Joe's Pila-T-Shop

Joseph Pilates' Advice on Progressing Clients

Joseph Pilates: quotes from a genius

"...beginning with the introductory lesson, each succeeding exercise should be mastered before proceeding progressively with the following exercises.  Make a close study of  each exercise and do not attempt any other exercise until you first have mastered the current one and know its routine down to the last detail..." -- Joseph Pilates 

One of the most challenging elements about the art of teaching Pilates is knowing how and when to progress clients.  How can we keep them challenged, interested and excited about coming to the studio while training them in a way that truly "develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirit". 

I was so intrigued by this quote that I had to dig a little deeper into Mr. Pilates words and marinate on them.  He said that each exercise should be "mastered"...
To identify whether or not a client has truly "mastered" an exercise I generally look for the following clues:

1. centering
2. concentration
3. control
4. precision
5. flow
6. breath

Yep, I ask myself whether or not they're applying good ol' Pilates principles to each exercise in their session?  If not, I ask myself what I have to do as a teacher to give them this true Pilates experience?

Something else I try to remember is to make each exercise increasingly challenging by layering my cues.  For example, once clients have mastered the ability to initiate the Footwork Series on the reformer from their powerhouse and sustain their scoop through each repetition, I shift the focus to working with a neutral pelvis.  Once they can keep their powerhouse scooped and pelvis in neutral, I add the detail of "hugging your midline".  Once they can "scoop their powerhouse", maintain neutral pelvis and "hug their midline", I add cues for their shoulder girdle.  I love it when clients have little "AHA!" moments because they're experiencing the same work with much deeper connections.

Also, when I focus on the details, clients are less inclined to beg for "harder" exercises.  They get so much satisfaction out of mastering what they know.  Once they've got the "heart and soul" of Pilates in their body (the beginner system) it's so much easier to "progressively" add intermediate exercises to their session because they have such a strong foundation to build upon.  Plus, all of that work serves as a magnifying glass to see clearly what their body needs next from Pilates.  I ask myself which exercises I can add that will help bring uniformity to their body?  Based on the way the way they move, I look for exercises that might increase lumbar flexion/ articulation, thoracic extension, pelvic/scapular stability, spinal rotation, leg strength, arm strength etc. etc.   I believe that critical thinking is the key to make intelligent choices while training our clients; choices that will change the way they look, feel and move in their bodies.  It should never be as easy as picking an exercise out of a hat. 

As Pilates instructors, it's helpful to create lesson plans for our clients, just as school teachers do.  Then, their training isn't haphazard.  It's a strategically planned program designed specifically for them that enables them to develop proficiency in the work and move forward in gradual stages.

Rock Your Powerhouse!

Kira

Joe's Disciples: Local Power Pilates Studios Give Back to Community

Joe's Disciples: Power Pilates Instructors of Santa Monica & Westwood give back

I was fortunate enough to be part of a similar Power Pilates event held on Pilates Day '07 to benefit St. Jude Children's Hospital.  Quite honestly, I had never done Pilates outdoors before and absolutely nothing compares to a vigorous Pilates workout beneath the blue sky with the cool ocean breeze relieving you from the heat of the sun.  Curious people spontaneously stopped their leisurely strolls to participate in Pilates Mat classes and generously donated to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  It was an incredibly satisfying day.  I'm so happy Nicole Dowell, the local Power Pilates studio manager, is continuing the studios' tradition of giving back to the community with fun events on the beach.
 

PILATES IN THE PARK EVENT TO BENEFIT ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
SANTA MONICA, CA – Enjoy a free 45-minute Pilates mat workout among the breeze of the ocean and the warm sun on Sunday, June 1st sponsored by Power Pilates.  Open Mat Pilates Classes will be given by certified Pilates instructors from 8am until 12:30pm in Palisades Park on Ocean Avenue between Montana and Palisades with donations accepted to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.   No experience is needed.  In addition, Power Pilates has partnered with O2MAX Fitness to offer two unique and exciting fitness classes for teens at 11:30pm and 12:00noon.

