Author Archives: Susan
NBC News Gives Pilates Shoutout
Pilates Gets National Recognition
Last night NBC News With Brian Williams broadcast a medical report segment by Dr. Nancy Snyderman that called into question how this country defines, diagnoses and treats back pain.
The report points out how common back pain is in our population and the problems that arise because of how it’s currently treated by the medical community. Expensive testing, surgery, and prescription medications are called into question for their effectiveness as well as their expense.
Back Pain Too Often Mistreated By Medical Community
The report correctly points out that most back pain is the result of a weak core – a much more complex region of the body than the infomercials fascination with “abs” – and that readily available physical therapy is often the best treatment for the condition.
Dr. Snyderman specifically mentions Pilates and yoga as healthy, affordable alternatives to the much more common medically prescribed routes handed out by practices and hospitals.
If you or someone you know suffers from back pain in varying degrees, it’s highly likely Pilates can be a very effective part of a treatment plan to properly alleviate the condition.
YPL Works Out In Boca
Girl power! hanging out at a weekend workout in boca with my pilates peeps!
Sometimes You Need To Have Someone Else Looking Over Your Shoulder!
In June I visited Pilates of Boca in Boca Raton where I was first Power Pilates certified to learn about Swami Juice and for a day long work out with some former classmates.
Pilates Pros In Action
I was happy to see so many of my former gal pals under slightly more relaxed conditions than our formal training and was glad to be able to partner with my friend Lee, from my original Power Pilates certification class.
We were all exhausted after a full day of going over the basics and then making sure we were up to par on our PIlates technique. It was a great weekend getaway – Boca Raton on old U.S. 1 is one of my favorite places for relaxing!
YPL July, 2013 Newsletter
June, 2013 – What Happens When You Cramp!
May, 2013 – National Pilates Day Sale!
Pilates for Horseback Riders
Kate Spahr, Female Equestrian and Artist, runs her horse Sterling @Mike Baird http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikebaird/
Is there any physical activity that doesn’t benefit from the many advantages a strong and well developed core delivers? I’m beginning to think not.
I just discovered the latest group that’s turned to Pilates to improve their personal performance – equestrians! From casual Western to strictly English, barrel racing to rodeo, these athletes are training with Pilates to improve their performance and prevent injuries.
Pilates began as a series of exercises designed to help rehabilitate injured soldiers in World War I, then evolved to condition professional dancers in preventing leg and other injuries. Since then, race car drivers, professional athletes, runners, swimmers, bike riders and many other competitors have learned the benefits of a Pilates fitness routine.
Annette Willson’s blog Pilates for Horse Riders teaches equestrians a special style of Pilates that includes very task specific conditioning that targets saddle riding. She has perfectly identified the parts of the body that benefit most from having a Pilates makeover, and explains the logic behind her training in a way everyone can relate to and can understand.
Even if you’ve never even petted a horse, her site offers several excellent reasons on how everyone benefits from Pilates. And if you do happen to ride, your horse will thank you!
How Pilates Can Improve Your Running Game
Pilates and running are the perfect match. A solid core supplements and improves a number of areas critical for peak performance.
Runners Get Big Boost From Core Strength
The other day I came across a guest blog over on Brooks (shoes) Running that shows several exercises runners can perform after a run to improve their results. The writer says that, “A strong core helps create a runner’s longevity on the road and can help alleviate back pain.” Fair enough – but wait, there’s more!
Most runners don’t realize how important maintaining the correct posture is to peak performance and endurance. Joseph Pilates’ original concept of Contrology – the method of developing controlled movement from a strong core – is even more applicable today, as we pursue a variety of physical activities on a regular basis. And that’s especially true when it comes to running.
Pilates System Connects Body And Mind
His Pilates System stresses the connection between the mind and the body for maximum efficiency and benefit. Along the way, Pilates practitioners learn to focus on (among other functions) breath control while they build that strong, long and lean core by performing the interconnected movements Joe first described nearly a century ago.
Runners – and cubicle workers, and frequent flyers – all benefit from a well developed core, first and most noticeably from an improved posture which in turn leads to more efficient breath control, better coordination, extra stamina, and overall strength.
If you’re a runner, Pilates should be part of your workout. It starts with The 100. But it doesn’t stop there.
April, 2013 – Eat Right To Lower Blood Pressure
Four Movies For St. Patrick’s Day
Four Of My Favorite Movies
I don’t collect a lot of movies but these are four of my favorites. Mostly comedies, I always find an occasion to watch them again as St. Patrick’s Day comes around. I don’t have a favorite, but I’ve got several scenes that I look forward to again and again.
In no particular order…
- Waking Ned Devine – a village finds a way: stars naked old men, a pig farmer and the lottery
- Leap Year – the latest addition, road trip gone bad before it turns wonderful: watch your step
- the Matchmaker – instant heritage: just add mischief, and no jigging on top of the limo
- The Quiet Man – a classic that celebrates every known Irish cliche in ways that wouldn’t make it onto the screen these days
Enjoy!