Posts Tagged ‘Health’

Imagine…Life Without Feet!

“Foot for Thought…”Beautiful and healthy legs, feet, ankles, arches, and toes

As an author and advocate for foot care. And having learned the hard way with some serious foot pain issues as a competitive gymnast when I was a teenager. I’ve been on the bandwagon to spread the word about the importance of healthy & happy feet.

So last night I was thinking…what life would be if we didn’t have feet? And here’s what I came up with…and how things might be different if for some reason things changed and our feet became obsolete.

Pilates and Pregnancy: Exercise Guidelines – Resources for More Information

Darlene Asks about Pilates and Pregnancy…

Dear Aliesa,

I am teaching a Pilates class and one of the participants has
told me that she is pregnant. She has been doing Pilates for
a while and is strong and knows her limits, but I am looking
for a resource where I can research the limitations and
contraindications for a pregnant participant.

Can you recommend some reading or a website I can rely on
to give me correct information? This is a mat class only.

Thanks very much for your help,

Darlene

Great Question Darlene!!!

You’ll find a few guidelines for Pilates & pregnancy in the PMA Pilates Certification Study Guide. If I remember correctly, Dawn-Marie Ikes did a session or two on this topic at the PMA conference in 2005 & 2006, it was great information. If you have access to a copy of the course outlines for either of those years, I think you’ll have the info you’re looking for. You might check on the PMA website for Dawn-Marie’s contact information www.PilatesMethodAlliance.org and request info directly from her.

Health Benefits, Fun and Fitness with Nintendo Wii Fit

Wii Fitness…  What Fun!

I may be a bit behind the times when it comes to enjoying the fun and benefits of all the new interactive video game products on the market – like the Nintendo Wii Fit…  but recently my techno-geek boyfriend purchased a Wii Fit for home.  (He’s had one at work since they first hit the market.)  Being a bit shy about actually getting a computer to do what I want, for me is intimidating, never mind the hand-eye coordination it takes to “win” a computer game…..I was never any good at these games as a kid.

I have to admit my extreme skepticism about the benefits of staring at a TV screen and using a computer game for fitness.  But am always excited to hear about new ways to inspire and encourage people to increase their exercise and activity level, and ANYTHING that people enjoy doing that involves movement can be a great way to improve health and fitness.

How to Find a Great Pilates Teacher

I’m frequently asked for referrals from people across the country (and the world) in search of a Great Pilates Teacher or Pilates Studio that they can check out and take Private Pilates lessons and join group Mat and Pilates equipment classes.

Here are a few frequently asked questions, and Five Tips to find a Great Pilates Teacher near you:

Pilates Training and Peripheral Atrophy

I recieved this question about Pilates training by email today, thought it relevant for a blog posting:

Question: Is Pilates appropriate for someone with peripheral atrophy? Balancing is becoming more & more difficult so yoga is no longer an option. If appropriate, please tell me where I might find a certified teacher/instructor. Please advise.

Answer: I do not feel it’s appropriate for me to answer this with a specific yes, or no – because I’m out of my scope of practice to recommend Pilates for a specific person, with a specific medical issue. (Especially someone I’ve never seen or worked with!)

However, here are my personal thoughts on the subject:

Touch for Health & PKP Kinesiology

I’ve been off the blog-wagon for the past few weeks, and am now on the band-wagon to spread the word about the benefits of Kinesiology and Touch for Health! To continue my education in Mind-Body wellness – I’ve enrolled in a series of workshops this year to learn muscle testing and body balancing techniques, that I hoped to incorporate into my Pilates teaching. Little did I know what new realm of knowledge I was about to step into…

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/

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.