BIOGRAPHY
Heba is the Co-founder of .body//HACK: fitness education which is an award winning Training Provider for fitness certifications in the Middle East and Asia.
She has 20 Years Industry experience as a Personal Trainer, Pilates Instructor, Studio Manager, Tutor, Assessor and Head of Education.
She is also a two time Ex Olympic athlete having competed as a Synchronised Swimmer at the Sydney and Athens Olympic Games with an international career spanning over 16 years.
Heba has won several awards including Educator of the Year (silver) at the UAE fitness industry awards 2023, the Women’s Health “Next Fitness Star” in 2014, Athlete of the Year in Egypt in 2003 and was a Speaker at the Pilates Method Alliance Conference in Las Vegas 2022.
- - Qualifications and titles include Z-Health Master Trainer, Neuro-Orthopedic Group training, Z-Health R,I,S,T and 9S, Creator of the internationally accredited NeuroPilates certification program, Certified Pilates mat and apparatus with various companies, Clincial Pilates, Pre and Post Natal, Hypopressive RSF, Gyrokinesis level 1, Bsc Sports Science, Health- related Exercise and Fitness (Cert), Qualified Tutor and Assessor.
This workshop is dedicated to enhancing the health of neuroanatomical brain structures that commonly deteriorate with age.
While aging manifests differently for each individual, there are several fundamental aspects we can concentrate on to enhance life quality and cognitive abilities as we grow older.
Our focus will be on:
- Understanding the neuroanatomy of balance
- Techniques for training static, dynamic, and reactive balance
- Exploring the neuroanatomy associated with cognitive function
- Practical methods for introducing progressive overload to these brain regions within your Pilates classes
- Delving into the neuroanatomy of memory and strategies to promote hippocampal neurogenesis during sessions
- Understanding the neurology behind contralateral movement and the significance of maintaining cross-patterning for healthy gait as we age
This workshop focuses on identifying the brain regions most affected by excessive screen time and a shift towards a more sedentary lifestyle among growing children.
Our primary focus lies in revitalizing underdeveloped brain regions and seamlessly integrating these techniques into Pilates sessions, creating an engaging and enjoyable practice that children eagerly anticipate returning to.
We will delve into:
- Understanding the neuroanatomical structures that undergo developmental impact due to a sedentary upbringing
- Exploring engaging methods to stimulate these structures, encouraging active participation from children
- Integrating these approaches into your Pilates routines
- Investigating teenage brain development, particularly white matter enhancement, and discovering ways to comprehend and improve it through Pilates
The spine serves as the gateway to the brain, making its health crucial for optimal cognitive function, mood regulation, and overall mental well-being.In this workshop, we will delve into:
- Understanding the neuroanatomical brain structures responsible for spinal posture and alignment (outputs)
- Exploring the brain's neuroanatomical regions activated during spinal movements (inputs)
- Assessing various brain segments concerning spine functionality
- Incorporating neurological exercises into Pilates routines to bolster spine health and consequently, brain health
- Addressing common spinal pathologies and exploring strategies for active recovery that instructors can employ.
This workshop delves into the intricate world of lower back pain, addressing its multifaceted and complex nature, while exploring strategies for Pilates instructors to provide assistance.
Our topics include:
- Understanding the neurophysiology underlying chronic lower back pain
- Acknowledging the challenge of identifying a singular cause for lower back pain
- Examining common pathologies associated with this condition
- Emphasizing the importance of empathizing with clients on a neurological level
- Exploring Pilates-based interventions to aid in alleviating lower back pain
- Integrating neurological exercises into Pilates sessions to reduce pain and enhance functional
In this two-hour workshop we will delve into the neurology and neuroanatomy of stress, exploring how specific neurological exercises can be seamlessly integrated into our Pilates sessions to enhance parasympathetic tone.
This workshop will cover:
- Understanding the key brain regions implicated in the stress response.
- Exploring the key brain regions associated with the parasympathetic response.
- Discussion of the calming aspects of Pilates.
- Learning techniques to pacify the nervous system while still providing clients with a robust workout experience.
- Daily exercises that can easily be incorporated into your routine to enhance parasympathetic signaling and promote relaxation.