Find out why Madonna’s workout is the yin and yang of new-age wellness

by Danielle Kam

For Danielle Buccellato, owner of Renaissance Pilates in Hoboken and Red Bank, fitness-forward modalities are a specialty. Both of her studios offer classes advanced in both conception and equipment—including European fitness gear lines that haven’t been launched in America yet.

Among classes the fitness fanatic’s studios offer is a system endorsed by that “queen of ripped”—Madonna—who trains with it five times a week. bodyART, a balanced system that concentrates on working the body as a whole, was created by Robert Steinbacher, a Swiss born physiotherapist and personal trainer who sought a system of fitness that brought a healing, calm, and therapeutic concept to exercise. Globally successful and a particular phenomenon in Europe, bodyART is based on a five-phase system that incorporates Yin and Yang principles as well as the five natural elements of Taoist philosophy: earth, wood, fire, metal, and water. The Yin portion of the workout is where students relax and exhale, the Yang where they feel energized and inhale. Driven by the breath, each phase delivers an element of movement that is fluid, yet vigorous.

Incorporating strength training, flexibility training, and cardio endurance training, the one-hour workout is fueled by the rhythm of the breath and a blend of music that changes with each phase. The first phase (or “arriving phase”) begins with the student seated on his or her heels, and focuses on warming the body. The second energizing phase continues to warm the body using standing, flowing movements. The third and most powerful phase is the circulating phase, a tough, plyometric workout inspired by modern dance. The fourth (or “descending phase”) can also be seen as a reward. Therein, the student slows down his or her heart rate through flexibility and strength moves. The fifth and final relaxation phase is a reflection on body processes, while following the instructor’s cues for a specific breath pattern.

”If Madonna is doing it five days a week and she looks amazing, it’s just a testament to what bodyART is and how beneficial it could be for everyone else too,” said Buccellato.

People who take up the practice can expect to see changes not only in body, but emotional life and mindset, too, she explained. The Renaissance Pilates owner believes the technique can impact work, relationships, and decision-making, too.

“People everywhere are realizing that all Yang [high energy workouts] need an element of Yin [balance and release]. Fitness is getting smarter, and therefore people who are yearning to Live longer and healthier are realizing that it’s balance most missing most in life,” Buccellato said.

Currently, Buccellato owns the educational rights to body- ART in the United States, Canada, and Latin America, and has recently joined forces with creators Steinbacher and Julia Przybilka to form bodyART Americas— the Hoboken location of Renaissance Pilates being the teaching hub for body- ART instructors. Her plan, together with her New Jersey and New York City teams, is to open licensing centers around the world to help spread the message. A city location is in the works, and, along with her partners, Buccellato hopes to open it within the year.

Renaissance Pilates
Renaissance Pilates offers more than 160 Pilates, Yoga, Barre, Flexibility, and Cardio Strength classes 7 days a week in both locations. Currently, bodyART can be found at both NJ locations, Broadway Dance Center and Body and Pole in NYC.

8 East Front Street, Red Bank / 335 River Street, Hoboken
renaissancepilates.com