Pilates will get you through the holidays

The cold weather and holidays are upon us.  For many people, this time of year means bundling up with a cup of cocoa, spending time with friends and family, and enjoying lots of fantastic food.  This can also translate to extra stress and extra pounds.

You’ve heard of the fantastic benefits that come with a regular Pilates practice – toned and lengthened muscles, improvement in your posture, lengthening of your spine, and a strong core.  Now’s your chance to experience it for yourself!  Take an hour out of the week to do something for yourself this holiday season -  Classic Form Pilates is leading a 6-week intro to Pilates course at the North End Studio.  You’ll learn the fundamentals of the Pilates method – breathing, centering, control, and how to properly access those deep core muscles.

The class is sure to challenge you and inspire you.  You’ll get through the holidays with a little bit more peace of mind, and fewer pounds on your body.

Class starts Tuesday, November 3, and runs for 6 weeks (no class Thanksgiving week).  5-6 pm  $75 for the entire course.

The North End Studio is located at 294 N. Winooski Ave (corner of Winooski and Archibald) in Burlington, VT.

Contact us for more information, and to register your space!

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I need my Pilates!

I just had a glorious, and much needed, vacation.  Living in New England, October is a wet, cold and dreary time of year.  The brilliance of the autum leaves has changed to just plain brown, and things are starting to look dead.  So it was with eagerness that I jumped on the plane and headed out to sunny Los Angeles, where I used to live.

While I was there, I had every intention of visiting a few Pilates studios and taking some classes.  I had researched which studios I wanted to go to, which teachers I wanted to work with, and I had a plan.  You know what they say about the best laid plans…?  I was so caught up in visiting with old friends, getting reacquainted with old haunts, and generally being a tourist in this great city that I ditched my daily Pilates practice.  For 5 days.

Now, mind you, two of those days were travel days – running around in various airports, lugging bags around and eating awful food.  But the other 3 days I spent walking around the city (that’s right, I was walking in Los Angeles), so I was able to justify (in my own mind) that I was getting a workout, so it was ok to skip Pilates.

Well, it wasn’t.  By day 3, my body was aching and sore in so many places.  My arms felt heavy, my shoulders and neck felt tight, my back felt wrenched and twisted, my hips felt completely out of whack… it was preposterous!  By the time I went to bed on my last night there, I couldn’t bend over at the waist, my lower back hurt me that much.  Now, granted, I was walking a lot.  And I had carried a heavier-than-usual bag with me.  But to have my body respond that severely, that quickly, to it’s lack of Pilates… I was impressed.

I flew home late Monday night.  Tuesday, I pulled out my mat and theraband and Magic Circle and had a great workout.  Almost instantly, I could feel my bones and joints falling back into place.  It was magical.  My shoulders relaxed and fell back into place.  My hips almost popped back into alignment (not literally, but it felt like it).  The pain that I had in my lower back disappeared before I was finished with my Ab Series.

Our bodies need Pilates.  It’s that simple, and I truly believe it.  Even without the travel and lugging bags and endless walking, we put our bodies through a lot, every single day.  Even if you spend your days sitting at a desk, you’re still asking an awful lot from your body.  Our bodies want to move, to stretch, to twist and reach.   So many people live with compensatory pain, whether it’s from an injury or from a misalignment.  I want to shout “Try Pilates!”, and help them find some relief.

One of my favourite things as an instructor is to see the look on someone’s face when they “get it.”   They feel it in their bodies, whatever “it” is – maybe it’s a subtle movement shift in their hips, or a repositioning of their shoulders, or the tactile feedback of a wall behind them as they do a Roll Up.   But their eyes light up, and I can tell that they’ve discovered something new.

So, I make this promise now, with you all as witnesses.  I will never again allow my Pilates practice to be dispensable.  No matter where I am or what I’m doing, I will be faithful to my Pilates practice.

Now this means that I have to go back to sunny Los Angeles to visit those studios and teachers… maybe in the cold of a New England winter…?

