Archive for March, 2008

What Pilates Can Do for You!

What is The Pilates Method? The Pilates Method teaches a holistic, common-sense approach to efficient movement habits for whole-body health. Developed as a system or movement regime, Pilates training provides a variety of choices in both exercises and specialized Pilates equipment to help reinforce good movement habits, lying down, seated, kneeling, and standing. Everything you learn about how to move your body with the Pilates exercises can be practiced during other sport & fitness activities. New habits learned during Pilates workouts can also be reinforced during daily life activities.

Joseph Pilates believed that, “Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.” A sound mind in a strong body gives us the tools necessary to live life to the fullest. If you’re looking for a fitness program that is fun, challenging, develops balance and control, provides total body conditioning, improves posture and breathing, helps reduce stress, and has a strong focus on a combination of core strength and flexibility - read on to learn more about what the Pilates can do for you!

Improving Posture with Pilates

Just a quick thought…  While improving posture may or may not be on the list of goals Pilates participants, it might be because posture improvement isn’t what they want, but rather the BENEFITS of correcting bad posture, which include:  Reduced back and neck pain, less stress on all the body’s joints (spine, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles), easier breathing in daily life & sport activities, shoulders that are no longer wrapped around the ears, ease of movement for daily living - walking, stairs, standing, sitting in front of the computer, driving, enhanced recreational & sports performance, and reduced risk of injury.  

Healthy Feet, Exercise & New Shoes

As you improve  foot fitness it’s important to invest in new shoes.  Old shoes will reinforce your old posture habits.  Evaluate what’s sitting in your shoe closet.  If your shoes aren’t helping your feet feel better it’s time to toss them out, or donate worn but not worn-out shoes to your favorite charity.

Eliminate your risk for foot pain with exercise, and treat your feet to the support they deserve with good-fitting, comfortable, supportive shoes.”

Pilates Studio Owners - Grow Your Business with Profit-Rich Marketing

If you are a Pilates Studio owner and interested in learning more about how to find, attract, and keep more customers, increase sales & profits, and create effective marketing materials that get results - I highly recommend attending Ford Saeks’ Profit-Rich Marketing Mastery Event in Orlando, FL on April 25-27. 

As Pilates Teachers we attend conferences & workshops for continuing education to keep us sharp on our teaching skills, but what have you done lately to continue your education for strategies to effectively grow your business? 

Aliesa George - Official Guide Expert for Pilates on www.Selfgrowth.com

I’m thrilled to be the Official Guide Expert for Pilates at Selfgrowth. If Selfgrowth hasn’t crossed your resource radar yet… it’s an excellent place to find articles, information, and experts on all sorts of topics from Success Skills, Relationships, Health & Fitness (my category!), Money & Careers, Mental Health, Spirituality, and Diet & Nutrition. If looking for wellness resources - This is the place to go! Check it out at http://www.selfgrowth.com/

Pilates Core Conditioning - Dr. Suess Exercise Teaching Cue for Ab Workouts

I’m always looking for great new Pilates Teaching cues.  Here’s the one that came to me this week - thanks to a client who had a big number three on the front of her shirt. Good images for cueing can come from anywhere! 

Do you remember reading Dr. Suess as a kid?  One of my favorite stories was the Starbelly Sneetches.  And how wonderful that that star is in the perfect spot to think about pulling the abdominals in for support and Core Control.

Here’s my tribute to the great Dr. Suess from a Pilates perspective!

Contradictions & Questions

What a great question I received by email this week! And Oh MY….are there contradictions in the world of Pilates. I can’t pretend to know all the answers, and I am always interested in learning more and improving my understanding (as well as my ability to pass on correct information to my students.)

Here’s my best advice to all teachers & students out there….

Centerworks Pilates Workshops in Little Rock, AR - April 2008

I’m excited to be traveling back to Little Rock for 2 days of Pilates Workshops, April 18 & 19th, 2008. These courses are geared towards participants and open to teachers. If you’re looking for a little fine-tuning on your technique, or the chance to learn a few new exercises, you won’t want to miss this opportunity! To download a copy of the flyer and/or register online, visit www.CenterworksPilates.com/littlerock2008.html

Free Resources From Centerworks For Pilates • Foot Fitness • Whole Body Health. Go To Download Directory.