Drop It Low, and Stand Back Up = Squats Copyright: Tamara Baleika | Dreamstime.com “Seniors that exercise regularly are less likely to depend on others … If self-reliance is a priority, exercise is one of the best ways to maintain independence for older adults.” —Senior Lifestyle In last month’s blog, we started talking about functional […]
posture
Push-Ups – Hate ‘Em or Love ‘Em?
Push-Ups – Hate ‘Em or Love ‘Em? Creator: solar22 | Credit: Getty Images Copyright: solar22 “When you’re younger, working out is a choice. When you’re older, working out is an absolute necessity. If you don’t keep moving when you’re over 50, you’re going to lose your life.” ~ Jane Fonda We are an aging population. […]
The Two-Way Stretch in Pilates
The Two-Way Stretch in Pilates Pilates, Joseph H. and Miller, William John. Photo of Joseph Pilates at 60 years young practicing the Double Leg Pull [Return to Life Through Contrology, originally published in 1945] One of the fundamental concepts of Pilates is the two-way stretch. Other terms you may have heard are oppositional reach, dynamic […]
Standing Pilates exercises
Standing Pilates exercises We’re in the holiday season when you may be traveling quite a bit, and may not have a lot of time for your regular Pilates practice, or maybe you don’t want to get on that floor because it’s icky, or you don’t have your mat, or even a towel on the floor […]
Return to Life with March MATness!
Return to Life with March MATness! “Pilates has been the perfect solution to maintaining strength and vitality in my life”. ~ Trudie Styler (Sting’s wife) Let’s review the 5 spine shapes: flexion/round back, tall back, extension/arched back, lateral flexion/side bend, and twist/rotation. With each of these spine shapes, there are challenges to each because there […]
5 Reasons to (re)start Pilates
“Every moment of our life can be the beginning of great things.” ~ Joseph Pilates When September comes around, I think of either starting something new, or returning to something that fell off the list. It’s my own version of “going back to school”. So, if you’ve never started Pilates, but always wanted to, I’m […]
Thutts & Squgs
Thutts & Squgs You’ve heard me use those cues. But what does it mean? Thutts = where your (th)ighs meet your b(utt) Squgs = (sq)eeze inner thighs and h(ug) your haunches in For my newsletter subscribers, this blog’s dedicated to each and every one of you. Thank YOU for the inspiration, dedication, and the support. […]
Pilates Transitions Are Exercises Too!
Pilates Transitions Are Exercises Too! “No man – no machine can correct or create vitality, power, or health for you; everything comes from within, you have to unfold it.” ~ Joseph Pilates Did you know there are transitions between Pilates exercises? These are exercises in and of themselves. It’s a test to see how well […]
Everything comes from the Hundred
Everything comes from the Hundred “Our prime of life should be in the 70’s and old age should not come until we are almost 100.” ~ Joseph Pilates The Hundred. The first exercise you learn when you practice Pilates. You either love it, or you hate it. It’s just like the prop, the Magic Circle, […]
The 5 Spine Shapes in Pilates
The 5 Spine Shapes in Pilates You are only as young as your spine is flexible. ~ Joseph Pilates If your spine is inflexibly stiff at 30, you are old. IF it is completely flexible at 60, you are young. ~ Joseph Pilates Way to get straight to the point, Joe! Did you know your […]