Movement, Wildlife & Purpose: A South African Pilates Safari
- samantha155
- Mar 24
- 4 min read
I'm thrilled to announce my upcoming trip to South Africa, where I'll be teaching BASI's 3-day advanced education course for Pilates teachers and physiotherapists, Pilates for Injuries & Pathologies. This will be at TashB's beautiful studio in Ballito https://www.tashbpilates.co.za, just outside of Durban. Only a few spots remain for this specialized training!
Pilates for Injuries & Pathologies
This three-day certificate course presents a physiotherapy approach to working with clients who have injuries, physical limitations, or movement dysfunctions. The curriculum focuses on orthopedic injuries of the spine, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle, and foot. We'll review anatomy and current research for each of these areas.
Specific conditions including disc disease, post-surgical conditions, impingement syndrome, tendinopathies, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis will be examined. You'll learn about precautions and contraindications for these conditions, as well as exercise options and modifications to the original BASI Pilates repertoire.
Through lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on practice, you'll develop safe and effective strategies for working with clients who experience commonly encountered pathologies and injuries. And the best part - these new exercises and practical knowledge can be applied immediately to help your clients!
Looking for continuing education credits? The course has been approved for 18 CPD points by the Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Biokinetics CPD Committee in South Africa, and earns 18 CEC points from the NPCP (PMA).
Check out this video to learn more about what you'll get out of this course: https://youtube.com/shorts/SQflQaNsw_E?feature=share
There are only 4 spots left, and registration closes April 16th - so don't wait!
Click for registration: https://www.basipilates.com/courses/foxhill-salt-rock-pilates-for-injuries---pathologies-788171113-3484223612-1892030693-1653078552/
Interested in this course but can't make it to South Africa? Click here to see other upcoming dates and locations: https://www.samanthawoodphysio.com/teaching-schedule
Luxury Safari Experience
Before the course begins, you're invited to join me, Tash, and Ashley for an unforgettable luxury safari at the breathtaking Thanda Tented Camp. This opportunity is open to everyone—not just Pilates teachers! But of course, we will be incorporating daily Pilates classes amidst game drives, relaxation time, high tea, and magical dinners under the African stars.
Thanda is located in the rich wildlife area of South Africa's northern KwaZulu Natal (KZN), and is one of Africa's most luxurious safari destinations. This multi-award-winning, Big Five private game reserve spans 14,000 hectares. Thanda's dedicated team of wildlife guides and trackers will lead us on an adventure into the reserve's plains, valleys and mountains in search of the legendary Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and black rhino), and all the extraordinary wildlife that can be seen on an African Safari. We will go with experts of the African bush on early morning and late afternoon safari drives, as this is the best time to see the animals. In addition to the Big 5, we’ll have the opportunity to see cheetahs, hyaenas, giraffes, warthogs and abundant bird and plant life.
The Tented Camp is an absolute dream to experience! It is camping but it's very glamorous, with beautifully appointed, en-suite canvas-walled rooms, comfortable beds, and inside and outside showers. Each tent includes its own sun terrace.
For group gatherings, there is a gorgeous central living area with a swimming pool and boma where we can relax, dine, and chat around the fire at night. We will even be treated to a traditional Zulu tribal dance! And the food is amazing- enticing breakfast menu, two-course lunches, three-or four-course dinners, bush barbecues (braais) and mouth-watering high teas.
Thanks to Tash's close relationship with the Thanda group, we are getting an incredibly low group rate for this once in a lifetime luxury safari. Interested in joining us? There are only 2 tents left, so email me if you want one! I'll put you in touch with the reservations manager at Thanda to book your adventure!
Our rate includes tent accommodation, two game drives per day with professional guide and tracker, all meals and selected local beverages (soft drinks, house wines, local spirits and beers), minibar and wifi in public areas. And yes, we are throwing in a free Pilates class each day for those who are interested!
Community Spotlight: Why Thanda?
Thanda, meaning "Love" in Zulu, embodies a philosophy where wildlife and communities support each other harmoniously.
Over 90% of Thanda's staff come from neighboring Zulu communities, creating meaningful employment opportunities while preserving the region's natural heritage.
The Thanda Foundation, established by founders Christin and Dan, has developed several impactful initiatives:
· The Star for Life education and HIV/AIDS prevention program, which has helped over 500,000 children in southern Africa
· Critical conservation efforts for endangered species including black rhino and cheetah breeding programs
· Local education through the Inkanyiso Crèche project
· Sustainable job creation through innovative programs like their paper-making project
We'll be practicing Pilates in the very environment that inspired Joseph Pilates' exercises, surrounded by the wildlife he referenced in his work.
This rare opportunity allows us to connect deeply with nature while supporting a conservation model that uplifts local communities.
Don't miss this chance to combine professional development, wellness, and purpose in one extraordinary journey!
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