Joe's Pila-T-Shop

SmartSpine Works... It Really Does!

Muscle Madness: designing the Pilates body

The sweet smell of lavender wafted into my booth all weekend at the Body-Mind-Spirit Conference.  We were in perfect proximity to SmartSpine (TM), designed by Marie-Jose Blom-Lawrence.  You may know of her as the founder of Long Beach Dance Conditioning, a comprehensive Pilates Certification center. 

According to the company, “SmartsSpine is designed to ease the bio-mechanical challenges of the spine during simple core exercises, requiring the use of deep abdominals, while also simplifying teaching and cueing techniques”.  Through my limited experience, it seems like a comprehensive system of neuromuscular re-education; providing clients with greater kinesthetic awareness through intelligently positioned bolsters and pillows that are heated and scented with lavender.  Clients re-discover how to move from a place of optimal alignment.

The element of heat is so instrumental because it facilitates the release of hypertonic muscles; allowing the body to recruit muscles that tend to be dominated by what I call muscular “control freaks”.  For example, there’s a long flat bolster for the spine that I had the luxury of melting into.  The release of my para-spinal muscles was one that I happily surrendered to as a laid calmly on the Cadillac amidst the bustle of conference attendees.  Then, with the gentle pull of the handle on the sacral end of the bolster, Lisa Perry of Kinesphere Studio in Phoenix,  added the most glorious traction to my spine which was undoubtedly compressed from 3 days of standing at my booth. The, oh so sweet, organic lavender (optional) calms the mind and allows you to focus more inwardly on the experience.   The same bolster was placed horizontally across my ASIS bones to aid in the release of my hip flexors.  I did “knee folds” with the genius cue of “let your thigh bone sink back into your hip socket and hover your foot slightly off the mat”.

(Lisa Perry of Kinesphere Studio guiding me through my first experience with SmartSpine)

The work went straight into my deep abdominals and iliopsoas muscle.  Then I increased the range of motion with the same intention, which intensified the work… in all the right places.  VOILA! Then, the hip flexor stretch…!  I sat with my ischial tuberosities (sits bones) right at the front edge of the Cadillac and rolled onto my back hugging one knee into my chest.  The other leg dangled off the edge of the table and my hip was wrapped with the heated bolster.  Heat and gravity alone provided such an amazing release in my hip flexors. 

I experienced all this goodness with  just one of the many anatomically designed bolsters such as the Sacral Wedge (which you see coaxing my pectoral muscles into submission), Arch Tubbies, and the Cervical Disc.

These are perfect tools for those who teach Pilates in rehabilitative settings.  Although they don’t fit into the Pilates Studio model where I currently work; as a massage therapist, these would be ideal for preparing muscle tissue for deep, specific work.  I always love learning about new tools that aren’t mere gimmick; but are designed intelligently and have a real purpose in designing the Pilates body.  Thanks Marie Jose for your never-ending passion for training instructors to be body workers and helping clients experience life more fully in their bodies!

Rock Your Powerhouse!

Kira

Inspiration Through Artistry

Feel Good Fridays: Inspiration Through Artistry

While at the BACE Pilates Grand Opening Party, I ran into an old friend who offered me two tickets to see Complexions, and incredible contemporary ballet company, at the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion.  My immediate reaction was, "I'm far too busy to take time out for a show".  Before my lips could even form the words, "No thank you", I had to stop myself.  "Wait a minute!  When was the last time you've seen a show?"  So, I accepted her generosity, accepted the 2 tickets and invited a friend I haven't seen in ages.  Here's a glimpse of the phenomenally inspiring show I saw.  Talk about having complete mastery over your body.  Theses dancers awed me with their complete abandon, freedom of expression and total control of their bodies in the intricate and fast-paced choreography that had me out of breath in the balcony!  Yes, it made me miss the stage a little.  But more than anything, it made me appreciate those who commit themselves to excellence... at whatever they do.

Rock Your Powerhouse!

Kira

Michael Fritzke & Ton Voogt Rock My Powerhouse!

Scoop of the Week: Michael Fritzke & Ton Voogt Rock My Powerhouse!

I love it when Pilates workshops cause me to look at Pilates or my approach to teaching from a whole new perspective.  I love being introduced to "brand new" exercises that weren't included in my two comprehensive certifications, such as Mr. Pilates archival work.  I love it when I get to train with the Masters; those with years of experience for whom teaching almost seems effortless.  It's inspiring to be around Master Instructors who teach with simplicity yet challenging specificity.  They seem to have the perfect verbal and touch cues for every exercise.  Plus, experience has granted them a huge arsenal of Pilates vocabulary ranging from pre-Pilates to the super-advanced and archival exercises.  And they always seem to know exactly which ones to utilize at the appropriate time to best benefit the progress of each individual they teach.  Definitely something to aspire to.