(Power Pilates Instructor, Alyssa Kahn-Hoffman, teaching on the beach)

All classes are free to participants, but donations made will help raise funds for children of the world who are stricken with diseases like cancer, AIDS and Sickle Cell Anemia.  St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases.   Founded by the late entertainer, Danny Thomas, and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world.  No family ever pays for treatments not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay.

Power Pilates is a New York-based classical style Pilates teacher-training program with studios located in Santa Monica and Westwood.  O2 MAX Fitness, located also in Santa Monica, offers fitness programs designed specifically for teenagers.

For more information about this event, please call Power Pilates at 310-587-2409 or email [email protected]. Find more details on O2Max Fitness at www.O2MaxFitness.com.  For information on St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, please visit www.stjude.org.

Here are some teachers you can look forward to taking class with or training alongside of (They also happen to be huge supporters of Joe's Pila-T-Shop!):

Shari Berkowitz
Director of West Coast Education for Power Pilates/Owner of The Vertical Workshop

   

Jordan Gawinski
Power Pilates, Santa Monica

Eric Valdes
Power Pilates, Westwood

Rock Your Powerhouse!

Kira

In Defense of the Classical Pilates Method

Muscle Madness: designing the Pilates body

Today's BLOG was influenced by the unfortunate great debate in our Pilates community -- Classical vs. Contemporary Pilates.  This debate has sparked some really inflammatory comments recently on forums such as Pilates-Pro.  So much so that I wonder... can't we just get along?  Can't we just embrace our differences and learn from one another?  Many opinions I've read are clearly not based on a solid understanding of each approach to Pilates.  They merely sound defensive and accusatory.  I am certified through a Classical Pilates program and a Contemporary one and will always choose to educate myself from both "sides".  However, what I choose to teach is Classical Pilates because that's what resonates with me the most.  Here's why:

For me, Classical Pilates is a challenging workout that is simultaneously rehabilitative.  For me, there is no great divide between Classical Pilates and therapeutic bodywork.  Afterall, its Classical Pilates that healed just about every joint in my body and sustained my 15 year career as a dancer/aerial artist.  The absolute intelligence behind the original work of Mr. Pilates' exercise system, "corrects wrong postures" and "restores the body".  That's why people used to go to Joe and "get fixed" at his NYC gym way back in the late 20's-late 60s.  It has always been an exercise system with more than just aesthetic value. It's always been an exercise system that honors the integrity of the entire body and it's need to function as one harmonious mechanism. My understanding is that Mr. Pilates' aim was to help people move more efficiently in their bodies during their regular daily activities.  The more I explore the Classical work, I realize I don't have to stray too far from it to help clients achieve their health and fitness goals; whether they want to tone up, lose weight, relieve themselves of chronic pain or prepare themselves for their next triathalon.  There is so much room for creativity within the Classical system that the work can accommodate the most de-conditioned client to the super-advanced. 

Some within our Pilates community have this notion that Classical Pilates is rigid and formulaic with its beginner, intermediate and advanced systems.  For Joe, there was no formula.  He taught for the body in front of him.  But his approach to each individual was based on decades of study of the human body and an equal amount of experience working with everyone from injured war veterans to dancers, boxers and business professionals.  A certification program of 6 months to 1 year in no way supplies us enough knowledge, understanding or experience to be as proficient as he.  I view our beginner, intermediate and advanced systems as a template for understanding how to progressively and systematically design Pilates bodies using the vast work at our disposal.  Dividing the work systematically challenges us to think critically.  What exercises should my client be proficient in before I introduce, say, Short Spine, on the Reformer?

