Author Archives: Susan

Pilates for Stress Relief

The Cycle of Stress

Thought I’d share a chart posted by a Pilates studio in Paris because it helps to visualize what happens when you’re under stress (you know who you are.)

The mind/emotions can have an enormous effect on the body creating, unhealthy postures – shoulders carried high or rounded forward, slouching, low back pain, etc. When this starts to happen, other parts of the body begin to compensate and/or adjust to correct the dysfunction, creating a vicious cycle.

Solution? A regular Pilates practice helps release the tension and break the cycle, leaving a healthier you feeling relaxed and refreshed.

Pilates Mind-Body Muscle Control

What’s Our Body Doing When We Perform An Exercise?

Clients often ask, “What muscle(s) am I using”? Well, in Pilates, as in everday life, it takes a village. And in our Pilates village, when everyone works together the product is perfect form and functional fitness. Look at all the muscles being used in just this one exercise!

The human body is truly amazing! Lots of muscles are recruited at the same time to perform our daily tasks. This illustration of the single leg stretch emphasizes this point.

Concentrate For The Best Results

When performed properly even a seemingly simple exercise like the single leg kick requires a lot of cooperation from many muscle groups. This is why maintaining the critical mind-body connection is so important to proper form and development.

Panda Pilates: You Are the Ball!

panda gets down with Pilates rolling like a ball

Who knew that a Panda can do Pilates? If they can do it, you can too!

What Benefits Do You Get From Pilates?

Here’s a snapshot of the benefits you get from doing Pilates. Remember – Pilates is a practice. The more often you do it – the bigger the rewards!!

from the PMA Pilates Method Alliance on twitter

(Pilates M Alliance (@PMATWEETER) August 22, 2012)

Sizzling Summer Sale On Privates

You can’t beat the heat, and you can’t beat this sizzling summer promo! August only, save 10% on every Private class, 5 and 10-pak, and combo package. Fall’s just around the corner – don’t wait, grab your sessions while you can. Enter promo code “private” at checkout. (Offer expires August 31, 2012. Does not include 4-for-3 Intro special.)

The Pilates Chair Builds Core And Cardio

Of all the strange looking (to Pilates newbies) apparatus you’ll find in a professionally equipped studio, the Pilates Chair really gets a lot of attention.

Designed and developed by Joseph Pilates for double duty as a dedicated piece of exercise equipment that can also be converted to seating in a tiny living space, the Chair is one of my most versatile training aids. As a chair, though, I’ve got to say it’s got a long ways to go before I’ll be using it to sit in.

When combined with a Reformer footboard routine, you’ll get a cardio workout unlike anything you’ve experienced before, challenging both those abs and the big muscle groups in the legs. Did I mention upper body strength? As you can tell, the Pilates Chair is as versatile as it is strange looking.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROMANA

Romana Kryzaowska was a teenager when she was first introduced to Joseph and Clara Pilates by George Balanchine after suffering an ankle injury while dancing at Mr. Balanchine’s School of American Ballet. She began working directly with Mr. Pilates in his New York studio and to this day continues her active participation in the Pilates community and promoting the virtues of the Pilates Method.

Romana turns 89 and she’s still going strong! Happy Birthday Romana – you are an inspiration!

I’ve included a short clip of Romana and Mr. Pilates working together. Enjoy!

Steelers WR Antonio Brown does Pilates

Pilates is just for girls – NO WAY! I’ve included a short video clip of Steelers WR Antonio Brown doing a couple of his Pilates moves. Pilates can benefit most people of any age, level or gender. In fact, anyone who wants to improve how their bodies move and perform even every day tasks can benefit from the practice. Granted, not everyone is an athlete capable of performing exercises at the highest level. That doesn’t mean you can’t strive to make your body function better and move more efficiently.

 

Simple Rollup? Think Again!

Without Proper Pilates Form There’s No Benefit

One of the staple exercises in Pilates is the rollup. It seems and looks simple yet many people experience difficulty with it. There’s a reason – it’s not that simple!

Visualizing Aids In Proper Performance Of This Exercise

You must call on several muscle groups in a specific order to successfully perform this exercise with correct form and without risking injury. Watching this animation will help you visualize the sequence of engagement by the various muscle groups that’s necessary for successfully performing a true sit-up. Remember, it takes practice and persistence to accomplish anything worthwhile!

June 20% Off Summer Mat Sale

It’s here! Summer’s arrived, tempting you to just lounge by the pool with a latte and a Dove bar. YPL Mat and Arc classes are a great way to stay in shape and have fun while you hang out with your Pilates peeps.

Take advantage of our big Start of Summer 20% off all floor classes sale – just enter the promo code “save” at checkout and save on all classes and packages.