The Nadeau® Technique is a form of gentle gymnastics characterized by its simplicity and holistic character. In this sheet, you will discover this practice in more detail, its main principles, its history, its benefits, how a session takes place, who practices it, how to train and finally, the contraindications.

The Nadeau® Technique is one of the bodily approaches that aim to promote general well-being through physical exercises. This gentle gymnastics is based on the repetition of three exercises: the rotation of the pelvis (the whole upper body rotates on the hips), the full wave (which can make you think of a belly dance) and swimming (as if you were swimming standing crawl). Practitioners like to say that in 20 minutes, all parts of the body, except hair, nails and teeth, are set in motion. For a demonstration of the 3 exercises, see the Sites of interest.

The main principles

The Nadeau® Technique is based on 3 fundamental principles:

Great simplicity: this technique only includes 3 exercises. Each of them is made up of a series of relatively simple movements. No equipment is required since the exercises are performed while standing.

The concern to act on the whole body: the Nadeau Technique seeks to move and loosen all parts of the body, from head to toe. But, above all, it places particular emphasis on the indirect “massage” of the internal organs (heart, lungs, pancreas, stomach, liver, intestines).

Repetition : although the movements are simple and easy to perform, repeating them a large number of times in all sessions would be particularly beneficial. Finally, in an attitude of interiorization, all the exercises are performed by giving a large place to the breathing. It is proposed to practice them daily for about twenty minutes.

Gentle gymnastics, for everyone

To stay in shape, it is important to choose an activity that matches your tastes, your physical condition and your lifestyle. The Nadeau Technique is suitable for those who are short of time or who do not want to travel to do an activity. It can also be adapted to people in wheelchairs or those who have difficulty doing standing exercises. It is a gentle gymnastics that allows anyone, regardless of their physical condition, to get into action without running out of breath and without sweating too much. Depending on the evolution of his physical condition, the individual may increase the duration, rate and range of movement. This technique is therefore suitable for everyone but is especially popular with people from 40 to 65 years old.

The presumed effects of the Nadeau Technique have not yet been the subject of scientific studies. Nevertheless, those who practice it report benefits. Thus, this technique would allow:

To eliminate certain pains

It would decrease back pain and headaches.

Improve flexibility

Regular exercise helps to strengthen the flexibility of the spine and restore better mobility.

To strengthen physical well-being

This technique brings more energy, strength and physical tone. A series of sessions could also improve posture and strengthen all the muscles in the body.

The Nadeau Technique could also help relieve all kinds of health problems: skin and eye diseases, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, insomnia, fibromyalgia, obesity, cardiovascular disorders, etc. However, none of these effects have been validated by scientific studies. It is therefore difficult to know how much the claimed results would be due specifically to the Nadeau Technique or simply exercising on a daily basis. One thing is certain, like any gymnastics practiced regularly, the Nadeau Technique can contribute to well-being and health.

The specialist

Only teachers accredited by the Colette Maher Center (see Sites of interest) can use the Technical Nadeau designation. To find teachers in your area or to check their accreditation, contact the Center.

Course of a session

You can learn about the Nadeau Technique through books and videos (see Books, etc.). Classes, most often in groups, are offered regularly in recreation centers, community organizations and residential centers. A complete course consists of ten meetings. It is also possible to take private lessons at home, as well as courses in the workplace.

Become a practitioner of the Nadeau Technique

The training is offered in Quebec, New Brunswick, Spain and France (see the Center Colette Maher site in Sites of interest).

Contraindications of the Nadeau Technique

The practitioners of the Nadeau Technique advise all people with a significant health problem to proceed slowly and to listen to their body in order to respect their limits.

The Nadeau Technique was created in 1972 by Henri Nadeau, a Quebecer from Beauce. After a myocardial infarction, he rejects the advice of doctors, who nevertheless recommend cardiac surgery as soon as possible. Instead, he began to do exercises inspired by baladi and certain sports. He resumes a normal life and even abandons medication.

Henri Nadeau perfects his technique and shares it with many people around him. In the early 1980s, he met yoga teacher Colette Maher. She is impressed by this new approach and the results obtained.

Colette Maher is therefore working to structure it more. With the agreement of the creator, it has since the registered trademark of Technique Nadeau. Today, it still trains teachers who teach the technique, especially in Quebec, but also in Europe, especially in France and Spain. Henri Nadeau died in 1995, at the age of 82.