training, but how to teach others in a group fitness class. You will have a TRX® workout in your back pocket ready to teach and be able to create your own classes to suit your teaching style. If you’re ready to discover a new way to make them sweat in group fitness, this course is for you.

After completing this 1-day course you will be able to:

• Set up and use the TRX® Suspension Trainer;
• Adjust exercises for every fitness level;
• Teach a range of both TRX® strength and flexibility exercises;
• Lead a TRX® Group Class in 2 different formats;
• Learn to cue clients in a group class; and
• Design group TRX® workouts to fit your own style

Date: 1st August, 2010.

July 2010: GRAVITYPersonal Training Certification

Certified personal trainers will learn how to utilize the most versatile fitness modality in the industry, the GTS®. The award-winning GTS, the equipment component of the GTS GRAVITY Training System®, offers eight calibrated levels of incline resistance. Its dynamic cable pulley system and rolling glideboard pit bodyweight against gravity to challenge global stability and all components of fitness. The course covers movement execution for the entire GTS Library Series™ including more than 80 resistance-training exercises with modifications and progressions to challenge all clients of any fitness level.

The training includes both lecture and practical applications regarding movement, biomechanics and a review of the existing protocols for improvements in strength, endurance, power and hypertrophy. Trainers will walk away with a new and efficient way of training clients that will not only add value to training sessions but also demonstrate how to increase earning potential by designing streamlined programming.

Date: 31st July, 2010.

July 2010: PTA Global Level One Advanced - Bridging Course

The PTA Global Level One Advanced - Bridging Course is for the trainer already certified through another organization. This course will act as an adjunct to what you have previously learned, not contradict it, yet consisting of cutting edge content you have not seen before ‐ taken from the PTAG Certification. It is comprised of those components that are not currently addressed in the industry in this way. It does not cover your typical certification content like basic Anatomy and Physiology, Biomechanics, etc (which are found in the PTAG Certification Course). The Bridging Course also prepares you to take the Advanced Module and then flow into the Career Pathways with the top educators who are involved in the Certification.

Date: 25^th July, 2010.

July 2010: Evolution 2010::ViPR Functional Movement for the Future!

By Ian O'Dwyer

How often do we convince ourselves we don't have the means, motive or capacity to create and continue to change? Here's something you already know from your instructing experiences: when exercise isn't fun, exhilarating or purposeful, it's a dead end!

ViPR – Vitality, Performance, Reconditioning – is about real world programming, built on the concept of purposeful, functional movement for everyone, from the man or woman taking the first tentative steps in fitness to elite sports stars.

Whether or not you've seen the ViPR in action and its programming potential being previewed on the industry circuit, this workshop gives you a seat at the unveiling in Hong Kong. Learn the story behind ViPR and learn the six steps to implementing functional, full-body training for all of your clients. Be the first individual instructor to experience the most versatile piece of equipment adaptable to the needs of pre-made programming for general clients, sports-specific training, reconditioning work, boot-camp workouts, small groups, large groups and one-on-one PT sessions.

There's never been a way to load movement in your training programmes. Until now. If you're as excited by what this means for the future of functional – that is, real world-ready – training, we'll see you at the unveiling at Optimum Performance Studio in July! Be the first to train with one of the hottest functional training tools of 2010.

Date: 24^th July, 2010.

July 2010: Three Dimensional Movement and Beyond::Adding Value and Fun to your Sessiosn

By Ian O'Dwyer

This interactive workshop looks at how clients can regain the fun aspect of their training session helping them to achieve better results in all aspects of their lives. Understanding the body better allows us to implement simplistic drills or games into our sessions which enhances the client’s enjoyment of exercise whilst improving their fundamental movement. Research shows us that fun and laughter decrease stress in the body; come and experience simplistic fun filled challenges that will have you laughing and puffing whilst improving fundamental movement.

Session Outcome

Trainers will experience strategically designed drills and challenges that enable clients to enjoy their session and improve their functional movement. They will leave the session with a library of drills and games that enhance their client’s ability to move and feel better; understanding how simple but effective games can enhance not only their clients but their business. 

Date: 23^rd July, 2010.

July 2010: Functional Movement Assessment Essentials::Do you have the Right Tools?

By Ian O'Dwyer

Do you have clients that are hard to achieve results with? This workshop allows trainers to feel, touch and taste the 5 components of fundamental movement necessary to create “change” in the client.

