Joe's Pila-T-Shop

Teaser Sessions

Muscle Madness: designing the Pilates body

We offer 30 minute complimentary Pilates sessions to all new members at Equinox Fitness.  It's a great opportunity to introduce gym members to Pilates by giving them a "teaser" session.  A session generally looks like this:

MAT
the hundred (50)
1/2 roll back or roll up
single leg circles
rolling like a ball
single leg stretch
double leg stretch
single straight leg

REFORMER
footwork series (limited reps)
the hundred (50)
short box series (round back/ straight back/ twist)

CADILLAC
breathing

HIGH CHAIR
going up front

WALL ENDING
roll down

This is a basic template that we can modify or adjust based on individual needs.  It allows gym members to:

• experience Pilates on most of the apparatus which is important because most people's experience with Pilates is limited to mat work or just the Reformer.
• experience the FULL BODY WORKOUT that Pilates guarantees.
• challenge their powerhouse from supine to seated to standing exercises... all within the Classical Beginner System.
• see that Pilates is a logical progression of intelligently designed exercises designed to help them move more efficiently in their bodies and improve their posture while helping to tone, sculpt and define.

It's so much fun to see member's wide-eyed anticipation of a workout in the gym's "torture chamber".  It's also a great opportunity to expose them to Classical Pilates, dispel misconceptions about the Pilates Method, briefly educate people about Mr. Pilates and get them excited about designing their own Pilates bodies.   There's so much curiosity, fascination and interest in Pilates and this is a great way to encourage more and more people to become "Joe's Disciples".

Rock Your Powerhouse!

Kira

Breathe and Scoop: Part 1

Joseph Pilates: quotes from a genius

"The lungs cannot be completely deflated at first without considerable effort.  With perseverance, however, the desired results can be accomplished and with increasing power, gradually and progressively develop the lungs to their maximum capacity."  -- Joseph Pilates

Breath is life.  So why is it that the very function that sustains us is the most challenging and frustrating for many of our clients?  Mr. Pilates said that we should "squeeze every atom of air from your lungs until they are almost free of air as is a vacuum". But what we often see is clients holding their breath during exertion.  We see blowfish cheeks and beet red faces.  We see grandiose, overly-exaggerated inhales followed by a whisper of an exhale.

A forceful exhale is the key to finding your "scoop" in Pilates.  It automatically triggers our transverse abdominus (TA) which is the deepest layer of abdominal muscles.  The TA reduces the circumference of our waist and helps to provide lumbar and thoracic stability. It's our girdle of strength. When clients don't breathe fully, their belly does the opposite.  It distends.  The lumbar and thoracic curves increase and sets clients up for back pain.  Notice how inefficient breathing makes their spine rigid and inflexible.  Watch how synergistic dominance takes over and superficial muscles are recruited by default rather than the deep muscles of the powerhouse.  Observe the muscular gripping in the joints. 

Well, practice makes perfect.  And the more we help our clients incorporate the Pilates principle of "breath" into their practice, we'll help them to develop an invaluable gift that their life depends on.  Plus, they'll discover both stamina and relaxation through the not-so-simple act of breathing.

Click here for part 2...

Rock Your Powerhouse!

Kira

Joe's Disciple: Chenee M.

Joe's Disciple:  Chenee M.

Name:

Chenee M.

Title/Position:

Pilates & Aqua Instructor  

Pilates Studio/Company:

Previous:DK Body Balancing / Present: Aliante Community Center & Las Vegas Athletic Club
Certifications:

Pilates Certified by: DK Body Balancing = Mat & Apparatus

Aqua Certified by:USWFA = Aqua Fitness

KettleBell Trained by: KettleBell Concepts 

# Of years teaching:

1 year        

What I love about teaching Pilates: The love the way it makes my body feel! There is really no other exercise that works the core like Pilates does.

My greatest challenge as a teacher: Having the participants focus on their breathing rather than the speed at which they want the exercises to be carried out. 

How I avoid burnout: I try to make the time that I am instructing enjoyable. Changing the routine is always a good way to keep you and your participants from enduring repetitious type work outs. Last but not least, I ALWAYS make sure to eat throughout the day to keep my energy levels high.

My teaching goals: As an instructor there are a couple of goals that I strive to achieve.

1)  I always make sure to maintain my health, by clean eating and exercise.

