Fascial Fitness January 2015 Workshops with Daniela Meinl

Fascial Fitness, the original connective tissue conditioning program, has been growing for several years. An ever increasing number of high profile sporting, fitness and therapeutic organizations are now using and incorporating the Fascial Fitness conditioning techniques into their assessment, movement and training regimes. Amongst these are the World Cup winning German Soccer Team and the Canadian Olympic Athletic team. The success of Fascial Fitness is largely based upon its ability to translate the latest scientific research and insights regarding the nature of fascia, into practical, safe, complementary and enjoyable training techniques. When the techniques are taught correctly, they help to enhance the elasticity, strength and performance of connective tissue and those collagenous structures most prone to injury.

The cutting edge and complementary approach of the Fascial Fitness training program always attracts a wide range of very enthusiastic health and fitness professionals leading the way in their fields, as well as individuals seeking personal fascial enlightenment. Attending the Introductory and Trainer workshops with Dani in Sydney were pilates and yoga specialists, fitness, martial art and dance instructors, physiotherapists and chiropractors as well as remedial, somatic, bowen and stretch therapists of every description.  It’s great that such a diversity of skills and life experiences can connect with each other and their fascia, in this exploratory learning environment.

Early this year, Daniela Meinl. Master Trainer from Augsburg, Germany travelled to Sydney and teach how to safely and effectively train our fabulous fascial network. Along with Dr Robert Schleip and Divo Mueller, who have previously taught in Australia, Dani is a highly experienced core member of the Fascial Fitness Organization, travelling Europe and the world to share her knowledge and expertise.

After a brief history and review of the evolution of our understanding of fascia, Dani gave us an introduction to the scientific research upon which the Fascial Fitness principles and techniques are based.  Whilst energy, enthusiasm and concentration were at their peak Dani demonstrated, talked, walked, warmed, bounced and stretched us through a sample Fascial Fitness routine. Everyone was encouraged to participate adapting the techniques to suit their ability as they tuned in and took care to listen to what their individual fascial network was telling them.

Over the next two days, Dani then revisited each of the Fascial Fitness theoretical principles: elastic rebound; release and hydration; myofascial stretch and fascia as a sensory organ, in more depth. She demonstrated and explained how the techniques associated with each principle can help remodel and condition our fascia. Workshop participants were given time to listen, watch, ask questions, practice and play with the techniques and feel how best to work their tissue.

This play took us outdoors to rediscover how our inner child had explored and experimented with movement. Leaving adult inhibitions behind we hopped, wiggled, jumped, skipped, swung, leapt, climbed, crab-walked, monkeyed, balanced, danced, somersaulted and cartwheeled our way through the beautiful gardens surrounding our venue. The success of the Introductory program was such that those who had attended did not want to leave and were wishing they had signed up for the Trainer course.

The Trainer course revisited but expanded significantly on the scientific research underlying the four main Fascial Fitness training principles. The potential trainers were given time to revisit and clarify their understanding of these principles and then given instruction as to how to go about teaching the basic techniques for each of them. Additional techniques for each of the principles were demonstrated and practiced and participants were encouraged to focus on how they would adapt these for themselves and others individual needs and capabilities. We were also lucky enough to have Dr Robert Schleip beam in for a Tele-Lecture on the latest research news and to answer any questions. It was both a fascia changing and career enhancing process for the participants.

Kati Cooper, Assuage  – Fascial Release Therapy, Fascial Freedom – Advanced Fascial Fitness Trainer