Or, once my client understands the concept of initiating and sustaining movement from the powerhouse, what exercises on the Cadillac might I introduce to challenge pelvic stability?  Or, if my client needs more lumbar flexion, thoracic extension, scapular stability, leg strength, arm strength, balance, flexibility, stamina... which exercises might I introduce on the Reformer, Cadillac, High Chair, Wunda Chair, Barrels, Ped-i-Pole or with the Magic Circle (which are usually available in a Classical Studio because of the understanding that Pilates includes all of the apparatus designed by Mr. Pilates).

I've heard others in our community complain that everyone can't do Classical Pilates.  I often wonder why they think that.  I don't feel as if we're limited to teaching the "ideal" version of each exercise without accommodating for the individual needs of each client.  For example, many beginners simply can't do the "traditional" version of The Hundred.  I've had clients who can't coordinate the pumping with the breath.  For others, I have to modify the exercise in other ways, perhaps keeping their feet flat on the floor.   The goal is always the same, however; to train them towards the "ideal" version of the exercise. 

Or, depending on the needs of the client, I might also have to consider the goal/intention of the Classical exercise and modify it temporarily so that they can reap similar benefits until the ideal can be executed.  For example, how many beginners can truly do the full Roll Up?  Forcing them to do it before they're ready has little value because they'll recruit all the wrong muscles and won't benefit from the spinal articulation.  Oftentimes I'll start with the 1/2 Rollback which focuses on spinal articulation from a seated position with knees bent, feet flat on the mat and hands firmly on the backs of the thighs for support.  Next, I'll progress a client to the Roll Up from a supine position with knees bent and ultimately, the Classical version of the exercise.  I'll be sure to include the Roll Back on the Cadillac in each session because it's an ideal way to help them discover the role of their powerhouse in creating spinal articulation.

As I mentioned above, I am certified through both a Classical Pilates program (East Coast) and a Contemporary one (West Coast).  I'm an eternal student and welcome knowledge from all schools.  My teaching has undoubtedly been influenced by all of my training including a lifetime of dance and my studies as a licensed massage therapist and Active Isolated Stretch Technician. Everything I do; from dance, to aerial art and yoga deepens my understanding of the Universal principals of movement and alignment and informs my teaching.  Every client I train brings me greater clarity.  Yet my goal is always the same; to teach Pilates with the greatest amount of integrity I can and to help all of my clients attain their health and fitness goals using the Classical Pilates Method.  I think we end up teaching what resonates with us the most and, for me, that's Classical Pilates.  I absolutely love it !

There is greatness in what we do, no matter the approach we take.  We are getting people to move.  And in today's sedentary society, that's imperative.

Rock Your Powerhouse!

Kira

The Salt Glow @ Burke Williams Spa

Feel Good Fridays: giving back to self

After a whirlwind month that included exhibiting at the Body-Mind-Spirit Conference, hosting a Pilates Day Event at Equinox Woodland Hills, having our first trunk show (I don't think I told you about that yet) etc. etc... I owed myself BIG TIME.  I felt stressed from the inside out.  Lucky for me, I've been sitting on a generous gift certificate to Burke Williams Day Spa.  So generous, that I got to share it with my husband, Michael.

Because I'm uberly-picky about massage, I opted for a Salt Glow Treatment while my husband went for the Deep Tissue/Sports Massage.  I started my day's indulgence with a hot shower followed by a muscle melting hour in the sauna, steam room and jacuzzi.  Then, Amanda (my spa technician) invited me into the wet room where multiple shower heads were raining upon the massage table.  She asked for me to test the temperature of the water.  After my "okay" she turned off the water and left the room while I got on the table.  The minute she introduced the shower to my prone body... I was down for the count.  I need to have this fancy contraption in my house along with a resident spa technician.  Everyone should shower on their belly.  It's THAT divine!  I think she began the treatment with exfoliating mitts; vigorously massaging my body.  Then, she massaged hot oil on my body followed by the methodical salt scrub that was both invigorating and relaxing.  Back to the downpour... that heavenly downpour.  She repeated the process supine and the whole treatment lasted 25 minutes.  The horizontal shower alone is worth the return, but Amanda was fabulous as well.

