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 […]
posture
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 […]
Pilates or Yoga?
Pilates or Yoga? “Change happens through movement and movement heals.” ~ Joseph H. Pilates After you’ve read my FAQ to Introduction to Pilates, I figured you would have more questions for me. Maybe you’re a yogi or a yogini, and wondering what is this cousin to yoga called Pilates? Do I need it? And I’m […]
Prop Time: Let’s manage our stress levels!
Prop Time: Let’s manage our stress levels! We’re coming full circle as this was the first prop I introduced in group mat class when we were meeting in-person! Remember those days! Stress relief balls help increase focus/attention when used as feedback in exercises. Much like the squishy ball, the stress relief ball provides similar feedback […]
Prop Time: Love/Hate (or is it Hate/Love?) relationship with the Magic Circle
Prop Time: Love/Hate (or is it Hate/Love?) relationship with the Magic Circle Here we are with the most (un)popular Pilates prop – the Magic Circle! This prop adds resistance to exercises to provide muscular feedback of proximal connections (where your limbs connect to your torso/trunk), and isometric connections (similar to how springs teach this). There […]
Prop Time: Go to your bathroom for these props!
Prop Time: Go to your bathroom for these props! These props are definitely in your home, and I’ll show you its other purpose for a workout. Grab a hand towel or a bath towel, and a towel bar. These props give your body and mind feedback to see where you are connected or disconnected. I […]