June 10, 2011

- Metabolic PIlates

What is Metabolic Pilates?

Metabolic Pilates incorporates the latest understanding in endocrinology, health, fitness, strength and conditioning research.  Metabolic Pilates uses short intervals of exercise focused on weight bearing training and toning of large group muscles to “turn on” fat burning hormones.  Combining that with Pilates natural body structural integration, leads to a leaner and stronger body without causing aches or pain in the neck, shoulders, or back.  Plus, research shows that these techniques increase fat usage for hours and even days after the class.

Sound Interesting!  Try it in one of our classes:

Reformed Barre
Uses weights and the reformer/cadillac in place of a ballet barre to strengthen and lengthen every muscle group resulting in supple and lean bodies. Equipment keeps you in proper alignment, is less taxing on the body, and works each muscle harder than a traditional barre class.

Cardio Reformer Jump
A full body cardio workout, using interval training for fast results. This class is a high energy, low impact way to get your total body workout.  Spring-boards and weights to improve your cardiovascular condition, muscle tone, and flexibility. An incredible workout to burn calories and build stamina.

Reformer/Cadillac
Target core muscles for strengthening and flexibility. Both beginner and advanced clients benefit from weight bearing springs to create longer leaner muscle mass. Beginner clients benefit from the use of springs and pulleys to assist the body's movement while focusing on the core muscles. Advanced clients can change spring resistance and learn more difficult exercises to create a challenging workout.

May 24, 2011

- Pilates for Rehabilitation

Pilates is a technique that focuses on core strengthening, stretching, balance, and flexibility. These principles are some of the same principles used in the rehabilitation of many common orthopedic problems. Pilates is more commonly being used in the prevention and rehabilitation of these orthopedic problems.  Joie de Vivre Pilates has developed our own style of Pilates based on Rolfing and Physical Therapy.  Through the use of specific muscle engagements and movements, our Pilates exercises may help to reorganize and integrate your body.

Pilates can help in these areas:

Neck
    •    Elongate the neck muscles without over-engaging the upper trapezius muscles.

Back and Spine
    •    Strengthen the core muscles to support the spine.
    •    Stretch vertebrae in a noninvasive way to eliminate strain.
    •    Stretch low back muscles with low or no resistance using the aide of springs in a supine position.

Knee
    •    Balance legs, quads, and abductors to strengthen and stretch.
    •    Adjustable weight bearing to fit clients needs.

Shoulder
    •    Reduce strain on muscles in the arms and neck to minimize tension in the shoulder joint.
    •    Mobilize shoulder joint in a safe and supportive way.

January 7, 2011

- Pilates and Structural Integration

By Ansley Watson

The definition of structural integration is a system of soft tissue manipulation, with the objective of realigning the body structurally and harmonizing its fundamental movement patterns in relation to gravity.  There are many types of great practiconers that use different techniques to help manipulate and realign the body.  Can Pilates be incorporated into a form of structural integration?

Classical Pilates has not in the past focused directly on manual manipulation of the soft tissue, however it has always incorporated realigning the body and harmonizing the bodies movements.  In the last few decades, Pilates has been expanded by many great practiconers to become more and more like a movement therapy.  Taking that one step further there are many new Pilates systems coming out that are using specific muscle engagements and movements, to help reorganize and integrate your body.  As those of you that have been in the studio the last month know, Joie de Vivre Pilates has taken this leap forward transforming our classical Pilates practice to a dynamic practice.  It is hard (in a good way) and yet so basic.  Many clients are seeing instant results in core body strength, reduction in pain, in energy levels, and in appearance.  How do we do it?  This new type of Pilates focuses on your abs, but not just in a sit-up kind of way.  It focuses deep down into your transverse abdominal and your pelvic floor.  These little movements are so subtle and yet they make that much of a difference.  Come in and try it for yourself.

January 7, 2011

- Yoga vs. Pilates

by Ansley Watson

A lot of people ask me what is the difference between Yoga and Pilates?  Which is better to do?  Here is the low-down.

June 23, 2009

- We Stand Out

My business offers great service. We strive for 100% customer satisfaction and will do what it takes to make our customers happy. The buck stops here so there are no rules getting in the way of our ability to get customers exactly what they need. If you have a special needs such as wanting to work out while pregnant or right after, rehabilitation for an injury, or working on triming up for a wedding/class reunion or other event, please contact us -- we want to work with you!

June 22, 2009

- Are all Pilates classes/teachers equal?

As a Pilates teacher, I have taught a number of mat classes all over the city in clubs, recreation centers, and studios.  But are they all created equal.  And most importantly, are all teachers created equally.  Well the unfortunate truth is no.  If you are at a recreation center or some sports clubs you may have a teacher that went to a weekend long certification and by true Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) standards they are not really Pilates certified.  These teachers may have other training in body related professions that make them good teachers.  But unfortunately you are not likely to find this out unless you ask.  Always ask!  Most studios have teachers that are certified, though again, if you don't see that piece of paper on the wall, ask!   

My general rules of thumb are

1: ask the teacher where they were trained and how long that training took (a good program has at least 350 hours of training);

2: choose a class that is small so you can get one on one attention from the teacher (mat less than 10 people, reformer less than 6 people);

and 3: Don't do anything that doesn't feel right .  If you feel any pain, particularly in your neck or back, ask for a modification or just wait until the class moves on to the next exercise.