In the meantime, I enjoy studying with the Masters.  2 of my faves are Michael Fritzke and Ton Voogt who I just had the luxury of training with last weekend at In & Up Pilates, a boutique studio in Silver Lake, CA. 

The day started with a TRIADBALL MAT CLASS.  It was an invigorating, innovative use of a slightly deflated ball that challenges just how committed you are to  "hugging your midline", how deep you're  "scooping" your Powerhouse and how stable that pelvis is!  The Triad ball is not only a great way to intensify workout for experienced clients, but it's extremely useful in helping newer clients achieve deeper connections to the muscles of the Powerhouse even while doing "fundamental/pre-Pilates" exercises. 

(L-R: Robin & Stephanie, owners of In & Up Pilates/ Ton/ Me/ Michael -holding TRIAD Balls)

Next was Michael & Ton's BUILDING BLOCKS WORKSHOP.  I loved the analogy they used in the beginning of the workshop to illustrate the importance of looking at the body as Joseph Pilates did - as a single mechanism.  Mr. Pilates believed that everything in the body is connected.  Therefore, he designed his exercise system to balance the entire body and help it function more efficiently. 

Ton compared it to looking at a painting.  When you get up close to a painting, you notice one small detail that contributes to the beauty of the artwork.  But it's not until you back up that you can see the painting as a composite of many details that create it's beauty.  When a client walks into the Pilates studio complaining of shoulder pain, that's 1 small detail within the entire mechanism that might be compromised.  Although pain might be present in the shoulder, something as distal as their right foot might be implicated in the kinetic chain that alters the stability of their shoulder girdle.  As Pilates instructors, we don't diagnose or try to "fix" the shoulder.  We simply help clients gain greater control of their entire mechanism; through strength, stability and control.  Our "big picture" approach will help their body support the shoulder girdle and hopefully create a pain free body. Love the wisdom behind that!

Afterwards, we practiced the "Building Blocks" of Pilates, the Fundamental exercises that help clients understand the principles and philosophies that create the common thread in Mr. Pilates system.  They establish the importance of:

• breath-work and utilizing our full lung capacity.  We even got to play with the Breath-A-Cizer!

(The Breath-A-Cizer)

• How to access our Powerhouse
• How to work the spine in all planes of motion for flexibility with stability
• How to strengthen the neck
• How to create scapular and pelvic stability and mobility
• How to build strength in the intrinsic muscles of the hands & feet

(The Toe-Cizer)

(The Foot Corrector)

Yes, Mr. Pilates was THAT detailed!  We got to experiment with the Breath-A-Cizer, the Toe-Cizer, the Sand Bag (not pictured) and the Foot Corrector. I loved how all of the exercises we did represented the  essence of the movement principles known to classical Pilates exercises.  Even the "fundamentals" can provide a kick-butt workout!

Last of the workshops was the CADILLAC ARCHIVAL SEMINAR.  Mr. Pilates taught each individual based on their needs.  Therefore, he taught each of his proteges a version of an exercise that was right for their body.  That's why, today, we have many variations on a theme.  From the roll back bar to the push thru bar, plus the leg springs and the arm springs; we learned different variations of some of the most common exercises and why they were created for different bodies.

I know, that's a lot of information for 1 day.  I'm still absorbing it all.

Rock Your Powerhouse!

Kira

Breathe and Scoop: Part 2

Joseph Pilates: quotes from a genius

"Lazy breathing converts the lungs, figuratively speaking, into a cemetery for the deposition of diseased, dying, and dead germs as well as supplying an ideal haven for the multiplication of other harmful germs." -- Joseph Pilates

Mr. Pilates was such a firm believer in the importance of efficient breathing that he even created a small piece of apparatus to increase lung capacity, the Breath-A-Cizer.  It's rarely seen in today's Pilates studios or incorporated into our certification programs but it's a phenomenal testimony to his genius and his understanding of the importance of breath.

(Breath-A-Cizer from Gratz Industries)

I got to test one out at a recent workshop I took with Michael Fritzke & Ton Voogt, hosted at In & Up Pilates in Silver Lake, CA.