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Stretch for the Cure

During the month of October, we’re bombarded by pink.  At first it was a small, inocuous pink ribbon.  Somewhere along the way, it took over.  We have pink cooking utensils, pink clothes, pink shoes, pink tools, pink books, pink pens, pink planters, pink Vespas (OK, this one is kind of cool), even pink for your pet!  Even the NFL is getting into the pink action with their pink cleats and gloves.

The awareness of and support for breast cancer is tremendous.  But before you buy that package of pink M&Ms at the store, consider taking a Pilates class.  Join us for the 3rd annual Stretch for the Cure classes, and you’ll be doing something good for your body and supporting breast cancer education.  All proceeds from these classes will be donated to two fantastic organizations:

• Be Bright Pink is a national organization whose mission is to “enlighten and empower high risk individuals to take control of their breast and ovarian health by providing education, support and a sense of community for a better, brighter future.”
  
• The High Risk Breast Program of Vermont is a clinical program with a focus intended to promote early detection and prevention of breast cancer through screening, treatment, education and research.

Stretch for the Cure classes will be held at the North End Studio (294 N. Winooski Ave, Burlington), and are a suggested donation of $15.  Classes are Thursdays – October 22 and 29, at 7:15 pm.

We are also proud to be a presenter at the Vermont Breast Cancer Conference on October 24.   We will be leading a class in the morning, and talking about how Pilates can help you take control of your body.

For more information about these, or any, of our classes, please contact us via email or call us at 802-598-2469.

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Classical versus Contemporary

Does it Really Matter?

Perhaps you’ve heard the words classical, true, and pure to describe Pilates.  Or how about contemporary, modern or fusion?

The popularity of Pilates is growing by leaps and bounds.  According to a recent study by the IDEA Health and Fitness Association, attendance and interest in Pilates classes in gyms and fitness centers has grown 70% since 2000. This has led to a surge in the number of classes offered by these gyms, as well as in yoga and Pilates studio, community centers and schools across the country.  With the vast array of Pilates classes available, you may find yourself wondering what the difference is, or even if there is a difference.

There is a difference

Classical Pilates (also referred to as authentic, real or true Pilates) is Pilates in its most pure, unadulterated form.  It is the way Joseph Pilates intended for the method to be performed.  Proponents of Classic Pilates hold true to the original writings of Joseph Pilates, maintaining historical accuracy and technical precision in their teaching.  This form of Pilates honors the legacy of Joseph Pilates’ teachings, and his commitment to promoting and preserving vibrant health, improving quality of life and dedication to excellence.

Those who teach Contemporary Pilates believe that the knowledge and understanding of body mechanics and biophysics have improved and changed so drastically that the method needed to be updated and modified.  This is often referred to as the “next generation” of Pilates.  Teachers of this method agree that Joseph Pilates was a man ahead of his time, but that change is necessary for today’s population.

Which is Best?

Both styles of Pilates teachings have their merits.  I have primarily studies, trained and been certified in Classical Pilates (through Power Pilates), so this is the form of the method that I am most familiar with and more comfortable with.  It is what I practice when I do Pilates, and it is where I see the best results in my clients.  However, I have also studied contemporary forms of the method (and received teaching certification from IMX Pilates).  There are times when it is necessary to modify an exercise for the safety of a client, and we believe that even Mr. Pilates would agree with that.

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Real Men Do Pilates

I had two men in my mat class this morning.  It’s always different teaching to men than it is to women.  Not in a bad way, mind you – just different.  I do love it when guys are willing to throw off any preconceived notion they may have about Pilates being for girls, or for dancers, or for bored housewives, or celebrities.

The truth is, Pilates was developed by a man, for men, and with men in mind.  Joe Pilates created his method to help rehabilitate prisoners of war – these men were soldiers.  They were tough and burly.  Joe himself was a boxer and wrestler, and he used his method to help train other boxers and wrestlers.