Implementing movements that allow the major complexes (ankle, hip, thorax) of the body to “communicate” better; resulting in decreased discomfort, pain or compensations. If we look at the performance pyramid, we now understand that function is the foundation to fitness, skill and technique; simply put poor function results in poor results. No matter whether you train chronic, sedentary, active or elite clients understanding the foundation of fundamental movement is a must. Come and feel the simplistic movements that will help you help your clients!

 Session Outcome

Trainers will see, feel and learn how simple fundamental movements will enhance client movement; allowing them to move and feel better. This practical workshop will focus on how we can simply incorporate these movements into existing programs to achieve better results for our clients. Practically performing the movements allows the trainer to experience and ask questions that the client will need answers to. Easy to use tools; designed by a trainer for the trainers. Trainers will also learn how and when to progress or regress their clients, this is a necessity in achieving client goals. Progressing too quickly may not only deny the client their goals but also the possibility of them not continuing their sessions.

Date: 23^rd July, 2010.

July 2010: TRX Suspension Training Basic Certification (STC)

Designed by experts for the fitness professional who wants to harness the full potential of the TRX Suspension Trainer, this course teaches you how to incorporate the TRX into your clients' programs and how to grow your training business. In this class you'll learn over 70 TRX exercises, in detail, as well as all the benefits and target muscles of the exercises; how to properly perform and "cue" the exercise; and modifications and progressions to adapt the exercises to every fitness level. You'll also learn how to design your own TRX programs by following suspension training principles, using smart TRX exercise selection, and studying case scenarios to challenge your knowledge.

After completing the course participants should be able to:

• Understand why TRX Suspension Training is a unique training method for sports performance, and general fitness;

• Understand the proper assembly of the TRX in a variety of situations;

• Be able to utilize the TRX efficiently and effectively in one-on-one training and small group.

Date: 18^th July, 2010.

July 2010: GRAVITY Personal Training::Why GRAVITY Builds Revenue in Small Group Training

GRAVITY resolves small-group training issues on several levels. One trainer can give focused attention to up to 4 clients—each with individual ability levels and personalized workout routines—without waiting for equipment. All four clients work on GTS and the trainer can focus attention on the group or singly, as appropriate, and never miss a beat in the workout. Individual coaching is easy because everyone is right there next to each other and they never leave their piece of equipment. The result is customer satisfaction—a great, individualized workout on one piece of equipment that produces fast results with minimal time spent—and has immense value within the cost/benefit ratio. The trainer can charge less per/hour for services, but will generate more per/hour revenue and provide a better service. The other main attraction… the customers get more for their money!

Want to learn more about how GRAVITY can Build you Personal Training Business attend this 2 hour workshop and explore the powers of small group training. The session will be broken into:

• How to session on setting up the GTS, its components and applications to personal training;
• Group class with a focus on personal training; and
• Basic exercise design.

Date: 17th July, 2010.

July 2010: Balanced Body University Reformer Instructor - Level III

Reformer Level III includes the advanced Reformer exercises, plus sports specific programming tips and strategies for teaching the more challenging exercises safely and effectively. Advanced level programming will be reviewed and presented for a variety of clients incorporating advanced exercise design. 

Date 3-4^th July, 2010.

June 2010: International NASM Certified Personal Trainer (26)

No other fitness-professional course so powerfully fuses science and practical application! The rapid growth of the personal-training industry has spurred a multitude of approaches to fitness education and training. Setting the international standard for the industry, NASM has developed a comprehensive system that integrates proven techniques and real science into one easy-to-use, universal programming method - Optimum Performance Training (OPT). From kinetic chain assessments through integrated programme design, students explore the science behind NASMs unique OPT model and gain a dynamic understanding of the systems and techniques used to design safe, effective programs for clients of all levels.

Date: 25^th June, 2010.

June 2010: Certified Kettlebell Trainer - Fitness and Movement Dynamics Level II

The CKT-FMD is a Level II course that combines the 5 Pillars of Steve Cotter's Health & Fitness Program: kettlebells, bodyweight exercises, martial arts conditioning drills, joint mobility & flexibility and qigong (breathing training).  All of these are combined together in modules in a boot-camp like manner and is for cutting edge trainers who want to expand beyond their traditional training and emphasize comprehensive full mind-body training.

