March 2006 Archives
March 28, 2006
Body Endeavors was founded by Liv Michele Berger in 1997. Liv now has a full staff of Pilates instructors and Massage Therapists working with her in a beautiful 2500 sq. foot space at the intersection of Halsted and Clybourn. The studio is fully equipped with all Pilates apparatuses, cardiovascular equipment, and light free-weights. Space for private Pilates instruction as well as group classes is ample. Changing rooms for men and women, provide lockers and locks for personal belongings. Bathrooms, showers and towels are also available. Parking is easily accessible on the street, and public transportation is abundant nearby. The North and Clybourn red-line station is a block north of the studio, and buses that run in the area are the #72 North Ave. and the #8 Halsted. At Body Endeavors they focus on teaching the original exercises developed by Joseph H. Pilates, in both private and group settings. In a private session you will work on all the Pilates apparatuses as well as learn the floor exercises.
March 21, 2006
To the well-informed Pilates practitioner, the Wunda Chair is the most challenging apparatus in Joseph Pilates’ system. A variety of exercises can be performed on the chair, most done with one or two springs stretched between the pedal and the back edge of the apparatus. Try these challenging push-ups Joseph developed to be performed on the Wunda Chair.
March 21, 2006
With double-stuff padding for comfort and a solid oak construction for a smoother, more vibrant feel, the Stamina Pilates Premier XP Reformer bestows an added level of comfort and class to this fully-featured portable Pilates Reformer. The Stamina Pilates Premier XP Reformer supplies 4 levels of resistance and a smooth, gliding carriage. Includes a FREE Pilates instructional VHS video and full color workout chart! Extra padding with 4 levels of resistance. The Stamina Pilates Premier XP Reformer combines a complete set of Pilates Reformer features with an oversized padded carriage and contoured head and shoulder rests. This combination offers you a fully-functional Pilates reformer designed with your comfort as a major consideration. The contoured head and shoulder rests stabilize your body for even greater relaxation while practicing the Pilates method. The Stamina Pilates Premier XP Reformer is forged from black steel for maximum strength, while an attractive oak trim finish makes the Stamina Pilates Premier XP Reformer graceful enough for use and storage in any room in your home. The optional deluxe adjustable straps allow you to find the proper arm and leg positions with ease. The Stamina Pilates Premier XP Reformer has all the features of the Stamina Pilates Premier Reformer plus double loop hand/foot straps that gives you two positions to choose from.
Buy it online at Amazon.com
March 16, 2006
Beyond the Movement is the very first Podcast dedicated to the Pilates Method. Your host, Heidi Miller has an extensive fitness background and has dedicated herself to her Pilates studio and her many students. While teaching, Heidi has recognized the need to inform and inspire. She has an intuitive understanding of the mechanics of the body and a passion for helping others to unlock their body's potential. Pilates is based on movement, but after only a few sessions, most people begin to understand that Pilates can be so much more than movement alone. This Podcast is dedicated to providing insight and exploration into the body's awakening as you progress beyond the movement.
March 16, 2006
Lie on your side, bend your knees and support your head with your bottom hand. Place a towel under the elbow of your top arm and grip onto a light Body Toning Bar, palm facing toward the floor. Keeping the elbow on the towel, slowly raise the forearm away from the floor. Repeat 12 to 15 times each side
March 15, 2006
Eco-sensitive yoga rugs made with certified, hand picked organic Egyptian cotton, known to be the softest and most durable cotton in the world.
Traditional yoga rugs are made with conventionally grown cotton which consumes approximately 25% of the insecticides and more than 10% of the pesticides used in the world. Conventional farming devours a pound or more of pesticides and fertilizers to produce enough cotton for a single yoga rug.
The production of cotton has a huge impact on the world, and health of people planting, picking and weaving it. The use of chemical insecticides and pesticides contaminate soil, water and air. More chemicals are needed to treat the nutrient deprived soil, and contaminated water. Bio diversity is destroyed.
March 13, 2006
In Michelle Lemay's Spirit Flow - Rejuvenating Core Stretch DVD, you will experience 30 minutes of slow gentle movement that will leave you feeling peacefully powerful. This workout washes away stress and tension, opening the way to greater mental clarity, concentration and creativity. The soothing movements, specific breathing techniques and mind body focus will ease your mind, free your body and bring you back to your center. Take the time to nurture your mind, body and soul, and your life will become more peaceful, harmonious and pleasurable.
Michelle LeMay’s Spirit Flow - Dance Inspired Yoga video series is a line of workout techniques that inspire confidence, self-expression and joy. While working out with Michelle, you’ll become free in your mind and body and allow your spirit to flow.
Michelle LeMay promises: “There's no need to suffer through boring workouts. I will teach you fun movements that you can enjoy, be inspired by - and get great results at the same time!”
March 13, 2006
Spencer Pilates is the optimal blend of traditional Pilates exercises with modern advances in biomechanics and core training. When you become certified in Spencer Pilates , you are showing the fitness community and your clients that you are on the cutting edge of fitness and wellness technology. The effects of these Pilates training method techniques are astounding. Similar to the renowned Pilates seen on TV, Spencer Pilates certification demonstrates advanced mat techniques and "Pilates on the ball" movements. Spencer Pilates takes the traditional Pilates exercises a step further. Spencer Pilates - accredited and comprehensive home study. Optional Pilates/yoga certification combo for $349. More than 30 additional health, fitness and wellness programs.
