Tag: liquid motion

Get NASM/AFAA Continuing Education Credits for your Liquid Motion® Certifications!

We are so excited to share this news with you!

Liquid Motion® is now officially both NASM and AFAA approved continuing education provider and our licensed members can now receive continuing education credits or units (CECs or CEUs) for their Liquid Motion® 1.0, 2.0 and Heels certifications.

This is a huge boost to our company, as it gives us a major stamp of approval from the world’s most recognized fitness organizations. It shows that we mean business! AND we are the only recognized heels provider of CEUs!

What does this mean for you?

If you already hold a certification through NASM or AFAA, such as a personal trainer certification or a group fitness certification, you can now use your Liquid Motion® 1.0, 2.0 AND Heels as a recognized continuing education credit to keep your certifications with NASM/AFAA active.

All NASM/AFAA certification holders must conduct a specific amount of continuing education before they can recertify and keep their certifications active. If you do not already hold one of these certifications, then this information does not apply to you.

If you took a certification anytime in 2021, you can claim these CEUs. To claim them, you need a PDF copy of our updated 2021 certificate with the appropriate information to submit to NASM/AFAA when you recertify with them. Reach out to Danielle to get your new certificate. If you took a certification prior to 2021, then this is unfortunately not retroactive. BUT you can retake any Liquid Motion® certification for 50% off and claim these CEUs with NASM/AFAA. All you have to do is log into your account on the Liquid Motion® website before signing up; our system will recognize your certified status and the discount will automatically apply at checkout!

How many CEUs can I get?

Each organization is slightly different, here is the breakdown:

NASM CEUs:

  • 1.0 training = 1.9
  • 2.0 training = 1.5
  • Heels training = 1.6

AFAA CEUs:

  • 1.0 training = 15
  • 2.0 training = 15
  • Heels training = 15

Ready to start your journey with us AND claim CEUs that you can apply to your other fitness certifications? Sign up now!

 

How to do a Forward Shoulder Roll

Shoulder rolls are some of the most misunderstood moves in floorwork. They are often taught incorrectly without any discussion of weight transfer, shoulder rotation, shoulder activation and overall muscle engagement. Because of this, people quickly injure themselves, as they are forced to use momentum instead of technique. Shoulder rolls are not the same thing as a somersault. Somersaults are when you tuck your chin to your chest and roll over both shoulders at the same time utilizing a gigantic floor inversion and weight transfer.

Shoulder rolls, however, only roll over one shoulder or exchange from one to the other, meaning there needs to be an adjustment and slight pivoting action on the exit. In addition, a forward shoulder roll should always be taught first, which contradicts almost every other movement training.

If done correctly, the Liquid Shoulder Roll Forward is simply a weight transfer. For most people, you don’t even need to address shoulder activation or rotation in the beginning stages. People assume that a backward shoulder roll is easier. The fact of the matter is that it’s really just easier to do it incorrectly. Anybody can hurl themselves through space backwards with little to no regard for technique or safety. However, most people are not going to throw themselves forward with little to no regard for technique or safety. This forces individuals to understand proper technique, body alignment, physics, and the basic weight transfer. And guess what? The Liquid Shoulder Roll Forward is the exact same as an introductory backward shoulder roll, just in reverse.

