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”
Category Archives: mindfullness
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”
Modern Mat
The Pilates method of exercise was created by one man, Joseph Pilates. He taught a number of people, mostly dancers, who carried on teaching his method. They all had different experiences working with him and brought different perspectives to the method. But one teacher decided that their version was the “authentic” version, often known asContinue reading “Modern Mat”
What does “fit” mean anyway???
My introduction into Pilates was entirely rehabilitative. It was prescribed to me by my orthopedic surgeon alongside my physical therapy sessions. At the time there was no Pilates as “fitness” to speak of. When I begin teaching it was still pretty unknown and most of the clients were there for rehab and help with chronicContinue reading “What does “fit” mean anyway???”
The Pilates equipment
The Pilates equipment looks kind of intimidating. But it’s actually quite the opposite of what it appears! Rather than various “torture racks” these machines use spring resistance to provide support and assistance making movements easier to accomplish and assist your body in finding new healthier ways of moving. In a Pilates mat class you’ve gotContinue reading “The Pilates equipment”
Movement as maintenance
Pilates is often viewed as some frivolous pastime for ladies who lunch. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Pilates is a valuable movement practice for anyone who has a body! “Prehab” is the practice of injury prevention. “Rehab” is the process of recovery from injury. “Post rehab” is the vital work for after anContinue reading “Movement as maintenance”
Post physical therapy Pilates
Physical therapy can be a vital part of healing from an injury or chronic issue. But what about after the course of therapy sessions is over? Are you permanently healed? Unfortunately, that’s unlikely. Physical therapy will focus directly on the injury or pain area. While this is important it might not be the only thingContinue reading “Post physical therapy Pilates”
Practice, not performance
Pilates can seem intimidating. Images of very fit people performing amazing feats are often used to advertise it. But Pilates is a practice, not a performance! In my sessions I want people to feel their bodies potential for movement. Perfection is not the goal. The practice of Pilates is designed to improve posture,balance, coordination, strengthContinue reading “Practice, not performance”
New year, new you
I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions but I know I’m in the minority. It can be a great time for people to jump start new healthy habits. If you want to find a better way to exercise, finally address those nagging pains or discover your bodies potential in movement I encourage you to tryContinue reading “New year, new you”
Solara Pilates 