To anyone that has taken the ZEN•GA® Foundation Course, the benefits of ZEN•GA are obvious.
Balance, flowing movements, an increased mind-body connection and improved proprioception, just to name a few. But how do you effectively convey these benefits to your clients, who may lack the technical language necessary to interpret these benefits for themselves?
Below are some ideas for client-facing language and content intended to aid Instructors in explaining ZEN•GA to clients.
Who is ZEN•GA for?
The beauty of ZEN•GA is that it’s for everyone. You don’t have to have any previous yoga or Pilates experience. Just a desire to move and tune into your own body.
The Benefits of ZEN•GA
Being able to state the benefits of ZEN•GA in an easy-to-understand and relatable way is key to garnering client interest in taking classes.
ZEN•GA is a mindful movement modality that brings together movements from yoga, pilates, dance and tai chi—applications that have been around for years—combined with movements and techniques that support the latest research on exercising and releasing connective tissue. ZEN•GA workouts combine power, strength, flexibility and many release techniques that are unique, quick and effective for any exerciser.
Below are some concepts and vocabulary to consider when creating client-facing materials advertising ZEN•GA classes or workshops, or when discussing them with potential clients:
- Small props
ZEN•GA uses small props in both Mat and Reformer-based workouts that help ease tightness in the body, which means that you’ll feel a sense of release, openness, and increased mobility after a ZEN•GA class
- Strength and flexibility
ZEN•GA movements combine power, strength, flexibility and flow
- Unique energy
ZEN•GA Instructors use the ZEN•GA Mindful Movement Principles and unique cues to give clients an entirely different feel from a Pilates class
- A sense of physical freedom
ZEN•GA builds a feeling of freedom in the body by initiating movements from different areas of the body and from different angles. Participants can explore their bodies and be more playful with movements. Allowing for more non-linear, springy, bouncy types movements not only creates a freedom but takes the body out of a structured bracing type moving strategy
- A new way to work out
ZEN•GA gives you a new way to work your body with unique movements and different internal cues
- Breathe and open
ZEN•GA uses effective breath strategies to focus on opening areas of the body that are restricted
- Focus on core, lower body and breath
ZEN•GA gives an amazing, full-body workout while focusing on the core, lower body endurance and breath
- Lower risk of injury
ZEN•GA workouts are functional, and the combination of strength, endurance, flexibility and dynamic stability of the entire body means a lower risk of injury
- Mindful and aware
ZEN•GA workouts increase awareness and mindfulness by using the body’s natural rhythms, helping clients develop more ease in daily activities and sport
- Resilient
When done regularly, workouts help develop a more youthful, resilient and fluidly-moving body. According to research, a consistent ZEN•GA practice (training two to three times per week for five to ten minutes each time) can change the architecture of the fascia up to 50% within six to 12 months
- Stimulating
ZEN•GA stimulates the neuromyofascial web of the body, and may help hydrate the myofascial meridians
How can you integrate ZEN•GA into different fitness modalities?
Emphasizing how ZEN•GA can be interwoven with other fitness modalities can help pique instructor interest in joining workshops and trainings.
Below are some benefits of layering ZEN•GA onto other modalities:
- Heightened awareness of exercise
ZEN•GA principles of Breath, Support, Yield and Flow intensify the physical connections and awareness of each exercise your client performs. In today’s competitive fitness market it is imperative for fitness professionals to have as many tools in the toolbox as possible. ZEN•GA teaches new ways to move and new ways to cue that can add new and unique elements to existing modalities
- Release restrictions
ZEN•GA uses both Mat-based props such as Flex-Bands® and Mini Stability Balls™, textured massage tools, and equipment-based options such as spring resistance to release commonly restricted areas in the hips, feet and between the ribs. These exercises can help the client effectively connect or access the muscles they should be isolating throughout the workout that follows, no matter the modality
- Mobility in all planes
As we age, the body needs more variety and programming that not only strengthens us but keeps us mobile in all planes. ZEN•GA’s focus on functional movement in different planes means that regular ZEN•GA workouts on a consistent basis can help clients maintain mobility as they age
For more information on ZEN•GA courses and workshops, contact an Education Advisor at educationadvisor@merrithew.com or call 1-800-910-0001 ext. 300.