December 2005 Archives
December 30, 2005
Q: Why is skipping meals discouraged as a weight loss strategy?
A: Although it might seem that cutting out a whole meal’s worth of calories would lead to weight loss, studies show that this strategy rarely works.
Most people who skip a meal and its 300 to 600 calories usually increase how much they eat at other meals in the day by at least the same amount of calories. These people, like others who come to a meal overly hungry, tend to eat rapidly, which makes it difficult for them to sense when they’ve had enough.
People who skip meals may also snack more. Although the snacks might be small in size, they can add up to a substantial number of calories and replace the calories missed at a meal.
Furthermore, even if you manage to keep a low daily total of calories for a few days by skipping meals, weight loss requires reduced calorie consumption over an extended period of time. Meal-skipping that leads to considerable under-eating for a few days often results in more days of overeating.
(This article was provided by the American Institute for Cancer Research in Washington, D.C.)
December 30, 2005
Once you have mastered the basic Pilates workout, keep improving your powerhouse strength and overall flexibility with the Stamina Pilates Performer JP Intermediate Workout DVD. Using your JP Pilates Performer, this DVD features Pilates expert Marjolein Brugman who begins by leading you through the footwork warm up and the awakening of your powerhouse with "The Hundred." You'll stretch and strengthen your spine, legs, arms, quads, knees, and powerhouse for better posture and a strong, lean body. This is an intermediate level, 15-minutes workout.
December 30, 2005
Peak Pilatess most in-demand equipment The commercial-grade Peak Pilates Total Workout System combines a Pilates Reformer with a half-Cadillac giving you the option to customize your Pilates routine. The conversion between the two machines is quick and easy and the beautiful handcrafted hardwood frame and comfy vinyl upholstery make using the Peak Pilates Total Workout System a constant joy. The Peak Pilates Total Workout System includes leather straps 5 springs and a twin mat.Unique combination of Reformer and Half-Cadillac. The commercial-grade handcrafted Peak Pilates Total Workout System combines a Pilates Reformer with a half-Cadillac for dual functionality and workout diversity. The conversion between the two machines is quick and easy. The Peak Pilates Total Workout System is durably constructed with beautiful hardwood. The Peak Pilates Total Workout System includes leather straps 5 spring system leather swivel handles long spine extension straps gear block 3 position headrest 4 position gear system 4 position foot bar deluxe wrap around foot bar cover twin mat and short/long box. Also available with ropes and retractable risers 5 spring system neoprene handles and foot loops gear block 3 position headrest 4 position gear system 4 position foot bar deluxe wrap around foot bar cover twin mat short/long box. For those looking to incorporate both Reformer and Cadillac exercises into their Pilates routine the Peak Pilates Total Workout System provides a great way to get started. With easy conversion from one type of machine to the other you will be able to diversify your workout in little time with minimal effort. The Peak Pilates Total Workout System is a commercial-grade Pilates Reformer and half-Cadillac that uses body weight and spring resistance and push-through and roll-down bars a glide platform upright pole system footbar and resistance handles as an exercise mechanism.
Buy it On-line at Amazon.com
December 29, 2005
Pilates Suit was first conceived in the spring of 2004. Long after Pilates became a household word, Ilter Ibrahimof, owner and founding partner, was in Pilates class at his neighborhood studio when he realized that his fellow Pilates practitioners had no clothing brand to call their own.After a call to relatives in Istanbul, Turkey, who were in the business of manufacturing high-quality organic cotton garments, Ilter knew he had the vision and resources to create a brand that the Pilates community could be proud of, and so he did.
December 29, 2005
You are tense, tired, edgy, perhaps even angry, hurt or feeling abused. But before dealing directly with the source of whatever provoked your feelings, get yourself into a more balanced and resourceful state of mind. Then you will be able to see your situation more objectively and work on a more permanent solution. Here are four easy ways to pivot:
1.Take a Break. No matter how difficult the situation may appear to be, a change of pace can help you open up new ways of looking at the problem. Stop what you’re doing and find something else to do. Focus your mind on anything but the cause of your stress. For example, if you are working on a stressful task, find another task to work on.
