We’re upping the game with this next exercise for our Exercises Unpacked series. This one is for our more advanced patients looking to really challenge themselves. The advanced pistol squat is another great whole body exercise which targets our glutes, quads, hamstrings and calves amongst many other muscles. With the addition of a weight overhead not only does the upper body have to work hard but also the core.
Perform as many as you can on each leg trying to get to 10 comfortably.
1. Start by standing on the bosu ball (or the ground if you’re not quite at Roxie’s level). Grab a hold of one leg and raise the opposite hand overhead
2. Squat down until your glutes are almost touching the ground then drive back up again
4. Don’t forget to finish off the exercise with a smile!
After injuring myself as a professional dancer I turned to teaching Pilates to earn my keep, but always wanted to be a physiotherapist. I was always impressed with what physiotherapists like Sue Mayes (Australian Ballet) were able to achieve when I was injured. Hobbling in for treatment and then being able to dance on stage an hour later was always a marvel to me. I wanted to be able to help people in that way and is what gives me the greatest satisfaction; helping people feel better.
My interests lie with dance physiotherapy, I also enjoy coaching and teaching ballet. Correcting overuse injuries in dancers often relates to poor technique, having a physio and dance background enables me to do this.
Having the opportunity to work with dancers as well as taking rehabilitation or strength classes is my favourite thing to do. Seeing clients getting stronger and achieving in their athletic pursuits or simply feeling better and recovering from their injury is the best!
Working with dancers from Zurich (in Zurich) Ballet and helping them with their injuries was a great experience. I’ve also had the opportunity of working with dancers from different Australian or international ballet companies that are visiting Canberra.
Gus I think...but let's face it, both are so ridiculously cute, and everyone loves them so I think it would be pretty good to be either of them!
*Long pause*...probably me.