Sarah's Approach to the Pilates Method

JPD Method of Bodyworks: the Synthesis
excerpt from JPD Method of Bodyworks: Practitioner's Primer
© 2003 Sarah Gagnon


The JPD Method of Bodyworks is an exercise system that interweaves key concepts from Rudolph Laban and Irmgard Bartenieff into all exercise, especially Pilates.

The following Laban concepts are always considered during exercise:
1. The participant’s inner mental attitude towards movement factors including weight, time, space and flow determines how movement is performed, and

2. movement can take place in one, two or three dimensions, and for all possible combinations, there exists an ideal, harmonious use of the space within the kinesphere, whether it shifts, or remains in one place.

Integrated Bartenieff concepts include:
1. use of mental energy, through intention, to change how the body performs by raising an awareness of the foundations of movement including breath, initiation, sequencing, connectivity, weight transfer and mobilization/stabilization, and

2. the deep relationship between mind-body-emotion, as each emotion is accompanied by specific physical expressions and a particular mental attitude.

The JPD Method of Bodyworks uses these Laban and Bartenieff concepts to evolve and deepen the mind-body connection. Through the consistent practice of this method, the participants becomes conscious of the muscle fibers that retain excess tension as well as those fibers which do not engage during movement. Bartenieff and Laban’s work have been instrumental in developing “movement intuition”, visualization and movement intention. As the mind develops this awareness, the Pilates exercises become considerably more effective in restoring balance and flexibility to the muscular system, as well as ideal spine and joint alignment. These three bodywork modalities integrate in a rather specific manner to form the JPD Method of Bodyworks.

The Philosophy

The JPD Method of Bodyworks is fundamentally rooted in the concept that an exercise methodology must be reflective and respectful of the mind-body-spirit connection, and should directly contribute to the growth and evolution of this energetic triad. It is my personal belief that, on a subtle level, all human experience assists in aligning and balancing the mind, body and spirit and humans strive for this balance and alignment either consciously or subconsciously.

The human body is in actuality, a multidimensional energy system, all of which come into play during movement. In many cultures, this belief has led to the evolution of a myriad of energetic treatment methods; acupuncture, massage, reiki, chiropractic are but a few examples. Each aspect of the human being carries and exchanges energy with every other aspect throughout each moment of the day. In the simplest model, these aspects include the physical, the emotional, the mental and the spiritual components of the human being. The physical body converts food to produce energy in the form of heat and electricity, the emotions carry a powerful charge as anyone who has experienced a sudden rush of fear, anger or sadness knows, the mental component also produces considerable energy, especially when one is engaged in worry, and the spiritual aspects of our lives present a mystery yet any person who has practiced Yoga, Tai Chi and other similar forms of bodyworks, can attest to the powerful energetic charge these modalities produce. In my humble opinion, the constant interplay amongst these bioenergy systems in every second of our lives must impact the neuromuscular connections and resulting movement. The subtle nature of the energetic exchange process and the resulting impacts on movement are difficult to understand and even more challenging to measure.

The fundamental belief, which forms the foundation of the JPD Method of Bodyworks, is that all these bioenergy systems must come into balance and alignment to achieve complete health and wellness in this physical plane. Furthermore, this wellness can only be achieved with a multidimensional approach; there are no shortcuts. Diet, attitude or what I term mental position, body maintenance and all other factors which can be controlled, must reflect the desire to be well. A simple example is that of the individual who spends two hours per week in cardiovascular exercise to ‘lose weight’ yet consumes a diet rich in fried foods and starches daily; clearly, the latter activity will negate the positive benefits of the former. Likewise, one cannot expect to have a strong, pain-free body that moves fluidly with ease and grace without spending any time exercising or engaging in physical activities intended to bring about such results. Clearly an exercise program is an important component of a personal lifetime health and wellness program. The JPD Method predominantly intends to establish alignment and balance in all the bioenergy systems that make up the human being by focusing on restoring balance and alignment in the physical body.