Step-by-step instructions on how to do a forward shoulder roll for floorwork

  • Start kneeling on one knee with the other leg extended out to the side. Both knees should be facing forward.
  • Reach your arms out to the side in a T-shape, palms facing down.
  • Set your booty back on your foot just for a moment and bring the palms of your hands to the floor. This will fold your torso and prevent you from falling forward.
  • The opposite arm of the straight leg will internally rotate.
  • Bring the back of that shoulder to the floor with the palm facing the ceiling. (This will be the same shoulder as the knee you are on.)
  • Look through the window of your legs and tuck your chin to your chest. Do not bring your ear to the floor.
  • Try to “kiss your crotch,” transferring the weight forward onto your shoulder blade.
  • You should be able to see that your hip is stacked over (and slightly past) the bent knee.
  • This will align you properly. If your hips are not stacked, it is anatomically impossible to get the back of your shoulder or shoulder blade to the floor safely.
  • In addition, do not let the foot of the straight leg slide away or reposition behind you.
  • Once you have confirmed that you are properly aligned, start to drive the top of the foot of the bent leg into the floor. Do not let the foot slide back.
  • The pushing of the foot into the floor will transfer your weight past 90 degrees, leaving the body with no option but to continue to roll forward.
  • Relax your neck and let your head realign with your spine as your hips start to lower.
  • As soon as you feel the other shoulder find the floor, sweep the arms forward, palms down and pointing in the direction that you want to go.
  • Execute a Basic Arch to Seated.
  • Perform the Liquid Shoulder Roll Forward on both sides.

Common Mistakes:

  • Bending your front arm (aka the “chicken wing”), using the hand to push.
  • Not looking for your hip to be stacked over or past your knee, so you end up on your head.
  • Letting the straight leg slide behind them, over-stacking body weight.
  • Sliding the pushing foot backwards, preventing rolling forward.

Like this content?

Learn more about how to do, improve and perfect your forward shoulder roll in our 1.0 Certification! Sign up now.

Featured Instructor of the Month: Danielle Byrd

Hi.  My name is Dani.  I am a registered nurse who loves dance, laughing, and having a great time.  I am located in the metro Atlanta area.  I teach at Excluzive Dance studio in Riverdale, GA.

1. You have been certified in all three levels of Liquid Motion® training and have been running some of the most successful floor work classes in the state of Georgia! Tell us how you got started with Liquid Motion®.

Getting started with Liquid Motion® was a blessing in disguise for me. In 2010, I was involved in a head-on collision which left me with plates and screws in my right ankle and leg. As the years passed, the bones in my right foot collapsed and my orthopedic doctor instructed me not to do any dance on my feet for long periods of time. Being that I love to dance, this news depressed me.  I soon began searching for some type of floor work class and ran across a Liquid Motion® Certification course that was held at Vertical Joe’s.  I decided to research the course, signed up for two beginner classes of Liquid Motion® at Vertical Joe’s, and then later became certified. Level 1.0 certification led to Level 2.0, which ultimately led to the Heels certification. After getting certified, I started renting space as an independent instructor and teaching Liquid Motion® at Pink Poles studio. I later transitioned to Excluzive Dance studio, where I host my Liquid Motion® Classes today.

2. What is your teaching philosophy? 

My teaching philosophy is to ensure my students are having fun while learning new movements. My teaching philosophy involves me not only having patience for myself and my students, but also teaching my students to have patience with themselves.  Relax, have fun, and enjoy the journey (good and ugly).

3. Do you teach any other styles of dance? Are there any movement forms you haven’t tried but would like to?

I also teach twerk fitness and Feetup Yoga. I teach twerk fitness as an online virtual class and I teach Feetup Yoga at Excluzive Dance Studio. I am always open to trying any forms of dance. Sometimes I feel like I would love to try some type of ballroom dancing. Other times I do not.  Lol!

4. How do you apply Liquid Motion® as a methodology outside of the studio? Do you feel that it impacts other areas of your life?

When I am outside of the studio I think about the position of my pelvis when I am doing certain moves, trying to determine if I can correct my alignment. I do feel Liquid Motion® impacts other areas of my life. It has helped with my range of flexibility and body awareness.

5. What are your goals in your own personal movement journey? Has Liquid Motion® changed the way you work toward these goals?

I would love to become more fluid, gain more strength, and gain more flexibility in my own personal movement journey. Liquid Motion® has definitely changed the way that I work toward these goals. I feel like I have more body awareness and understanding of my body while working towards these goals.

6. How do you keep your students motivated and excited to come back to class every week?

Lol. This can be a challenge depending on whom is in the class. As we all know, Liquid Motion® is an open level class. With that being said, I have to find that fine medium that will keep my regular participating students coming back to class while attracting my newcomers. Most times I will hint towards a move we will be doing in the next class which usually gets them excited. Other than that, I always remember to tell them that we are here to learn and have fun in a nonjudgmental zone. I encourage them to explore and think outside the box.

