A Short History of Pilates In Video
This animation tells the story of Joseph Pilates development of the fitness program that bears his name.
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Foot Cramps Doing Pilates?
Don’t Neglect Your Feet – Here’s How To Treat Them Right
Complaints about foot cramps while doing Pilates ? Here are some common causes and possible solutions.
- Lack of Potassium. The most common solution is to eat bananas which are a good source of potassium. Can’t eat them (or don’t like them) then you might try another good source such as maple syrup, honey or agave. Sometimes supplements containing “ium” can help i.e. potassium, calcium, magnesium, selenium, etc. (Note: foot cramps can also be associated with taking statin drugs).
- Lack of sufficient salt (sodium) – Add a little more salt to your diet or take a supplement (see #1 above).
- Dehydration. Water is preferable and is certainly less caloric than other beverages. Sports drinks can also help.
- a) Insufficient mobility in the feet. Pilates can sometimes require more flexibility in the foot and ankle than you’re accustomed to. Women who live in high heels with pointy toes take note! More footwork with stretching and strengthening exercises for the toes, metatarsals and ankle may help resolve this issue.
b) Foot cramps occur most often in the prone position. In plantar flexion of the ankle some people tend to curl their toes causing an overcontraction/muscle spasm. Think about relaxing the feet and lengthening the legs. Also, try pointing and flexing feet slowly for 8-10 reps on a regular basis and hold the final point for as long as possible. - If cramping occurs during rest and not during activity, this may occur because of an imbalance in potassium, sodium and calcium which are needed for muscle activity and relaxation. (See #1 above). Sometimes drinking tonic water can be of help with this.
- Oxygen (or lack thereof). Last but certainly not least – breathe!!! Get oxygen flowing through the body to help reduce the build up of lactic acid in the muscles.
Hope this helps you have “Happy Feet” during your next Pilates session.
The Reformer Arc Connection
Pilates Arc Gently Works The Spine For Maximum Flexibility
The Pilates Arc by Balanced Body is a fascinating piece of equipment that took the existing Joseph Pilates original design and adapted it for contemporary use.
Weighing only a few ounces, it’s mostly encountered as part of a vigorous floor routine that focuses on spine flexion. Pair it with the Reformer, and students get an entirely new dimension that’s quickly felt as virtually every part of the body gets a welcome stretch in addition to a new challenge.
If you haven’t yet experienced the Pilates Arc and are interested in the many benefits it can provide, ask about including it in your next Private or Duet. YPL also has a dedicated Arc class – check the schedule for times.
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!
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!