THEanti-gymnastics^® (a registered trademark) is the opposite of classic gymnastics exercises and rather offers movements that adapt to the state of each. This is a method of physical rehabilitation which aims to become aware, by small extremely precise movements, of the tensions and muscle aches accumulated over the years, and to free themselves from them.

Anti-gymnastics allows you to gradually work on each of the muscles of the body, from the smallest to the largest, from the most painful to the most unknown, and to lengthen them to loosen the nodes causing pain and deformity. By acting on the neuromuscular organization, it contributes to having a better posture and to find ease et flexibility.

The method teaches to perceive the bodies in its entirety, to feel the interaction between its different parts and to balance the muscles. One can, for example, become aware of the front / back and right / left relationships. We suddenly notice that one shoulder is higher than the other, that the toes are curled up, that the head is tilted forward, in short, that the body must find its way back. symmetry to move harmoniously.

Anti-gymnastics is, however, more than just a fitness activity. By loosening muscular rigidities, it can generate emotional releases and healings. The verbal expression of sensations and emotions is as important as the movements themselves.

THEanti-gymnastics is generally practiced in groups, with the exception of the first sessions which are done individually. They allow the practitioner to assess the physical condition of the participant, and the participant to determine if the approach is suitable for him. In a group, an exercise that lasts barely 15 minutes is a most revealing experience. It simply consists of shaping a clay character while keeping your eyes closed. This little guy becomes in fact a self-portrait, a very eloquent landmark. It can vividly illustrate the perception we have of our body (see A little experience, on the official site).

Anti-gymnastics movements can be performed standing or seated, but most are performed on the floor. We sometimes use small balls of cork and chopsticks (which are rolled under the foot, for example) to promote the release of muscular tensions; these movements have the effect of a self-massage.

Therese Bertherat, the physiotherapist who developed anti-gymnastics during the 1970s, chose the term “anti-gymnastics” in the era of anti-psychiatry. It was not that she denigrated classical gymnastics, but she considered that certain exercises, for example those which require to force the inspiration or to throw the spine back to free the rib cage, only aggravated the disorders. diaphragm and spine. She claims that it was the muscle contractions that gradually deformed the body; a situation which, in his opinion, is not at all irremediable since the muscles remain malleable, whatever the age of the individual. The solution: wake up the sleeping areas that we wear by giving them length!

To develop her approach, Thérèse Bertherat was mainly inspired by the work of 3 people: the Austrian doctor and psychoanalyst Wilhelm Reich (see Neo-Reichian massage), the instigator of holistic gymnastics Lili Ehrenfried¹, but especially the physiotherapist Françoise Mézières, creator of the Mézières Method, whom she met in 1972 in Paris and who was her physiotherapy teacher. Her knowledge of anatomy, as well as the rigor and precision of her method, greatly impressed her. Françoise Mézières had, among others, a great influence in the field of orthopedics by discovering in 1947 the posterior muscle chain. It is also on this famous chain of muscles, which runs the back of the neck to the toes, that we work in anti-gymnastics.

Although anti-gymnastics and the Mézières Method are both methods of postural rehabilitation, there is a fundamental difference between them. The Mézières Method is a therapeutic modality specifically intended to treat severe neuromuscular disorders; in fact, it is mainly used by physiotherapists and physiotherapists. On the other hand, anti-gymnastics is a global approach to a change. which is for everyone.

The term “anti-gymnastics” became a registered trademark in 2005. It can only be used by practitioners who have a “license certificate”. However, many practitioners of various body approaches are inspired, among other things, by the Bertherat method, which they may have adapted according to their specialty. Anti-gymnastics and several other disciplines using movement as an approach to self-awareness are part of what is called somatic education.

To our knowledge, no scientific research has evaluated the effects ofanti-gymnastics about health. However, we know that many osteopaths, physiotherapists and midwives recommend their patients to practice this method to improve their physical condition.

According to its supporters, anti-gymnastics is an approach that allows us to find the pleasure of being well in your body. From children to seniors, it is for anyone who experiences neuromuscular discomfort. Anti-gymnastics would be a particularly effective intervention tool in Adolescents who feel stuck in front of the changes, both physical and emotional, that are taking place in them. Group work allows them to express themselves, to discover their common points and to free themselves from their apprehensions. At the elders, the anti-gymnastics helps maintain motor skills, but it is not intended to treat acute musculoskeletal disorders.

The pregnant women can benefit from the positive effects of anti-gymnastics by practicing movements that promote better breathing and relax the muscles of the neck and pelvis.

Caution

Being an approach that is practiced very gently, anti-gymnastics does not include any particular contraindications. However, it is recommended that people with severe musculoskeletal disorders seek medical advice first.

A typical session

A session begins with a test very particular. The practitioner asks the participant to adopt a precise and very unusual position, which calls on many “forgotten” muscles. The body, which then finds itself in a more than uncomfortable situation, compensates by deforming itself. This allows the participant to feel tensions and discomforts which, until then, could go unnoticed. In a second step, we determine its muscle knots and with the help of movements, we learn to loosen them and give more length to the muscles. Session after session, the muscles lengthen, the body straightens up, the joints find their natural axis, breathing is released and amplified.

To register for anti-gymnastics workshops, just consult the directory of practitioners on the official website. You can also learn about anti-gymnastics by consulting specialized books. Two basic exercises are available on video on Thérèse Bertherat’s website (see Getting started at home, in the Discover anti-gymnastics section). However, this is not a substitute for a qualified teacher.

Anti-gymnastics training

To become a certified practitioner, one must, among other things, have attended anti-gymnastics workshops and hold a bachelor’s degree, ideally in psychology, physiotherapy or psychomotor skills, or have equivalent experience. The training program is spread over 2 years.

Bertherat Thérèse, Bernstein Carol. The body has its reasons, self-healing and anti-gymnastics, Editions du Seuil, 1976.

The classic by Thérèse Bertherat who presents her theory and basic movements.

Bertherat Thérèse, Bernstein Carol. Courrier du corps, new avenues of anti-gymnastics, Editions du Seuil, 1981.

Inspired by readers’ comments, this book offers 15 movements to assess and improve your musculoskeletal condition.

Bertherat Thérèse. The seasons of the body: keep and watch the shape, Albin Michel, 1985.

A book that invites us to really look at areas of the body in imbalance, and to see the changes taking place.

Bertherat Thérèse. The Tiger’s Lair, Editions du Seuil, 1989.

The author leads us to discover the tiger in itself through very simple exercises aimed at releasing various pain, tension and stiffness. More than a hundred images illustrate his method.

Bertherat Therese et al. With consenting body, Editions du Seuil, 1996.

A book for pregnant women. Based on anatomical and physiological concepts, 14 extremely precise movements are presented to prepare for childbirth.

Anti-gymnastics Thérèse Bertherat

The official website: description of the approach, directory of practitioners, list of national associations and video presentation of 2 exercises to learn about the practice.

www.anti-gymnastique.com