Top athletes such as Tiger Woods, Lebron James, Jason Kidd, Kobe Bryant, Curt Schillling and Ruben Brown are all fans of Pilates.  Pilates helps them stay on their game, and prevent injuries.  In fact, the New Jersey Nets of the NBA have come to rely on Pilates as part of their training to such an extent that they have invested in adding specialized Pilates equipment to their weight room.

A lot of men think that getting in shape comes from lifting weights, doing more reps, and generally getting stronger.  The trouble with the typical “pumping iron” workout is that you’re building bulk, but losing balance, length and flexibility.  I recently started working with a client who does hard physical labor for hours at a time as part of his job.  He is in good shape, and muscular, but is one of the tightest people I’ve ever met.  Pilates, in his particular case, will stretch him out, making him more flexible and less susceptible to injury.   Pilates emphasizes work that corrects muscular and movements that are supported by a strong core.  By strengthening your core, performance in other sports and activities will be enhanced.  Men who incorporate Pilates a regular part of their fitness routine have found that they have greater flexibility, increased range of motion, and improved accuracy.

So, the next time you’re looking for a workout, stop by one of our mat classes or schedule a private session.  Pilates is for everyone.

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Blending Pilates and Yoga

I have recently started taking yoga classes again after a years-long hiatus, and it feels great!  I have found my daily Pilates practice to flow with more ease, my stamina is up, and I don’t think it’s a coincidence.  It has made me think of the combination Pilates/Yoga classes that are popping up everywhere.  There are distinct similarities between the two methods, but they are also their own distinct and complicated disciplines.

Created nearly 100 years ago, Pilates is first and foremost a muscle conditioning system.  Initially used to rehabilitate injured prisoners of war during World War I, Pilates stretches your muscles, creates strength without bulk, increases flexibility, and improves posture.   The key focus in Pilates is on your core stabilizing muscles, correcting muscle imbalances and alignment of the spine. Pilates is a dynamic form of exercise – rarely are positions held, and movements flow into each other with fluidity and grace.

Yoga, on the other hand, is an ancient form of movement based on the Eastern idea of energy moving through your body.  If energy is able to move freely, then you will be healthier.   But it is also deeply rooted in Eastern forms of meditation, and has a strong holistic and spiritual side as well, with a goal of helping practitioners achieve enduring happiness.  The postures are static – you hold them for a period of time – and are aimed at balancing your mind.

They are very complementary of each other – both increase your flexibility, stability and balance.  The mindfulness gained by doing yoga can help you find focus when you are struggling with your Teaser.  Conversely, using Pilates principles of strengthening your core muscles can help you get through the Boat series in yoga.

At the end of the day, movement is important, regardless of whether you do yoga or Pilates.  I prefer to keep the modalities separate, so that I can fully reap the benefits of each.  I’ll continue to do my daily Pilates routine, and I’ll also plan on being at yoga class next week.

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We are not cookie-cutters

The other day while sitting in a sterile waiting room, I was looking at the September issue of Glamour magazine.  There was an article about being comfortable in your own skin, and it featured a photo of a “plus size” model named Lizzi Miller.  (By the way, I hate the term plus size model, but that’s another post.)

The article was good, encouraging women to focus on their best features and ban negative language when it comes to their bodies.  What caught my attention, though, was the photo of the model, because she looked real – a beautiful woman, clearly comfortable with her body, and it wasn’t the emaciated figure that we see on most models.

When I got home I decided to learn more about Lizzi Miller and it turns out that the photo has caused quite a stir across the internet.  Lizzi has had appearances on the Today Show and CNN.  This has clearly struck a chord with people.  It got me thinking about body image and Pilates.  While some people definitely do lose weight and develop a “better figure”, Pilates is really about being comfortable with you.  In the process, you will gain better posture, flexibility and possibly more toned muscles, but it’s really about feeling better in your own skin.

So, thank you Lizzi Miller for being comfortable in your own skin, and for sharing it with the world.  I hope we all can join you there someday soon.

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Minerva and Exercise, or The Myths of Pilates

Along with the increasing popularity of Pilates, myths and misconceptions about the method have also increased.  Many of these misconceptions are based in reality.  Here, we will break down some of the most common claims made about Pilates.

