According to the International Center for Reiki Training, “Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.” 

To read the full overview of Reiki from this source, please click here.

Here are just a few possible benefits:

• promotes deep relaxation and releases stress
• improved sleep
• assists the body in detoxing 
• clears the mind and improves mental focus
• relieves physical pain and promote healing
• works in adjunct with other medical treatments

You can get a Reiki session from a practitioner and/or learn how to perform Reiki on yourself. 


It isn’t a religion, and is very accessible even if you’re not familiar with or a believer in energy work. 


Although you may feel skeptical, I whole heartedly encourage you to remain open minded and give it a try! 


I was regularly practiced reiki many years ago when I was working as a massage therapist, but it somehow disappeared from my life as I was focused other things. I recently revisited and re-certified in this technique. I continue to be amazed by the subtle effects in my life and body as well as the massive improvement in my ability to meditate.
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Want to learn more or try it?
Contact me and we can go from there!

In addition to the set or choreographed exercises and equipment, Joe had a whole set of principles that sum up the underlying philosophy or motivation behind his technique. Check them out below....


JOE'S 3 MAJOR PRINCIPLES
Whole Body Health
Whole Body Commitment
BREATH

THE PILATES PRINCIPLES
Concentration
Control
Centering
Coordination
Precision
Balanced Muscle Development
Rhythm
Flowing Movement
Limited Repetitions


Does it help make some sense out of what Pilates is about? 
Please feel free to comment or ask questions below.


If you are interested in trying some private lessons or need some guidance on cultivating a way to have Pilates in your life, click here to contact me directly.

Who was Joseph H. Pilates?

Joe was born in 1880 in Germany to a Greek father, a world-class athlete, and a German mother, a naturopath. Joe was a sickly child. He had asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever. This is why his exercise system does not stress the heart or lungs. He was “put outdoors” to heal and became an exercise enthusiast practicing many forms including Yoga, boxing and gymnastics. His mother was his first client. She developed a limp when he was about 10 years old and he rehabilitated her.

When World War I began Joe became interned as an enemy alien in England. He worked with the patients to rehabilitate injuries and promote overall health. Joe modified the hospital beds and developed a system using bedsprings as resistance to help bedridden patients. This later became the trapeze table and reformer. The men in Joe’s dorm did the mat work exercises every evening. During the outbreak of Spanish Influenza in 1918, 20 million people died. No one under Joe’s care died!

Joe immigrated to the United States in 1926, which was a time of peace in between World War 1 and World War 2. Joe met Clara, a nurse and his future wife, on the boat to the US. They settled in New York City and opened their exercise studio on 8th Avenue. George Balanchine’s studio was in the same building. This exposed Joe’s work to the dance community, especially it’s success in rehabilitating injured dancers and allowing them to perform fully again. Besides working with dancers, the general public also began to benefit from the Pilates method to strengthen, stretch and balance the body.

Joe taught up until his death in 1968. He continued to create and build more apparatus that expanded his system and it’s effectiveness. Joe and Clara also trained many of his students to teach the Pilates system. His book, Return to Life, is still relevant and is a core text in any Pilates teacher training program. The Pilates method continues to inform and influence the fitness and wellness industry.


Did you find this interesting? 
Please feel free to comment or ask questions below.


If you are interested in trying some private lessons or need some guidance on getting some Pilates in your life, click here to contact me directly.

Hey guys!


So- I often get asked what kind of Pilates is “the best.”


As you can imagine, there are lots of differing opinions out there. 


Mine happens to be that “the best” kind of Pilates is the kind that you can do safely, pain-free, and consistently. If it also feels awesome and is fun or you are encouraged by your progress, then I endorse it even more fully! 


I have summarized some of the pros and cons below based upon my training, experience, and professional opinion. If you have some thoughts you’d like to share below in the comments, I’d love to see them!


Overall Benefits of Pilates

• can be modified to work for every body
• improved strength, mobility, and coordination
• Improved static and dynamic posture 
• improved balance & fall prevention
• increased confidence in movement ability 
• improved mood
• injury prevention
• increased mental focus & productivity
• improved breathing/lung fitness 
• stress management
• mind body connection
• a great supplement to other workouts or activities
• promotes active and healthy aging

The list goes on and on, but those are some of the highlights.