2. Practice Deep Breathing. Breathing! It's one of the simplest yet most effective ways to manage stress's effects on your body. When you are stressed, you have a tendency to breathe more shallowly and rapidly; some people even hold their breath; depriving your body of vital oxygen. To promote a relaxation response, breathe slowly and deeply.
3.Work It Off Physically. Physical activities like stretching, walking or yoga can help relax both your mind and your body. Even a five- or ten-minute movement break can go a long way toward helping your body reduce the tension caused by stress.
4. Appreciate What is Working. The more you focus on problems, the more stressed out you will feel. Likewise, the more you dwell on what is working, the better you will feel. Review in your mind or make a list of everything that is "right" with your job. You may discover that you cannot be in a stressed out state and an appreciative state at the same time. For this reason, appreciation can be one of the most powerful tools for easing tension and feeling better immediately.
You may find that once you release the tension and take your focus off the problem, the solution will magically appear.
December 29, 2005
Start with your head and shoulder blades on the Sissel Exercise Ball, hips parallel to the floor. While exhaling push the Sissel Body Toning Bar away from your chest until arms are straight but not locked. Inhale, return Sissel Body Toning Bar to chest. Keep bellybutton pulled in toward spine and hips parallel to the floor while performing this exercise. Repeat 10-12 times.
December 28, 2005
Pilates is a conditioning form of controlled movements that improves your strength and flexibility without building big muscles. Pilates is an excellent form of injury prevention exercises. Working on the mind body connection this is not only strengthening your muscles but also work almost like yoga movements incorporating the proper breathing technique. Because pilates emphasizes breathing technique it also helps pregnant women to strengthen their bodies as well as building a toned body after pregnancy.
Pilates can help you lose weight by toning your body and conditioning your muscles. It might not be recommended for large people but if you need to lose 5-20 lbs of weight, it might be a great alternative to regular conditioning classes at the fitness club.
There are two ways of performing pilates. You can do it on a mat on the floor or you can use the reformer machine. Both techniques requires trained pilates instructor to teach you individually or to lead the group in mat pilates.
This type of pilates exercise is excellent for elderly as well improving balance and flexibility and also great if you have arthritis or any other joint immobility problems.
In pilates exercises a totally new awareness is discovered while using the body mind connection to be able to perform the movement properly. The movements focus on strengthening the powerhouse muscle groups: your lower back, abdomen and buttocks and help you tone and lose weight in these areas as well.
The best part of all is that regardless of your current fitness level or your muscle strength, anybody can do pilates. That's how safe it is. The movements are based upon dance and yoga exercises and emphasizes body alignment as well as body awareness the same way dance exercises do.
To keep your muscles flexible is of great importance if you are overweight. The more lean muscle mass of your total body composition you have, the more fat mass you will burn 24 hours a day. If you don't have the discipline to workout by yourself and lift weights to keep your muscle mass from disappearing completely, pilates is a great alternative however a little more expensive.
If money is the option, a combination of both might be what would fit your wallet and your schedule to tone and shape your body effectively.
Pilates will give you longer muscles and is not for anybody who is trying to build size or increase muscle mass in any larger volume. Pilates is performed in hour-long sessions and usually in special studios equipped especially for this. Although some fitness centers offer pilates on their aerobic and group exercise schedules this is usually the mat version unless the health club has a separate room set up for individual pilates sessions with an instructor.
December 28, 2005
Simply Balanced specializes in developing individualized programs to help you attain your health and fitness goals. Supervised programs are tailored to continually match your changing needs and skills. At Simply Balanced, they incorporate the Pilates based exercises with other approaches such as yoga, athletic rehabilitation, movement/dance therapy, and massage release techniques. The integration of these various methods provides a challenging and rewarding workout.
Simply Balanced at 415.567.4349
2845 California Street ( between Divisadero and Broderick). San Francisco
December 28, 2005
Allaboutpilates.com is an on-line, straight-talking, no-nonsense source of information on Pilates. They go into depth about how sports, illnesses and life in general can benefit from Pilates. My favorite is the celebrity pilates section. Who knew Rod Stewart was a pilates man.
