Let’s Geek Out on the shoulder!
Your shoulders do a lot more than you think.
As the most mobile joint complex in the human body, we move our shoulders thousands of times each day. We reach, lift & stabilize via our shoulders daily, oftentimes without a second thought, that is until something starts to feel off. With 60% of adults experiencing shoulder pain or injury at some point in their lives, as a movement professional, understanding how the shoulders actually work isn’t optional—it’s essential.
In this workshop, we’ll break down the structure and function of the shoulder and translate it into practical, usable strategies you can apply immediately. Even though the shoulder is complex, you’ll walk away from this workshop with a solid understanding of this dynamic area so you can help your clients (and yourself) move with more strength, confidence, and finally, pain-free.
Taught by Bre Dumke Helfrich, MSc, PhD, Certified GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® Trainer, Certified GYROKINESIS® Trainer, & Certified Comprehensive Pilates Teacher
If you're a movement professional wanting to go beyond counting reps, choreography and basic anatomy, this is for you. The MDL Geek Outs translate exercise science and biomechanics into practical tools you can use with every client, every session.
ABOUT:
When I first started in the movement field, I was incredibly confused. I had just survived a mountaineering accident, graduated with my MS in Health and Exercise Science, and was quite lost. Even though my brain was full of science, and I have always been an athlete, I felt like I knew nothing when it came to actually moving.
At the time I didn't know that is is true for so many. We simply aren't taught movement at the same level we are taught English or math. Over the past 15 years of teaching therapeutic movement for clients of all backgrounds, I've found that teaching the why and the how alongside the what makes for a truly remarkable movement experience.
In this course, we’ll dive into the shoulders. From general anatomy and kinematics to the applied side of specific shoulder exercises; we’ll cover it all! I promise you’ll feel much more confident working with all clients regardless of their shoulder anatomy or pathologies.
CURIOUS ABOUT WHAT WILL BE COVERED IN THE COURSE? HERE'S A QUICK ROADMAP:
Shoulder Lecture (3 Hours):
Anatomy & Kinesiology
Anatomy review of the bones (and their shapes!)
Skeletal muscle review
A quick look at the nearby nerves, lymphatic tissue & blood vessels
Anatomical variance
Arthrokinematics
Myokinematics
Applying our Knowledge
Understanding the interplay of the shoulder with the thorax
Understanding the interplay of the shoulder with the neck
Common shoulder pathologies & ailments
Shoulder Movement Class (2 Hours):
Mat & Small Prop Work
Shoulder movement 101. We start class with a review of the motions of the shoulder. Emphasis is placed on understanding the differences in motion of the different parts (scapula vs. humerus vs. clavicle vs. trunk) as well as our own personal anatomy.
Key shoulder exercises. Many of us struggle with shoulder movement! As such a mobile & dynamic area, the vast amount of options can be confusing! We cover some of my favorite exercises to release commonly tight areas & then strengthen the areas that tend to get weak to improve our stability, maintain mobility & keep our shoulders feeling their best.
For the mat portion of class you will need:
Floor space to move
A raised table/bench/stool that you can sit and put body weight on
Franklin Method/Melt Method/Lacrosse Release Balls
1-10 lb dumbbells
A slo-mo ball
A 8’ yoga strap
Equipment Work
We primarily utilize the Tower from the Gyrotonic Pulley Tower which can easily be substituted with the Pilates Cadillac or a Pilates Spring Wall to take the mat work further. We will also utilize the Pilates Chair. Load is critical for building strength as well as connecting our brain to lesser understood areas. How can we facilitate engagement of that which is weaker or harder to recruit?
Note: If you don't have access to equipment, don’t worry! My goal is to inspire you to take this work and creatively make it your own. We will also discuss ways you can replace the equipment with resistance bands and other more accessible props. Traditional cable machines also make excellent substitutes for Pilates and GYROTONIC® equipment. 😉
SCHEDULE:
Day: The course will be taught live, Saturday, March 28th
Time: 10 AM - 1 PM for the lecture & 2 - 4 PM Mountain Time for the movement course
Where: Zoom
Cost: Early Registration: $195 before Monday, March 23rd at 11:59 PM Mountain Time
Regular Registration: $235 On/after Tuesday, March 24th
Registration: Early bird registration opens Friday, March 20th!
*Note: Class will be recorded. All participants will be sent the recording with a lifetime access. If you are unable to make the live course, you can easily watch it on your own time later!
Bre Dumke Helfrich, MSc, PhD, is the founder of Movement Design Lab in Steamboat Springs, CO. After surviving a mountaineering accident in Southern Colorado that left her with numerous injuries, she left the world of academia on a mission to heal. It is from her own experience rehabbing with both the Pilates and the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® that both systems blended perfectly with her geeky science mind. She is passionate about adapting both systems to fit the needs of her clients. Clients first - choreography second. Bre earned her MSc in Health and Exercise Science from Colorado State University, is a Certified Comprehensive Pilates Teacher, a Certified GYROTONIC® Teacher, and a Certified GYROKINESIS® Teacher. She also earned her PhD from the University of Utah in Kinesiology specializing in Cognitive & Motor Neuroscience. To say she is a movement geek is a bit of an understatement.
Outside of the teaching, Bre loves all things mountains. From trail running to backcountry skiing, from climbing to simply going on a hike, Bre feels most at home in the high alpine. She feels lucky to call Colorado home where she lives with her husband and two young boys.