212 Presents: Breathe
Covid-19 is changing the way we are all living our lives.
With Medical Professionals fighting on the front lines, 212 Pilates has created 212: Breathe to allow holistic and movement practitioners to do their part to help.
212: Breathe is a FREE platform that provides virtual breath practice sessions designed to support respiratory wellness and/or to ease anxiety. Sessions are led by those in our network of Practitioner Partners and are available to anyone who needs them.
212: Breathe
“Before any real benefit can be derived from physical exercises, one must first learn how to breathe properly. Our very life depends on it.” - Joe Pilates
Breath is an essential act, one many of us do not luxuriate on throughout the day. We are now facing a crisis that prevents us from accomplishing the natural rhythm of breathing.
Over the past couple of weeks I have had inquiries where I have been asked to help those struggling with Covid-19 symptoms. I am not a medical professional, but I started to ask myself, "is this within my scope as a Pilates instructor and movement specialist to help those in need during this time?"
On a more personal note I have people I care about fighting this virus, recovering from it, and on the front lines helping sick individuals. I have no doubt you too have people in your life that have been impacted by this virus. With those people in mind I have found a driving force to be an active participant in the fight against this devastating virus.
This brings me back to the cornerstone of pilates. Breath. People suffering from this virus need mindful breath, and so do people experiencing anxiety. The simple act of deep breathing has been shown to decrease stress, depression, and lower heart rates.
“Change happens through movement and movement heals.” - Joseph Pilates
What do we need?
212 is asking practitioners to donate their time in 15 minutes segments.
Who can help?
Therapists, physical therapists, pilates instructors, yoga practitioners, acupuncturists, doulas, meditation coaches, breath work coaches, body workers and anyone in a similar field.
How?
We are going to rally a network of colleagues who are certified to lead breath work and lung support exercises. We will offer daily 15 minute FREE breathing and mindfulness moments.
For whom?
Those at all stages of Covid-19 recovery, those who are high risk, those who are working on the front lines, and those who are struggling with related anxieties.
This is for ANYONE and EVERYONE. It is set up as an added resource to anyone trying to focus on their breathing to support (not boost) lung health and light torso mobility. This is for people to stay safe and pliable, this is for those suffering to feel like they have someone else talking them through a breathing option, this is for people who have survived to not feel like they have been dropped off at the curb. This is for anyone who is anxious, and this is for our healthcare workers to have someone else take care of them for a few minutes a day.
We are NOT a coalition of medical professionals. We are not set up to treat, cure or diagnose. What we can do is help with gentle breathing mobility and gently stretching for multiple mobility levels. We are not licensed to give medical advice or opinion. We are a network of holistic and movement practitioners offering support but not replacing medical care. We can offer a variety of evidence based and mindful moments to help lower cortisol levels, exit fight or flight moments and be kind to yourself.
How to Support
This is a free service. If you feel strongly about contributing, you can reach out to support a practitioner
PLEASE READ
We are NOT a coalition of medical professionals. We are not set up to treat, cure or diagnose. What we can do is help with gentle breathing mobility and gently stretching for multiple mobility levels. We are not licensed to give medical advice or opinion. We are a network of holistic and movement practitioners offering support but not replacing medical care.
Please also refer to our studio Liability Waiver and note that by choosing to use the virtual platform you are assuming responsibility and liability for yourself and your surroundings - you will be asked to attest to the same before entering a virtual session.