December 27, 2005
The healing holiday is an intensive immersion in self healing with a thorough cleansing and rejuvenating program which includes Brazilian herbal therapy, infrared sauna and frequency therapy. Take this opportunity to renew yourself. You can expect to sleep to the lullaby of crickets and wake up to a symphony of birds singing. We have frequent visits from wild monkeys and iridescent butterflies. We'll start each day with Kundalini Yoga and Meditation and a hike. Evening workshops and Pilates classes. We'll prepare you 3 gourmet vegetarian meals daily, using fresh local vegetables and a wide variety of exotic fruit. Picture yourself sipping fresh coconut juice from an embracing hammock.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
To register for a KBC retreat or for additional information including costs, accommodations, and dates contact Kelley Black at kelley@kbcexploration.com or call 917-586-5554. Personal checks, Visa, and Mastercard accepted.
Registering for a retreat requires a non-refundable 25% deposit payable by check or visa/mastercard. The remaining amount is due 30 days prior to the trip departure and is payable by check or credit card. If you sign up for a trip 30 days or less before the departure date, the entire trip price must be paid by credit card.
December 27, 2005
Haven't heard much about Atkins, South Beach or Sugar Busters lately, have you?And none of the top 10 books on the New York Times' advice best-seller list are diet books (though the book version of TV's "The Biggest Loser" did make the paperback list).We might finally be getting it: Diets are temporary. Healthy eating has to be a way of life.But we also are realistic: New Year's Day is right around the corner, and the majority of us could stand to lose a pound or two. Or 10. Or 25. With that in mind, today we offer some useful tools for your New Year's weight-loss do-it-yourself project.
Continue reading "Weight Loss Tools" »
December 27, 2005
Pilates is designed to give you suppleness, natural grace, and skill that will be unmistakably reflected in the way you walk, in the way you play, and in the way you work - Joseph Pilates.
Olympic athletes, international rugby and league players, and cricketers have joined Pilates classes; which were once the domain of ballet dancers and film stars. For the club players based at the Canterbury Bulldogs and Melbourne Storm; weekly Pilates and yoga sessions are a compulsory part of the clubs' injury prevention programme. For the players, Pilates offers a dramatic improvement in performance, and a sporting career much less prone to interruption through injury.
Continue reading "PILATES - the best kept secret in back rehabilitation" »
December 27, 2005
Pilates Studio-At-Home. When Joseph Pilates created his ground-breaking fitness system he introduced machines that trained the body to move beyond anatomy and gravity for extraordinary stretching and strengthening benefits. Studio quality Pilates Wunda Chair is designed for more advanced students to help stabilize and position the body for a wide range of specific Pilates exercises using lunges, dips, deep stretching and resistance training. Heavy-duty steel construction has sturdy handles and back legs for stability, a padded seat and foot bar with 3 levels of resistance.
Buy it online at Gaim.com 
December 21, 2005
Start by sitting on the Sissel Exercise Ball, standing on the ground, or for more advanced, kneeling on the Sissel Exercise Ball and hold onto Sissel Body Toning Bar, palms facing the body. Contract abdominals, inhale bending forearms, bringing hands toward shoulders. Keep the abdominals contracted and exhale slowly push the bar over your head until your arms are straight but not locked. Return back to starting position. Repeat 10 to 12 times.
December 21, 2005
A team from Seattle's Group Health Cooperative Center for Health Studies assessed 101 adults with back pain. Those who practiced weekly 75-minute yoga classes made greater progress than those who took part in strengthening and stretching classes. The Annals of Internal Medicine study also found yoga was more effective than using a self-care book on back pain. The researchers found that at the end of 12 weeks patients in the yoga group were better able to do daily activities involving the back. After another 14 weeks they also reported less pain, and used less pain relieving drugs. Researcher Dr Karen Sherman said: "Most people have experienced back pain at some point in their lives. "Sometimes the pain goes away in a few days, but sometimes it lasts for weeks. "And unfortunately, the treatments offered by modern Western medicine are only modestly effective."
Continue reading "Yoga Helps Back Pain" »
December 21, 2005
SEX-READY CORE
Nothing is more crucial to making sweet love than a solid core. It's the midsection muscle that puts the motion in your ocean. And while nobody's knocking the usual array of crunches, leg lifts, trunk twists and spinal extensions, nothing will prepare your torso to tango like Pilates.