This program is perfect for those interested in getting in the best shape of their lives while at the same learning to realize their full "movement potential"!  This ability to move athletically through a full range of motion is a must for martial artists, military & law enforcement personnel as well as anyone interested in maintaining & improving their mobility through the aging process. In the true spirit of the martial arts, the FMD courses emphasized that you are in fact an artist, and movement is a powerful, yet graceful expression of physical art.

If you watch the top athletes in the world, they are highly conditioned AND highly skilled movement specialists!  If you watch Steve, he is exactly that! Thus, who better to lead a course on helping you cross the threshold into higher levels of athletic performance!

Date: 20^th June, 2010.

June 2010: Certified Kettlebell Teacher (CKT Level I)

A Kettlebell is a traditional Russian training tool that has been used since the turn of the century to develop full body conditioning and fitness. During this full day certification programme you will learn: Core Kettlebell lifts and variations; How to properly execute all of the competition lifts involved in Russian Kettlebell Sport – swing, snatch, clean, jerk, clean and jerk; How you can still achieve all of your fitness goals despite the challenge of limited time; and How to design a program for any fitness goal you or your clients may have – strength, endurance, work capacity, muscle mass, mobility.

The IKFF prides itself on producing coaches that are the gold standard in the industry. Thus, our criteria for passing will be strict. Attending and participating alone is not enough to obtain a CKT status. You must meet the designated criteria connected to the technical and coaching componenets of the course. For the technical component, you must show proficiency in three areas: breathing, mechanics/alignment and groove (trajectory of the kettlebell). For the coaching component, you must show proficiency in the following areas: client assessment, programme design, and professionalism.

Date: 18^th,19^th June, 2010.

June 2010: Adult CPR and AED

The three and a hour CPR course follows the latest guidelines by the American Heart Association and will focus on Adult CPR and touch on the differences between infant and child CPR; rescue breathing; obstructed airway breathing; signs and symptoms of a heart attack as well introduce AEDs. The course will involve practical hands-on applications, classroom lecture and video presentation. The course will involve a written exam and practical exam competed during the course.

Date: 18^th June, 2010.

June 2010: Advanced Kettlebell Circuit Training

This workshoip is NOT for the faint hearted, but rather seasoned veterans of Kettlebell training. Steve Cotter will put you through a series of ADVANCED conditioning exercises and programmes incorporating his full repetorie of exercises. The utlimate goal of this workshop is expose participants to advanced exercises, advanced techniques and advanced strategies to develop and improve your overall Kettlebell training.

Date: 17^th June, 2010.

June 2010: Introduction to Kettlebells for Personal Training

This workshop will focus on the very basic techniques, the what, why and how of Kettlebell Training for personal trainers, group exercise leaders and strength and conditioning coaches. This workshop will introduce the basic equipment, basic lifts, key teaching cues, programme design and general educaion for a range of clients and sports. This workshop is ideal for those participants who have never used kettlebells in a training environment.

Date: 17^th June, 2010.

June 2010: Kettlebell Certification Trainer Courses

In June 2010 Steve Cotter will make his return to Hong Kong offering both Level One and Level Two Kettlebell Certified Trainer programmes. Steve will also be hosting two half day workshops on for personal trainers and advanced training techniques for seasoned Kettlebell enthusiasts.

May 2010: TRX Suspension Training Course

Optimum Performance Studio will be hosting a TRX Basic Suspension Training Course Certification course on Sunday May 16, 2010. The course will introduce participants to the basic of the TRX Suspension unit, its applications and versatility in using the TRX in a variety of settings. The course will be eight hours in duration.

March 2010: Pilates on Tour Hong Kong

Making a return trip to Hong Kong is the "Pilates on Tour" conference being held from March 17th to 20th, 2010. Registration is now available! We will have two pre-conference events followed by two full day conference days. During the pre-conference on March 17-18, we will be hosting: Introduction to Anatomy in Clay; Pre-Natal Pilates Specialist and EXO Chair Chair. The following are a list of internationally acclaimed presenters attending: Madeline Black; Elizabeth Larkam; Tom McCook; Nora St. John, Carolyne Anthony; Alan Herdman; and Dawnna Wayburne.

February 2010: Chinese New Year Schedule

Optimum Performance Studio will be closed on the following dates: Saturday February 13, 2010 - Closed Sunday February 14, 2010 - Closed Monday February 15, 2010 - Closed Tuesday February 16, 2010 - Closed We will re-open on Wednesday February 17, 2010