7. The year 2020 was crazy for everyone! How has this past year changed your outlook or approach to your classes or your own training? 

Yes, 2020 was a crazy year for everyone. The craziness carried on into 2021 for me with learning my diagnosis of breast cancer. When teaching classes I always try to remember that we all are on different levels and our bodies all function differently. Believe it or not, I cannot sit on my heels. Actually, there are many things that I struggle with, but due to my natural body struggles, I have learned to make sure there are plenty of modifications for those who have similar struggles, while also teaching and talking through full technique for those with minimal to no struggles. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, I continued to teach classes at the wish of my father. It was not that I wanted to give up, I was down and out trying to take in this life changing moment and diagnosis. While teaching class I maintained my same positive spirit, encouraging others to do their best with all moves whether they were failing or succeeding with the move. This further helped me to change my approach with my attitude and spirit with classes and my own training.

8. Do you have any hidden talents?

I like to sew and feel as though I can sew leggings with my eyes closed. I also will sew an outfit here and there.

9. Do you have any tips for aspiring dancers and/or instructors who are hoping to build a supportive community for themselves?

My tip would be to always be yourself. You are your own unique self. Even if you are doing something that is common and others are also doing the same, apply your own unique spin to it. Soon enough, people will see you for the amazing individual you are and be supportive. Have patience and work hard towards your goals while having fun and making friends.

10. In one sentence, share a life lesson you’ve learned. What do you think everyone should hear at least once in their lifetime?

I am sure this is pretty common, but my advice would be: No matter how hard or impossible your dream or goal may seem, take a chance and NEVER give up on YOURSELF!

What is Sensual Movement?

How do you define sensual movement?

The definition of the word “sensuality” (according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary) is “relating to or consisting in the gratification of the senses or the indulgence of appetite.” This is what we help our students to understand and achieve.

The definition of the term “sensual movement” (according to Liquid Motion®) is as follows:

If you actively use all your senses, you will undoubtedly have a heightened sense of awareness in all areas, including body awareness. To be a successful mover in Liquid Motion®, you must have total body awareness. If you have that, you can create successful movement that your body understands – or what we call Sensual Movement.

If one understands how we perceive the word “sensual” as it pertains to movement, along with the actual definition of the word, then it is clear that the confusion lies within modern culture.

We believe the problem is not fear of sensual movement itself, but rather a misunderstanding of what it really is.

Society has created confusion between the words “sexuality” and “sensuality.” The confusion reaches so far that it parallels pornography or adult entertainment (whatever the hell that means). Because of this, anytime the general public hears the word sensuality, they cringe. Within our own industry, this word has been so watered down, that no one even takes it seriously any more.

We at Liquid Motion® are determined to reclaim the term “sensual movement” for what it really is…

The Activation Of The Senses To Create Total Body Awareness.

It is only when you understand this heightened form of body awareness will the exploration of your body’s natural movement allow you to embrace your individuality and confidence, not only in dance, but in life.

Definitions can begin to collide. As you will quickly see, many of our practices and ideas may challenge or contradict what you have learned about sensual movement up until this point. Leave your preconceived notions at the door. Be open to a new perspective. Don’t let expectations inhibit your movement journey with Liquid Motion®.

Understanding Liquid Motion®

The ability to fully understand how your body naturally moves and what that feels like will ultimately give you the fluidity and Liquid style that you are looking for. Liquid Motion® does not teach you to be sexy, but it does teach you to be sensual and to be proud of it. We are in no way limiting you or telling you that other forms of movement, whether sexual or not, are wrong or right. We are simply leaving that exploration up to you and giving you the tools to keep exploring. We want to make sure you understand how we as a movement culture understand Liquid Motion®.

To understand Liquid Motion® is to be able to recognize and apply our methods. The ability to understand how the Liquid Motion® methodology changes movement is what truly gives you freedom and confidence to create your own Liquid Motion®. That is the final goal, and that final goal will take time. First, you need to learn, understand, and apply our Five Fundamentals and our Five Techniques, as these are your foundation!