2)  I always try to stay upbeat and positive.

3)  Last but not least, I always make sure to encourage my participants and let them know what a good job they are doing.

How often I practice Pilates: 2-3 X /week

When I’m not doing Pilates I’m…

A) Instructing Aqua fitness classes.

B) In the gym taking a sculpting or spinning class.                                                           

C) In school

D) Spending time with my mom.

E) Eating lunch and watching movies.

What “Pilates body” means to me:  Having a Pilates body means having a body that has transformed into a lean and stronger machine.  I have always worked out and never before have I ever had the body that I have today. I was able to shed 20 pounds by doing Pilates and I also have been able to develop core muscles for the 1^st time ever.

If I could ask Joe one question, it would be:  What inspired your innovations and passion for Pilates?

My favorite Pilates exercise: I LOVE the frog on the Reformer with the Big Ball between the ankles and leg circles on the reformer. I could just do leg circles all day. 

My least favorite Pilates exercise: The Double Leg Stretch is my least favorite exercise. I just do not love it very much.

My favorite Pilates book &/or DVD: Pilates By: Rael Isacowitz (The pictures are so graphic and the descriptions are very detailed.)

My inspirations: I am inspired by people who are truly genuine and who do not give excuses as to why they can not and will not work out.  People who are aware of the importance of health and fitness, especially Pilates, inspire me the most!

My greatest achievement: Completing a Master’s Degree in Education and looking to pursue a Ph.D. in the future.

My other passions, interests or areas of expertise include: I love health, fitness, dogs and crafts. I enjoy working on craft projects, especially during Christmas time. I also really enjoy learning about all dog breeds. People are always surprised when I know exactly what kind of dog they have.

My favorite T-shirt from Joe’s Pila-T-Shop:

Let's Educate Them About Pilates!

Muscle Madness: designing the Pilates body

The Pilates Method has been reforming bodies since 1926 when Joseph Pilates and his wife Clara introduced it in NYC.  As Pilates enthusiasts, we're well aware of its rich history. In fact, I feel so immersed in Pilates culture that it's mind-blowing to meet people who know nothing about it.  Huh?  Where've you been?  How could you have never tried it?  I can't imagine living in my body without it.

If you've been reading my blog lately you know that I'm the Pilates Coordinator for the newly opened Equinox Fitness in Woodland Hills, CA.  I'd say that about 95% of the members that have come into the Pilates studio say, "this looks like some type of torture chamber!"   (This is the exact reason that one of Joe's Pila-T-Shop t-shirt phrases says "Welcome to Joe's Torture Chamber!")

It's been a great opportunity to educate people about Pilates history, its methodology and the myriads of benefits it offers.  People are generally awed because they thought that Pilates was a "new" trend, designed to "stretch you out".  Most people don't know that it's a workout.  Most people don't know about its rehabilitative potential.  And they definitely don't know about the German-born man, Joseph Pilates and how he developed his unique system of exercise.

I really feel that it's our responsibility as instructors to keep the legacy of Joseph Pilates alive.  We shouldn't omit him from our teaching.  Everyone practicing the work that bears his name should at least know who he is.  Don't you think so?  I would hate for him or the essence of his work to completely disappear behind the commercialization of the Pilates Method.

Let's make it our goal as a community to educate the public about Joe and the original intentions behind his work.  Let's learn as much as we can from our Pilates elders and through his own writings so that we can pass the information on to the next generation. We've been so fortunate to experience living in a body designed by Pilates.  Let's share the history, intelligence, genius and creativity of the man that developed it, Joseph Pilates.

Rock Your Powerhouse!

Kira

Balanced Body, Mind & Spirit

Feel Good Fridays:  giving back to self

How do we pace ourselves in order to retain a piece of ourselves?  Have you ever felt lost in the fury of your own schedule?   Looked in the mirror and not recognized the reflection?    Longed to calm your restless mind?   Really missed hanging out with friends?  Wanted just 1 day with an empty schedule?

The more I talk with other entrepreneurs, the more I realize I'm not alone.  In theory, we understand the importance of leaving time for "self", but how do you make it work when your company is in its infancy and you wear most of the hats?  Oh, I don't know the answer.  I'm still searching.  And that's why I've dedicated Fridays to "giving back to self".  But I've seem run out of ways because I'm a little out of practice.  YIKES!  Just being honest. 