"The truth is, Pilates is not only great for strengthening your core, it's also great for improving your flexibility," says Mari Windsor, author of Pilates Powerhouse. "And flexibility is also important for sexual performance. After all, you don't want to stop the flow of sex because your muscles are cramping or you're not flexible enough to get into a certain position."
Granted, there are dozens of Pilates exercises, but Windsor suggests the beginning sexerciser do the following: While lying on your back with your arms straight by your sides, use your abdominals to slowly stretch your legs up, continuing until your toes reach the floor behind your head (or as near to the floor as your creaky spine allows). Then slowly lower your legs back down, while exhaling, until they reach a 45-degree angle to the mat. Repeat, remembering to "peel" your spine from the mat and not "throw" your legs over your head. A few weeks of this and you'll be able to assume any position her naughty little heart desires.
December 16, 2005
Healing through back pain exercise
Active forms of back pain exercise (physical therapy) are typically necessary to rehabilitate the spine and help alleviate back pain. Importantly, a regular back pain exercise routine provides patients with the means to help avoid recurrences of low back pain, and helps reduce severity and duration of potential future episodes of low back pain.
The natural stimulus for the back to heal is active back pain exercises, done in a controlled, gradual, and progressive manner. Movement distributes nutrients into the disc space and soft tissues in the spine to keep the discs, muscles, ligaments and joints healthy. And the converse is true too—lack of exercise can worsen back pain by leading to stiffness, weakness, and de-conditioning.
Continue reading "Exercises for Back Pain" »
December 16, 2005
The following are general guidelines, questions, and information you can use to help find a qualified Pilates teacher:
1. Are the instructors trained through a comprehensive training program?
2 Did that training program require a written and practical test, lecture, observation, practice and apprentice hours?
3. How many total hours were spent in the training program? (The Pilates Method is a knowledge based method of exercise and training. Time spent in certification training produces qualified teachers.)
4. Does the instructor have any other movement related teaching experience.
5. How long have the instructors been teaching Pilates?
6. What is the instructor's/ studio's philosophy and specialty? Are they able to handle special needs, injuries and rehabilitation?
7. Does the instructor or studio teach the full repertoire of Pilates on all pieces of apparatus?
If you cannot find an instructor in your area from a searchable database, you may find the following information useful in your search for a qualified Pilates teacher.
December 15, 2005
Tone, strength and improved flexibility are just some of the benefits of pilates and with these prenatal pilates videos you can appreciate the many benefits of pilates during pregnancy. With these prenatal pilates videos you can experience the mind body connection throughout pregnancy from the convenience of your own home.
Continue reading "Prenatal Pilates Videos" »
December 15, 2005
Tone, strength and improved flexibility are just some of the benefits of pilates and with these prenatal pilates videos you can appreciate the many benefits of pilates during pregnancy. With these prenatal pilates videos you can experience the mind body connection throughout pregnancy from the convenience of your own home.
Continue reading "Prenatal Pilates Videos" »
December 15, 2005
VIA YOGA ANNOUNCES A NEW YOGA & PILATES VACATION SERIES
AT THE LUXURIOUS LAS ALAMANDAS RESORT IN MEXICO
The Secret Hideaway for Some of the World’s Most Famous Celebrities
Via Yoga, the Seattle company that offers yoga & surfing vacations in Sayulita, Mexico, is introducing a new series of yoga & pilates retreats beginning March 2006 at the luxury resort, Las Alamandas, on the Mexican Riviera. The luxurious, romantic 5-star Las Alamandas resort is located 200 miles south of Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco, Mexico. Nestled within a private 1,500-acre paradise of exotic trees, palms, flowers, wild birds, lagoons and endless white-sand beaches, Las Alamandas offers the epitome of seclusion in paradise. For that reason, it has become the secret hideaway of some of the world’s most famous celebrities (Brad Pitt, Sting, Robert de Niro, for example) and others seeking unparalleled beauty and privacy. There are six oceanfront villas with 14 private suites. Some of the suites have indoor gardens or kitchens. Others have outdoor sitting or dining rooms, terraces, shaded verandahs, or panoramic views, and all incorporate the best of Mexican design, fabrics, furniture, and arts and crafts. The resort has three restaurants that offer all-organic food.
