February 2006 Archives
February 28, 2006
Begin in a bent over position gripping onto the Body Toning Bar. Feet should be hip-width apart, gaze toward the floor. Contract the abdominal muscles and with a power lunge slowly raise the Sissel Body Toning Bar over the head and jump up in the sky landing in a lunge position. Jump back to starting position. Repeat 10 times each side. 20 times total.
Caution: do not do this exercise if you have any knee problems or lower back problems. When jumping into the lunge, front foot should land flat on the floor and front knee should not go over the shoelaces.
February 28, 2006
The Stamina Pilates Wunda Chair is a simple, compact Pilates exercise machine that builds and challenges your strength and flexibility. As with all Pilates training, your core powerhouse controls the movements to build long, lean muscles, balance, beautiful posture, and graceful movements. The Wunda Chair was designed to stretch and strengthen muscle groups that are not easily reached by more traditional techniques and equipment. This chair forms the basis for an entire range of advanced Pilates exercises, and with the instructional video you can get started right away. The chair sports wood accents and is compact enough to fit anywhere. The handles and safety straps make it easy to use, and the padded seat and foot bar make it comfortable. With three levels of resistance, you'll be able to work harder as you grow stronger.
Buy it online at Amazon.com
February 27, 2006
The Stamina AeroPilates with Free-Form Cardio Rebounder allows you to reach and maintain your target heart rate as effectively as with a treadmill. But unlike the treadmill, this rebounder is low impact and gentle on your joints. Because you are lying on your back, there is no concussion on your legs, hips, or spine. Some Pilates' machines feature a padded jumpboard made of solid wood, but the AeroPilates Free-Form Rebounder is like jumping on a trampoline. As a result, there is more give and less shock to your joints. Plus, the AeroPilates strength and flexibility training gives you the strong, streamlined, flexible body that only Pilates can achieve.
This device is elevated about 10 inches of the floor to allow for more advanced exercises and enables you to perform over 50 exercises to tone and shape your entire body. The heavy, steel frame is durable and the four heavy-duty elastic cords provide four levels of workout resistance. The adjustable headrest, along with oversized high-density foam shoulder pads, offer additional support and comfort. This system includes two workout videos, and a color workout wall chart.
Buy it online @ Amazon.com
February 27, 2006
1. Elevates your metabolism so that you burn more calories everyday.
2. Increases your aerobic capacity (fitness level). This gives you the ability to go through your day with less relative energy expenditure. This enables a "fit" person to have more energy at the end of the day and to get more accomplished during the day with less fatigue.
3. Maintains, tones, and strengthens your muscle. Exercise also increases your muscular endurance.
4. Decreases your blood pressure.
5. Increases the oxidation (breakdown and use) of fat.
6. Increases HDL (good) cholesterol.
Continue reading "Top 20 Benefits of Exerecise" »
February 24, 2006
Come on get happy! The Pilates Fitness Center offers a daily discounted “happy hour” with reformer classes for up to seven people between 12 and 3pm. Besides lunchtime classes, the studio also offers private pilates instruction and rehabilitation services. According to the owner, the studio’s most popular offering is a $150 package of three private sessions coupled with a complimentary spa-style celluite treatment.
15200 Sunset Blvd Ste 208 Pacific Palisades
February 24, 2006
Enhance your workouts with Pilates Box and Pole Accessories. Step up to the next level of Pilates performance! These simple accessories help support and stabilize your entire body, increasing your sense of poise and control, By adding elevation to your Pilates workouts the durable, padded Pilates Box allows you to involve more complex combinations of muscles, resulting in greater flexibility and increased range of motion. The extendable Pilates Pole assists in standing exercises, allowing you to concentrate on single-leg exercises without loss of balance. Includes detailed workout video with tips and techniques. Make the most of your Pilates routine.
Buy it online @ amazon.com
February 24, 2006
Discover the amazing world of Pilates with this starter package that includes a SPRI Pilates Power Ring and Video. The Power Ring adds focus to Pilates exercises designed to tone and tighten abdominal muscles, inner and outer thighs, chest, arms, back and buttocks. The comprehensive video allows you to progress through a series of power ring exercises, which are suitable for both beginners and more advanced workouts. The Pilates Power Ring introduces progressive abdominal exercises focusing on strength, balance, flexibility and posture resulting in increased stamina, energy and mobility.