The great transition that I'm experiencing now is that I just added another job to my plate.  What? Yes, but it's actually a good thing.  For years, I spread myself thin by working at studios all over Los Angeles plus commuting to my massage client's homes.  My car felt like my home away from home.  Now, as the Pilates Coordinator for Equinox Woodland Hills, I have the luxury of concentrating all of my energy in one spot.  I love that I get to create my own dream schedule.  I'm relishing in the short commute.  Plus I wouldn't want to workout anywhere else.  The Pilates studio is an AMAZING!  The group fitness class schedule has fun and cutting edge options like Burlesque Body, Xtreme Salsa, Hard Body Meltdown, and Anusara Yoga.  Plus, I can relax in the steam room whenever I want or take advantage of the sumptuous services at The Spa. 

What's really important to me is that my new job will allow me to focus on bringing to fruition my vision for Joe's Pila-T-Shop.  I couldn't be more thrilled.  I feel like a balanced life is on it's way for me.  It feels as if it's taken forever to arrive.  But I wouldn't ask for it any other way.  I feel quite blessed right now and look forward to experiencing a balanced body, mind and spirit.

Rock Your Powerhouse!

Kira

Never Work a Day in Your Life

Scoop of the Week: Pilates Stuff I Love

I love my job.  Yes, I absolutely love it!  I recently started a brand new position as the Pilates Coordinator for Equinox Fitness in Woodland Hills, CA.  And when I say "brand new", I mean... we haven't even opened yet.  We officially open our doors to members on Friday, March 21st at 4pm.  What have I been doing in the meantime?  Immersing myself in Equinox culture and defining how Classical Pilates fits perfectly into the fitness club model.  I've been auditioning and hiring potential instructors and feel so fortunate to have found 5 that I know I'll be able to learn and grow with. I've been calling our long list of members to introduce myself and schedule their 30 minute complimentary private sessions in our studio.  I've been setting up our studio.

Oh, our studio... to die for!  It's located on the 2nd floor (between the Yoga Studio and The Spa) and boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that expose a beautiful view of the hills.  Our bamboo floors are the stunning platform for our Peak Pilates apparatus in fudge color.  It's a fully-equipped Pilates oasis. And, as in every Equinox, there is so much attention to detail.  Equinox is committed to providing members the ultimate fitness club experience.

One of the things I love about Equinox is that they are equally committed to their employees as they are to members.  It's a positive, fun environment that thrives on excellence, education and commitment to superior service.  Wow, I sound like a commercial... okay, I'll stop.

I lied.  One more thing (well, a few)... I have a benefits package!  I've never, ever, ever had a benefits package as a Pilates instructor!  And, my new job is close to home.  I'm so relieved to give up long commutes in LA traffic.  Okay, now I'm done.

"Do what you love and you'll never have to work a day in your life".  I don't know who that quote belongs to, but I concur.

Rock Your Powerhouse!

Kira

Prevention is the Best Medicine

Joseph Pilates: quotes from a genius

"... medical science should... concentrate upon ways and means of preventing rather than curing disease" -- Joseph Pilates

Prevention is the best medicine.  One of the many things I've learned from Mr. Pilates is the importance of living consciously; making balanced and smart choices about exercise, diet, enjoyable work, plus ample rest and recreation.  He believed that if we nurture our nature as human beings, we can attain true health and happiness.  In today's fast paced, career oriented society, I find it so challenging to prioritize those basic needs. Good intentions often fall by the wayside.  But, think of all of the dis-ease we could avoid if we really heeded Mr. Pilates advice. 

My goal is to be more aware of how my choices effect how I feel in my body.  How do I feel when I don't commit to my regular Pilates and cardio schedule?  How do I feel when most of my meals are eaten in the car or at the computer?  (can you believe it?) How do I feel when I over-extend myself and take on too much work?  How do I feel when I work into the wee hours and deprive myself of sleep?  How do I feel when I go for weeks without hanging out with my friends?  It's so easy to function on auto-pilot and disconnect with how I feel.  But I know it's not healthy.  As I write, my eyes are heavy.  I'm going to honor my exhaustion and go to sleep.

Rock Your Powerhouse!

