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Is It Really Pilates?

Making Sure It’s A Pilates Class

What people may not know about Pilates is that not all Pilates classes are the same. After a four-year trademark dispute that ended in 2000, the term “Pilates” was ruled to be a generic term for an exercise method and the Pilates trademark was ruled to be invalid in the US. While this allowed qualified instructors and studios to use the name Pilates without a monetary payment for it’s use, it also opened the door to widespread unregulated use of the term.

As a result of that decision, Pilates has become so broadly interpreted that any exercise routine that incorporates a few Pilates moves or principles can now be called “Pilates”. Other spinoffs can include workouts that incorporate “core work” implying a connection to the Pilates Method that may or may not be true.

Some of the instructor certification programs that have cropped up can be completed in a weekend. Aquiring the knowledge required to teach the true comprehensive Pilates Method as Joseph Pilates intended takes a great deal of time, study and practice. In most cases an apprenticeship is also required.

The Classic Pilates Method (or Traditional Method) uses the unaltered exercises developed by Joseph Pilates himself. He originally called his method “Contrology” to emphasize the importance of accurately performing the exercises.

Modifications are available to the instructor for purposes of tailoring the workout to meet a client’s specific needs; however, the exercises are still taken from Joe’s original workouts and are performed in a specific order. Whether working on the mat, reformer, cadillac, tower, chair or barrels, all of the Classic Pilates exercises are performed the way Joseph Pilates intended.

Any exercise program is good for you but, if you want a true Pilates experience, you may want to do a little research or ask a few questions to ascertain the background and qualifications of the instructor and/or studio.

Free Mat Classes On Pilates Day

Help Us Celebrate With Your Free Class And A 15% Pilates Day Sale

Pilates Day is an annual international community event celebrated on the first Saturday of May each year. Its mission is to foster public appreciation and awareness of the Pilates Method through local events produced and hosted by Pilates Method Alliance members. This year it falls on Saturday, May 7, 2011.

As a PMA member studio, Your Pilates Lifestyle is participating by giving away free mat classes all morning (see the class schedule here.) Attendance is free, but because space (four students per class) is limited reservations are required.

Mark Your Calendar for Saturday, May 7th

It’s easy: we cancelled the regular Saturday schedule to make room for our Pilates Day free classes (below). Just head over to our Mindbody online scheduler and look for the May 7th Complimentary Mat class session – there are four to choose from – you’d like to attend, then click the “Sign Up Now” button. You’ll be asked to log in (existing clients) or create a new account. You’re done!

You’ll also be able to take advantage of our 3-day only Pilates Day Sale. Buy any class, session, or package for 15% off Friday, Saturday and Sunday only! Use the promo code: “Pilates” at checkout.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 7. We’ll see you at the studio!

Age and Exercise – Not The Same Old Story

I, myself, am no youngster. I never used to have to worry at all about counting calories and staying fit and slim. BUT, as the years go by the metabolism slows and the pounds are harder to keep off. This is especially true if an appreciation of good food and wine have become a form of socializing and entertainment.

No matter what your age, exercise has been proven to be the closest thing to the Fountain of Youth (plastic surgery notwithstanding). It has been shown to improve breathing, circulation, bone density, ups the metabolism and keeps the joints moving. For me, Pilates works and it’s something I can do well into old age. I found this great article at USATODAY.com that made me smile. Maybe it will do the same for you.

Green Tea Thirst Quencher

Well, before you know it, summer will be here – tropical heat where even the shade doesn’t offer much relief. Be sure to “stay hydrated” (or, as they used to say, just drink plenty of fluids). Gatorade and related sports drinks are great for replacing lost electrolytes, etc., but that’s not always necessary.

 

Make Your Own Sports Drink

For me, they actually sometimes upset my stomach, which is NOT  good. If water alone is not particularly your thing, then maybe you should consider my husband’s solution for a tasty, thirst quenching sports drink that’s also economical to make.

