Laura & the OOV
That funny shaped, funny named, mysterious thing in the corner of the studio. What is the OOV and what’s all the rave about? I had been told by many colleagues that I would love the OOV, that it incorporates everything I prioritize in my teaching. I bought one, it came, Pete made a funny comment curious as to what exactly I bought, It sat there waiting to be used. Then Laura discovered the OOV and off she went!. You should see the way her eyes twinkle when she shares her latest discovery. She has completed the 3 level training and has been invited to become a mentor teacher for the training program. We are so lucky to have her expertise at Monarch Pilates. Once she puts a client on the OOV and explores the endless possibilities of growth, they are in love. Many clients have purchased the OOV for home use and now their friends and family can ask “what exactly is that thing?” I can’t answer that question as well as Laura so here we go extracting all her knowledge and wonder!
"My OOV duo (OOVin', on a Tuesday afternoon!) is awesome! My balance and core are grateful every day for what she's taught me. Many thanks, Laura!
What is the OOV?
The OOV is a tool, made of foam. The curves of the OOV lengthen the spine and challenge stability. The unique shape helps to create space in the body and discover new movement. While on the OOV your body is never at rest. You experience how to naturally improve your balance, stability and dynamic control.
How were you introduced to the OOV and what was your reaction after using it?
Shortly after signing up for my Polestar Pilates training I watched an interview featuring The OOV creator Daniel Vladeta and Polestar Pilates President Brent Anderson. I knew instantly that I wanted to try it. My first experience I had a very emotional response. I felt my body unwinding, almost like I could breathe again, it brought me to tears.
Why was it created?
Daniel Vladeta wanted to create a self-regulating feedback device. He wanted a tool that would promote an experience of your own body; a way for your brain and body to connect without someone else telling you how. The OOV transfers a movement experience from being subjective ( someone telling you what's going on in your body) to an objective experience for yourself.
What has the OOV taught you most?
DIAPHRAGMATIC BREATH! Through the 12 years it took to design, Daniel knew if nothing else people would benefit from simply lying on the OOV and experiencing spontaneous organization of their diaphragmatic breath which improves overall health.
It also taught me (and continues to teach me) how to move without creating strain. I have been able to improve my functional movement with the feedback from the OOV. The studies behind the OOV have also improved my knowledge and understanding of the neuroscience of brain body connection.
That’s a fun sentence! "Spontaneous organization of their diaphragmatic breath" sounds like another interview opportunity!
What makes the OOV different than using the
foam roller or a ball?
The 3 dimensional aspect and the unique shape are designed to mimic the curves of the body. Daniel invented the foam used for The OOV. It’s one -of -kind material is comfortable and has enough buoyancy to give your body and brain feedback. The lengthened and curved position increases tension in the sensory spinal muscles which gives more feedback. The feedback improves mobility in the hips, shoulders, and spine all while achieving dynamic core control.
Do you have a favorite exercise?
Do I have to pick just one?!
All of the Basic Mat exercises from arm arcs to femur arcs to the standing balance work. For me being on the OOV is like the fun we had as kids.
What’s your favorite way to use it on the Pilates equipment?
My current favorites are:
Laying on the OOV doing Supine Scapular Series on the Trapeze Table or Footwork on Trapeze Table. I also love standing on the OOV doing Standing Leg Pump on the Chair and Standing Hip Stretch on the Reformer.
How has it changed your teaching?
It has created a new way for me to communicate to my clients and have them feel what is going on in their bodies. It is also a great tool to evaluate movement patterns. I love adding the OOV to pilates exercises to make them what I would call “more juicy.” The OOV Definitely has created more excitement in my teaching. I want to share it with everyone!
OK, Last question. Why is it called OOV?!
The sound OOV was expressed from a woman on the OOV.. They discovered OOV means "out of vocabulary", The name was perfect as a play on move and being original to any definition.
