China

This workshop, developed by the Merrithew team, integrates the Soft Kettlebell with the STOTT PILATES Principles and mat-based exercises to deliver a powerful, functional workout. Designed to build muscular strength and endurance, improve cardiorespiratory fitness and strengthen myofascial connective tissues, this dynamic session engages the whole body.

What sets the Soft Kettlebell apart from traditional equipment like barbells, dumbbells or weighted balls is its unique design—a bell-shaped sphere with a sturdy handle. Unlike a dumbbell, where the weight is evenly distributed, the Soft Kettlebell’s center of mass extends beyond the handle, resulting in a lower, off-center weight distribution. This design allows for seamless transitions between exercises, with movements performed using one or both hands. Compared to weighted balls, often used for stability and power exercises, kettlebells emphasize momentum-based movements, such as swinging, that enhance fluidity and dynamic functional strength. Kettlebell training focuses on generating and controlling momentum, enhancing athletic performance and everyday functional activities.

The Merrithew Soft Kettlebell is the optimal tool for promoting dynamic, integrated functional movement.

Learning Objectives

1. Review the difference between working with other fitness equipment such as dumbbells and weighted balls and Kettlebells
2. Apply the concepts of variable load and momentum to traditional STOTT PILATES mat-based repertoire
3. Challenge the body three-dimensionally in a variety of body positions
4. Explore how using the Soft Kettlebell is a fun and efficient way to build stronger bones, increase dynamic stability across the myofascial continuities and enhance joint range of motion
5. Experience programming that trains the body as a functional kinetic whole rather than a collection of parts

Developed by the Merrithew team, this new Halo Training workshop is designed for active individuals familiar with foundational strength training and conditioning concepts. The workshop draws from Complex-based Training (CPX) and Contrast-based Training (CNT), offering a dynamic approach to boost power production and endurance.

After a comprehensive warm-up, participants will alternate between sequences that target either CPX or CNT, pairing higher-load exercises with biomechanically similar plyometric or lighter-load movements. Throughout the session, the Halo Trainer and Stability Ball^™ will be used, following standard Halo configurations to enhance overall effectiveness. This workshop seamlessly integrates with and complements existing Halo Training High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and High Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) programs, providing a fresh challenge for participants.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the principles of Complex and Contrast-based training and how to seamlessly integrate them into workouts using the Halo Trainer and Stability Ball
2. Acquire strategies and options for leading safe, effective group classes utilizing the Halo Trainer in this dynamic format
3. Achieve strength and endurance goals with simple movements that are effectively paired together in dynamic sequences

This workshop introduces easy-to-follow sequences that effectively utilize all components of the Vertical Frame, incorporating various spring tensions. This workshop focuses on innovative techniques to improve flexibility in the spine, hips, and shoulders while challenging balance and weight transfer through both bilateral and unilateral standing exercises. Participants will learn how to create smooth transitions between movements, enhancing the flow of the workout and promoting a more engaging experience. The adjustable spring tensions create a supportive environment that enhances body awareness, encouraging dynamic stability throughout the entire body.
Note: Access behind the Vertical Frame will be necessary for this workshop.

Learning Objectives

1. Apply the STOTT PILATES Principles and STOTT PILATES Movement System^™ to Vertical Frame exercises to transform movement quality and increase mind-body awareness
2. Identify how spring tension creates a rich proprioceptive environment that fosters dynamic stability and augments the fluidity of motion throughout the entire body
3. Compare how the body responds to varied body positions, planes of motion, load and weight transfer when using the different components of the Vertical Frame
4. Present programming options for all levels of participants

Learn how to effectively incorporate the Soft Kettlebell into your standing STOTT PILATES workouts to build strength, control, and endurance. This session focuses on how to develop and manage power—when to generate maximum force for explosive movements and when to conserve energy for exercises requiring sustained effort. You'll explore the kettlebell's unique ability to engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, while challenging balance and posture through controlled, standing exercises. This workshop provides tools to help your clients achieve a strong and functional body, offering variations that suit different levels of fitness and performance goals.

Learning Objectives

1. Review the difference between using dumbbells versus kettlebells to either isolate or integrate movement patterns
2. Explore kettlebell training styles—power optimization vs. power conservation—and learn when to apply each for specific training goals
3. Apply the STOTT PILATES Principles to traditional kettlebell repertoire to support power optimization and explosive movements
4. Challenge the ability to manage and transfer body weight in kneeling and standing positions
5. Explore how using the Soft Kettlebell is a fun and efficient way to build stronger bones, amplify dynamic stability across the myofascial continuities and boost the joint range of motion
6. Experience programming that engages the body as a functional, kinetic whole instead of a collection of parts

In this dynamic four-hour workshop, developed by the Merrithew team, you will learn unique choreography that aligns with the Total Barre 11 movement segment format. Designed as a comprehensive, full-body workout, this class incorporates elements from strength training, conditioning, ballet, as well as modern and contemporary dance.

Following the principles of the Endurance track in Total Barre workshops, this choreography is simple and easy to follow, enabling participants to focus on proper muscle engagement and technique while retaining the movements with ease. Ideal for those working at a strong Essential level, this class offers a challenge without the complexity of Amplified choreography. This approach ensures participants can build stamina and endurance while maintaining correct form.

The added use of resistance tools such as the Flex-Band^®, small hand weights and the Fitness Circle^® adds proprioception and muscular challenge. These tools not only help to build strength but also improve body awareness and stability during the workout.

The music featured in this workshop is a collection of tracks from other Total Barre workouts. The class can be taught in its entirety, or instructors can trade out segments to complement other workout routines creating variety.

Learning Objectives

1. Learn how to apply the comprehensive alignment principles concept used in all Total Barre programs
2. Understand how to use the 11-segment template to provide choreography and tempo for an hour-long class
3. Discover how movements are broken down in detail to learn how to cue for safe, optimal biomechanics
4. Learn how to work with music, phrasing and counting as well as teaching strategies, exercise variations and modifications to ensure classes are safe and effective for all participants

Are you looking to gain a competitive edge on the Pickleball court? This workshop, developed by the Merrithew Programming Team, offers racquet-specific STOTT PILATES programming on the V2 Max Plus Reformer. Pickleball athletes need to be able to move quickly, maintain balance and change directions efficiently on the court to optimize performance and reduce the risk of injury. Although Pickleball is primarily an aerobic sport, it’s critical for the athlete to have full-body muscular strength and endurance. The V2 Max Plus Reformer pulley system, with its varied vector capabilities, provides the perfect environment to develop the necessary dynamic stability of both the core and peripheral muscles, assisting with shot production and delayed muscular fatigue.

This workshop workout will help foster postural integrity, improve the transfer of ground reaction forces from the lower to upper body through the trunk, and provide the physical control and responsiveness needed for success.

Learning Objectives

1. Apply the STOTT PILATES Principles and Movement System^™ to V2 Max Plus Reformer exercises to improve movement quality and gain the competitive edge needed for this dynamic sport.
2. Utilize varying vectors with the pulley system to boost dynamic stability and promote integrated strength across the entire kinematic chain.
3. Compare how the body responds to varied body positions, planes of motion, load and weight transfer when using the different components of the V2 Max Plus Reformer.