Posture Conscious
I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase – “use it or lose it.” As you can see, this fellow pictured here is definitely NOT using good posture. A couple weeks ago I posted about it being National Correct Posture month on Facebook. Pilates is known to help you create a better posture – and by that, I’m sure most people think right away of certain exercises you’ve learned - or simply try to ‘straighten up.’ As a mind/body method Pilates also reaps one of the greatest benefits of regular practice – a greater body awareness. So, having the senses more...
Read MoreMama, Work the ‘Floor’ for a Better Core
This month we honor those who gave birth to us – our Moms! It’s no secret that pregnancy and birthing have a dramatic effect on a woman’s body. After giving birth and getting doctor’s clearance for exercise every mom I know wants to rush back into class and “work on their abs.” Of course, Pilates does focus on the core and so the abs are part of that. What may not be commonly understood though, is the integral role that the Pelvic Floor has—that it’s actually part of the inner core. It helps stabilize the pelvis which is important for alignment. And you KNOW...
Read MoreYour Best Foot Forward
Dreaming of a beach for a leisurely stroll? Me too! As you might know, walking in the sand is actually great exercise for the muscles of the feet and lower legs. In the previous blog I mentioned the dynamic nature of our feet and the benefits of Reflexology. In a Pilates Reformer class, we typically begin with a series of exercises called “footwork.” The series replicates the functional act of coming to standing – with a laser-like focus on pressure, placement and weight distribution through the foot and ankle. The reason we pay such attention to the foot is because we rely on...
Read MoreLet’s Give a Hand for Our Feet!
When’s the last time you treated your feet? It’ time to let the toes out from “hibernation” – wiggle them out of boots and shoes and take a good look at them! We tend to take our feet for granted – yet this part of our body is key to getting us from point A to point B. Walking, riding a bike or pushing the accelerator. Even if you prefer your transportation by horse, you communicate some directions with your feet. Because of its dynamic role in support and mobility, in Pilates we specifically focus on foot function. We work to correct imbalances in the foot, ankle, lower...
Read More5 Great Pilates Tips for Runners
I used to absolutely despise running long distances. When I was young I was all about the quick sprint – get it over and done! As I got older I discovered that running could be a relaxing past time and a way for me to de-stress. But it wasn’t always like that. I struggled at first as you always do when you’re stepping into something new. Then when I had built a good foundation, gaining stamina, I could pay closer attention to technique. Later, when I discovered Pilates, I found that the method was excellent cross-training for my running. While that was not as well-known back...
Read MorePower Up Your Swing for Spring!
It’s still cold outside, but the “spring forward” date is nearing, thank goodness. Daydreams of heading out to play in the fresh air are invading our minds. And, as we glance at the calendar, counting the days, it’s the perfect time for re-conditioning our bodies for our favorite summer sports! If you play golf, tennis, or any other sport that relies on a powerful swing, I highly recommend the Pilates Method be a part of your fitness regime. The power for the swing comes from a great core-spine connection, which is the hallmark of the Method. So, you might be wondering, what do...
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