Pilates has a strong focus on form. This has both a good and bad side! Focusing on your form serves both the development of healthy movement patterns and building deeper body awareness and meditation through movement. But it can also feed a mindset of perfectionism that can lead to fear of “doing it wrong” andContinue reading “Form as function”
Author Archives: SJ
Pilates as practice
Pilates is often touted as a magic method that will transform your body overnight. I hate to burst that bubble but nothing works that fast. The Pilates method is amazing but transforming a body takes time. I feel that the beauty of the method is in it’s mindfulness, not just “toning” your butt for swimsuitContinue reading “Pilates as practice”
Pilates for stress relief
Pilates is a great fitness method but it’s also wonderful for rehabilitation and also stress relief! Restorative exercises, foam rolling self massage and stretching are just as valuable as a hard work out. If you feel stressed, fatigued, tight, sore or stiff you could really benefit from a restorative self care session. You’ll learn toolsContinue reading “Pilates for stress relief”
Exciting News!
I have exciting news! I have moved my practice into a wonderful space, Vida Coworking in NE Portland. I’m available again for private sessions in person, masks and social distancing required. There are protocols in place to make it as safe as possible. I’m also still available online if you prefer. Please get in touchContinue reading “Exciting News!”
The power of personal instruction
I’m a Pilates teacher, which is essentially a movement teacher. I work with people to learn how to move in healthy ways and to use exercise to heal and increase movement potential. If you have an injury I will use my years of experience and skilled eye and cueing to address exactly what your bodyContinue reading “The power of personal instruction”
The future of fitness
I’m in the same boat as everyone else, wondering when the world will be open again and what will that look like for my Pilates practice. Here in Portland I’m just awaiting the state’s decision on a date. Then it will be a new way of working, with face masks and 6 feet of socialContinue reading “The future of fitness”
The hundred
This is a short video about the Pilates hundred exercise. It’s the first exercise in the classical mat series. But for many people it’s not really the right starting point. I’ve shown some ways to modify this to make it more appropriate for you. By breaking the movement down into pieces you can focus onContinue reading “The hundred”
Movement makes muscle
Often fitness focuses on muscle. Exercises isolate a muscle to “tone” and strengthen. This is a bit backwards as the purpose of muscles are movement! Pilates teaches movement and muscles learn to stabilize, mobilize, strengthen and stretch through movement. Movement patterns matter more than muscle “tone”. This is because our bodies are made to move.Continue reading “Movement makes muscle”
Online sessions, a testimonial
Pilates is usually done in a studio but in these times doing sessions online is the only option. I’ve been teaching online for about a year now and have gotten quite comfortable with it. I’m very happy to be working with people who live all over the country and the world. Even without the equipmentContinue reading “Online sessions, a testimonial”
Neck pain
We are all stuck at home now, waiting out this pandemic. Strange and scary times. One good thing is now there are many exercise classes online, including Pilates. If you’re doing a class and it’s working well that’s wonderful! But one thing I have heard again and again is that the Pilates mat work isContinue reading “Neck pain”
Solara Pilates 