Want to know another benefit of practicing Pilates?
Pilates builds strength without "bulking up" - gain long, lean muscles and flexibility. Conventional workouts tend to build short, bulky muscles - the type most prone to injury. Pilates elongates and strengthens, improving muscle elasticity and joint mobility. A body with balanced strength and flexibility is less likely to be injured. Add smooth, sleak definition to your muscles and be the envy of all your friends with Pilates!
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Want to know another benefit of practicing Pilates?
Pilates builds strength without "bulking up" - gain long, lean muscles and flexibility. Conventional workouts tend to build short, bulky muscles - the type most prone to injury. Pilates elongates and strengthens, improving muscle elasticity and joint mobility. A body with balanced strength and flexibility is less likely to be injured. Add smooth, sleak definition to your muscles and be the envy of all your friends with Pilates!
Pilates builds strength without "bulking up" - gain long, lean muscles and flexibility. Conventional workouts tend to build short, bulky muscles - the type most prone to injury. Pilates elongates and strengthens, improving muscle elasticity and joint mobility. A body with balanced strength and flexibility is less likely to be injured. Add smooth, sleak definition to your muscles and be the envy of all your friends with Pilates!
Monday, November 13, 2006
Posture is Power
I teach many different group exercise classes and enjoy the nuances of each. There is nothing like a "pure" Pilates class and I relish teaching them. I am going to feature many of the benefits of Pilates (and believe me there are MANY) in these blogs. It is my hope that you brave the tide and try a class...you will not regret doing so.
Pilates improves Posture. Good posture is a subject of paramount importance to people from all walks of life. Good posture yields more energy because it means we're not fighting gravity. Poor posture, on the other hand, results in a vicious cycle of deteriorating health due to unnecessary strains on your joints and organs. Take a moment to think about how your posture affects the way others perceive you, and how you perceive yourself. The person who carries themselves effortlessly conveys to those around them that they are confident, attractive, and intelligent. Improving your posture with Pilates has the potential to enhance everything from you personal relationships to your career.
Pilates improves Posture. Good posture is a subject of paramount importance to people from all walks of life. Good posture yields more energy because it means we're not fighting gravity. Poor posture, on the other hand, results in a vicious cycle of deteriorating health due to unnecessary strains on your joints and organs. Take a moment to think about how your posture affects the way others perceive you, and how you perceive yourself. The person who carries themselves effortlessly conveys to those around them that they are confident, attractive, and intelligent. Improving your posture with Pilates has the potential to enhance everything from you personal relationships to your career.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Pilates and your Golf Game
Here is a great article on why ALL golfers must get themselves into Pilates Classes ASAP! Pilates will dramatically improve your golf game on EVERY level!
Golfers getting into swing of fitness regimen By Jill Lieber, USA TODAY
Of all the professional athletes doing Pilates, golfers have adapted to it the fastest. Pilates disciples include David Duval, Annika Sorenstam and Kelli Kuehne. Other devotees are Andrew McGee, Carin Koch, Grace Park and Betsy King, who have been trained by Angela Sundberg, owner of Bodyscapes in Scottsdale, Ariz. A Pilates program has helped Annika Sorenstam dominate women's golf.
By Alastair Grant, AP "Pilates is about focus, and so is golf," Sundberg says. "Pilates is also about movement from the center of the body, using all of the muscles of the body, and so is golf. Pilates allows golfers to move differently."
Sarah Christensen, owner of the Orchid Pagoda Studio in Fairfax, Va., has seen Pilates have a profound impact on her clients who golf. So she has created a golf-specific Pilates exercise program for every level of golfer that's taught in resorts and golf clubs throughout the country. She also has written a manual with golf-specific Pilates exercises that can be done at home and on the course. "Your golf pro can say, 'Swing this way.' But you won't be able to do that if your body can't do that," she says. "By doing Pilates, you can make corrections to your body — strengthen the core, increase flexibility, build stability in the pelvis and shoulder girdles, balance both sides of the body, which will allow you to hit it farther, straighter and more accurately."
