Browse: Home » Archive: February 2008

Pilates Equipment

Pilates Equipment

What’s better for me, Mat Pilates or Pilates using equipment? This is a common question posed to Pilates instructors and the answer can be pretty straightforward—one isn’t necessarily better than the other, it just depends on your exercise goals and tendencies as well as your wallet. Mat Pilates can be done in group sessions or in private settings and the repertoire can be varied using an assortment of small props such as flex bands, a Pilates ring (aka Magic circle), small or large balls, foam rollers or arc barrels. Pilates apparatus workouts can also be done in private or group settings but are more commonly found in private studios rather than larger gym type facilities. These sessions tend to be more costly due... Continue ...

Posted on February 18, 2008 By Beth Begelman

STOTT PILATES ®: Pilates on the Green Level 1 DVD

STOTT PILATES ®: Pilates on the Green Level 1 DVD

STOTT PILATES ®: Pilates on the Green Level 1 DVD by STOTT PILATES ® is one of the best golf-related Pilates videos currently on the market. Moira Merrithew brought in Michael Hunt, a golf instructor at the well renowned Jim McLean Golf School to help with a pre-round golf-specific warm-up and stretch segment as well as some golf drills that will help in muscular re-education for the golf swing. The actual workout segment is 36 minutes long. Ms. Merrithew takes two students (Natalia and Chris) through the workout, giving each of them modifications as necessary. They make excellent use of the golf club during the session so that avid golfers will feel as though they are making an actual impact on their golf game. Traditional... Continue ...

Posted on February 17, 2008 By Beth Begelman

The Elders to Pilates Exercise

The Elders to Pilates Exercise

There are still individuals practicing the Pilates exercises today that actually trained directly with Joseph H. Pilates himself. We most often hear about the following five as the Pilates Elders: Romana’s Kryzanowska, Mary Bowen, Ron Fletcher’s Beverly Hills Studio, Kathy Grant and Lolita San Miguel. Romana trained with both Joseph and his wife, and committed to them to continue their teachings. She and her daughter still train the classical method today. Mary Bowen started training with Joseph in 1959 because of her bad back. After improving in two sessions, Mary hasn’t stopped yet. She still trains and holds workshops through her studios in Connecticut and New England. Ron Fletcher was drawn to Joseph because... Continue ...

Posted on February 15, 2008 By Kelley Ranaudo

Why Hire a Pilates Instructor?

Why Hire a Pilates Instructor?

The fitness industry is known for having instructors who are not fully qualified to accurately perform their job functions. Industry standards, while changing, have not been fully established and this has created some problems for consumers as well as qualified instructors. While prevalent in many exercise disciplines, unfortunately it may be more so with Pilates. Interest in Pilates classes has increased dramatically in the recent past and in their haste to get these types of classes on group fitness schedules, many clubs have hired instructors who are not adequately trained. In some cases, in the absence of a properly trained Pilates instructor, clubs will place a group fitness instructor and let him/her teach Pilates. Because... Continue ...

Posted on February 15, 2008 By Beth Begelman

Pilates Exercises and Sports Performance

Pilates Exercises and Sports Performance

Pilates exercise has been proven effective to enhance sports performance for many different sports. Specifically, Pilates is known to be beneficial for golfers, cyclists, equestrians, long and short-distance runners, as well as competitive divers, baseball, football and basketball players. Benefits of Pilates include muscle balance, core strengthening and stability, improved focus and concentration, injury prevention, reduced stress and relief from back pain. Pilates aids in restoring muscle imbalances created by one-sided sports such as golf, baseball and tennis and can be utilized to build strength, power, endurance and precision for most if not all sports. Golf requires trunk flexibility and stability, strong legs and... Continue ...

Posted on February 14, 2008 By Beth Begelman

Interview with Erin Douglass of we Pilates

Interview with Erin Douglass of we Pilates

Be Balanced…Be Mindful…Be Beautiful… This was Erin Douglass’s first phrase created for her we pilates clothing line as she sat on a beach sketching designs dreaming of leaving her successful career in software sales to start her own apparel company. This is also a description of her outlook on life. She juggles her company, family, children, Pilates sessions, tradeshows and seems to love every bit of it. She won’t say it is easy, she says you just do it. She has found her passion and balances it with her lifestyle and family. Her love of fashion and design started a long time ago when she designed her own prom dress and tagged along with her father, who was in the business. Rather than follow the creative... Continue ...

