Strong and Vital No 2

Benita Cantieni (born 1950): A Symphony of Strength and Grace

Exercises Give it a try

In the landscape of physical wellness and transformative bodywork, Benita Cantieni stands as a beacon of innova tion and hope. Her journey from the constraints of scoliosis and severe joint issues to the creation of CANTIENICA ® body in evolution is not just her story but a testament to the

resilience and adaptability of the human body. The Genesis of a Movement Revolution

Faced with the prospect of living a life marred by pain and limited mobility, Cantieni embarked on a quest for healing that transcended conventional therapies. From the depths of her struggles emerged the CANTIENICA ® method — a revolutionary approach to body wellness that harmoni zes movement, exercise, sleep, and nutrition. Cantieni’s method is a celebration of the body’s potential to not just heal but thrive through mindful engagement with its core structures. Her philosophy centers on the power of informed move ment. «A body tuned for motion and in motion has the equilibrium it takes to not fall,» Cantieni asserts, encapsu lating her belief in the necessity of flexibility, strength, and resilience for graceful aging. The method she developed is a response to a career of pain — a journey through the inadequacies of existing therapies to a holistic understan ding of the body’s innate wisdom. Crafting the CANTIENICA ® Method CANTIENICA ® body in evolution is more than a fitness pro gram; it’s a reeducation of the body’s way of moving and being. At its core is the anatomical precision — the align ment of bones, the activation of the pelvic floor, and the integration of fasciae, ligaments, tendons, and muscles in every movement. Cantieni’s method is an invitation to a life of balance, where each exercise is an opportunity to engage the body wholly, ensuring a foundation of strength that defies the conventional expectations of aging. Legacy and Influence Today, Benita Cantieni is not only revered for her perso nal transformation but also for the impact of her work on the global stage. Her teachings have inspired therapists, orthopedists, chiropractors, and fitness enthusiasts alike, bringing the CANTIENICA ® method to individuals seeking not just relief from pain but a profound connection with their bodies. With over 2,200 trained practitioners sprea ding her method across continents, Cantieni’s vision of a world where everyone has access to the tools for physical education and wellness is steadily becoming a reality. Her books, videos, and training programs serve as a beacon for those navigating the challenges of physical ailments, offering a path to recovery that is grounded in understanding, respect, and love for the body’s capabi lities. At 74, Cantieni embodies the vitality, strength, and flexibility she champions, proving that age, indeed, is but a number when one is armed with the knowledge and prac tice of CANTIENICA ® body in evolution. A Living Testament Benita Cantieni’s life and work are a living testament to the transformative power of movement and a holistic approach to wellness. Through the CANTIENICA ® body in evolution, she offers more than a method — it’s a movement, a phi losophy, and a journey towards a life of unbridled strength, grace, and vitality.

Standing The tips of your sitting bones are your reference points in align ing the pelvis and activating the levator ani. If the sitting bones point downwards to an imaginary point a little behind your heels, your pelvis is upright. Try drawing the tips of your sitting bones together, very softly. That activates the levator ani. The pelvic floor is now connected with the back musculature via the sacrum. This muscle activity allows you to stetch your spine, making it longer. The easiest way to do that is by inviting the sacrum deeper into yout body and stretching it to the tip of your head, the crown. Now pull the crown of your head up as far as possible, like an extension of your spine. By doing so, you create space bet ween your vertebrae – space for the nerves that run through your spinal cord and from there through your body. You’ll also activate more than 200 small muscles that support and pro tect your spine and make it mobile and flexible. These are the true or autochthonous back muscles, and they keep you from shrinking as you grow older. If you have already shrunk, this training will restore you to your full length. Sitting Sit on the edge of a chair or stool. Ideally your sitbones are above the knees. Align on the sitting bones. Feet and knees are hip-narrow apart; your feet are placed in a very slight V posi tion on the floor. Imagine your chest lifting upwards away from your pelvis, activating your trunk musculature. Let the crown

of your head point straight up. Relax your shoulders. Your hands are resting on your upper thighs, palms up. Pull the sacrum into the torso and up to the crown, with all other vertebrae. Now nudge the joints at the base of the big toes and the center of the heels softly against the floor. You should feel the sitting bones drawing together and the levator ani being activated.

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STRONG and VITAL No. 2 - 2024

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