Tag Archives: stretching

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

 

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 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!

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.