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”
Category Archives: neck pain
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”
Online sessions
In light of the current pandemic situation many of us are stuck at home. Many of us are feeling stressed and uncertain. In a time like this exercise is very important. I’m offering a pay what you can sliding scale for sessions via video chat. You can have a private session from home and getContinue reading “Online sessions”
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”
Don’t believe the hype!
I first discovered Pilates in 1989. Back then it wasn’t widely known but my orthopedic surgeon knew that it would be invaluable for my recovery and return to gymnastics and dance training. And he was right! When I began teaching in 1995 most of my clients were people who had serious back problems and otherContinue reading “Don’t believe the hype!”
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”
Invest in your wellness
Pilates is not cheap. But you get what you pay for, and that’s very true with Pilates. Doing a group mat class might cost $15-$20 but you don’t get the benefit of a teacher choosing the exercises you need and giving you instructions and adjustments specially for you. They might give cues that you don’tContinue reading “Invest in your wellness”
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”
Solara Pilates 