Continue reading " Pilates Vacation Series Las Alamandas Resor, Mexico" »
December 15, 2005
Ab:Tech is a fully equipped studio with a creative and supportive environment. We offer private and semi-private instruction with full use of the apparatus, or try our small drop-in mat classes for both beginner and intermediate levels. We also offer great discount packages for mat class students who want occasional use of the equipment or the semi-private student who likes the occasional private session.
Located in the heart of bohemian Pioneer Square amongst galleries, boutiques, import stores and café’s, the studio is private, with lofty high ceilings, exposed brick, and a wall of windows overlooking busy S. Jackson st. and the King street station. Easily accessible by bus, or if you are driving ask for parking tokens.
321, 3rd Ave S #301
Seattle, Wa 98104
December 14, 2005
Osteoarthritis of the spine
While there is currently no proven treatment to stop or slow the progression of osteoarthritis in the spine, there are treatments to alleviate the pain and other associated symptoms, and for most people the condition will not become debilitating. Some patients with osteoarthritis have minimal or no pain, and may not need treatment. Most people who require treatment will benefit from a combination of lifestyle changes such as exercise, weight reduction, and smoking cessation. Most treatment plans for osteoarthritis focus on controlling the pain and improving the patient’s ability to function. Medication is typically used to reduce the inflammation, which in turn reduces the pain and stiffness. In only the most severe cases will surgery be necessary to treat pain and disability from osteoarthritis. Medical practitioners often refer to osteoarthritis in the spine as spinal arthritis, degenerative joint disease, or arthritis of the facet joints.
Continue reading "Spinal arthritis complete treatment guide" »
December 13, 2005
Begin in a prone position, Sissel Exercise Ball situated underneath the hips. Keep the upper torso neutral maintain a subtle back extension. Chin is tucked in and the neck is kept in line with the spine. Toes are turned downward, touching the ground, and the legs are rigid with a slight bend at the knee. One arm is extended forward from the shoulder the other arm is extended along the side of the body. Keeping the arms rigid, slowly circle the Sissel Power Weight Balls in a clockwise manner, keeping the arms parallel throughout. Repeat for set, and then switch to rotating in the opposite direction.
December 13, 2005
The weight gaining season is upon us. You have a terribly long list of social functions to attend, but you don’t have to gain an ounce. “With a few minor changes, you can start the new year feeling just a bit slimmer,” says Laurie Bell, America’s permanent weight loss expert. The author of Lose the Lies, Lose the Weight: The Ultimate Guide to Permanent Weight Loss, (www.losethelieslosetheweight.com), Laurie believes that the holidays should be a time to celebrate loved ones, great times together and the joy of the season, not a time to tip the scale. Here are her suggestions for 10 simple ways to keep those pounds off, while enjoying the holidays.
Continue reading "Holiday Weight Loss" »
December 13, 2005
In 1978, Mel Zuckerman had an A-ha experience that changed his life and sparked the creation of Canyon Ranch. Overweight and dealing with various health problems, Mel had gone to a California spa for help. His A-ha moment came when he realized how great he could feel by staying active, eating right, and living healthfully. His wife, Enid, was already a health enthusiast, and the couple soon made a commitment to build Canyon Ranch--a haven for wellness and 'living younger longer.'
The first Canyon Ranch opened in 1979, in the dazzling Sonoran Desert. It has since become a world-renowned oasis of health, joy and vitality. Indeed, Canyon Ranch has defined all that a destination spa can be. Today the sprawling campus with its low-lying adobe buildings can accommodate about 250 guests.
The Zuckermans goal is to inspire each guest to make a long-term commitment to healthy living and to provide the practical tools to do so. People from all walks of life, ages 18 to 80, flock to Canyon Ranch to take control of their lives or simply to relax. Canyon Ranch is distinguished by its unsurpassed team of wellness professionals including physicians, nurses, complementary health practitioners, nutritionists, exercise physiologists, and more. A stay at Canyon Ranch is an ideal opportunity to fully explore your health potential in a comfortable and unhurried environment. Have your annual physical or explore a concern such as optimal aging, bone density, sleep problems, menopause, and sexuality or heart health - all of this while enjoying an unforgettable vacation. Whatever your interests, the opportunities are abundant. You might start a fitness program, ride a bike again, have great massages, explore your spirituality, try a cooking class, hike a canyon trail, or simply relax.
