In this body-balancing mat class, Tom McCook combines The Franklin Method with Pilates Mat and corrective exercises. He begins with a fluid warm-up for the key joints of the body to restore movement ability and dynamic alignment and to release tension. With the body set, the class then progresses through a well-rounded set of Pilates Mat exercises for balanced conditioning.

Props needed: Franklin balls, triadball or roller (equipment available from www.OPTP.com)
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With thanks to Alex Marshall, Annie Turner & Penny Brian
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Tom McCook, Founder and Director of Center of Balance in Mountain View, CA, is an internationally-recognized Pilates Master Teacher and movement specialist. Beginning his full-time career in personal training in 1984, Tom designs programs for health and life performance for a range of clients, from Silicon Valley executives and Olympic athletes, to active seniors and people looking for solutions to their imbalances and injuries.

Tom's unique approach synthesizes over 30 years of fitness training, Pilates, body therapy, Somatics, the Franklin Method of experiential anatomy and imagery, Yoga, meditation and Life Coaching. His fascination with movement began at an early age playing sports and growing up in a large athletic family with 11 siblings. Tom's teaching focus is to inspire and empower people to access their mind/body intelligence with a practical understanding of their own anatomy through movement, self-touch and concentration. These skills go beyond exercise to cultivate presence, dignity and being responsive and resilient in life. His long and successful history working with athletes include the Stanford women's swim team and four Olympic Gold medal swimmers.

Tom has been leading teacher trainings in the Pilates Method since 2001 at Center of Balance, recognized as a premier movement, body therapy and education center. Tom is also a sought-after international presenter at conferences, retreats and studios worldwide. He is on the teaching staff for the Franklin Method Institute, a groundbreaking education system for improving movement potential, health and mind/body mastery.

Tom lives on the coast outside of San Francisco with his wife and business partner, Karen deMoor.

For more info on Tom, please visit: www.centerofbalance.com
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Filming by MK Ceesay (www.zigzagzig.co.uk)
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