Doing Pilates will give you a Six-Pack
Pilates work focuses on the core of your body, your abdominal section. That’s where the work originates, and those are the muscles that should be doing the work for you.  The rectus abdominus is the muscle that creates the six-pack abdominal. It is an extremely superficial muscle, however, and the presence of six-packs is not an indicator of a strong core.  In fact, when performed properly, some of the Pilates exercises will disengage your rectus abdominus, ensuring that your deeper muscles will be fired up and doing the work for you.  So, yes, it is possible to get some serious definition in your abdominals from doing Pilates work.  But make sure that’s it’s not just skin-deep.

Pilates makes you taller.
This is technically false. But clients have sworn that they have grown an inch or two simply by a faithful practice of Pilates.  Pilates requires you to work in various dimensions – rotating, flexing and extending your body. Working this way, particularly when it comes to your spinal column, results in expanding the space between your vertebrae, which can give the appearance of gaining inches. Chances are, however, that if you feel taller, it’s a result that your posture has been corrected and you are now holding yourself differently than before you took that mat class.

I am sore and achy – Pilates will make that go away.
It depends on what the aches and/or pains are from. Many clients complain at one point or another of back pain. Back pain is often a result of our vertebrae shifting out of alignment. Pilates requires you to strengthen the muscles that keep our spine in alignment, which eventually will relieve compensatory back pain. Pilates can also aid in preventing injury by minimizing imbalances in your muscles .

If you have a specific injury or rehabilitation concern, your Pilates instructor should be able to work with a physical therapist or your health care provider to come up with a plan designed just for you and your particular case.

I will lose 4 dress sizes and lose all my extra weight just by doing Pilates.
Technically, yes, but we offer this with a word of warning. We do not believe that you will lose weight simply by practicing Pilates. Losing weight, and enjoying a healthy life, is something that is achieved by an appropriate exercise routine, including cardio and strength training,  as well as healthy eating choices. If you are trying to lose weight, we recommend that you do so with the assistance of your physician or a dietitian. Be sure that you are getting aerobic exercise in addition to Pilates. Pilates combines resistance training with stretching, which, when performed properly, will create muscle and tone without adding bulk, and it will help you burn calories.

I am already an athlete – what can Pilates do for me?
Dancers and gymnasts use Pilates on a regular basis to lengthen their muscles and help to prevent injuries. Beyond this stereotype, Tiger Woods, Curt Schilling, Jason Kidd have revealed that they use Pilates conditioning as part of their overall fitness routine. In sports, certain muscle groups can get overworked, creating imbalances. These imbalances can cause pain, make your body work inefficiently, or can result in injury. Pilates uses your muscle groups evenly and together, creates flexibility and increased mobility. Overall, Pilates can help you perform better because you will gain greater awareness of your body as well as core strength.

Pilates is like going to the gym but with different equipment, right?
Not at all. Pilates has a different approach than other forms of exercises. Pilates focuses on a heightened awareness and connection between your mind and your body. The exercises are not mindless ones, to be done while watching TV. We encourage you to take the time to think about what you’re doing while performing the exercises – focus on the basic principles, pay attention to your breathing, your pelvic placement, your ribs, lengthening your spine and overall what you’re feeling in your body. Additionally, Pilates works your body in different planes – you will flex, extend, rotate, balance, sometimes all in the same exercise. Pilates is resistance and stretching based, while gym exercises are weight centered.

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feel better. look better. live better.

Enhanced flexibility, improved posture and increased circulation are some of the immediate results you will feel after a Classical Pilates session.  The Pilates Method is a system based on developing core strength to support the body correctly.  The required concentration and focus of the Pilates work will develop a mental awareness of the connection between body and movement.

The special appeal of the Pilates method is the focus on core strength: basic stabilization and strengthening of the deep core muscles of the abdomen, spine and pelvic floor.  Pilates work provides a method to develop correct patterns of movement for you to bring to your everyday life.

If you have questions or comments, please send us an email at info@classicformpilates.com.

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