Tag Archives: classes

Mindbody Web Site Targeted

For the past three days, our provider of client account services, Mindbody, has been the target of a continuous cyber attack called a Denial of Service. The attackers focus on the victim’s web site and attempt to overwhelm it by various means. This was the case with Mindbody, which at various times over the past 72 hours or so has been unavailable, or barely functioning.

We’ve been assured by Mindbody that they’re almost back up (as this is posted) to full speed, and that no data has been compromised. The intent of the attack seems to have been to purely disrupt the function of the site.

On our end, we now have full access to scheduling, account information, etc. Depending on who you get your internet access from, you may have the same results, or you may still have problems getting to your Mindbody online account.

Mindbody’s done a pretty good job of letting customers know what’s happened, and what means they can take to restore connectivity, at their main social media sites. You can follow them on twitter and Facebook. We hope any inconvenience has been minimal, and again want to thank our great clients for your patience and understanding.

Pilates Looks Scary!!

Newbies: It’s Not What You Think

No doubt about it, one look at some of the Pilates equipment (reformer, tower, cadillac, chair, etc.) can strike fear in a newbies heart. Don’t be afraid! It’s not as scary or intimating as it looks. After all, Joseph Pilates created the piece of equipment called the “cadillac” as a result of working with patients in a hospital bed.

There are exercises for all levels of fitness as well as modifications. However, when in doubt – leave it out, should be the mantra.

That’s not to say “don’t challenge yourself,” but if there is a valid concern about fitness level, safety or injury because of a pre-existing condition, any exercise can either be modified or omitted. In short, Joseph Pilates created a wonderful system of exercises that can be modified to achieve positive results in almost any instance.

While Pilates may not be appropriate for or appeal to everyone, most people can safely and effectively incorporate it into their workout regime. Even in a group setting, Pilates is an individual practice utilizing YOUR BODY and YOUR MIND! Just ignore your classmates, “put your blinders on”, and work with what your mind/body can do that day.  Most important of all – have fun!!

Is It Really Pilates?

Making Sure It’s A Pilates Class

What people may not know about Pilates is that not all Pilates classes are the same. After a four-year trademark dispute that ended in 2000, the term “Pilates” was ruled to be a generic term for an exercise method and the Pilates trademark was ruled to be invalid in the US. While this allowed qualified instructors and studios to use the name Pilates without a monetary payment for it’s use, it also opened the door to widespread unregulated use of the term.

As a result of that decision, Pilates has become so broadly interpreted that any exercise routine that incorporates a few Pilates moves or principles can now be called “Pilates”. Other spinoffs can include workouts that incorporate “core work” implying a connection to the Pilates Method that may or may not be true.

Some of the instructor certification programs that have cropped up can be completed in a weekend. Aquiring the knowledge required to teach the true comprehensive Pilates Method as Joseph Pilates intended takes a great deal of time, study and practice. In most cases an apprenticeship is also required.

The Classic Pilates Method (or Traditional Method) uses the unaltered exercises developed by Joseph Pilates himself. He originally called his method “Contrology” to emphasize the importance of accurately performing the exercises.

Modifications are available to the instructor for purposes of tailoring the workout to meet a client’s specific needs; however, the exercises are still taken from Joe’s original workouts and are performed in a specific order. Whether working on the mat, reformer, cadillac, tower, chair or barrels, all of the Classic Pilates exercises are performed the way Joseph Pilates intended.

Any exercise program is good for you but, if you want a true Pilates experience, you may want to do a little research or ask a few questions to ascertain the background and qualifications of the instructor and/or studio.