Tuesday 12 November 2013

The #Grateful Post

I actually really like this Facebook tradition that my american friends keep, of posting something every day in November that they are grateful for as part of Thanksgiving.

My style is to do it all at once, but hey, I do like reading everyone's posts and being happy for the gifts they experience daily.

I'm thankful to be in a profession that not only affords me a good living, good health and good fun but allows me to work with and inspire others.

When I started out as a Pilates teacher, I didn't quite appreciate just how profoundly the work can change a client's life and how those changes could change me.  I'm grateful for every client that has come through the doors as they've all allowed me the opportunity to take something for myself, in terms of communication, empathy, joy and support.

Having the beautiful space to practice in is just icing on the cake (or whipped cream on my pumpkin pie, in keeping with the Thanksgiving theme).

So yeah, for me, I have a lot to be thankful for at this moment.  Let's keep it going.

Thursday 7 November 2013

#Pilates Exercise to Love: Magician


If you are not standing taller after performing Magician on the Cadillac, you are not doing it right my friends!

I love love love this exercise.  It tones the abs, strengthens the back, and really works the bum and hamstrings!   

Taking Leg Spring Supine to a whole new level, it's as challenging as it is fun for the advanced client.  

If you love this one, just wait until you get to the super advanced exercises...

-D

Monday 4 November 2013

#Pilates Roll-Up. Yep, we love it.

The #Pilates Roll-up is a classical mat exercise that challenges the abs and is a great exercises to perfect coordinated breathing.

Balancing abdominal strength with spine mobility is essential - if this is the exercise that makes you swear in your Pilates class.  Yes, your teacher can hear you.

Instead of buying your lovely teacher ear plugs or therapy, here are some things you can try:

Try the same action but in reverse, with control.  Rolling down is a bit easier than rolling up.  Give it a try!

You can also then try rolling up, but instead of starting with legs extended like the handsome guy to the in the picture, bend your knees so your feet are flat on the floor.  As you roll up, extend your legs out to the end position.  Voila!  You'll be rolling up in no time!

Remember that forcing your abdominals to contract is not going to allow for the mobility that you need to master this mat exercise.  Give the modifications a try and let me know how it goes...

-D



Friday 1 November 2013

Love Exercise Again!

Why do you work out?

Most people head to the gym or go for a run when they feel they need to lose some weight or to tone up for a special event like a wedding or after baby.  But you hate running and going to the gym so you find yourself with a membership a few months down the road without much change in your weight.  What next?

I love London for a lot of reasons.  One of them is that there are endless opportunities to find fitness that you will -gasp- love!  From ballroom dancing to hula hooping to joining a frisbee club, it's all waiting for you.

If you're in an area of the world where there isn't as many opportunities, create them!  With social media outlets like MeetUp, you can create an event and like-minded people will show up to get fit.

There's no real prescription for fitness.  It's important to be as active as you can as often as you can and not make yourself or those around you crazy by doing it.  By starting out slow and doing activities that you love, you soon be looking for excuses to "work out"!

Fitness is not one-size-fits-all.  Find what you love and do it for fun.  You'll lose the weight and have a great time...