(L-R: owners of In & Up Pilates, Robin & Stephanie. Ton, ME, Michael)

First of all, I have to tell you that Michael & Ton are two of my ABSOLUTE favorite Pilates instructors.  They were two of my original teachers in the mid-nineties in NYC.  And what I love about them is that they have an incredibly vast knowledge and understanding of Pilates, drawn from years of studying with just about all of our Pilates elders.  They were even Teacher Trainers for Romana Kryzanowska. They teach with such humility and humor without losing the efficacy or integrity of the work.  They truly embrace the teachings that come from all of Joe's protegees including Romana, Kathy Grant, Lolita San Miguel, Carola Trier, Eve Gentry, Ron Fletcher etc; and without bias.  It is absolutely refreshing and enlightening to be in their presence.

Anyway, back to the breath-a-cizer.  They introduced it to us in their Building Blocks Workshop that primarily presented Pre-Pilates exercises or what Kathy Grant would call "Before the Hundred".  It was interesting to blow through the straw and see just how long we could sustain the spin of the metal pinwheel.  And it was even more interesting to challenge the use of our breath during exercises like the Roll Up on the mat.

(Julia Miller, Equinox Pilates Instructor, testing her lung capacity)

(Michael Fritzke assisting Robin doing the Roll Up w/ the Breath-A-Cizer)

Have you noticed a certain point during the Roll Up that clients get "stuck"?  It's usually the point when they hold their breath.  As a result, their spine becomes rigid and loses it's ability to articulate off the mat. The breath-a-cizer serves as the perfect reminder to BREATHE; especially during the most challenging part of the exercise.

I just might run to the .99 store and pick up my own bootleg version of the Breath-A-Cizer for my mat classes, the good 'ol pinwheel.  The real thing costs $75. 

Click here for Part 1 of this article...

Rock Your Powerhouse!

Kira

Carrie Macy's BACE Pilates: The Grand Opening!

Joe's Disciple: Carrie Macy continued...

(me w/ the owners of BACE Pilates, Alex Estornel & Carrie Macy)

Last week's Pilates teacher feature was Carrie Macy who recently partnered with certified Personal Trainer, Alex Estornel, in launching a phenomenal new twist on a classical Pilates studio, BACE Pilates.  I was one of the lucky invitees to the Grand Opening party on April 10th which was sponsored by Moet Hennessy and featured a live DJ and an art installation by renowned photographer, Jasper Johal.

(the event drew a crowd!)

(Jasper Johal w/ guests and some of his stunning portraits)

To me, walking into their 2nd floor studio of the Samsung Building on Wilshire Blvd is reminiscent of a stunning SOHO loft in NYC.  The large open space is equally raw and elegant with polished concrete floors, exposed pipes and huge windows; juxtaposed with beautiful imported wood furniture and fudge brown PEAK equipment.  I think they have about 5 Reformers, 6 Towers, 2 Wunda Chairs, 1 Electric Chair, 1 Cadillac and 1 Pedi-Pole.  Oh, and of course all of the barrels, Magic Circles, balls props and accessories any studio owner could dream of.  Besides the equipment studio, behind these gorgeous doors is a group fitness room...

This is where they offer a full schedule of Pilates, Yoga and their signature BACE classes.  According to their website, BACE is a combination of the "key essential tools and skills from Pilates, power yoga, martial arts and cardio-resistance conditioning in one!  BACE is a fluid, heart pounding, plyometric and isotonic technique that will have your body in optimal shape in no time at all."  Sign me up!

At the Grand Opening, however, their group fitness studio served as the perfect dance floor where we got our groove on for hours...

Carrie and Alex were the perfect hosts.  I wish them the utmost success in building their studio, establishing their brand and fulfilling their dreams! 

Thanks for a fun night, guys!

Rock Your Powerhouse!

Kira

Keeping Up With the Pilates Frenzy

 I've been in a Pilates frenzy since you last heard from me, say, 1 week ago.  I don't even think the word "busy" is descriptive enough to explain my life recently.  While still trying to acclimate myself to my new position as the Pilates Coordinator at Equinox Woodland Hills, I'm already planning my first big event there... Pilates Day on Saturday, May 3rd.  I'll tell you all about it soon!  It's going to be so much fun!!!

Plus, Joe's Pila-T-Shop is preparing to exhibit at the Body-Mind-Spirit Confernce next weekend.  It's one of our favorite conferences and it's always fun meeting our customers face to face.  I can't wait to debut our 2 latest, never been seen before T-shirts! Plus we're offering 40% off select styles at the Friday Night Sale. 

On top of that... I feel as if I have so many events to catch you up on.  Stay tuned to this week's blogs about the fabulous Grand Opening party at BACE Pilates (co-owned by last week's featured studio owner, Carrie Macy).  And be sure to read about the full day of workshops I attended on Sunday at In & Up Pilates  with 2 of my very first (and favorite) Pilates Instructors Michael Fritzke and Ton Voogt.  It's been an exciting whirlwind.

