You may have heard the term “pelvic floor” in Pilates training. The pelvic floor is located between the tailbone (coccyx) and the pubic bone, spanning the base of the pelvic bowl. Pelvic floor muscles are composed of two muscles and are popularly referred to as the Kegel muscles. These muscles support the bladder and bowel …
Pilates equipment is a signature component of the Pilates methodology. The equipment originated from founder Joseph Pilates’ rehabilitation work in internment camps during WWI. He used bedsprings to create resistance for strength training for the sick internees under his care. Joe Pilates’ original equipment was the beginning evolution of all Pilates equipment and the start …
In Pilates, the core, or “powerhouse” as referred to by Joseph Pilates , is the origin of all movement. The muscles of the core work together to allow movement in different directions, support the spine and keep the organs in place. Therefore core strength and stability results in coordinated, controlled movement throughout the body …
My passion for understanding the anatomy of movement science and biomechanics has distinguished my career and Pilates method over the years. This is especially true in my work today and produces lasting change for my clients. Our work together not only strengthens their Pilates practice, it improves the way they move through the world. My …
Have you ever wondered why you don’t have a flat belly even though you are always doing crunches? Chances are you aren’t recruiting the right muscles. Instead, you are over relying on dominant muscles; the big, overused muscles like, in this case, the rectus abdominis or often the upper trapezius (upper shoulder muscles) or the …
There’s a lot of pressure to start off the New Year on the right foot. That’s why we see gyms packed with people at the start of the year. Only to find that many people don’t last past February! That’s why it’s important to set realistic wellness goals for the New Year that you can …
The holiday season is a wonderful and festive time of year for many of us. However, it is often hard to stay in our workout routine during the holidays. Between shopping, holiday parties, traveling, and those year-end work deadlines, it can be hard to stay on track. The good news is that with a little …
When my clients ask, “What is Pilates?” I define it as a system of exercises designed to improve physical strength, flexibility, posture, and mental awareness. My clients continue to train, because they like that it makes them feel strong, coordinated and for some, graceful. Many also love how empowered they feel with less pain and …
What’s at the core of movement? Our core. We need our core muscles in order to improve our physical abilities and reduce pain while exercising. These muscles help us stabilize our pelvis and spine while improving posture and alignment. That’s why in Pilates, moving from our core is actually one of the eight Pilates movement …
8 core strengthening exercises to help with “centering” Read More »
It may surprise you to know that the shoulder is one of the most unstable joints in the body. It is made up of three bones: the collar bone (clavicle), the shoulder blade (scapula) and the upper arm bone (humerus). The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint that allows for the possibility of a wide …
