MILL VALLEY
PILATES
ABOUT MILL VALLEY PILATES
Dr. Shanta De Lacrose is a movement specialist and holistic health coach. She uses her background in various movement therapies, biopsychosocial research, and naturopathy (herbs, homeopathy, and nutrition) to support clients in their goals toward overall wellness. Shanta holds a degree from UC Berkeley in neuropsychology, a doctorate in Naturopathy and has been involved in mind-body research for the UC Berkeley and UCSB psychology Departments studying the connection of stress, cognition, pain management, and illness. Opening her wellness studio in 2002 has provided an arena to facilitate mind-body centered health.
Shanta’s teaching style draws from her dance background, classical Pilates training, and the Gyrotonic Expansion System to provide a holistic movement experience. She enjoys interacting with clients with this body-centered focus as it offers a continual opportunity for discovery for both client and teacher. Her background in neuroscience and movement aids in her work with clients with such issues as Parkinson’s, Stroke recovery, MS, Ataxia, and Cerebral Palsy. In addition, Shanta is a mother to 3 home birthed children and finds her work with prenatal and postpartum mamas especially rewarding. From her background in holistic health, psychology and movement she seeks to empower her clients to transform the way they move and think about their bodies.
MISSION
EXPLAINED
THE PHILOSOPHY
Mill Valley Pilates and Wellness Studio seeks to empower the individual by increasing strength and awareness in the mind-body. The individual is assessed as an integrated whole addressing nutrition, stress level and coping mechanisms, home/office ergonomics, and posture/body mechanics. Injury prevention, muscle tension/weakness, and rehabilitation are assessed holistically. To be able to move efficiently, with ease, and enjoy being in your body is a key component to improving the quality of life. Live your life in the body you have always wanted.
WHAT'S PILATES?
Pilates is a form of exercise, with the grace of an art form (like martial arts or dance), and the precision and discipline of a physical science as it educates the body to move efficiently and symmetrically. By strengthening the intrinsic musculature and core muscles of the trunk the Pilates method allows the body to communicate as an integrated whole thereby improving posture and preventing injury. Because it is a rigorous workout with no impact on the joints, Pilates is ideal for men and women of any age or fitness level.
ARTHRITIS
Pilates is the number one recommended form of exercise for arthritis according to the National Association for Arthritis Foundation. By strengthening muscles and teaching proper body mechanics (posture and alignment) pressure is alleviated at arthritic joints. The result is less pain and more range of motion. Pilates and Gyrotonic® are safe, zero-impact forms of exercise that re-educate the body to move efficiently and lessen the effect that gravity and misalignment have placed on the joints.
SCOLIOSIS
In the case of scoliosis, the body has adapted to the curvature of the spine which may affect the angle of the ribs, the size of the lungs, and placement of the shoulders and hips. Pilates and Gyrotonic® addresses these asymmetries by strengthening and lengthening muscles and helping to break up scar tissue, thereby alleviating pain. Pilates breathing techniques can increase lung capacity, which may be limited on one side due to the curvature of the spine. Our methods will help!
POSTNATAL\PREGNANCY
Pilates aids in the recovery postpartum by emphasizing a neutral spine, training muscles to support proper postural alignment, and re-introducing the use the pelvic floor and intrinsic abdominal musculature. Every woman varies in her experience of pregnancy and childbirth. The pilates method can provide the specific attention needed during this dynamic time. Take some well deserved “me time” to rejuvenate your body after giving birth or bond with your baby in a Mama and Baby pilates session.
WHAT IS GYROTONIC
®
The Gyrotonic® expansion system is a three dimensional way of movement that frees the spine and joints from the effects of gravity and injury. The Gyrotonic® system uses exercises on machines to strengthen muscles, and stabilizing the joints, the pelvis, and the spine in a dynamic rather than static way. The client is taught to lengthen the body while also connecting inward to the core and find balance in equal and opposing forces of movement. The result is a supple, strong physique, as well as healthy neuromuscular mechanics. Great for pregnancy, postpardum, post surgery, nerve issues, scoliosis, fibromialgia, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, parkinson’s disease, bone density, cardiovascular health.
TESTIMONIALS
"Not being a fan of exercise I resisted for months. I didn’t realize Pilates was so therapeutic until I started working with Shanta."
Judie
"Both of us have had serious back and/or neck problems
for over 30 years. Not so any more. With our once a week workout in Shanta’s
pleasant and convenient studio plus weekday morning floor exercises and walking;
we are not in pain. Got to say that one more time, not in pain!"
Katharine
three months after my stroke I was referred to Dr. Shanta De Lacrose by my neurologist. I was reluctant at first as I had had very little exposure to pilates and gyrotonic. However, by the end of my first hour with Dr. De Lacrose I felt more optimistic than I had in years.
Barbra