Buy it online @ Amazon.com
February 24, 2006
Start from a ball bridge position, body weight centralized to the top of the shoulder blades while the hips shoulders and knees are maintained in parallel alignment. Keep the knee directly above the heel. The arms begin out to the side from the shoulder, palms facing toward the ceiling. Slowly lower the arms to the floor, allowing the chest to relax while maintaining a stable body position. Lower the Sissel Power Weight Balls to a comfortable stop, then hold for a minimum of 30 seconds
February 19, 2006
On a picturesque cobblestone street in Tribeca, Alycea Ungaro founded and operates the largest Pilates studio in Manhattan, Tribeca Bodyworks We're in good hands with Alycea, a trained dancer, physical therapist, and 16-year veteran of the Pilates method of conditioning. Alycea and her 16 instructors are all graduates of the Romana Kryzanowska Pilates Center, which insures quality and intensity during the standard hour-long workout. The studio is known for its strict adherence to the pure Pilates method, but also offers pregnancy fitness programs, athletic training, low back rehabilitation, and physical therapy.
Tribeca Bodyworks 177 Duane Street New York
212-625-0777
February 19, 2006
Authentic Pilates : The Pilates Guild is dedicated to the preservation of Pilates in it's 'purest form' (the way it was taught by Joseph himself)
Contemporary Pilates: "While Pilates was undoubtedly a man ahead of his time, the science of exercise has evolved throughout subsequent decades. Contemporary adaptations of Pilates’ principles have emerged, leveraging advances in physical therapy, spinal research, biomechanical principles and anatomical understanding to ensure each exercise is performed with optimal safety and results in mind" - quote from Prime Time for Pilates by Moira Stott-Merrithew with Catherine Komlodi and Alison Hope.
Modern Pilates: (book) "Unlike the traditional method, which focuses on constantly holding in the lower abdomen and on extremely effortful movements, modern Pilates is firmly based on the functional movement possibilities of the body. The exercises in this book are influenced by developments in therapeutic massage, osteopathy, and the Feldenkrais method, Butoh (a Japanese performance art developed in the 1950s), and ante- and postnatal work. With easy-to-understand diagrams, drawings, and photos, it provides exercises for maintaining good posture, fitness, strength, grace, flexibility, and freedom from injury" - quote from the Publishers of Modern Pilates by Penelope Latey.
Continue reading "The Different Types of Pilates" »
February 19, 2006
Regardless of the current situation your back is in, relaxing could be key to helping it heal. While meditation can always be useful for achieving this, Yoga can at times be irritating if caution is not taken. Yoga is a series of slow movements combined with stretches and meditation to allow for an increase in flexibility and relaxation to the muscles and joints, as well as to help optimally integrate the connection between the mind and body. However, what might seem to be easy maneuvers should still be treated cautiously, as your individual situation may prohibit certain Yoga moves. One simple meditation practice that is usually met with good success is to close your eyes and visualize yourself in the most happy and relaxing place you know of. Sometimes just taking the time to do this can be what you need to begin the healing process.
February 16, 2006
Third Street Pilates is a fitness studio in an unique urban setting offering PILATES and GYROTONIC. The aim of their studio is to help build strength, flexibility, balance, and a sense of well being. Private sessions are designed to meet individual needs. Our full body conditioning is perfect for all ages and fitness levels.
They offer private one on one sessions, semi-private, group reformer and mat classes with certified trainers.
February 16, 2006
Monday–Wednesday, August 7–August 9, 2006 Hilton New York
New and Expanded Sessions for Everyone
– Classes, workshops and lectures
– Activities for enthusiasts, from beginners to advanced students
– Professional seminars for instructors at all levels
– Professional sessions for studio owners and businesses
– Exhibits featuring everything for the Pilates lifestyle, including workout wear, gear, equipment and more
Click here to read the presenter bios.
Click here to register online for the Pilates Style Summer Conference 2006
Click here to download the registration form that can be faxed (646-459-4900) or mailed (110 William St, 23rd Fl, New York, NY 10038) to Pilates Style Summer Conference 2006 registration.
February 15, 2006
Fat Loss versus Muscle Loss
1. To lose body fat you must eat fewer calories than your body burns off, so EAT LESS -- but you must NOT starve yourself, otherwise you will lose more muscle than fat!
