Integrated Movement Therapies (IMT)®

Embodying the Study of Human Movement

To highlight the importance of movement as a source of self-expression, meaning, anatomical precision and biomechanics, we include Integrated Movement Therapies (IMT)® in our certification curriculum.

IMT training is an in-depth study of the objective and subjective experience of the body-in-motion, and provides the foundation for self-knowledge, and the basis for our teaching. The work is a personal synthesis created by Danielle Bélec-Van Zeyl from over 20 years of experience as a dance artist, academic, practitioner, and studio owner. Integrated Movement Therapies (IMT)® offers a unique framework for the study of conscious movement. With roots in age-old traditions, it combines complementary approaches to movement re-patterning, postural re-education, pain management, and psycho-spiritual integration. IMT is influenced by the work of Rudolf Laban (Laban Movement Analysis) and Irmgard Bartenieff (Bartenieff Fundamentals), as well as by modern dance, Pilates, tai chi, yoga, Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy, myofascial bodywork, biomechanics, anatomy, and functional training.

As a conceptual and experiential framework designed to deepen performance and teaching of any movement practice, Integrated Movement Therapies (IMT)® is a complete certification course in and of itself. Due to the comprehensive scope of the material, IMT is the pre-requisite for Second Wind’s Pilates Mat and equipment training.

WHO BENEFITS FROM IMT TRAINING?

As the basis for self-knowledge, movement mastery, and intentional living, IMT is applicable to any form of physical or psychotherapeutic profession. An approach that systematically studies the body in its respective parts in order to understand, reconnect to, and enliven the whole, IMT content is organized into five modules. We study the spine, pelvis, sacrum, hip joints, knees, ankles and feet, shoulder girdle, and core, developmentally culminating in whole body integration. The IMT training experience transforms our understanding of how our bodies move, think, sense, feel, and communicate, propelling theory and practice to a new level of understanding.

Integrated Movement Therapies (IMT)® is excellent for aspiring and budding teachers, both young and older; Pilates and Yoga instructors and students; physiotherapists; osteopaths; massage therapists; personal trainers; chiropractors; and psychotherapists; as well as any student or professional interested in how our bodies heal and connect us to ourselves and the world around us.

IMT COURSE DETAILS

The Integrated Movement Therapies (IMT)® Certification training consists of 60 in-studio hours completed in five (5) modules. Each of the five IMT modules must be taken in order as supported by four detailed Second Wind® manuals, designed to optimize learning, movement mastery, and teaching skill – in support professional success and personal growth beyond the length of this course. For students with no or minimal anatomy background, the pre-requisite is The Fundamentals of Anatomy: Connecting the Dots to Release the Knots. For those with minimal Pilates experience, the pre-requisite in addition to completion of the IMT program is concurrent enrolment in a class at Second Wind® or the equivalent.

DURATION: 60 hours of studio instruction, plus self-practice, observation, and internship teaching hours. Details are outlined on page 35 in the Certification Information Package. Maximum 7 student