Author Archives: Susan

TV News Reviews Pilates

“I feel like I’ve been slapped with a basket full of energy!”

That’s what the reporter in this video said is a primary benefit of her newly discovered Pilates practice. I thought this short (five minute) news report was interesting, informative, and might help take some of the scary out of Pilates. Not everyone will reach the level of a master instructor (and there aren’t that many that reach that level) but everyone can feel stronger, more flexible and physically fit, and achieve an overall sense of wellbeing through the practice of the Pilates method.

If your browser doesn’t display the Flash video, just follow this YouTube link.

10% Summer Savings Discount

Don’t forget to claim your 10% discount on any class, session or package. Just enter the promotion code “summer” when you checkout and your savings are automatically applied.

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 Can Help Your Golf Game – Really!

Just think about it. Golfers always favor one side of the body when approaching the ball and taking their swing (I assume you’re no different), which leads to a consistently lopsided game. Do you hold your breath? Lose your concentration? What is your body alignment?

All of these things are addressed in the Pilates Method which focuses on concentration, centering, core strength, posture, alignment, breath, flexibility (including rotational flexibility) and a uniformly developed body.

Stability in the pelvic and shoulder girdles translates into better balance.

A strong core coupled with stability and increased rotational flexibility leads to a better balanced golf swing and increased power to the club head.

Add in proper breathing, increased body awareness (i.e. posture, alignment and which muscle groups are being recruited to perform the task at hand) as well as a more focused approach, and it all adds up to a more biomechanically correct stance, swing and, ultimately, improved efficiency of movement for a lifetime of enjoyment on the course.

Get Ready. Get Set. Now Scoop Those Abs!

How Do I Scoop My Abdominals In And Up?

You may have attended a class and heard the Pilates phrase “scoop your abdominals.” The “scoop” starts with the engagement of the pelvic floor, and the pull in and up begins just above the pubic bone and progresses upward to the navel and upper abdominals.

The pelvic floor is the foundation, or basement, of the core. It supports the lower abdominal cavity, bladder and uterus as well as the deep muscles of the abdomen and back, just like a backyard hammock cradles a napper on a summer afternoon.

Building Core Strength

These pelvic floor muscles, tendons and ligaments help to stabilize the pelvis and form a supportive sling at the base of the pelvic bowl. They also assist in developing the Pilates goal of core strength.

Weak pelvic floor muscles often lead to attempts by other parts of the body to compensate for core weakness, resulting in a domino effect of structural imbalances throughout the body which could result in abdominal or back pain.

It is important for both men and women to do exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. But how?

1) Pilates uses the pelvic floor muscles to assist with muscular support during exercise. One of the verbal cues is to engage the muscles to “draw in and up”. How do you do that? Try squeezing the “sit bones” together and up and imagine the flow of energy hugging the center line of the body, traveling up the spine, and exiting the top of the head.

The sequence is not as easily defined as you might think. In fact, you may not feel it the first few times, but with continued practice and body awareness you will begin to perfect your scoop.

Practice Pilates To See Results

Remember, Pilates is a practice. The more you do it the the more you begin to identify and activate the muscle or muscle group that needs to be engaged to perform the task.

Note: the pelvic scoop should not occur with such an emphatic “pull in” as to result in a loss of the natural curve of the spine or create a forward flexion of the upper spine. When you are able to isolate the appropriate muscles, you should still be able to expand the ribcage and back for the deep breathing required to flow through your workout.

2) Kegel exercises also help to recover muscle tone. While Kegels are most commonly associated with women they can be beneficial for both men and women alike.

Don’t overdo this. Just use the technique to find the muscles you need to engage. Too much Kegeling can weaken rather than strengthen the pelvic floor.

Integrate your newly found scoop for a more effective workout.  Happy scooping!!!

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!!

YPL’s First National Pilates Day

If You Weren’t Able To Join Us Here’s What It Looked Like

Our first ever National Pilates Day event was full of energy, plenty of enthusiasm, a few groans, and a lot of laughter. Visitors to our free, full session mat events included Pilates newcomers as well as students already familiar with the basics.

We’re looking ahead to a bigger, better National Pilates Day in 2012 – and we hope you’ll be able to join us then!

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.

Free Mat Classes On Pilates Day

Help Us Celebrate With Your Free Class And A 15% Pilates Day Sale

Pilates Day is an annual international community event celebrated on the first Saturday of May each year. Its mission is to foster public appreciation and awareness of the Pilates Method through local events produced and hosted by Pilates Method Alliance members. This year it falls on Saturday, May 7, 2011.

As a PMA member studio, Your Pilates Lifestyle is participating by giving away free mat classes all morning (see the class schedule here.) Attendance is free, but because space (four students per class) is limited reservations are required.

Mark Your Calendar for Saturday, May 7th

It’s easy: we cancelled the regular Saturday schedule to make room for our Pilates Day free classes (below). Just head over to our Mindbody online scheduler and look for the May 7th Complimentary Mat class session – there are four to choose from – you’d like to attend, then click the “Sign Up Now” button. You’ll be asked to log in (existing clients) or create a new account. You’re done!

You’ll also be able to take advantage of our 3-day only Pilates Day Sale. Buy any class, session, or package for 15% off Friday, Saturday and Sunday only! Use the promo code: “Pilates” at checkout.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 7. We’ll see you at the studio!

Age and Exercise – Not The Same Old Story

I, myself, am no youngster. I never used to have to worry at all about counting calories and staying fit and slim. BUT, as the years go by the metabolism slows and the pounds are harder to keep off. This is especially true if an appreciation of good food and wine have become a form of socializing and entertainment.

No matter what your age, exercise has been proven to be the closest thing to the Fountain of Youth (plastic surgery notwithstanding). It has been shown to improve breathing, circulation, bone density, ups the metabolism and keeps the joints moving. For me, Pilates works and it’s something I can do well into old age. I found this great article at USATODAY.com that made me smile. Maybe it will do the same for you.