Like this content? Learn more about how to access your sensual movement in our 1.0 Certification! Sign up now.

Connecting to my Body and my Community: What Liquid Motion® Means to Me

by Kimberly Joyce Nobrega

 

“What does Liquid Motion® mean to you?”

When I was asked this question recently, it gave me pause. Since my very first class several years ago, I have grown into a version of myself that the “old Me” would not have believed possible. Is Liquid Motion® the sole source of my personal evolution? Of course not… but to be fair, it is a very big part of it. I had no idea when I took my first class, under the color-changing lights of the darkened studio on a Sunday morning, what lay ahead and how integrated it would become in my life.

At the time I took my first class, I was the heaviest I have ever been in my life. I was just starting to slowly come away from a traumatic birth experience and I felt like I was a floating shell in a world where I was invisible. My sister had spent months encouraging me to try pole dance classes, insisting as a former dancer I would enjoy them (she was right). It was through beginning pole classes that I found Liquid Motion® on the schedule.

As a former dancer, Liquid Motion® was certainly intriguing, and it felt slightly familiar moving my body again. It became the class I could not wait to attend each week and the class I would try my hardest not to miss. The more I went to class, the more I noticed Liquid Motion® was showing up in my life. It was not just weaving its way into my pole classes, but even into how I moved out of bed in the morning and how I began to become more aware of my own movement just going through the everyday routine.

To compartmentalize my trauma, I had disassociated my body from my mind; they were two separate entities within me.

My body had become a landscape of trauma, grief, shame, and self-loss which was woven deeply into my self-perception and worth. My mind had become resilient in its effort to ignore, bury, and disassociate from the very vessel which housed it. Liquid Motion®’s methodology acted as a catalyst, challenging my body and mind to collaborate together to create the desired seamless, intentional, sensual movement.  Slowly I started to notice a truce being called between these two entities as they began to reconnect and work together again.

It only took a few months before I knew I wanted to become certified and licensed in this movement modality. I thought I understood what that decision entailed. I knew I was going to learn how to move on a more technical level, and if the opportunity ever presented itself, I could then teach Liquid Motion®. Seemed straightforward enough, right? Except that is not all I got out of it. Upon completing my certification, I discovered I had received so much more than I signed up for.

Our instructing, our branding, our ways of expanding this incredible program of intentional movement operates in business-centric industries. After all, if you are teaching, it is not unrealistic to expect that you should be getting paid. That is just the surface stuff though.

The most unexpected thing I have received since joining Liquid Motion® is the community we offer.

To me, that has been more beneficial than any paycheck I have received. Plugging in, staying engaged, asking questions, mentoring your peers, being mentored, focusing on how you can continue to learn and become more versed in Liquid Motion®… all of it is what has helped me feel confident, supported, and appreciated in my affiliation with Liquid Motion®.

I believe you get out of things what you put into them. Liquid Motion® teaches us to invest in ourselves by providing us with unparalleled resources and training content, a vast majority of which is no additional cost to the licensing. We also benefit from steep discounts on things which are not included, not something you typically see in other membership programs. It is because of that level of investment into me as part of Liquid Motion® that I truly believe I get so much more out of it – far more than simply learning to move technically and teach movement that is sensual.

The personal connections I have made with fellow instructors, from the start of my journey until this moment, have been incredible – especially as we were able to lean on one another during an unprecedented global pandemic. Whether group conversations or private chats, I have been able to learn and be inspired by this community.

So, what does Liquid Motion® mean to me?

It means I feel supported, knowledgeable, and confident in what I teach. It means I have an international network of highly talented people who I can engage with to make me a better mover and instructor. It means because I have world-class resources that I can share what I love with people and help them not only to feel confident but to recognize their own unique magic. That is what makes Liquid Motion® invaluable to me.

