Category Archives: Uncategorized

Farewell to Romana

A Living Legend Lost

Romana_and_DariOn August 30, 2013, the Pilates community lost Romana Kryzanowska (1923 – 2013), one of its brightest and most passionate stars.

As a young dancer, Romana suffered a bone chip in her ankle. After becoming disillusioned with her doctors prognosis, she discovered Joseph Pilates.

Following her successful rehabilitation she became his life-long and most famous disciple, and it is through her efforts and others like her that the practice flourishes today.


This 2005 Pilates conference in Paris celebrates Romana and her path to Pilates.

Although I never had the honor of meeting her in person, I have studied under and followed the teachings of others who were either directly or indirectly influenced by this passionate woman. This short video reflects the dedication, exhuberance and zest for life that was Romana.

Ever Wonder What Your Fascia Does?

Wonder No More!

Did you know that your entire body is covered in a web of densely packed collagen fibers commonly known as fascia? Well it is…and it’s extremely important to your overall health and wellbeing. We didn’t hear much about it in the past because it’s been difficult to study and describe, but research is beginning to shed new light on it’s importance.

All About Your Fascia

I recently came across this great article in Runners World which explains it in easy to understand language and, more importantly, tells you what you can and should be doing to keep yours in tip-top shape. If you can’t find the time to read the entire thing, at least skip to page 2 which tells you what you can and should be doing on a regular basis.

http://www.runnersworld.com/injury-treatment/understanding-your-fascia

 

What Is Pilates?

what is Pilates?

What Is Pilates?

Between boot camps, dance beat workouts, wall climbing and ultra fit weight catching contests, Pilates remains as the only widely recognized fitness method to be named after its founder, thus fitting into that uncommon category of both noun and verb.

But what does “doing Pilates” really mean? Kevin A. Bowen is a co-founder of the Pilates Method Alliance. His definition of Pilates, below, is the best I’ve read.

Stretch, Strengthen And Balance

Developed in the early 1900s by German-born Joseph Pilates, the Pilates exercise method is a program of physical movement designed to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body. In 1926 Joseph and his wife Clara introduced their exercise system, originally called “Contrology”, to New York City.

Pilates exercise focuses on postural symmetry, breath control, abdominal strength, spine, pelvis and shoulder stabilization, muscular flexibility, joint mobility and strengthening through the complete range of motion of all joints. Instead of isolating muscle groups, the whole body is trained, integrating the upper and lower extremities with the trunk.

Practice, Practice, Practice

“Contrology is complete coordination of body, mind and spirit. Through Contrology you first purposefully acquire complete control of your own body and then through proper repetition of its exercises you gradually and progressively acquire that natural rhythm and coordination associated with all your mental and subconscious activities.” (Joseph Pilates, 1945)

What I like about Kevin’s definition is that it specifically lists the fully integrated low impact approach to fitness and well-being that separates Pilates from the competition.

Pilates for Horseback Riders

@Mike Baird http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikebaird/

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.

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.

Pilates balance chartRunners – 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.

Four Movies For St. Patrick’s Day

some of my favorite movies

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!

 

Sweet Valentine’s Savings!

YPL-valentines-2013-save-10

Here’s a sweet deal to save 10% on all Mat and Arc classes today through Monday, February 18th. Good on all individual classes, 5 and 10-packs, and Combo Private and Group Packages (mat portion only.)

Just log in and pick your savings! Use code “Valentine13” for your discount.

Make Your Pushups Count

correct form for pushupsGet The Best Results By Using Correct Form

Despite what we learned back in elementary school, doing a pushup correctly requires a little thought in order to prevent injury and get the most benefit.

For men especially, avoiding injury while getting the maximum benefit isn’t as simple as it looks. These five pushup tips can help prevent rotator cuff damage while maximizing the results.

Runners: Why Conditioning Is Important

If You’re A Runner This Concerns You

A well rounded fitness program often involves jogging, running, and of course PIlates. The web site Anatomy In Motion offers a variety of ways to monitor what goes on when you’re exercising; here are two very helpful infographics that describe the potential problems faced by runners and how to avoid becoming a statistic.

common injuries suffered by runners

exercises that help prevent runners injuries

Sitting May Be Hazerdous to Your Health

A Quick Overview of Cubicle Life

Not mentioned was the essential ingredient for combating bad posture: core strength! The votes have all been counted, and the results are this – a well developed core is the most important thing you can do for your body when it comes to modern workday stress.

Whether it’s a coast-to-coast flight, sitting all day in front of a monitor, or running a marathon, core strength is one of the most important elements when it comes to avoiding the effects of poor posture.