Basically it is a logical and highly effective way of working with any back/shoulder/hip pain, injury, or poor movement pattern. An excellent option for repetitive strain injuries, lower back injuries, postural (i.e. 'sitting at a desk') pain, and as a way to increase your sports performance.
Critical Alignment Therapy is a process that through initial passive (moving towards active) exercises begins to release the tension and strain (caused by injury or stress) that we hold in our surface, movement muscles. Once this begins to release the movement can then travel through into our centre line (mainly being our spine) where the postural muscles can be activated once again bringing ease and lightness into our practice, our movements, and our lives.
We now have a dedicated studio space at #195, 7330 Fisher St SE to all of our Critical Alignment style class. Yes, we still offer Yoga4Backs at our yogadotcalm location.
Click here for a printable schedule of our dedicated Critical Alignment studio. This is a separate studio from yogadotcalm (Canyon Meadows), passes and memberships are not interchangable at this time.
Critical Alignment Therapy was created and researched through Gert van Leeuwen over the last 30 years at his Bharata Yoga Institute in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Click here to read an article written up at the European School of Physiotherapy regarding Critical Alignment Therapy vs. Physiotherapy when working with chronic non-specific lower back pain.
"Gert is a master at taking an abstract-hard-to-describe concept and putting it logically into a format that I could understand for myself and feel able to pass on to my students. Working slowly, and with intention, is what I have taken away from my training with Gert. The Critical Alignment Therapy that he has developed just makes sense. It gives access into deep areas of the body that have been neglected too long and strained through repetitive movements and lack of awareness. I look forward to taking this training further when he returns to Calgary next year."
-Tabatha
"The practice of this therapy completely changed my ashtanga practice, there is more flow, deeper central movement and less effort! It has also allowed me better awareness off my mat in sport and at my work desk." -Amber
"I'd recommend Gert's Yoga Therapy class to any yoga teacher. Using the principles of alignment and very simple basic props made my classes more interesting and my students make positive comments about improved posture and feeling great after each class. They really appreciate the benefits of this practice."
-Jane
Please note: These sessions will take place at #195, 7330 Fisher St. SE. This is a separate studio from yogadotcalm, passes and memberships are not interchangable at this time.
These sessions begin the first week with one on one 15 minute assessments of your movement patterns in relation to your spine and your injuries/habits. From there it is a 6 week series of classes designed around the 8 students that are in each class. This is a very effective therapy when it comes to dealing with any injuries, repetitive strain pain, poor postural habits, and more!
Next session:
Mondays Nov. 7 to Dec. 19; 6:00 to 7:30pm
Wednesdays Nov. 2 to Dec. 14; 5:15 to 6:45pm
Fridays Nov. 4 to Dec. 16; 9:30 to 11am
Saturdays Nov. 5 to Dec. 17; 10:45 to 12:15pm
$195
We are thankful to have been able to host Gert van Leeuwen from Amsterdam, NL for the last 5 years for Critical Alignment Therapy trainings and workshops. The trainings, workshops and classes this year were a huge success! He brings such a powerful and knowledgeable insight into alignment, not only in relation to yoga but the movement and psychology of the human body as well.
2011 was a great success with two of our yogadotcalm teachers receiving their certification in Critical Alignment Therapy. Congratulations to Jennifer Strukoff and Maurie Maclennan! Trish, Debbie, Monica and Amber all went though their first level of Critical Alignment Yoga teacher training as well.
We are all looking forward to the highly anticipated release of the English edition of his book, YOGA Critical Alignment. It is sure to have a huge impact in the yoga world.
Watch for the 2012 training dates as well as many upcoming workshops and exciting classes with all of this years trainees.
May 19 & 20; Saturday & Sunday 9-12pm & 1:30-4:30pm, Yogadotcalm, Calgary, AB
Join Gert van Leeuwen in this therapeutic yoga training designed for those suffering with chronic back and neck pain, painful shoulders and hips, repetitive strain injuries, etc. Using specialized yoga tools and breathing techniques you will learn the theory behind C.A.T. to release tensed, stressed and repetitively strained muscles, joints and spine making it possible to begin building a new 'critical alignment'.
Register Early bird $375; after Dec. 15 $395
Pre-requisite: Completed Yoga Teacher Training program (any yoga style) or training in bodywork (i.e. massage therapy, chiropractor, physiotherapist, personal trainer, etc.)
May 21 to 23; Monday to Wednesday 9am to 4:30pm, Calgary, AB
Continue your C.A.T. training with founder Gert van Leeuwen. Learn more of the black strap exercises that create the basis for C.A.T. Begin learning how to put classes together and how the exercises can benefit all yoga styles.
Register Early bird $465; after Dec. 15 $495
Pre-requisite: C.A.T. Level I
May 25 to 27; Friday to Sunday 9am to 4:30pm, Calgary, AB
Begin to put your training into more of a therapeutic hands-on practice. Learn more about the assessments of the spine while in a seated position as well as inverted with the use of the specialized headstander.
Register Early bird $495; after Dec. $525.
Pre-requisite: C.A.T. Level II. Critical Alignment mentorship program available between Level III & IV.
June 7 to 10; Thursday to Sunday 9am to 4:30pm, Calgary, AB
Complete your training with Gert van Leeuwen in Critical Alignment Therapy with your Level IV Certification. This level develops your one-on-one assessment skills as well as class development/design and teaching from a behavioral therapeutic standpoint. This level will not only teach you more about what goes on in the body through this highly effective therapy but how the mind is effected and how to create positive mental and emotional changes.
Register Early bird $575; after Dec. 15 $600.
Pre-requisite: C.A.T. Level III, and recommended a year of practice/teaching between Level III & IV. Critical Alignment mentorship program available after completion.
May 29 to June 3; arrive on Tuesday at 3pm with departure on Sunday at 11am, Cross River Wilderness Centre, Radium, B.C.
Join Gert van Leeuwen in the B.C. wilderness for the first Critical Alignment Yoga Teacher Training. This 6 day retreat located at the Cross River Wilderness Centre near Radium, B.C. will include cabin accommodation (dble occ.), three delicious meals each day and Junior Level Critical Alignment Yoga training beginning with meditation in the morning, master classes on standing, twisting, forward bends & backbends and more. With all trainings taking place in a beautiful yurt, this retreat will be one not to miss!
Register Early bird $1500; after Jan. 15 $1700
Pre-requisites: Current Yoga Teacher Training as well as Critical Alignment Therapy Level I & II
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