March 13, 2006
absolution is unlike any gym you have ever experienced. Their loft-style, multiple award-winning workout complex includes a fully loaded pilates studio (and teacher training program), a competitive, game-playing rock climbing wall (you versus the wall), circus arts equipment (How does Cirque de soleil class sound to YOU?), and if you are able to catch him, a self defense expert in a fully padded suit who will let you beat the crap out of him in an IMPACT defense course.
There's a roster of special skills instructors on the speed dial: rock climbers, aerialists, self-defense experts, and pole dancers to name a few. Classes include belly dancing, capoiera, and special workshops from specialists whose skills range from teaching you how to throw a mean brunch for ten to teaching you how to load and fire a glock .45. Prepackaged combinations, including the most popular "SpySchool" are available to guaranteed good time and serious results.
absolution will design a fitness program to fit your lifestyle and will reward your time and energy with results you never thought possible in an environment nothing like a gym. we're having such a good time, frankly, it's ridiculous. absolution. more than your ordinary workout.
absolution la 8535 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069
telephone: 310-657-7878
March 8, 2006
Everything about Pilates on Fifth is exceptional. The heart and soul of Pilates on Fifth are its owners, Katherine and Kimberly Corp, who are both remarkably experienced, knowledgeable Pilates instructors.
Before opening their New York Pilates studio in 2000, the Corp twins were professional dancers and Radio City Rockettes. Their ambition, drive, and desire to know everything there is to know about Pilates is indicative of all the instructors at Pilates on Fifth. For instance, the Corp sisters became STOTT PILATES® Instructor Trainers in 2001.
They are both Cancer Exercise Specialists and co-founders of The Pink Ribbon Program, Inc., which brings Pilates-based exercise programs to breast cancer survivors across the country. Katherine and Kimberly have been accepted into Columbia University's renowned Applied Physiology program. In August of 2005, they were featured on the cover of Club Business International, the IHRSA's industry magazine.
Pilates on Fifth currently has more than 25 instructors, all of whom were hired by the Corp sisters based on stringent criteria. First, each of the instructors who teaches at Pilates on Fifth is certified, experienced, and educated about both anatomy and biomechanics. These instructors are not just Pilates enthusiasts, they are Pilates experts. Second, each instructor has a great personality for teaching. They know just how to get their clients motivated, working with maximum passion and concentration from the moment class starts until the moment it ends.
501 Fifth Avenue, at 5th Avenue and 42nd Street New York, NY
March 8, 2006
Begin with a seated position on the Exercise Ball, maintaining a neutral, stable posture on the exercise ball, a SPower Weight Ball in each hand. The arms begin extended forward of the body, straight out from the shoulder. The elbows are bent, the wrists staying above the elbow to begin the movement. Basically, the elbow is bent at 90 degrees at the start position. This is a four part movement. Part one, keeping the wrist above the elbow, extending the arms upward. Part two, turn the elbows out to the side without dropping the arms. Part three, let the elbows drop back to the 90 degree angle, but out to the side (as opposed to the front as in the start position). Part four, return to the start position. To make this exercise more challenging, you can alternate sets or repetitions by stabilizing with only one foot on the ground. Switch legs between sets.
March 6, 2006
The pace of the modern world is breathtaking. Although there are many benefits of living in this age, people are also noticing the buildup of stress. With the increasingly interconnected world moving quicker and quicker, we are all looking for simple ways to calm our nerves. Ancient practices like yoga offer time-tested ways to effectively and efficiently reduce stress in our lives.
"Yogis have known since ancient times that Yoga Nidra soothes the nerves and calms the mind; for centuries they have used it for health and meditation purposes. Today doctors acknowledge the link between nervous disorders, stress, and physical disease and often prescribe relaxation for their patients. Its effectiveness is backed up by scientific research showing that deep relaxation oxygenates the body's cells fully and efficiently, which helps combat infection, cancer, high blood pressure, and many other diseases," says Wai Lana, the world's most-watched yoga teacher and host of the internationally aired TV series Wai Lana Yoga."The stress we experience takes its toll on our bodies. Although it is experienced first in the mind, it often manifests in the body," commented Wai Lana. "In milder cases, it turns up as a stiff neck or tight shoulders, which may lead to headaches and back pain. Stress often causes insomnia, which leads to further stress and fatigue. When we are under this type of stress, our immune system becomes depressed and we become more susceptible to viruses and disease. Stress can also cause digestive disorders. When stress is present over a long period, it can lead to more serious conditions, such as high blood pressure. It's a risk factor for heart disease and can lead to depression and alcohol and drug abuse. Research shows that simple stress-reducing techniques, if performed daily, can prevent the longer-term debilitating effects of unmanaged stress."
March 6, 2006
Pilates is enjoying a surge in popularity as more people discover the way it improves strength, muscle tone, flexibility, and stamina; relieves joint and back pain; and reduces stress. The method, created by Joseph Pilates, is based on strengthening core muscles while increasing the flexibility of the supporting muscle groups. This book details Pilates' original floor program, with newly revised descriptions and step-by-step photos of the exercises. This new edition contains information on daily living patterns that can disrupt the body's biomechanics; back-strengthening routines for sports like golf, tennis, and racquetball; exercises for computer users - upper back, neck, and shoulder routines; more advanced versions of the original exercises; and the stamina stretch, to increase breathing capacity and support abdominals before each exercise. In addition, the book offers an introduction to the history and philosophy of the Pilates system, information specifically for athletes, a chapter addressing pain relief, and helpful illustrations and worksheets.
Buy it online @ amazon.com
