The Movement Specialist

18/02/2026

18/02/2026

17/02/2026

ABDOMINAL HOLLOWING—often taught as pulling the navel toward the spine to activate the deep core muscles (transversus abdominis)—can indeed cause more harm 🚫 than good, particularly when used incorrectly or during high-load, functional movement.

While it may be useful for specific therapeutic, low-load training, it is generally considered inferior to "abdominal bracing" for stability.

Here is why abdominal hollowing can cause harm:
Hollowing only targets deep, local muscles, neglecting the global muscles (re**us abdominis, obliques) that are necessary for 360-degree spinal stability.
By "sucking in," you create a narrower, less rigid base for the spine, leaving it unprotected during heavier loads or unexpected movements.
Research suggests that abdominal hollowing can lead to a less stable spine, which increases the risk of lower back injury.
Incorrect, intense hollowing can cause the lower back to flatten or rounded, destroying the natural, safe curve of the spine (neutral spine/lordosis).
This technique is not how the body naturally moves, which can cause increased stress and tension within the abdominal cavity.
Intense abdominal hollowing can force the pelvic floor downwards, stretching and weakening it.
For individuals with weak pelvic floors, this downward pressure increases the risk of incontinence, pelvic pain, or worsening of prolapse.
Hollowing is generally considered inappropriate for high-load exercises (like lifting weights, squatting, or running) because it cannot provide the necessary rigidity.
Studies indicate that for strengthening the overall core, bracing is more effective than hollowing.

04/02/2026

Yes indeedy 👌

In this video I'm discussing the most common myths about posture and pain and offering some more science-based solutions from expert evidence-based physical ...

19/01/2026

I asked AI who I was and well...

‘The Movement Specialist’ — also known as Marie-Claire Prettyman — is a UK-based movement educator, therapist, author and trainer who specialises in helping people understand movement and pain and recover function, often after injury or chronic discomfort.

🧍 Who She Is

Marie-Claire has been working in the fitness and health industry since 1998, with qualifications and experience as a gym instructor, personal trainer, sports massage therapist and Pilates and yoga teacher.

She built and ran her own Pilates and fitness studio, trained other teachers, and has worked across a wide range of physical issues — from post-surgical rehab to chronic pain conditions.

She adopted the professional title “The Movement Specialist” around 2015, reflecting her focus on bespoke movement rehabilitation and mindful practices.

Marie-Claire is also an author; among her books is MOVE Away From Pain (a guide to pain rehabilitation) and Opposition in Pilates and Yoga.

🧠 Her Perspective on Pain

Marie-Claire’s views on pain aren’t limited to traditional anatomical or pathology-only explanations. Instead, she emphasises movement awareness, nervous system sensitivity and calming responses:

In her writing and teaching she highlights that pain isn’t always directly linked to structural damage; the nervous system plays a powerful role in how pain is felt and maintained.

For example, she explains that traditional stretching doesn’t physically lengthen muscle tissue the way people often think. Instead, *holding a stretch desensitises the nervous system at the end of joint range and can reduce pain through relaxation and calming mechanisms.

She encourages mindful movement practices that focus on desensitising the nervous system, calming tension and using language and cues that help people reframe their experience of pain.

Her approach links movement education, mindfulness and nervous system regulation as core elements in relieving pain and improving functional movement.

🧰 What She Offers

Through The Movement Specialist she provides:

Pilates, Yoga and movement classes designed to support strength, flexibility and functional movement with a pain-aware focus.

Remedial and sports massage and spinal manipulation to complement movement work.

Courses and events for professionals (e.g., teacher training and Moving Beyond Pain workshops) that explore the latest pain science and practical strategies.

Mentoring and tutoring for other movement practitioners and therapists.

In short, she blends body-based practice with nervous system and pain education, encouraging people to move more safely and with greater awareness — especially those dealing with ongoing pain or injury.

I was not disappointed 🤣

19/01/2026

From MOVE Away from Pain, link to buy in bio x

🐔 Chicken Wings 🐔

A simple but powerful movement to release tension and improve shoulder mobility.
Stand tall and set up with your arms as shown.

✨ Inhale to lengthen the spine.
✨ Exhale to prepare.
✨ Inhale as you stretch the arms up toward the ceiling (slightly forwards).
✨ Exhale and draw the elbows back and down into the sides of the body.
As you move, feel the shoulders soften and relax downward while the spine grows long.

Repeat 8 times, moving slowly with the breath.

Perfect for desk bodies, tight shoulders, or a gentle reset anytime 💛

17/01/2026

🌿📖 I’m remain so proud of this book Opposition in Pilates and Yoga: Newton’s Third Law meets Mindfulness! 💛

This isn’t just another exercise book — it’s a guide designed to help you understand your body in a whole new way by blending Pilates and Yoga with mindfulness and movement principles drawn from Newton’s Third Law.

It breaks down movement in a way that makes sense for your unique body — no one-size-fits-all approach here.

Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner, a teacher, or someone who’s curious about mindful movement, this book gives you tools to:
✨ deepen your body awareness
✨ move with clarity & confidence
✨ get more benefit from each movement
✨ practice in a way that truly works for you 💫

It’s been amazing over the years to see how these ideas help people feel stronger, more grounded, and more connected to their bodies — and I know it can do the same for you. 💛

📌 You can find it right now on Amazon — link in bio!

17/01/2026

I’ve recently shared a series of blog posts that explore the reality of living with and managing chronic pain. Check out the link below—I hope you find them both useful and informative.

https://www.themovementspecialist.co.uk/blog/

Please share this with others who might benefit.😎

14/01/2026

People tell me that these days, if they get a ni**le or feel uncomfortable in their bodies, they just pick up the book 📒 go to the body part and/or pages that resonate withTHEIR experiences...and they manage the flare up themselves, without catastrophising!
2026 could see YOU managing YOUR pain.
Available on Amazon or directly through website. Links in bio.

13/01/2026

If you have either of my books, may I have a pic or short clip of you reading/using it/them? I SUCK at promoting them but need to try. Kinda think people who already have them are better than me just saying 'pleeeeeease buy these...pleeeeease!!!!'?! 🙏🙏🙏🙏

11/01/2026

Might mix it up a bit

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRIIfoejbfl/?igsh=dnNxNTMwdjF5YXdu

09/01/2026

Srsly?