 

Author Bio:

Kimberly is a Massachusetts native with over 15 years trained dance experience. She joined Liquid Motion® as an instructor in 2018. Kimberly teaches regularly for North Shore Pole Fitness, sharing her passion that dance is for every body.

Featured Instructor of the Month: Dr. Chris Talbot

Dr. Chris Talbot, 2014 Mr. Pole Dance World, is the Blue Phoenix – marine biologist, body transformation specialist, fitness model and pole dance instructor/performer.

1. You made history as the first Liquid Motion® Licensed Instructor in the continent of Australia! Tell us how you got started with Liquid Motion®.

I first got involved with LM at Pole Expo a few years back. I took one of Jeni’s workshops and was totally hooked! A few years later, I was able to come to NYC to do my 1.0 certification (which was incredible) and become licensed to teach back in Australia! I connected with the concepts immediately, and loved how it changed my way of thinking about movement and coordination and flow! And its been an honour to bring it to my country to show the Aussies these amazing techniques and methods.

2. What is your teaching philosophy? Do you have a motto or mantra?

My motto is: “Healthy Mind ~ Healthy Body ~ Healthy Life”. Everything needs a balance, and these things go hand in hand and facilitate each other! My teaching philosophy acknowledges that people learn in different ways and at different rates – and this should always be embraced and accommodated and celebrated accordingly.

3. What has been your most rewarding teaching experience? Your biggest struggle as an instructor?

The most rewarding thing about teaching is seeing my students develop and progress through the levels, and achieving their goals with their tricks/routines/strength/flexibility etc. It’s the best feeling to watch them grow! The biggest struggle has been the same for all of us this past year – COVID really killed our groove and livelihood – and trying to get everyone back on track and comfortable again has been a challenge, especially as conditions can change so rapidly. But we’re getting there slowly!

4. How do you apply Liquid Motion® as a methodology outside of the studio? Do you feel that it impacts other areas of your life?

LM has really changed the way I teach my classes and do my own dance! I find I can help people more using LM methodology in developing their body awareness and coordination, and just general way of approaching dance. For me personally outside of teaching – I find I am more connected to my movements and feel more organic and powerful.

5. What are your goals in your own personal movement journey? Has Liquid Motion® changed the way you work toward these goals?

My movement goals – it blows my mind how dance and pole evolve so quickly, so my ongoing goal is to always keep learning and experimenting and exploring. My style is slowly developing over time, but is constantly open to change and new concepts. And LM has been a HUGE impact here in an amazing way! It’s opened my eyes to more exploration, and I’m so grateful for this as I am feeling more free as a dancer – it’s wonderful!

6. How did you get the name “Blue Phoenix”?

Blue is my favourite colour, and as a marine biologist, it represents the ocean – powerful, always moving and flowing, and unstoppable! The Phoenix represents rebirth and always changing/evolving and adapting – learning from previous experience and coming out stronger and more informed/prepared. I also have a phoenix tattoo on my hip, and it was the name of my first horse – she was beautiful and wild and taught me so much!

7. The last year has been unprecedented for artists and performers. How has COVID affected you as a mover and instructor?

COVID brought us all to a grinding and sudden halt in EVERY way! As an instructor – we had to adapt very quickly to online teaching and making our own online matierals to provide/sell to try and keep a small living happening. There were no shows or performances (half my income) and teaching was almost gone completely too (the other half) except for some zoom classes. It was very lucky that we could still do online work and try keep our students motivated and strong and moving in some way, shape or form. It did give me a chance to do more dance for myself though, which was nice and comforting. I’m so sorry its been so hard for those in other countries as well, and hopefully we can all get back to our studios and routines and students and performances asap!

8. Do you have any hidden talents?

Hidden talents… Well, pole dance was a certainly a hidden talent for me! I was never a dancer growing up, and the opposite of fit – I was a scientist, and later a personal trainer… so this has been a huge change for me and I LOVE it so much! I can also whistle a bit – random and useless but amusing!

9. Do you have any tips for aspiring dancers and/or instructors who are hoping to build a supportive community for themselves?