2. Start eating 5-6 meals per day (space them out to about one every 3 hours). You are eating more often, but not necessarily more.
3. Increase your protein intake. Without protein your body cannot build new muscle. Protein also helps to increase your metabolism - which burns calories.
4. Increase you water intake. A good formula for this is to multiply your bodyweight by .66 to get the required number of ounces per day.
February 15, 2006
Christine and Marci are co-owners of The PowerHouse Institute, specializing in Pilates education for fitness professionals. This comprehensive manual guides instructors through 27 beginning, 24 intermediate and 7 advanced Reformer exercises, plus variations. Illustrated with photos, each exercise features a clear explanation ofproper set-up, movement, benefits, breathing, variations, prerequisites and cues. At the beginning of the book, the authors discuss the principles of Pilates, proper breathing, neutral spine, and common postural problems. The book also contains a section on starting your own Pilates program, including group Reformer class formats and teaching tips, medical history forms, liability waivers, and Reformer safety and maintenance. An invaluable resource forany Pilates instructor. Black and white, paperback,162 pag
Buy it online @ amazon.com
February 10, 2006
Pilates On the Ball An innovative ball workout by Colleen Craig, certified Pilates Trainer. Learn how to use the exercise ball to add resistance, challenge, and variety to your workout, with no jarring of limbs or wear and tear of the joints. Designed to realign the body, maintain good posture, build long lean muscles, and establish abdominal and core strength. 180 page book.Product photo may not exactly match the product offered for sale.
Buy it Online@ Amazon.com
February 10, 2006
The Pilates Performer 55-4300 has a superior design with the flexibility to accommodate advanced level Pilates Workouts. Sturdy, stable and affordable the fully-functional Pilates the portable Pilates Performer has an adaptable design and will maintain usefulness throughout your Pilates exercise regime. Each Stamina Pilates machine comes with a personal workout video, and full color workout chart to guide your exercise program. Regardless of your current level of fitness - sedentary office worker to fitness enthusiast - Pilates Performer 55-4300 is fun and easy to use, safely promoting proper breathing and body alignment, improved circulation and increased flexibility and muscle strength.
Buy it online @ Amazon.com
February 9, 2006
Start with your feet hip-width apart and Sissel Heavy Bar straight out in front of you, palms facing down to floor. Inhale contract abdominals, lift chest and posture, and exhale step behind you diagonally coming into a lunge. Keep the knee in one line with the ankle and the front toes lifted in the shoes. Inhale back to center and alternate to the other side. Repeat 6 to 10 times each side.
February 9, 2006
In Hit The Spot Pilates, the new Denise Austin Pilates DVD, consumers have the benefit of a customizable Pilates workout that targets specific areas such as hips, thighs, buttocks, abs and waistline –all with a Pilates twist! This DVD includes two segments –Abs and Waist Line and Lower Body: Hips, Thighs and Buttocks. The Abs and Waist Line consist of three 10-minute workouts, each more difficult than the other. All three segments concentrates on the techniques that will help you define your abs and waist while improving your posture. The Lower Body –Hips, Thighs and Buttocks includes one 10-minute hips workout, one 10-minute thighs workout and one 10-minute buttocks workout. These workouts will allow you to continue to strengthen your core muscles while slimming and trimming the bottom half. The DVD also includes a 15-minute "Pilates "Challenge" segment with standing Pilates that zero in on the entire body!
Buy it Online @ Amazon.com
February 9, 2006
Teen queen Hilary Duff has dismissed reports she has an eating disorder, and insists she lost weight because she exercised.Duff never weighs herself and doesn't know how much weight she ended up losing while on tour recently.She explains, "My best friend was on tour with me and we swam 30 laps every day.""We always made sure we stayed at hotels with pools and on the days I didn't feel like doing it she'd be like, 'Let's go.'"The So Yesterday singer also cut out carbohydrates, such as pasta, rice and bread, while she was on the road and has continued working out regularly.She adds, "When I finished that tour, my sister (introduced) me to pilates, and I just got obsessed with it. I do it three or four times a week when I'm not travelling."
