Blisswork is an acronym for
Body Lengthening, Integration, Strengthening &
Sculpting
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BLISSwork is polar in nature compared to Pilates. The
two programs tend to appeal to two different personalities.
BLISSwork is a high repetition, sustained posturing, deep
tissue exercise program. Self-styled anatomist Juawayne
Kettler, who resides in Encinitas, California, developed
the program in the mid ‘80’s. Juawayne took
the basics of deep tissue exercise and started to tailor
the exercises to her own body based on what she knew of
anatomy as a massage therapist and an x-ray technician
in a physicians office. As she continued to adapt, change
and create exercises, she began to shift her structure.
Her spine began to lengthen and decompress, a major accomplishment,
as she suffered from scoliosis. She regained 4 inches
from her spine, while sculpting and reshaping her body
toward its’ intended design. |
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Much
of the work consists of untwisting a muscle, lengthening
it, then contracting the muscle in its lengthened
state. With the focus on strengthening in this manner,
faster and greater strength gains are noticed.
More
importantly, improved joint function is restored as
clients learn to create joint space and reduce strain
during movement. The other half of the work challenges
the connective tissue (fascia) that encases our muscles
just as the cells of a sliced orange encases its contents.
Our flexibility is determined by fascia. Tangled fascia
inhibits, restricts and weakens musculoskeletal performance.
Specific BLISSwork exercises work to untangle fascia
by holding positions from 1-3 minutes. Some of these
positions are static, some dynamic, and some use ¼
inch pulsating movements. As fascia begins to release,
combined with strengthening in a lengthened state,
restructuring of the body is seen and felt in several
ways.
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Add length to your spine, creating more of
a waistline pulling your abdominals inward and upward.
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Expand and lift your chest, adding more symmetry
and presence to your body.
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Realign your shoulders into their naturally intended
places, as they pull back and lower down in a relaxed
state.
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Reposition your hips, knees and ankles into their
ideal functional state. This will lift and sculpt
your seat muscles as they perform their job in keeping
you lined up.
- Rediscover
the joy in movement as your body is freed up as
tensions and stresses are released, and as you find
your power in your body.
A
typical class has between 5-12 clients ranging in
age from 20-84. The instructor demonstrates several
adaptations for the same exercise. This allows clients
to work at a challenging level that they are comfortable
with. The amount of repetitions or time is then given,
typically holding something for 1-3 minutes or repeating
10-50 times, depending on the exercise. This allows
clients to work at a pace that they desire, taking
as many breaks as they require. The instructor meanwhile
walks around the class making adjustments and corrections
where necessary.
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