Posted on February 14, 2008 By Kelley Ranaudo

Pilates for Prevention

Pilates for Prevention

As many of us know, Pilates comes with many benefits. Usually we discuss how Pilates helps athletes get to the next level, or how it can rehabilitate clients after an injury. Let’s not forget that Pilates is also the answer for prevention of these injuries and much more. Pilates can prevent back pain, muscle aches and joint stiffness. Pilates is low-impact and when done with a well-trained instructor the moves will be precise, controlled, fluid and graceful. Form is essential during the exercises. The basic principles of Pilates, which are learned when you begin your Pilates practice, are necessary for the safe and effective results. When performed correctly and consistently, posture will be enhanced, deep core... Continue ...

Posted on February 14, 2008 By Kelley Ranaudo

Tracey Mallett’s 3 in 1 Pregnancy System DVD

Tracey Mallett’s 3 in 1 Pregnancy System DVD

Tracey Mallett’s 3 in 1 Pregnancy System DVD is a nice combination of Pilates, Yoga, Sculpting and Stretching. It is a pleasant video to watch because of the mood, music and Tracey’s personality. She is in her third trimester and seems to be feeling great. She gives great modifications for the exercises while her partner does the exercises without the modifications. She makes great use of props including pillows, towels, a chair and weights. The program is very balanced and is divided into four sections with Upper Body, Core Conditioning, Lower Body and Stretching. Compared to other DVD’s, this program is different combining disciplines that are essential to feeling good regardless of if you are pregnant.... Continue ...

Posted on February 14, 2008 By Kelley Ranaudo

The History of Pilates Exercises

The History of Pilates Exercises

Joseph H. Pilates a man ahead of his time. Some people are surprised that the hundreds of Pilates exercises were designed by a man. It is obviously not an exercise program just for women. The founder of Pilates, Joseph H. Pilates, was born in Germany, November 30, 1880, and began his interest in health and physical conditioning to improve his own personal medical problems. He had asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever as a child. His mother was also a naturopath, which brought him to the health field. He moved to England in 1912 training military police and detectives in self-defense. In 1917, during World War I, he worked to rehabilitate the sick and wounded in a prison camp on Britain’s Isle of Man. Here he began... Continue ...

Posted on February 14, 2008 By Kelley Ranaudo

Pilates Digest Website Launch Press Release

Pilates Digest Website Launch Press Release

Orlando, FL – February 2008 – The founders of Pilates Digest, announce the official launch of www.PilatesDigest.com, an online community resource for Pilates professionals and enthusiasts. Co-founders Kelley Ranaudo and Beth Begelman recognized the need for an online community resource in the Pilates industry in which information would be readily available regarding all aspects of Pilates. Whether you are a certified instructor, desire to teach Pilates or want to continue to enjoy Pilates as a practitioner, you will find articles and videos of interest. Every month Pilates Digest will post articles including: interviews with Pilates professionals, owners and industry insiders called Industry Insider, Sports-Specific articles... Continue ...

Posted on February 14, 2008 By John Ranaudo

The Muscles of the Pelvic Floor

The Muscles of the Pelvic Floor

What do you mean lift my pelvic floor? This is what we hear from some of our clients, but patiently we get them to learn, use and appreciate their pelvic floor muscles. As Pilates instructors, we know how important the muscles of the pelvic floor are and why we emphasize them to our clients. As Pilates participants, we might not know, but we should understand the many functions these muscles participate in. Our pelvic floor consists of several muscles, which support the bladder, uterus, rectum and prostate. The function of the pelvic floor that we most hear about is their help in controlling urine. Many women have been told to do Kegel exercises to help strengthen and control urine leakage. Common causes of the pelvic... Continue ...

Posted on February 12, 2008 By Kelley Ranaudo

Pilates Obliques Roll Back Exercise Video

Pilates Obliques Roll Back Exercise Video

This video illustrates the Obliques Roll Back exercise. This is a challenging rotational exercise for athletes and advanced clients.Obliques Roll Back targets the obliques, transversus abdominis and rectus abdominis. Focus on opening your hip joints to pull your hip bones away from your thighs. Maintain the spinal flexion as you rotate and keep the transversus abdominis engaged. Keep the scapulae stabilized and feet connected to the floor. To modify the exercise, put a flex band around the feet to help support throughout the exercise. You can also a use a small ball or fitness circle between your thighs to maintain the inner thigh connection. As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before... Continue ...

Posted on February 2, 2008 By Kelley Ranaudo