Kira Morris

Joe's Disciple: Shari Berkowitz

Joe's Disciple:  Shari Berkowitz

Name:  Shari Berkowitz
Name of My Pilates Studio: The Vertical Workshop
# of years open: 4 years
Website: www.TheVerticalWorkshop.com
My Certifications:  Power Pilates Teacher Trainer, Pilates Inc. (Romana Kryzanowska)
# Of years teaching: 8 years

My inspiration for opening my own Pilates studio:  I had built up my own clientele so large that the rent I was paying at other people’s studios paid their entire month’s rent.  The time had come.  In addition, I had become a Teacher Trainer for Power Pilates and wanted the apprentices to have a place to observe their senior teachers.

My vision/mission for my studio is:  At The Vertical Workshop we teach the finest in Classical Pilates.  We work hard, but have a great time!

My initial fears: I just wanted to make sure I could pay the rent each month.

If I knew then what I know now:  I would do it all over again…the same exact way!

My favorite thing about owning my own studio:  I love having a space where I can put forth exactly what I dream:  Great Pilates in a beautiful setting.  Nothing more, nothing less.  No drama, just the goods.  I get to call the shots, so I can keep it the sanctuary that I desire.

 

Useful skills of a successful studio owner:  You have to want the business side of it.  You have to be a business person.  You can’t just be Pilates instructor. 

Services offered at my studio:  Classical Pilates - Private and Semi-Private Sessions

What makes my studio unique:  The Vertical Workshop is the training center for Power Pilates.  This means that we have apprentices.  That keeps the quality of teaching higher than anywhere else.  Plus, our apprentices teach at a reduced rate making private Pilates available to more people.

How I initially got clients in the door:  Word of mouth.  It’s precious.  If you do great work, then the word of mouth follows.

How I retain clients:  We keep our clients by understanding what the clients’ needs are:  What their goals are, what they bring to the studio that day and by progressing the client appropriately.

# of employees:  4 certified teachers, 9 apprentices

What I look for in my instructors:  My instructors must have great ability on the technical side, but equally as important is that they have great and easy-going personalities.

My greatest challenges as a studio owner/employer: There’s a Pilates studio on every corner in my part of town.  So, keeping new clients coming in is an important thing to consider on a daily basis.

My inspirations: I’m inspired by so much!  Seeing my clients’ bodies change for the better each day is  what inspires me each and every session.  Watching my apprentices grow and join this amazing community is a great thrill!  And equally as important, my daily practice. My daily workouts inspire me.  I grow through my teaching and my workouts every single day!

How I maintain my passion:  I maintain my passion by seeing every person, every session as something brand new.  It’s as though each session is a puzzle and I have to figure it out.  I have to help that client grow from the moment they walk in the door to the moment they leave.  It’s wonderful!

Words of wisdom or advice for future Pilates studio owners:  Only open a studio if you want what comes with it:  A lot more hard work.  You have to want the business side of it.  It’s no walk in the park.  It’s tough.  There are huge ups and downs.  If you really want it, it’s thrilling, but you must know what you’re getting in to.

When I’m not running my studio I’m:  Playing pool.

One question I would ask Joseph Pilates:  I have too many to write down!

My mentors:  Dr. Howard Sichel, Bob Liekens, Romana Kryzanowska, Dr. Clive Segil, Tim Millet, Germaine Salsberg

My favorite T-shirt from Joe’s Pila-T-Shop:  I have them all.  I love them all!  If I had to choose...  Got Powerhouse?  All styles!

The Pilates Journey

Muscle Madness: designing the Pilates body

It's the journey, not the destination... even in our Pilates practice.  How often do you see clients in mat class insist upon doing The Hundred with their shoulder blades barely hovering above the mat, their legs 2 inches off the ground, their abdominal muscles protruding, and their faces beet red from holding their breath?  Despite our clear explanation of the technique, the modifications we offer and our specific cues; it's as if our words fall on deaf ears.  One of my teachers used to say, "If it ain't in your powerhouse, it ain't Pilates!" 

It's unfortunate when people miss the essence of Pilates by skipping over the journey.  I often wonder why they're so impatient that they'll cheat themselves of the opportunity to develop real strength, stability, stamina and flexibility.  After all, there's no shame in doing the hundred with your legs in tabletop; especially if your powerhouse is deeply engaged.  As you get stronger, extend them to 45 degrees and scoop deeper.  Finally, when you're advanced (and only when you're advanced)... then you can perform the hundred with your legs 2 inches off the mat and actually benefit from it. 