The day of "indulgence" was a simple reminder to give back to self.  Work is SO much easier after a little treat.  We all deserve a little pampering.

Rock Your Powerhouse!

Kira
 

Toe Sox Rock: meet the designers

Scoop of the Week: Pilates Stuff I Love!

Joe and Christina Patterson are the husband/wife duo behind the creative Toe Sox brand that have become a wardrobe staple for so many of us Pilates enthusiasts.  They were the first vendors to greet us at the PMA Conference in 2006 where Joe's Pila-T-Shop made its debut and, like us, are regulars on the Pilates Conference circuit.  I've always been inspired by their success as a couple and the fact that they dared to think outside of the box; educating themselves about everything from design and fabrication to the  specific needs of the Pilates/Yoga community.  They believed in their idea, took a risk and found success.  Read their story below:

What exactly are Toe Sox?

ToeSox are a 5 toed sock with a rubber dotted non-slip sole.

Why are Toe Sox an important part of a Pilates wardrobe?

Three main reasons; Safety, Hygiene and Toe articulation. The non-slip sole provides slip free security on any apparatus and during mat workouts. ToeSox provide a hygienic barrier against warts, fungus and bacterial infections. The toe compartments prompt the wearer to articulate their toes thereby strengthening the muscles in their feet and increasing blood circulation.

 What inspired your idea for Toe Sox?

Christina and I were taking a series of yoga classes at a community center. We noticed that several of the women were wearing normal socks during practice even against the advice of the instructor. These ladies were having trouble with slipping during their practice but refused to take off their socks. I had been wearing toe socks for years with my flip flops when the weather was cold and the idea just hit us to put a rubber dotted sole on the bottom of toe socks. This way the user could still articulate their toes as if they were barefoot but now have the advantages of a sock.

 Did you have previous experience in manufacturing socks?

No.

What did you do prior to creating Toe Sox?

I worked in sales for a large company that manufactured construction materials and Christina was a teacher at Pierce College.

What convinced you that this would be a successful entrepreneurial endeavor?

We knew it would be a success when we showed our samples to various yoga and Pilates studio owners. Their reaction was enough to tell us that this was a good idea and a much needed accessory.

How long did it take from concept to manufacturing your first pair of Toe Sox?

The process took a year and 9 months from concept to receiving our first shipment. 

What were the important elements you were looking for in creating the perfect pair of Toe Sox?

We wanted a very comfortable sock that fit the entire foot like a glove or second skin without moving or twisting on the foot. The rubber sole needed to bend and flex with the movement of the foot without hindering your practice. Accessories work best when they operate as an extension of your body and not a hindrance.

We know that imitation is the best form of flattery. Newer companies are now emerging with similar products. What makes your product so unique?

I think that ToeSox address the issues of comfort, hygiene and durability better than the competition. We are the only toe sock made with organic cotton in six sizes that covers the entire foot. Each of our sizes only covers 2 shoe sizes, for example our small fits women shoe sizes 6-8. This makes for a better fit and the sock does not move or twist as much as our competition. Hygiene is becoming an increasingly important issue and many studios are implementing mandatory sock policies. These studios require that socks cover the entire foot as opposed to having the toes stick out of the ends. The organic cotton yarn that we are using is extremely comfortable and very durable. Now that our patent has been issued, hopefully ToeSox will remain unique.

How did you first market your Toe Sox?

We launched a website and started contacting teacher training certification programs for Pilates. We then placed ads in both Yoga Journal and Pilates Style Magazine. 

In your opinion, what is the most effective way of marketing a new product to the Pilates community?

Teacher training programs and continuing education conferences are the best way to get your product out to instructors and clients.

(Joe & Christina assisting customers at a Pilates Conference)

 What do you love about owning your own company?