December 12, 2005
Our Personal Reformer now offers longer carriage travel on super-smooth chrome-plated steel tracks. Created for home use, the Personal Reformer offers most of the features of our Studio models at half the price. Like our other Reformers, it features zinc-plated, carbon steel springs for resistance and ropes that adjust quickly with nautical cam cleats. Black upholstery. An outstanding value! 2 Year Warranty. Includes a free copy of the acclaimed Allegro Level 1 video .In the 30-minute Introductory Workout, you'll learn basic movement principles of Reformer exercises. Then, you'll progress to Level 1, where you'll integrate core control, correct breathing, and proper alignment with smooth, continuous movements for all the major muscle groups.
Continue reading "Pilates Personal Reformer" »
December 12, 2005
Subscribe and watch exercise classes and routines featuring Fitness Videos with Certified Instructors covering a number of topics like Yoga, Pilates, Step Aerobics, Kickboxing, Weights and much more with new videos added every month.
Completely safe from downloading viruses because our system involves No downloading, no wait time, just access your account, any time, any day , click on the video you wish to watch and it will *play on your computer. It’s that easy. Once you pay your subscription fee you will have unlimited access to all and any fitness video.
Their goal is to provide a premium service to our members so that they can enjoy exercise and fitness as a lifestyle, one that is hassle free and accessible at their pleasure. Trouble keeping up your diet and fitness routine? Tired of the same boring diets and workouts? Can’t seem to reach your diet, weight or fitness goals ? Work and Children don’t give you enough time to exercise? We can help you reach your fitness goals through pre-recorded online fitness classes. No more waiting for a class at the local gym! Their video library can be accessed from wherever you are, wherever there is a computer at Home, Work Or Abroad.
December 12, 2005
Joseph Hubertus Pilates (1880 - 1967)
Born near Dusseldorf, Germany grew up a sickly child suffering from rickets, asthma and rheumatic fever. At a young age he began to study anatomy and various forms of exercise to improve his health and physique. At aged 14 he had been so successful in his endeavors that he was asked to model for anatomy charts.An accomplished pugilist, gymnast, skier and diver he traveled to the UK and during World War I was interned in a camp for enemy aliens. During his internment time he used his knowledge to help rehabilitate bedridden patients, using bedsprings as equipment. Rumor has it that his efforts were so successful that when the 1918 flu epidemic swept the world, not one of his followers died, even though thousands of others in the UK succumbed!
He returned to Germany after the war but in 1925 he was invited to train the New German Army but decided to head for the US instead. It was on this journey that he met his future wife, Clara.
Upon their arrival in New York City they opened a gym close to a number of Ballet and Dance Schools and in doing so found a captive audience.Joseph Pilates was a determined man and a health fanatic, he was also a little eccentric (who else would you describe someone who runs down the street in a bikini - and in the winter!) He was also renowned for his liking of cigars, whiskey, and women - something of a 'hands on' kind of teacher! He died in 1967, at aged 87. His wife Clara, continued to teach and run the studio until her death 10 years later.
December 9, 2005
January 28 – February 4, 2006, WEEK OF BLISS at Elixir de Careyes villas in Costa Careyes on Mexico’s Pacific coast, www.elixirdecareyes.com/yoga. Daily Pilates and yoga sessions, luxury accommodations at private villa, all meals, one-on-one session with certified life coach, guided hike, 1 comp massage, possible Huichol shaman led ceremonial sweat, use of private infinity pools and semi-private beach. $1,800 per person doubles, $2,300 single occupancy. $500.00 deposit due by October 15th to reserve. Only a few spaces remain! Details www.healthabitravels.com, contact tannis@healthabitravels.com, 213-482-3150
December 9, 2005
Begin by sitting and cross one leg over the other placing foot flat on the floor. Maintain a good posture. Place Sissel Body Toning Bar between calf and hamstring of the bottom leg and rest there. Hold for 45 seconds to a minute.
