Author Archives: Susan

Pilates Mind Body Connection

 

Understanding the Whole Body Pilates Method

When Joseph Pilates set out to introduce his innovative method of fitness training, he realized that successfully marketing the concept was a vital key to success. In order to communicate quickly and accurately his Whole Body approach, he designed the chart shown above.

For newcomers and practiced followers alike, his ability to visualize the essential five key connections between mind and body in a new and efficient way is as vital today as it was when he first conceived the relationships.

 

Happy Valentines!

Sweet!

Beginning February 11th, 2012 and continuing through the 18th, save 15% on a one-time purchase of any Private session: single, 5 or 10-pak, or as part of any Private combo package. Just enter the promo code “My Valentine” at the prompt and you’ll see your savings automatically subtracted prior to checkout.

Pilates Housekeeping

One of the more challenging aspects of owning a professionally equipped Pilates studio is figuring out how to store all the odd shaped and, lets face it, difficult to manage equipment required to customize each students experience. Because floor space is at a premium, just about every studio owner looks to the wall as their first choice for keeping that odd spring or apparatus handy until needed. Continue reading →

How To Enter Your Online Promotion Discount

We often run special promotions and discounts as a way to encourage participation from our current fitness clients and prospective new enthusiasts. You’ll usually see the code shown in our web site header banner ad, on the MindBody client account management screen, or in one of our eMails. Sometimes it’s for a specific product, other times it’s across the board, but before you can claim your discount you have to enter it at checkout.

Applying your discount is easy. First make sure you’ve got the spelling correct, then just select your class, session or package and enter the code to make sure you’re getting the maximum value from your training schedule. It’s quick, easy and guaranteed to save you money!

Ready! Set! Jump!

Cardio AND Pilates? Just Add Jumpboard To Your Reformer Practice!

Pilates enthusiasts seldom associate cardio with Pilates, but the truth is a complete Pilates workout will get your cardiovascular system working  just as efficiently as any treadmill, stairstep, or elliptical trainer, and with more core control as a bonus.

Including a complete cardio experience as part of your Pilates practice can be accomplished in a couple of different ways:

1) The traditional approach is to move through the classical Pilates routine in a vigorous flow, moving from one exercise to the next. (Of course, this is done without sacrificing proper form!!), or…

2) The addition of a jumpboard session at the beginning of your workout as a warm up or as the grand finale is a more contemporary approach.

If you’re not familiar with a Pilates jumpboard, it’s exactly what it sounds like!  A slightly padded custom designed board is inserted into the end of the reformer. You lie on your back on the reformer mat with light to moderate spring settings and yep, you guessed it, JUMP!

The jumping can include simple jumping and running or can move into more dance type choreographed routines. The addition of hand weights or Therabands takes the cardio up another notch!

Whether you choose to include either of these options in your session is a personal preference. You can always opt for separate cardio training like walking, running in the park or at the beach, or hitting the treadmill at the gym, but if you want it all in one low-impact session, a Pilates jumpboard is the ticket to a healthy, beneficial cardio experience.

Reformers That Fit Your Body Style

When Joseph Pilates designed the original Reformer, students were built much differently then they are today. Today’s typical Pilates student comes in a much wider range of body shapes and styles than those original pioneers.

One of the major drawbacks of the original Reformer design is that it doesn’t easily allow for adjustment to the wide variation found in a modern studio’s clients’ height, which can mean a difference of a foot or more!

Solution: the Revo Adjustment System

Our custom built Balanced Body Reformers feature the innovative Revo Adjustment System (see photo inset), a multi-position locking mechanism for quickly and accurately moving the carriage (mat portion) of the Reformer in or out on the chassis, based on a student’s height and range of motion.

This allows the spring bar (which offers the resistance) to move in unison with the carriage to maintain the proper no-load (neutral) initial spring tension while performing the exercises and providing the adjustability needed to create the best ergonomically correct position for every client.

Why Is This Important?

Without the Revo Adjustment System, the client that’s 6’2″ and the client that’s 5’3″ must both begin from the same position relative to the foot bar, creating imbalance and an unequal range of motion and spring tension.

This unique feature means our students get the full benefit of a reformer class without having to compromise form over fit. It’s a perfect combination of comfort and efficiency.

YPL Now Has It’s Own Facebook Page!

This May Take Awhile To Get Sorted Out

It took longer than anticipated, but I’m finally on facebook with a new fan page and plans for more activity as soon as I start to figure out how it all works. I know we’ve got some real FB pros out there so if you’ve got suggestions let me know.