In a word, Flexibility. The ability to work on projects that interest us and to do it on our own schedule.

What are the greatest challenges to entrepreneurship?

Wearing all the different hats that running a company requires can be overwhelming. You have to be part accountant, salesperson, researcher, designer and much more.

At what point did you feel like you had achieved success?

When we were able to dedicate all of our energy into ToeSox and quit our day jobs.

Where do you see your company in 10 years?

We are in the process of developing new products in a variety of industries. In 10 years I expect that we will have a whole line of ToeSox that caters to many different activities niches.

Where can people buy Toe Sox?

You can visit www.toesox.com  and purchase all our products online or call us at (877)486-3769. Check your local studio they may have them in stock as well.

Does your company offer anything other than Toe Sox?

When we had our son, Quinn, we were inspired to start a line of baby clothes. Our Itty Bitty Gear line features original artwork and a comfortable fit for babies and toddlers.

What is your favorite T-shirt from Joe’s Pila-T-Shop?

Anything camouflage and the new RED long sleeve – Flow Like Joe.

 

Pilates Day '08: Eye-Opening Revelations

Joseph Pilates: quotes from a genius

"Time and progress are synonymous terms--nothing can stop either.  Truth will prevail and that is why I know that my teachings will reach the masses and finally be adopted as universal."
-- Joseph Pilates

Happy belated Pilates Day! People around the country celebrated the life and work of Joseph Pilates and his wife, Clara, on Saturday, May 3rd.  My celebration was an eye-opening experience as to the extent that Pilates has (and has not quite) reached the masses.   You see, I tend to live in a Pilates bubble.  I have a Pilates t-shirt company, a daily Pilates Blog, I teach Pilates and manage a Pilates studio at Equinox Fitness.  Plus, I attend lots of conferences and workshops and surround myself with people who, like me, LOVE Pilates.

As the Pilates Coordinator of Equinox Fitness in Woodland Hills, I couldn't wait to join the rest of the studios around the country in celebrating Pilates Day.  I knew it would be the perfect opportunity to help establish our Pilates presence at the club, educate people about Joe and have them dying to sign up for sessions with our fabulously trained and highly skilled Classical Instructors. 

Tell me if I'm wrong, but I would think that any Pilates enthusiast would jump at the opportunity to start their Pilates Day with Pilates Mat Class, followed by raffles that included Pilates Style Magazine subscriptions, Joe's Pila-T-Shop T-shirts, Toe Sox, GAIAM Pilates props and DVDs starring Ana Caban! (Thanks to the above companies and Ana Caban for their generous donations) Then, a 45 minute Magic Circle Mania workshop and MORE raffles.  Then... an interactive workshop of exercise progressions using the Electric Chair and the Wunda Chair and STILL MORE raffles.  Plus... a viewing of historic footage of Joseph Pilates.

I was hoping to see club members scrambling for mats and magic circles... but they weren't.  Yes, our classes were well attended for a beautiful and sunny Southern California Saturday.  And, yes, people were greatly appreciative of their amazing prizes.  But, what I had envisioned was, perhaps, a little ambitious for a club that is merely 1 month old and where the majority of members still have no concept of Pilates.  Yes, within the fitness club context, the number of Pilates enthusiasts is few and far between.  Most people have no idea that Pilates is a workout let alone understand it's relevance within the fitness industry. 

As Pilates professionals, we can't imagine our lives without Pilates.  But for the average public, they have no idea why they need Pilates in their lives.  Yes, Pilates enthusiasts are over 11million strong worldwide but, as I'm learning in the fitness club setting, we've still got a way to go to help Mr. Pilates fulfill his dream.  I learned a lot this Pilates Day.  I have greater perspective from which to build the Pilates program at Equinox.  I have to think outside of my Pilates bubble and build the program from the perspective of the general population.  But it's my intention to convert as many as I can into Pilates enthusiasts who will scramble for private, semi-private and group sessions in our beautiful , 2nd floor studio.