December 9, 2005
At Fit From the Core, they specialize in getting your core fit.They are a new custom-built fitness studio and education center. Their team of expert instructors has developed a range of group exercise classes designed to provide you with ways to achieve and maintain optimal core strength and flexibility, in conjunction with cardiovascular fitness and strengthening. (One of their advisors is a doctor to the US Olympic Team!)
Their custom-built facilities in Mountain View offer you the best environment and the latest training equipment available for cardio and strength training.Their Pilates Studio is a stunning light filled space of over 1,000 square feet. It is home to the most up to date in technology, affording our clients the best in the Pilates equipment available. It has a special beech wood floor built to our own design that maximizes comfort and support.Their Reflection Room houses state-of-the-art weight, stretching and cardio equipment. This room is used for personal workouts, circuit classes and personal training. Fitness assessments are done using the latest technology developed by Microfit systems that are also used by the US military.
Music is an essential part of the Fit From the Core™ experience. Whether pumping out the kind of music which will drive you to higher levels of achievement in a high intensity class or providing a gentle flow of rhythms to support more reflective activities, their sound system is crystal clear. In fact our music is so good, you may find yourself attending our sessions just to enjoy the sounds!
December 8, 2005
This is the most intelligently designed half-ball workout system out there.The Core Training System 
offers five complete workout routines: 1) Pilates-based core strengthening, 2) resistance training for lean muscle, 3) stretching and breathing to promote flexibility, 4) sculpting and toning exercises, and 5) a balance/cardio workout. The reversible, inflatable dome increases your fitness results by engaging key stabilizer muscles that other workouts ignore. Our exclusive DVD shows you the five, 10-minute workouts featuring fitness instructor Suzanne Deason. Do one or do them all, depending on your time constraints. With attached, adjustable foam handled cords to sculpt abs, glutes and extremities.
Buy it online at Gaiam.com
December 8, 2005
One of the most important recent changes in medicine, is the recognition of the importance of self-management. The regular use of Pilates has been found to be successful in preventing recurrent back pain episodes. Recent research from the Physiotherapy Department at Queensland University by Richardson and Jull, has demonstrated that by increasing the co-ordination and strength in the deep abdominal muscles, i.e. transverse abdominals, that the lumbar spine is stabilised and protected. These are the same conclusions that Joseph Pilates arrived at in the 1920's.
Muscle imbalances that generate pain have their origins in poor posture, poor health, workplace conditions, sporting injuries and repetitive strain on structures about the shoulder girdle and low back. All of the joints in the body should be held in their optimum natural position, in mid range, when muscles of both stabilising and mobilising types work together. Mobilising muscles make things move, i.e. reaching out with your arm. These muscles tend to lie near the surface of the body, and are usually long muscles, working at 40-100% of the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC).
Continue reading "PILATES - The Best Kept Secret in Back Rehabilitation" »
December 2, 2005
Exercise Description:
Seated Lateral Stretch with Body Toning Bar.
Instruction:
Sit on the floor stretching one leg to the side and tuck the other foot into the inner thigh. Place the Body Toning Bar to the inside of the ankle of the leg that is extended and grip onto the Body Toning Bar, palms facing away from the body. Keep top arm straight and slowly stretch to the side, keeping top shoulder spiralling back and the bottom shoulder moving forward.
Relates Products
Sissell Body Toning Bar
December 2, 2005
Whether you work outside climbing telephone poles or sit in front of a computer all day, neck and shoulder pain seems to be common in every profession. Different methods are used to help ease the pain and recover--rest, ice, heat, popping the neck vertebra, or popping some over-the-counter pain relievers. What should you do to help with neck pain? Exercising those muscles with strength training, stretching, and cardio will do the trick, say researchers.
Continue reading "How to fix neck & shoulder pain" »
December 2, 2005
This book represents the first major publication in 1934 by Joseph H. Pilates and includes his early Twentieth Century philosophies, principles, and theories about health and fitness. He bases his work on the concept of a balanced Body and Mind, drawing on the approach espoused by the early Greeks. While some of his personal philosophies reflected early 20th Century viewpoints, his athletic and fitness doctrines were years ahead of his time.
