What's So Good About Pilates?

I found this video on an integrative health site today. The commentator says in a very short spiel what I tell my students every week. Please enjoy this short clip from an informative and useful health website:

http://www.integrativehealthreview.com/uncategorized/why-pilates-is-great-for-strength-and-balance/

See you in class!

Pilates makes P90X Easier

I knew it but this week proved it. Pilates is the athlete's secret weapon.  After making it through Week one of P90X, I have no soreness and more strength. I use the breathing I teach my clients and it really fuels hardworking muscles. At my age, 56, I ought to have bailed out on day two but the extra layer of strength I already had in my small muscle groups powerfully supported me. I feel like a winner. I am so up to this 90 day challenge. I have taught that athletes who take Pilates have an edge over those who don't. They are stronger and much less prone to injury. I'll add that the exercises in P90X can be very hard on the back. Because Pilates strengthens the accessory muscles of the spine on all three planes of movement, I was able to support my spine in a healthy way. A couple of the exercises were too detrimental to  my back so I modified them to take the pressure off my spine. Yoga has captured the national attention but it simply cannot conmpare to the benefits of Pilates. Pilates is intelligent exercise.

Healing Bodies

I not only love to teach Pilates but thrill to help others heal the tension, aches, and pains that trouble them.  Last week I helped a dentist to relax his neck and shoulders so that he could be comfortable as he treated his patients all day. How incredible is that?  Every time I get the chance to heal a pain, my dedication to Pilates grows stronger. Yesterday, one of my favorite women (I have a whole lot of favorites) came to class with a migraine headache and a clenched neck and shoulder area. She amazed me first by coming to class. Women our age tend to hurt and then isolate at home. We began working out and, shortly after, she noticed how much better she felt. By the end of class, her relief was complete. That kind of outcome can bring me nearly to tears. I love Pilates because it made my body beautiful but I also consider it to be a ministry of healing.  I guess it's the same feeling a doctor gets when his patient gets better. Of course like a doctor, having motivated and responsible patients makes all the difference.

Try these at work or any time you feel tension and pain in the neck and shoulder areas. If you really want to solve the problem, get yourself to a Pilates class ASAP!

Always bring your own sunshine with you wherever you go...