There are many reasons for drinking green tea, including this list of 20 ways a beverage based on green tea helps your body.

Drinking Green Tea Is A Good Thing

This process is the same as making “sun tea,” which doesn’t really need the sun in order to make, just the hot tap water. Proportions are approximate and can be altered to taste – make it your own and customize. (Fresh mint is always a good option.)

2-1/2 quarts (80 oz.) hot water (from the faucet is OK).
2 large Luzianne brand family size green tea bags specially blended for iced tea.
(Just think of all of those lovely antioxidants!)
1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
Allow the tea to steep on the countertop for 2 or more hours.
Remove the tea bags and give it a stir to dissolve any remaining sugar at the bottom.
Now it’s ready for the refrigerator, to use as needed.

When you’re ready, pour some into your glass or sports bottle and add any of the following for additional nutrients and flavor. (For our taste, proportions are usually 3 parts tea plus 1 part juice, but go ahead and customize to make it your own.)

  • A) Motts natural fresh pressed 100% apple juice – no sugar added
  • B) Northland 100% cranberry juice – no sugar added
  • C) Florida’s Natural 100% pure Florida orange juice

Experiment and see what you like – just remember to read the label and watch for additives and things like added sweeteners that are not particularly desirable when you’re talking about a healthy, refreshing drink.

Did YOU Forget to Breathe?

 

Breathing – Don’t Take It For Granted

For heaven’s sake – BREATHE! Sounds simple, but most people don’t do it. We tend to take short, shallow breaths that are not optimal for purposes of effectively and efficiently performing our daily tasks much less what we ask of our body during exercise.

For the maximum benefit of air/oxygen exchange in the bloodstream we must fully expand the ribcage to inhale and then totally empty the lungs on the exhale – all of which is a vital part of any Pilates program. For more info and instructions on an exercise to help you on your way to better breathing, you’ll enjoy this article by Power Pilates instructor Deborah Slade.

Pilates for runners

If you’re a runner, should you incorporate Pilates as part of your training? At YPL we think so, and have a number of clients who run 5Ks to longer events like half-marathons.

One of the more common questions I get asked is whether Pilates should be part of a runner’s training. You can Google Pilates+running and find a lot of answers. Here’s one of the better comments I’ve found on the subject, in the Health and Running blog.

One of the things I’ve heard that Pilates does best whenever the discussion is about running goes back to core strength and how that allows for better posture during the run. Other movements, like the kneeling front split, are of great benefit as a hip opener and hamstring stretch.

The New York Times published an amazing article this week that ran in the local St. Petersburg Times about a marathoner who was diagnosed with a cancerous hamstring and just months after having it removed was again winning races! Talk about adversity!

Save 20% On Private 5-Pack During March!

Spring’s in the air and that means winter hibernation’s officially over! Taking advantage of our March Madness Special 20% off on a 5-pack of Privates is a perfect way to get those abs toned and tuned in time for summer. Signup or log in today and save – before you head for the beach. Enter code “YPL” at checkout to see your 20% discount.

Pilates: What Can It Do For Me?

Just recently came across this article by Barbara Russi Sarnataro on WebMD.  It seems to clarify some of the confusion about what Pilates is and what it can and can’t do.  As once explained to me “Pilates is a practice”.  Just like playing the piano, the more you do it and the more proficient you become in performing the exercises, the more benefits you reap.  All of which translates into a better quality of life through improved posture, core stabilization and utilization and freer range of motion in your day to day life.

National Wear Red Day

Fri 2/4 is National Wear Red Day. Show your heart & do what you can to call attention to this cause!

Continuing Ed At Pilates of Boca West

A quick photo taken after the Power Pilates Continuing Ed weekend at Pilates of Boca in Boca Raton, FL, October 2010.  It was educational (as always), exhilarating and exhausting! Can’t wait to go back again – so much to learn, so little time! Great instructors – Dana and Kelly – made it interesting and fun.