February 9, 2006
New research shows a high-fiber diet can keep you from gaining weight even more than a low-fat diet. Melissa Montalto has made fiber a priority and weight gain a thing of the past. She has a high-fiber diet and says, "When I know I’m eating a high-fiber diet, and I’m getting all those whole foods, I can focus on that rather than calories, and it seems to keep me at a stable weight." Melissa is on the right track. A high-fiber diet helps you lose more weight than you may think. In a study, those on a high-fiber diet were half as likely to become obese.Megan McCrory, Ph.D., a nutrition researcher at Bastyr University in Kenmore, Wash., says, "Fiber doesn't contain any calories, yet it contains bulk, so when people consume fiber, they consume few calories. So, the trick is learning where the high fiber sources are and seeking them out.
A high-fiber diet is associated with less weight gain than a low-fat diet.The top sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains like brown rice, whole wheat bread, pasta and cereals. Experts say try to get 25 grams to 30 grams of fiber a day. The average American, however, gets only 14 grams. McCrory says, "It's not hard once you know how to do it."
Some easy tips are to switch to whole grain breads or add a handful of nuts to yogurt and beans to soups and salads. Also snack on fruits, vegetables, and maybe some light popcorn instead of chips.
Montalto says she eats close to the 30 grams recommended per day and that has kept her weight under control. Research also shows just 12 extra grams of fiber prevents you from gaining on average 8 pounds over several years. The jury is still out on whether fiber supplements work as well as the real thing, but it appears they don't
February 6, 2006
San Francisco Pilates: This conveniently located downtown Pilates studio is a great spot to hit if you’re tied to a desk in the financial district and in dire need of exercise. It is a well-equipped, intimate space with mat Pilates classes in private lesson, duet, and group class formats. Even if you don’t work or live near downtown, this studio is easy to get to—the Powell Street BART and Muni station is a stone’s throw away, as are all the major Market Street bus liners. There are five and ten class cards available for purchase, or you can pay as you go along (which is something you might want to do if you are new to the practice).
870 Market Street (at Powell Street) Suite 913 (415) 987-7265
February 6, 2006
When a person is facing the prospect of having to lose weight they can feel overwhelmed. The gravity of the road ahead can be a lot to absorb and they turn to a quick fix for the problem. There are many fad diets in existence that claim that they result in fast weight loss. In most cases their claim is true, in a sense. Most of these types of quick fix diets offer the person the chance to shed a high number of pounds the first week they are on the diet. This dramatic weight loss is almost always the result of the body losing water weight. It might feel great to look down at the scale and see a huge weight loss, but in reality that weight loss could be gained back very quickly if the person reverted back to their normal diet.
There are steps you can take that will guarantee that you have a successful and safe weight loss. Losing weight can be done in a way that is effective long term and at the same time gives you results week after week.
Continue reading "Tips for Safe Weight Loss" »
February 6, 2006
With 32 basic exercises, 3 levels of adjustable resistance and an adjustable headrest with oversized high-density foam, the Stamina Pilates 4000 Reformer gets you started with pilates at an optimal value and a smaller initial investment. However, as you develop your technique, you may become interested in a sturdier, elevated machine that will grow with your ability. The Stamina Pilates 4000 Reformer folds for portability and compact storage. Includes a FREE pilates instructional video and full color workout chart! Introductory Reformer - low price. Our introductory Pilates machine, the Stamina Pilates 4000 Reformer grants the quality of our other Pilates machines at a surprisingly affordable price. A full range of Pilates exercises can be attained on the Stamina Pilates 4000 Reformer. What distinguishes the Stamina Pilates 4000 Reformer from the Pilates Performer and the Pilates Premier is a set of comfort and growth features. The Stamina Pilates 4000 Reformer is built for new Pilates enthusiasts who want to try the Pilates method without investing several hundred dollars in more advanced Pilates machines. While not designed to support the most advanced Pilates methods, the Stamina Pilates 4000 Reformer will support the needs of new and intermediate Pilates enthusiasts. On the comfort side, the Stamina Pilates 4000 Reformer has basic padding instead of oversized high-density foam padding. Meanwhile, the Stamina Pilates 4000 Reformer has three as opposed to four levels of adjustable resistance found on other Pilates machines -- perfectly suitable for new Pilates enthusiasts, but somewhat insufficient for more advanced Pilates enthusiasts. The instructional video included with the package, provides basic instruction on the Pilates method and the Stamina Pilates 4000 Reformer so that new Pilates enthusiasts can begin to explore the world of the Pilates method.
Buy it online @Amazon.com
