Monster Truck Rallies!

Well well well....never been to a monster truck rally.

Picture on the right is from a production of Crazy For You at The Bigfork Summer Playhouse in Bigfork, MT in the summer of 1996. What a glorious summer that was...I am using my Core strength to punch Drake. My hair is also using it's Core strength. I wear the chaps for my Tuesday classes....gets me tips.

Tons of classes today! 2000 lbs worth. Lots of energy, lots of monologuing by yours truly. Lots of people. Loud music. Had 5 classes alone today. I sometimes wonder where I get the energy for that many but it never fails me. I love what I do. Simple as that. I don't know any other way to do it.

Song of the Day: Send Me an Angel by The Scorpions

Once again the boys from Germany have landed on my exclusive Song of the Day list. They were notified and were reported to be extremely excited!! This song is on the tail end of my latest Pilates mix and always comes on when we are almost into the cool down. Kind of that space in between where we finish some intense planks and move into stretching. It is more of a moody power ballad that chills the mind and ignites the heart. So let's hear it for the Scorpions!! Well done my friends!

Why do Pilates? (hold on...there are lots of reasons courtesy of Pilates.com)

The Benefits of Pilates

A refreshing mind-body workout

Pilates gets your mind in tune with your body. By emphasizing proper breathing, correct spinal and pelvic alignment, and complete concentration on smooth, flowing movement, you become acutely aware of how your body feels, where it is in space, and how to control its movement. The quality of movement is valued over quantity of repetitions. Proper breathing is essential, and helps you execute movements with maximum power and efficiency. Last but not least, learning to breathe properly can reduce stress.

Build 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.

Develop a strong core - flat abdominals and a strong back

Building on the principles of Joseph Pilates, Pilates exercises develop a strong "core," or center of the body. The core consists of the deep abdominal muscles along with the muscles closest to the spine. Control of the core is achieved by integrating the trunk, pelvis and shoulder girdle.

Create an evenly conditioned body and prevent sports injuries

In conventional workouts, weak muscles tend to get weaker and strong muscles tend to get stronger. The result is muscular imbalance - a primary cause of injury and chronic back pain. Pilates conditions the whole body, even the ankles and feet. No muscle group is over trained or under trained. Your entire musculature is evenly balanced and conditioned, helping you enjoy daily activities and sports with greater ease and less chance of injury.

Learn efficient patterns of motion

Pilates exercises train several muscle groups at once in smooth, continuous movements. By developing proper technique, you can actually re-train your body to move in safer, more efficient patterns of motion - invaluable for injury recovery, sports performance, good posture and optimal health.

Be confident and safe

No other exercise system is so gentle to your body while giving it a challenging workout. Many of the exercises are performed in reclining or sitting positions, and most are low impact and partially weight bearing. Pilates is so safe, it is used in physical therapy facilities to rehabilitate injuries.

That is all for now. Big class at Golds in the morning and then a massage. Excellent! Muscles need some good flushing after all that work. I recommend that everyone get at least one massage a month to keep your muscles working properly. If you can't afford that many then marry or date someone who is a therapist :-)

Sean Vigue
www.Mr-Fitness.org
"Trainer to Thousands!"

Maverick: What's your problem, Kazanski?
Iceman: You're everyone's problem. That's because every time you go up in the air, you're unsafe. I don't like you because you're dangerous.
Maverick: That's right! Ice... man. I am dangerous.

From Top Gun