Pilates is a “mind-body” workout. Which is s fancy term for paying attention. Being present in your body, breath and movements. It’s not meant to be a presentation. I’ve cringed many times hearing teachers cue clients to “make it pretty!” like they’re practicing for a recital! Instagram is full of gorgeous and thin and veryContinue reading “Present”
Category Archives: cognitive embodiment
A pain in the neck
I’ve always been pretty obsessed with my spine. It’s the coolest thing I own! And I’ve always thought of my neck and head as part of my spine, and how to keep them aligned with the whole spine. In gymnastics this is vital. Everything must be aligned for those skills to work, and avoid breakingContinue reading “A pain in the neck”
“Summer” body
I’ve been inundated with posts about “summer body” exercises lately. But we don’t have a “summer” body. We have a body that we use all year. One body that is our lifelong vehicle. And most fitness is focused on what it looks like. But is that really what’s important? Is a beautiful car that doesn’tContinue reading ““Summer” body”
Practice makes possible
“Practice makes perfect” is a phrase we’ve all heard. But really practice makes possible is more accurate. Perfect isn’t really a thing. After practicing Pilates for 30 years I’m not perfect at any of the exercises but I’ve gotten quite proficient. The exercises are possible for me, through practice. I practice so I can continueContinue reading “Practice makes possible”
The cult of “core”
“Power core!” “Killer core!” “Sculpt your core!” The fitness world has jumped on the “core”bandwagon. And Pilates is often misconstrued as a “killer core workout”. People want to be “ripped” and “shredded”, which sounds quite violent! And people aren’t clumps of clay, to be “sculpted”! A “six pack” is not the physical manifestationContinue reading “The cult of “core””
So, you think you know what Pilates is?
“Oh, Pilates is just stretching.” “Pilates, that’s for your core, right?” “Pilates is just for women/dancers/athletes/rich ladies/actresses” “I’ll try Pilates once I’m in better shape.” “Pilates is too easy.” “Pilates is too hard.” When I first heard of Pilates it was 1989. I’d had a reconstructive knee surgery and I was lucky enough to beContinue reading “So, you think you know what Pilates is?”
Movement
I’ve been looking at some other fitness blogs. It’s a lot of “lose weight!” & “get toned!”. And of course “bikini body”! There is not much about movement. And that’s what exercise is. Movement. We need strength and flexibility so we can move. Unless you just want to pose for pics and rack up likes.Continue reading “Movement”
Perfect is a lie
You don’t need a “perfect” body. The body is a changing ever evolving thing. Perfection is not really attainable but practice makes us capable, functional and present to ourselves. There is no “Pilates body”. Your body can do Pilates, and voila! Pilates body. Being thin and toned doesn’t Mean you are healthy, happy or functionallyContinue reading “Perfect is a lie”
Solara Pilates 