In this book, you will learn Joseph Pilates' fundamental tenets of posture, body mechanics, and correct breathing. You will discover his first teachings about spinal flexibility, physical education, and his law of natural exercises. It is a fascinating look into Pilates' original thinking and analysis and represents the foundation of an entire discipline embraced by fitness enthusiasts, health educators, and exercise trainers around the world.
Buy Your Health by Joseph Pilates at Amazon.com
December 2, 2005
Contrology the original term coined by Joseph Pilates to define his overall program of physical fitness exercises. He was greatly influenced by the early Greeks and re-emphasized their coordination and balance of body and mind. Contrology, defined in Pilates' own words (in his 1934 book entitled Your Health):
It is the conscious control of all muscular movements of the body. It is the correct utilization and application of the leverage principles afforded by the bones comprising the skeletal framework of the body, a complete knowledge of the mechanism of the body, and a full understanding of the principles of equilibrium and gravity as applied to the movements of the body in motion, at rest and in sleep.
December 1, 2005
Randi Whitman opened Frog Temple Inc. Pilates Center in 1999. Active in Pilates for 8 years, she was certified by the renowned Boulder Pilates Center in Colorado. Frog Temple Inc. has allowed Randi to share her vision of the Pilates method and mind-body wellness with a growing number of students and a staff of Pilates instructors.
They are located at Damen and Willow just south of Running Away Store and north of North Ave. and feature all the Mat Classes you could ever long for! We also offer group Reformer Classes, Pole System Classes, Low Chair Classes, Pilates for Runners, and other specialty pilates classes!
December 1, 2005
How does pregnancy affect the stable core?
During pregnancy, your tummy muscles are stretched over your growing baby and may weaken as a result. Your pelvic floor muscles are also placed under great stress and tend to stretch and move lower down into the pelvis under the weight of the baby. As a result, you may find it harder to contract these muscles and to hold them for very long. If your pelvic floor muscles are very weak, you may find that you are leaking urine when you cough or sneeze. If your tummy muscles are weak, you may have back or pelvic pain. During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin causes your ligaments to stretch more than normal and if you overload them further you may cause an injury.
Is Pilates useful during pregnancy?
Because Pilates targets the tummy and pelvic floor muscles and these muscles can weaken during pregnancy, Pilates exercises can be useful. Many Pilates exercies are performed on a "hands and knees" position, and this is an ideal position for pregnancy. It helps to take a lot of stress off your back and pelvis and towards the end of your pregnancy can help to position your baby ready for delivery.
Am I safe to do Pilates whilst I am pregnant?
Before trying any Pilates exercises, it is important to ensure that you can perform a strong pelvic floor contraction by squeezing in your pelvic floor muscles and holding it for at least 10 seconds. If you cannot maintain a "stable core" by tightening your pelvic floor and lower abdominal muscles then you are at risk of overstressing your joints and ligaments during the exercises.
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December 1, 2005
Kyphosis is a progressive spinal disorder that can affect people of any age group. This disorder may cause a deformity described as humpback or hunchback. Abnormal kyphotic curves are usually found in the thoracic or thoracolumbar spine, but can be cervical. Kyphotic posture may present as: a jutting chin, tight chest and posterior neck muscles, weak spinal extensors, posteriorly tilted pelvis, and in extreme cases respiration may be inhibited. This postural condition can be addressed using the Pilates repertoire and breathing exercises.
Causes of kyphosis:
Posture dysfunction, Scheuermann's Disease, Congenital Kyphosis, Kyphosis secondary to trauma, tumors, infection, and arthritis. Kyphosis is classified as either postural or structural. Postural kyphosis is attributed to poor postural habits leading to core and trunk weakness. Structural kyphosis is caused by an abnormality affecting the bones, discs, or muscles. Kyphosis with a structural cause may require medical intervention because the patient alone cannot control curve progression. Postural kyphosis can be addressed and corrected through Pilates with proper cueing, postural re-education and consistent healthy lifestyle choices. Deformity and pain often motivates one to seek treatment. Early treatment is important to control curve progression especially in adolescents.
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