She is so sold on this training method that Christensen has filed a trademark application for the term "Pilates for Golf" and certifies instructors in her program. Christensen says there's another reason Pilates for golf works so well, especially for the pros.
"I hate to say this, but a lot of pro golfers get a lot out of Pilates because they probably aren't in as good a shape as pro football, basketball or baseball players," Christensen says. "Only in the last few years have pro golfers found fitness."________________
Golfers getting into swing of fitness regimen By Jill Lieber, USA TODAY
Of all the professional athletes doing Pilates, golfers have adapted to it the fastest. Pilates disciples include David Duval, Annika Sorenstam and Kelli Kuehne. Other devotees are Andrew McGee, Carin Koch, Grace Park and Betsy King, who have been trained by Angela Sundberg, owner of Bodyscapes in Scottsdale, Ariz. A Pilates program has helped Annika Sorenstam dominate women's golf.
By Alastair Grant, AP "Pilates is about focus, and so is golf," Sundberg says. "Pilates is also about movement from the center of the body, using all of the muscles of the body, and so is golf. Pilates allows golfers to move differently."
Sarah Christensen, owner of the Orchid Pagoda Studio in Fairfax, Va., has seen Pilates have a profound impact on her clients who golf. So she has created a golf-specific Pilates exercise program for every level of golfer that's taught in resorts and golf clubs throughout the country. She also has written a manual with golf-specific Pilates exercises that can be done at home and on the course. "Your golf pro can say, 'Swing this way.' But you won't be able to do that if your body can't do that," she says. "By doing Pilates, you can make corrections to your body — strengthen the core, increase flexibility, build stability in the pelvis and shoulder girdles, balance both sides of the body, which will allow you to hit it farther, straighter and more accurately."
She is so sold on this training method that Christensen has filed a trademark application for the term "Pilates for Golf" and certifies instructors in her program. Christensen says there's another reason Pilates for golf works so well, especially for the pros.
"I hate to say this, but a lot of pro golfers get a lot out of Pilates because they probably aren't in as good a shape as pro football, basketball or baseball players," Christensen says. "Only in the last few years have pro golfers found fitness."________________
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Bouncing back from Childbirth
Hello everyone,
Here is an article I put together about losing those unwanted pregnancy pounds in a safe and healthy way. Enjoy!
Getting back in shape after childbirth
Many new moms expect to fit right back into their clothes after giving birth but this is seldom the case. The nine-months of pregnancy, delivering the baby and the healing after can take a tremendous toll on the body that will produce unwanted extra pounds on your once sleak and toned body. Now you are not only taking care of yourself but a tiny newborn. Juggling this along with other family pressures can pull you in many different directions and keep you from focusing on your own body.
You must strike a balance of getting yourself back into shape and caring for those around you. A great way to start is to focus on healthy eating and slowly starting to add exercise into your routine. As always any exercise should be approved by your doctor.
Six weeks after giving birth you will have your postpartum checkup. Your doctor will examine you and give you the thumbs-up when it is safe to begin exercising.
The best exercise to start with is walking. Walking is something you can do while pushing the stroller around the neighborhood. Start slowly and listen carefully to what your body is telling you. Your body will let you increase as it is ready. Learning to listen to your body is key to optimal health. Other exercises such as running, swimming and rollerblading can be added as you feel healthier and stronger. Set up a schedule of doing cardio three times a week for at least 30 minutes at a time.
Weight training may be added as well. Again start light and progress as you feel your body becoming stronger. Weight training is recommended three times a week.
Working-out to a video or DVD is a great way to squeeze in exercise without having to leave the house. There are many excellent videos available in stores or online.
When breastfeeding you may be selective about what you eat but don't crash diet. Always eat when you are hungry and consume extra calories to produce enough milk. A good rule of thumb is to eat at least three nutritious meals a day. Also drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Remember that working-out is not only good for your body but also your mental health. Scheduling time for you to exercise is so important to keep you energized and focused. Do not get discouraged. It took nine months to put on the weight; give yourself permission to allow at least nine months to lose it.
Source: "Losing Weight after Giving Birth" by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.
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