Rock Your Powerhouse!

Kira

Joe's Disciple: Gin Gavran

Joe's Disciple: a weekly Pilates teacher feature

Name:
Gin Gavran
Title/Position:
Pilates Instructor, Yoga Instructor, Z-Health Movement Coach
Pilates Studio/Company:
Z-Health Performance Solutions
Website:
ZHealth.net, Pilates site is under construction.
Certifications:
Core Dynamics Pilates, Sivananda Yoga, IPSB Massage Therapist, Z-Health
# Of years teaching:
11years

What I love about teaching Pilates:

I love moving and helping other people move better! I love getting to know my clients and helping them reach their goals.

 My greatest challenge as a teacher:

My greatest challenge is having the same energy for every client…I want to give the best, but 6am and 8pm can be my challenge.

 How I avoid burnout:

I avoid burnout by always continuing my education. Whether that’s taking privates, a yoga class, or going away to other certifications. On a personal note, the scrub at the Korean Spa can help anyone forget their troubles J

 My teaching goals:

In the next year I will be finishing my Master’s Program with Z-Health. This will help my teaching and already has improved it. I feel like I can see exactly what each client needs and more importantly doesn’t need. I hope to start a more complete and wholistic approach to assessing and helping my clients reach their goals.

How often I practice Pilates:

I practice 2-3 hours a week.

 When I’m not doing Pilates I’m…

Running around taking care of my business, studying, hanging out with my dog and my friends, surfing…

 What “Pilates body” means to me:

A strong, healthy, well-balanced body.

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

I would ask Joe what he would be doing and studying today.

 My favorite Pilates exercise:

My favorite exercise is Snake/Twist.

 My least favorite Pilates exercise:

My least favorite is Long Splits…I tore my Adductor Magnus doing it cold..my own fault!

 My favorite Pilates book &/or DVD:

Not sure of the title, but there’s an old video Michele Larsson showed me of Eve Gentry teaching her last class. I just love her so much.

My inspirations:

Personally, my great grandmother. Professionally, Dr. Eric Cobb.

My Greatest Achievement:

Driving across the country and starting my own business in .

My other passions, interests and areas of expertise include:

My other interestes inclued painting, travel and surfing.

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

My favorite T is my long sleeve camo with Contrology Freak on it.

 

 

 

Body-Mind-Spirit '08: Views from our booth

Muscle Madness Mondays: designing the Pilates body

Pilates professionals and enthusiasts from around the world converged upon the Santa Clara Convention Center for the Body-Mind-Spirit Expo, to hone their skills at designing Pilates bodies and experience workouts led by some of the leaders in our industry.  Conferences always seem to validate the work that we've dedicated ourselves to and inspire us to continue excellence.  I love that under one roof, you can take advantage of continuing education from instructors representing all the major Pilates Certification programs to independent instructors with decades of experience and insight from their work with our Pilates elders. I love meeting all the visitors we get to the Joe's Pila-T-Shop booth who scoop up our tees and share what they've learned.

Here are some photos from our experience.  Click on the photos to enlarge:

(That's me at our booth flanked by our brand new Flow Like Joe tee on the left and the Flow Like Joe tank on my right that was featured in both SHAPE Magazine & Pilates Style)

(The ladies of Studio Z Pilates  shopping for tees... lots of tees!)
 

(Here's a couple of tees they scooped up.  Check out our Flow like Joe tee in scarlet with gold foil.  It was such a huge seller, it just might not hit the website!)  

(We spotted an attendee wearing our "Got Powerhouse?" burnout tee.

(One of our biggest supporters and great friend, Shari Berkowitz wearing our "Got Powerhouse?" tee)

(PEAK MVE Chair Workout)

(Andromeda & Kelly of Pilates Sport Center Certification program, promoting their new Jump Board DVD)

Rock Your Powerhouse!

Kira

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