Surrounding yourself with the right people is hugely important for building a supportive community for your own development. You will see and experience a lot of different personalities and opinions and styles and thoughts – so it can be overwhelming at times. But always be open minded and accepting, even if something isn’t your taste. Celebrate all facets and areas of your art and acknowlege them, and take advice and ideas from them into your own training and development. And be kind – everyone is on their own journey for their own reasons. People can be nasty and quick to criticise, but that’s THEIR prerogative, so stay true to yourself and enjoy your OWN journey with YOUR kind of people who you can grow together with. We have a special thing going here in the pole and dance and movement world – ENJOY it and learn and grow!

10. In one sentence, share a life lesson you’ve learned. What do you think everyone should hear at least once in their lifetime?

Every experience is a lesson in some way – in all areas of life (positive and negative), but if you don’t take a chance – you will never know what could have been.

 

Featured Instructor of the Month: Ambrosia Pierre

Ambrosia is the resident Liquid Motion® Instructor at Dimension Fitness in Cincinnati. She loves using the 1.0 and 2.0 Liquid Motion® techniques to help her students connect with their bodies and emotions. Ambrosia is also a student at the Tantric Institute of Integrated Sexuality. Once completed she wants to combine the two teachings into a class that helps build confidence in expressing self-love, awareness, worthiness and empowering one to become their authentic self.

1. You’ve been certified in Liquid Motion® for several years now! Tell us how you got started with Liquid Motion®.

I found Liquid Motion® at Pole Expo – maybe in 2015 – I think it may have been a teaser class even. I fell in love with Jeni’s energy and the movement. I became certified in 2016 and have since gotten my 2.0 and soon will obtain the Heels certification.

2. What is your teaching philosophy? Do you have a motto or mantra?

I found Liquid Motion® at Pole Expo – maybe in 2015 – I think it may have been a teaser class even. I fell in love with Jeni’s energy and the movement. I became certified in 2016 and have since gotten my 2.0 and soon will obtain the Heels certification.

3. What has been your most rewarding teaching experience? Your biggest struggle as an instructor?

I love everything about teaching Liquid Motion® – the pleasure I see on the faces of my students when they finally understand something complex. The emotion I can feel coming off them during the dance breaks, seeing them embrace those emotions and their bodies through movement lights me up.

4. How do you apply Liquid Motion® as a methodology outside of the studio? Do you feel that it impacts other areas of your life?

 The confidence I have gained in myself, learning and teaching the methodology, has definitely changed aspects of my life in work, school, dance and many other ways.

5. What are your goals in your own personal movement journey? Has Liquid Motion® changed the way you work toward these goals?

My personal goals are to connect more with my body and to get out of my head during my training sessions. I like to find unique pathways inside the core moves that get to the desired place. Liquid Motion® has definitely built my confidence in my own movement style.

6. Your students and fellow instructors love how you create a fun, yet sultry, class atmosphere. How do you approach planning your lessons and creating a positive vibe in a multi-level class?

All of my classes are multi-level. I plan my progressions from my own training sessions, so I know how they feel in my body to help my students understand the mechanics of the progression we are working on. I curate everything, from the lights to the playlist, and encourage my students to engage with each other as well as with me. I scream encouragement at them during all parts of class and give many compliments and constructive criticism.

7. How has COVID affected you as a mover and instructor?

As a mover, I have become more connected to how my body wants to move. As an instructor, It has not really changed anything except how many people I can have in class.

8. Do you have any hidden talents?

I can touch my tongue to the tip of my nose.

9. Do you have any tips for aspiring or new instructors who are hoping to build a supportive community for themselves?

Do not show up to your classes as someone you are not. Know all the ways in and out of moves so you always have a beginner and advanced progression inside the same class. Set the atmosphere for the class based on how you set up for yourself. Have fun and don’t be scared of your students.

10. In one sentence, share a life lesson you’ve learned. What do you think everyone should hear at least once in their lifetime?

It’s pretty basic but BE YOU. Stay true to yourself. Don’t try to be perfect; that’s impossible. When you let your true self shine, the people that need you and your energy in their life will come to you organically.