(front-back:Shari Berkowitz, Carrie Macy, Heather Burns at The Vertical Workshop in Beverly Hills)

Teaching in a group setting is always challenging. It demands that each student take greater responsibility for their own personal practice while sharing the attention of the instructor.  It challenges their minds to discipline their bodies.  But when people are open to the journey, the benefits they'll reap from a consistent practice are innumerable.  Mr. Pilates said, "In 10 sessions you'll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you'll see the difference, in 30 sessions you'll have a whole new body". But, you have to trust the journey.

What is the Pilates Journey?  

Our journey is developing the ability to apply each of the 6 Pilates principles into our practice... during each and every exercise.  The principles should define our practice.

Centering: Initiate all movement from a strong a stable powerhouse (aka "core").  Be aware that your abdominal muscles are drawn in and up for the duration of your Pilates session. Or, do you sacrifice your powerhouse connection by working at too advanced of a level?

Control: Develop strong body awareness and manage your movement.

Concentration: Approach each exercise with focused intention.  Pilates is not just choreography or a series of tricks.  Each element of every exercise has a purpose.  Discover them.

Precision:  Strive for optimal alignment!  Form = Function.

Flow:  Make your practice fluid, dynamic and rhythmic.  It's a workout!

Breath:  Breath fully and efficiently with special attention to a deep exhale to facilitate your deep abdominal muscles.  Your movement should follow our breath.  Breath = Life. 

Enjoy your Pilates journey and...

Rock Your Powerhouse!

Kira Morris
 

Joe's Disciple: Melody McKnight

Joe's Disciple:  Melody McKnight

• Title/Position: Pilates Instructor
• Pilates Studio/Company: Pilates Studio City is my main Pilates home
• Website: www.pilatesstudiocity.com or www.myspace.com/mlmcknight
• Pilates Certifications: PhysicalMind Institute, along with various continuing education courses

• # Of years teaching: 5

• What I love about teaching Pilates: I love the people…the way my clients get excited about learning a new skill, accomplishing something they thought was impossible, or simply how they feel about themselves from the joy of movement. 

• My greatest challenge as a teacher: Staying fresh. I have to constantly put myself in check, making sure I don’t get stuck in routine.

• How I avoid burnout: Taking continuing education classes; taking other trainers’ classes; laughter and good music.

• My teaching goals: To continue growing. I love learning about “other” certifications, methods, and styles. Right now I really LOVE FLETCHER TOWELWORK™…our studio has the only class available in Los Angeles.

• How often I practice Pilates: Not enough! My goal (taken from Kira) is to do Pilates for each day that I teach. However I think (try) to carry the Pilates principles with me throughout my daily activities.

• When I’m not doing Pilates I’m… My list: being mommy to my 3 year old angel; finishing my Masters/Credential in Education; dancing with Meh-Tropolis Dance Theater; pole dancing; being with friends; on my computer; working on my Mona Vie Business

• What “Pilates body” means to me: I think it is individual. I think it is a body that is strong, confident, and proud!

• If I could ask Joe one question, it would be: How does he feel about the evolution the Method has taken? What would he change, encourage, develop?

• My favorite Pilates exercise: Short Spine... no the Long Stretch Series... ok, no... Overhead. 

• My least favorite Pilates exercise: It is not a classic exercise, but I’m not really a fan of side-lying leg exercises on the reformer. Why? When I was pregnant everyone would do these with me, and it bored me to pieces! Also, I think clients like it because it is a quick “burn” and they always want to feel this “burn”, oftentimes discrediting the really great work the total method has to offer.

• My favorite Pilates book &/or DVD: I think Rael Isacowitz of Body Arts & Sciences International has really great videos. And I have to mention Maria Leone's DVDs because she was my trainer and I think she is fabulous.

• My inspirations: My daughter, and my clients who have accomplished so much despite physical odds and limitations.

• My greatest achievement: My daughter, the completion of my Masters, and returning to my first love-dance!

• My other passions, interests or areas of expertise include: Dancing, trying new exercise trends (recently tried the Trapeze, pole dancing, and Boot Camp Classes), and I seem to be really great at being a life-long student.

• My favorite T-shirt from Joe’s Pila-T-Shop: