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.

Should You Be Sweating?

megaformer workout another version of Pilates

Just Don’t Call It Pilates!

This article in the New York Times titled “A Souped-Up Pilates Workout” made me think about what’s behind the comments people make when it comes to their idea of how they should feel after a workout.

In this case the writer, who admits to being a Pilates novice, says, “In reality, however, the few classes I’ve taken have done nothing to work up a sweat or amp up my heart rate — not the best outcome for an adrenaline-seeking exerciser like me.”

I suspect she’s never tried a Classical Pilates class, one that incorporates flow with breath and mind control. Too often the group classes offered at gyms and clubs fall far short of what Joseph Pilates intended and end up like a lazy day at the beach.

Can You Say Jumpboard?

At Your Pilates Lifestyle, I offer classes for all levels from beginners to professionals, and pay particular attention to those who may be physically challenged yet who will still get plenty of benefit from a toned down Pilates routine.

At the other extreme are my superfit clients, the ones who thrive on an intense Pilates workout. One that includes plenty of non-stop flow that leaves everyone short of breath and dripping with sweat! Cardio? You’d better believe it!

Learn How To Walk Before You Start Running

You may not be working to capacity in the beginning as you are learning the exercises and correct body mechanics. However, as you move into intermediate, advanced or even super advanced exercises you should be working to capacity. If you’re not – it’s on you!!

Joseph Pilates was a genius when it came to the order and flow of his exercises to work the entire body in a demanding and efficient way to achieve total body FUNCTIONAL fitness. When was the last time your daily life required you to bench press a desk to fatigue?

There really is no reason to change Pilates as it was designed unless it’s to periodicially shake things up and challenge the client in a totally different way.

Not All Reformer Work Can Be Called Pilates

The reformer is a brilliant piece of equipment that can be used in many ways. If you’re going to use it to perform gym based exercises, then it should be labeled accordingly.

If the workout strays too far from it’s original intent then it shouldn’t be called Pilates. I will sometimes gear a class to more of a gym based exercise session, but I always specify when an exercise is not “Pilates”.

 

 

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.

Pilates From The Beginning

A Short History of Pilates In Video

This animation tells the story of Joseph Pilates development of the fitness program that bears his name.

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.

  1. 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).
  2. Lack of sufficient salt (sodium) – Add a little more salt to your diet or take a supplement (see #1 above).
  3. Dehydration. Water is preferable and is certainly less caloric than other beverages. Sports drinks can also help.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.