Trent's Story
Video produced by Pilates Anytime
McEntire Receives Western Michigan University
Distinguished Alumni Award.
Photo courtesy of Western Michigan University. Standing Left to Right: left to right: Chair Daniel Guyette, Dean, College of Fine Arts, Trent McEntire, Founder and Director, McEntire Pilates, and Nina Nelson, Professor.
Trent McEntire, Director and Founder of McEntire Pilates (www.mcentirepilates.com) was presented the 2015-16 Distinguished Alumni Award from Western Michigan University. The award recognizes McEntire’s work in the development of Pilates methods, most notably Neuro-Movement and the invention of Arcus™.
“It is truly an honor,” said McEntire. “My experience as a student of Dance at Western Michigan University provided a solid foundation for the work in creating Neuro-Movement programs and equipment. WMU’s Dance program is unique in that it provides a balanced education in both the
arts and movement science, including studies in kinesiology and physics.”
The Right Attitude
Featured in Pilates Style Magazine
I grew up in the small, conservative town of Cement City, MI—population 350. Despite the community’s name, I actually grew up on a dairy farm.
I was always a very active child, running around the farm with my older brother and playing basketball in the barn. But at the same time, my body always felt incredibly tight and restricted. I couldn’t lift my arms above my shoulders no matter how hard I tried. I could barely bend over. I had a lot of headaches, and I always had a feeling of general discomfort.
LEARNING TO COMPENSATE
But I was also very strong and big for my age, and very determined. Moving my body always brought some relief from the constant pain, and I unconsciously found ways to overcompensate for my limitations. For instance, since I couldn’t lift my arms, when I played basketball, I’d overarch my back to make the shot, over and over and over again. Then every morning I’d wake up, and my shoulders and my back would be tight and aching...
Mind Over Feet
Featured in Pilates Style Magazine
"During my years as a teenager and young adult, I struggled with severe movement restrictions in my feet and ankles caused by a mild form of cerebral palsy. At the time, I was an athlete and a dancer driven to compete. Despite not being able to afford traditional rehabilitation, I knew that I needed to strengthen my feet and ankles to perform. It was through building my own rehabilitation program —and journaling the results along the way—that I was able to begin to understand that the feet have a more important role."
In this article, you will learn about the connection that the feet have to the brain and their importance for healthy movement. Included are exercises and instructions for improving the movement ...
