Contrology Gym

Yay! I’m happy… I love it when I find an exercise I actually like on the Wunda Chair! 😂🙌

Apart from the small detail that I nearly fell off… 🙈😂

This one definitely needs a bit more practice, but that’s part of the fun. Finding the challenge, playing with the movement and slowly getting it to feel effortless.

The Wunda Chair came out again for this week’s session.
Playing with one of the variations of the Teaser alongside the Spine Stretch Forward — two very different exercises, but both asking for the same thing: a deeper understanding of the scoop. It’s a Gratz Wunda one spring on top, so the spring is strong. Fun but a huge challenge

This week Luke got me back on the Wunda Chair — at moments my brain renames it the “annihilation apparatus.” 😂

I don’t edit much. What you see is what you get. It’s not perfection — it’s a human body going through the motions of development, learning, adapting and getting stronger.

Today was more fun. We explored a few subtle differences in detail, comparing Joe’s archive photographs with what we’ve practised over the years.

The Kneeling Push Down was particularly interesting.

I’ve never done it with my knees completely forward. Romana had us working with one spring in the middle, which was very light.

But Joe’s archive photograph tells a different story — a much heavier spring, and he’s succeeding beautifully.

So we experimented:

1st video:
Two springs on the middle setting on the Gratz Pilates Wunda Chair, knees right up front — exploring Joe’s version.

2nd video:
The version I did first — my usual position, with the knees slightly further back.

Same movement. Different details. Different challenge.

And this is why I love the work.
There is always more to discover.

Narelle was just 13 years old when she had her spinal operation following her diagnosis of Spina Bifida Oculta.

What followed was another decade of surgeries and a body that had become increasingly restricted in its ability to move.

Then something began to change.

Through her incredible dedication to reconnecting with her body, Narelle is discovering movement she hasn’t experienced for 50 years.

And watching her realise what is happening is something very special.

Her brain is beginning to recognise these movements again.

Her pain has eased dramatically.

There are now periods of weeks where she doesn’t even think about it.

Sensation is beginning to return to her feet.

Her ankles are beginning to move.

And perhaps most importantly, she is excited about her body again.

This is what makes our work so incredibly rewarding.

Not chasing perfection.

Not forcing the body.

But creating the conditions for someone to explore movement, reconnect with themselves and discover what may still be possible.

50 years with restricted movement.
And now… movement is returning.

Narelle, your dedication is extraordinary.
We are so proud to be part of your journey. 🤍

Longevity

The Russian Splits…. This movement is a fantastic example of where power and range of movement truly have to work in balance to achieve a safe and effective split stretch. Without the deep range in the hip and the power from underneath the seat there tends to be way to much effort coming from the leg. Putting strain into the knee, and minimal effective length, just a lot of discomfort.
It’s a stretch I love but rarely get chance to perform frequently due to the busy teaching schedule

This week’s session included some fun work on the Cadillac Roll Down Bar:

• Long Back Stretch Arms
• Thigh Stretch
• Rolling Stomach Massage
• Rolling In & Out
• Side Bends

One of the greatest gifts of filming practice sessions is seeing what I can’t always feel.

Watching myself back, it became very clear that my neck needs more strength. Teaching back-to-back clients often means spending hours looking down as clients work horizontally on the apparatus, and over time that habit shows up in my own movement.

It’s a good reminder that as teachers, we’re always students first. There’s always something to refine, strengthen and improve.

The work never ends—and that’s one of the things I love most about Contrology.

Finally getting somewhere with the tendon. Stretch on the Wunda chair. I’ve finally succeeded to get the pedal up to the highest point whilst on my toes. One spring top one spring bottom. The single leg tendon stretch has always felt an impossible task. Amazing the progress when you get support from another instructor, thanks luke.contrology