Method in a Nutshell...
1. Awareness of one’s posture and alignment in movement
From somatic training Paragym borrows an approach based on focussing full awareness on one’s posture in both static and moving situations. We guide the mind to rediscover a well-aligned body, by emphasis on precise intentions.
In the progression of movements, at all levels, one always begins from a slow-motion understanding of the proper body sensations needed for each movement.
2.The stretching and activation of “dormant” muscles
…to re-harmonize the body and enable optimal performance
We re-educate muscles through stretching and activation, that is particular to each individual. We personalize the group training sessions through exercises that are designed specifically for certain postural types.
With respect to performance, our stretches go beyond the functional level; we progressively activate targeted muscles to allow mobility at the end ranges-of-motion. We train to push back the limits of your mobility.
3. Explosive strength training… with heavy emphasis on the core
Since almost all acrobatic-type movements require dynamic take-offs, we focus on the development of explosive power. Our conditioning consists of stimulating muscles with exercises of great intensity for a short time, repeated multiple times. Equally, one could say that all movements depend on a solid centre of the centre of the body, if one’s trunk lacks stability, so will the rest of one’s body. We place a great deal of importance on core conditioning.
4. Work and play at the same time
At Paragym, both serious work and play are central in our training program. Gymnastic movements are not easy… Even if one has a good base of skill in a particular extreme-sport, succeeding and progressing in acrobatics demands concentrated and persistent effort. We promote a serious work ethic. But it is also very important to us that everyone enjoy and take pleasure in their training at Paragym…Individual athletic challenges, without competition, interspersed with gymnastic games, are another central feature of our program
5. Street acrobatics … progressively
Paragym has completed a systematic analysis of most street acrobatics movements, breaking down complex movements into multiple steps. During every course, drills and conditioning are performed to prepare the required muscles and articulations. We progressively establish a base for acrobatics, for individuals of all levels, so as to refine execution and assure safety. The movements taught are inspired by many disciplines: gymnastics, breakdance, Parkour and acrobatic martial arts.
Sources of inspiration for the Paragym technique:
GDS Muscle Chains Theory
Greg Roscopf’s Muscle Activation Techniques
the exercise science of master-trainers such as Paul Chek and Charles Polliquin
the mind-body principles of the Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais
all types of street acrobatics – Parkour/Freerunning, breakdance, acrobatic martial arts, capoeira, etc.
the teachings of Roland Carrasco, a leading light in French artistic gymnastics
proficient artistic gymnastics coaches: Patrick Beauchamp, Pascal Brodeur, Philippe Aubertin.
the integrative methods of Gymnastique sur table TCP
the functional movement needs of everyday life
many other varied sources that have each contributed important insights to the development of the unique Paragym technique.
What acrobatic movements are taught exactly?
Artistic gymnastics: basic movements on floor (flips, handsprings, twists).
Breakdance: Powermoves only (flares, windmills, 990s, airtracks), without the dance component and any positions potentially dangerous for joints.
Parkour / Freerunning: passage over obstacles (gymnastics equipment) using numerous techniques, indoors only. Movements performed against walls or barriers from varied heights with landing mats.
Acrobatic martial arts: Single horizontal twists (butterfly spins, corkscrews…), no kicks or routines.
Paragym Levels
Paragym utilizes a system of levels to categorize the physical capacities required by different courses:
This system is divided into three components:
Agility (technical difficulty)
Muscle strength
Flexibility
The number given to a course is an average and so, depending on the type of course, the relative degree of a single aspect (e.g. strength vs. agility) might be slightly different…
All levels are relevant to people of all backgrounds. It is strongly suggested that people of all level follow lower level courses (e.g.: Posture & flexibility, Parabasics) to maintain optimal form and prevent injury.
It may be possible to integrate immediately into high level courses, depending on one’s initial level of strength and skill (see Paragym movement and posture evaluation