I've truly missed writing daily.  It's my catharsis.  So it feels great to be back at my computer with all this stuff waiting to spill out of my brain and pass through my fingertips.  Thank you so much for reading my blog and sending your comments.

Rock Your Powerhouse!

Kira


 

Joe's Disciple: Carrie Macy

Joe's Disciple:  a weekly Pilates teacher feature

Name: Carrie Macy

Name of My Pilates Studio: BACE Pilates

# of years open: 1 ½ months!

Website: www.bacepilates.com

My Certifications: Pilates, Inc. (Romana Krysanowska) and Power Pilates

# Of years teaching: 8

My inspiration for opening my own Pilates studio:
After teaching all around Los Angeles and London at different studios and managing two  Power Pilates studios at Equinox, I had all the necessary experience to open my own studio. But it wasn’t until I met my business partner, Alex Estornel, that I had the inspiration and excitement to do so. His excitement and positive energy about life matched mine and what we are starting to build has endless possibilities!

My vision/mission for my studio is: To create an environment that nurtures growth and creativity in everyone that comes into the space, from teachers to clients. To grow national and then international with our studios and training program for our own fusion technique, BACE. And to empower our clients and teachers to feel strong, confident, and healthy.

My initial fears: Getting enough money. We had to work really hard to secure enough funds, as neither of us was independently wealthy.

If I knew then what I know now: Well, I’m not too sure I have enough hindsight to answer this! It’s only been 3 months since we even found the studio space!

My favorite thing about owning my own studio: That I get to do anything I want to! All of the ideas, inspirations that were thwarted when I worked for someone else can be let loose and used at BACE!

Useful skills of a successful studio owner: Bookkeeping knowledge, managerial skills (knowing how to work well with your employees so they stay happy working for you), marketing ideas galore,connections to well-connected people, forward thinking, thinking out of the box.

Services offered at my studio:

• Private and semi private Pilates
• Personal training lessons
• Tower classes
• Cardio Reformer classes
• Pilates mat classes
• yoga classes
• and BACE group classes (a combination of yoga, Pilates, and cardio weight lifting).

What makes my studio unique: Our all inclusive approach to fitness – melding together the dynamic, effective elements of Pilates, yoga, and cardio. Taking a unique and refreshing approach to regular Pilates classes, like Cardio Reformer, Latte Pilates, and Extreme Pilates.

How I initially got clients in the door: Used the previous studio owner’s database to advertise our opening specials. Guerilla marketing – going to all the stores along Wilshire and La Brea (where our studio is located).

How I retain clients:

• Have someone available to answer the phone more often than not.
• Make clients feel appreciated and special when they come in by greeting them by name and seeing how they are doing.
• Being consistent with available teachers and class times.

# of employees: 15

What I look for in my instructors: Passion for life and movement. A true understanding of the elements and aspects of Pilates that they can articulate with compassion to their clients. A personable personality. Intelligence.

My greatest challenges as a studio owner/employer: Coming up with effective marketing techniques, keeping cash flow going.

My inspirations: My dance training, my first Pilates teachers (Jacqui and Bill Landrum), my business partner (Alex), my friends, and my own passion.

How I maintain my passion: Keep myself open to always learning something new, and experiencing new things.

Words of wisdom or advice for future Pilates studio owners: Maintain balance in your life – don’t sacrifice yourself, physically and/or mentally for your studio.

When I’m not running my studio I’m: exercising, dancing, and enjoying my friends over a cappuccino!

One question I would ask Joseph Pilates: Are you crazy?!

My mentors: Jacqui and Bill Landrum

My favorite T-shirt from Joe’s Pila-T-Shop: The “Got Powerhouse” one that is white with black stripes on the arms (3/4 length sleeves). Like a sports jersey.

To read about the Grand Opening Party at BACE, click here!

Body-Mind-Spirit Conference '08

Scoop of the Week: Pilates Stuff I Love!

And... the countdown begins.  The countdown to the Body-Mind-Spirit Conference from April 25-27th at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Northern California.  This will be Joe's Pila-T-Shop's second time exhibiting there. We had so much fun the first time around that there was no way we were going to miss another go of it.  Michael (my hubby & business partner), Brooklyn (our Boston Terrier) and I will pack up the truck and head North with our Pilates tees in tow. 

