Pilates for pain

People often think Pilates is just for your “core”. And yes, Pilates does strengthen your core, which is more than just the abs! What many people don’t know is that Pilates is amazing for pain. So many people are living with pain. Sometimes physical therapy doesn’t help or only helps so much. Pilates will focusContinue reading “Pilates for pain”

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”

Pilates for pain

It’s common thinking that pain is just an inevitable part of aging. Many think that chronic back pain is just “how it is” after a certain age. But most of what people think is due to age is really caused by lack of movement. Not necessarily lack of strength or flexibility but lack of healthyContinue reading “Pilates for pain”

Why do Pilates?

I’ve written about what Pilates is but I’d like to address the why. Why do I do Pilates and why should you? Personally after 30 years of practicing Pilates I can say it’s a staple in my life. I never go long without it, and when I do I’m always reminded of how much betterContinue reading “Why do Pilates?”

It’s not a fad!

I first did Pilates in 1989, before it was widely known. I was a competitive gymnast and injured my knee. After ACL surgery my surgeon prescribed both physical therapy and Pilates. While the PT focused solely on my knee in Pilates I was able to move and work my whole body without adversely affecting myContinue reading “It’s not a fad!”

Hanging out

Hanging like this has many benefits! Our shoulders are often very tight and we don’t get enough movement lifting up over our head. This means that our neck, shoulders and upper back are often very tight and compressed. Hanging on the Cadillac will stretch the shoulders and spine, decompressing the vertebrae and the discs. ItContinue reading “Hanging out”

The magic of springs

The Pilates equipment is truly amazing. Each machine offers a full body workout with an almost infinite number of exercises. And the real magic is the springs! The springs are there to make difficult movements easier. They also add more challenge as you are ready for it.  If your back is tight the springs helpContinue reading “The magic of springs”

Why are Private sessions worth it?

If you’ve gone to a Pilates mat class and found it really difficult and confusing you might want to try a Private session. The value of Private sessions is that you can go at your own pace and I will give you the best exercises for you and your specific needs. If you have neckContinue reading “Why are Private sessions worth it?”

The spine

  This is a little example of some exercises for the spine. They are also “ab work” which Pilates is known for. And ab work is great but the real benefit of Pilates is the focus on the spine. So few fitness methods focus on the spine. And without a healthy spine nothing else inContinue reading “The spine”

What the heck are “movement patterns “?

I have written about movement patterns quite a lot and I’ve realized that perhaps people might not really understand what that means and why they’re important. So I will try to explain the what and why. Movement patterns are just how the body is, well, moving. Walking, sitting, reaching, bending. You’ve been told “lift withContinue reading “What the heck are “movement patterns “?”