The conference attracts some of the best Pilates educators; offering informative, innovative and creative workshops.  And, lots of small businesses within our niche industry are represented on the exhibit floor; from apparatus and certification programs to clothing and wellness products. There are always fun events like the wine & cheese party, the Friday night sale (where Joe's Pila-T-Shop will be offering 40% off select styles) and live performances.  I soak in the excitement from the confines of my 10X10 booth.  I love it when people stop by to shop and share all the great stuff they've learned.  Plus, it's just fun to meet our Pilates community, hear about Pilates in their local community, their training, their approaches to teaching and their opinions on everything Pilates...   We're such an incredibly diverse group of people representing one method.  How cool is that?

I'll be sure to BLOG all about the conference and share photos for those of you who will be missed.  I hope to see you there!

Rock Your Powerhouse!

Kira

Joseph Pilates Had A Dream

Joseph Pilates: quotes from a genius

"Time and progress are synonymous terms -- nothing can stop them -- the truth will prevail!  My work will be established and when it is, I will be the happiest man in God's Universe.  My goal will have been reached." -- Joseph Pilates

I sometimes wonder what Mr. Pilates would think if he saw the extent to which his work has spread.  There are Pilates enthusiasts across the globe and, in some US cities, Pilates studios are popping up on every corner like Starbucks.  It's truly phenomenal to be part of the demystification of Mr. Pilates highly developed system of exercise.  After all, there's a reason why it's endured decades.  To add further testimony to the efficacy of his work is the fact that members of the the medical community have embraced Pilates as both preventative and rehabilitative.  To the general public, this adds credence to what we do.

The other day, I was talking with a potential Pilates client who asked about the benefits of Pilates.  Before I could even respond, one of our clients piped in and raved about how Pilates completely changed her body and helped to eradicate pain that even physical therapy didn't accomplish for her.  I'm sure her testimony would thrill Mr. Pilates. 

As Pilates instructors, we are channels for distributing Mr. Pilates work.  When we do so with integrity and compassion for our clients, "the truth (of his work) will prevail!"  Kudos to our ever-growing community for helping Mr. Pilates fulfill his dream.

Rock Your Powerhouse!

Kira

Joe's Disciple: Alyssa Kahn

Joe's Disciple: a weekly Pilates teacher feature

Name:
Alyssa Kahn

Title/Position:
Pilates Instructor

Pilates Studio/Company:

Power Pilates @ Equinox Santa Monica

Website:
none

Certifications:

Power Pilates - Comprehensive Certification
Power Pilates - Beg. Mat Certification & Cont. Ed. Courses

# of years teaching:
4 years

What I love about teaching Pilates:

It gives me a connection to people that I cannot find doing other forms of movement. Plus, I know that I am helping people keep their bodies strong and healthy!

My greatest challenge as a teacher:

Balancing my full-time job with teaching. I’d love to teach more, but can’t fit in the hours.

How I avoid burnout:

Constantly mixing up the workouts that I teach. Challenging myself during my own workouts to find new and inventive ways to cue clients. Paying attention to the partners that I teach around to pull inspiring new cues from them!

My teaching goals:

1.)  To be a well-rounded teacher using many influences in my teaching. 2.) To be an inspiring trainer for my students and 3.) To be constantly focused on the well-being of the people that I teach.

How often I practice Pilates:

At least 3 times per week.

When I’m not doing Pilates I’m…

working full-time as a Recruiting/Delivery Manager for a company called Aerotek. I’ve been there for almost 8 years! Spending time with my husband and our friends.

What “Pilates body” means to me:

A strong, healthy core and spine (inner strength).

If I could ask Joe one question, it would be:

???????

My favorite Pilates exercise:

The series of 5. There is no greater way to tone and shape your abs. The simplicity of the movements in combination works for ALL bodies.

My least favorite Pilates exercise:

Airplane with leg springs – it’s my nemesis!! I know that it’s an incredible shaper and toner of the legs and works so many body parts at once, but its VERY challenging.

My favorite Pilates book &/or DVD:

I think that both Power Pilates and Mari Winsor have excellent ‘first-time’ teaching videos, for beginners looking to learn the method. 

My inspirations:

I am inspired to keep myself, my core and my spine, fit and healthy and help to bring wellness and advice to the people that I teach and those in my life!

My greatest achievement:

Completing my Comprehensive Certification while working full-time. It was an incredibly long year – but worth every minute. I love being a Pilates teacher and am proud to say that I’m in the Pilates community.

My other passions, interests or areas of expertise include:

Recruiting/Sales (my day job), Reading, Travel, Exercise, Socializing & Shopping!!

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

Ribbed Tanks – they’re a perfect fit!