Benefits of Private Lessons:

• Everything is designed and taught to meet your unique needs.
• You will be able to learn and progress at your own pace.
• Avoid overwhelm & frustration, you can stop and ask as many questions as you need without feeling embarrassed or that you are slowing the class down
• Props that help you achieve the intent and “get the feeling” of each exercise will support you in having positive movement experiences
• The instructor will make sure you get the specific corrections you need, and can even modify the exercise on the spot to help you find a way to do it correctly. 
• The machines/apparatus are so amazing! and fun…
• It is a great way for people with significant health or physical challenges to safely exercise.
• You don’t have to be able to get up and down off of the floor.
• Create a smooth, safe transition back to full activity after an injury or illness. 

Benefits of Group Classes:

• Great social interaction & connection with like minded individuals
• You can ask questions that the instructor can answer immediately
• You will get corrections in addition to helpful cues 
• lower price point that private lessons

Benefits of Videos:

• convenience, no travel time
• can be done whenever it fits into your busy schedule
• you are still doing Pilates!
• can be a helpful option when traveling or to supplement the rest of your lessons or classes. 

Benefits of Mixing the Modalities:

• Variety will prevent boredom and encourage consistency
• Reduce the effects of our sedentary lifestyles by including more mindful or healthy movement
• It makes you feel empowered when you can adapt your practice to work for you

What works for you? 
Please feel free to comment or ask questions below.


If you are interested in trying some private lessons or need some guidance on adding some Pilates into your life, click here to contact me directly.

It seems like it should be so simple and easy. Right?
​But, most of us struggle to really get the hang of healthy, effective breathing mechanics. There are so many different ways to do it and cue it, it can get really confusing. ​

Now that we are fully in summer mode, let's talk sunscreen. There's a lot of conflicting information about sunscreen as well as sun exposure out there. No matter who you trust, or what you believe - you probably want to  avoid a sunburn. 

​Here is the link to the Environmental Working Group's 2018 Guide to Sunscreens. (click here)
It is free. In addition to their guide, they have some helpful tips as well as useful search tools. 

Do you feel good about the sunscreen you use? Last year, I used their list to try a few brands for my trip to Hawaii. Even though I live in AZ, I'm pretty pale, burn easily, and have very sensitive skin. I found some great products, I especially liked those by Goddess Garden. Luckily, I timed it right and got them during the 25% off sale at Sprouts. 

​Do you have a favorite sunscreen? Feel free to share below!  

The Pfilates program was created by Dr Bruce Crawford to provide a more effective alternative to current options for pelvic floor conditioning. Like any other fitness program, success relies upon consistency and ongoing attention.


How can it help me?
Dr. Crawford asserts that bladder control is a fitness issue. His respected research and documented results prove the success of this method. Check out his website by clicking here. 


Are you experiencing incontinence, increased frequency, or urgency to urinate? Do you feel like you’d like to get up fewer times at night to urinate? Do you find yourself constantly making sure you know where the restrooms are? Do you want some help, but feel like these symptoms are just part of aging or you’re too embarrassed to ask? Have you tried other methods and been left disappointed or frustrated?


What are the statistics for improvement? There has been a documented 74% improvement in subjective bladder symptoms (urgency, frequency, incontinence) within a 4-6 week period. 


Once you get the coordination and awareness to effectively & efficiently recruit your pelvic floor and the appropriate co-contractors, it can improve your overall fitness level. Many of my students have been responding very positively and feeling like they are getting more bang for their buck in their workouts. Our sessions or classes seem more intense, and they are experiencing obvious gains in their strength, balance, and coordination. 


What are the benefits of doing Pfilates focused private lessons with Pippa?
We will assess your beginning point and strategize your plan. There are many options, it is simply a matter of deciding what will work best for you.  


- You could start taking private Pilates sessions with me where we integrate the Pfilates work into each session in order to review, fine tune, and adapt your home practice as needed. You’ll receive consistent feedback, encouragement, and opportunities to ask questions. 


- You could also come in once at the beginning of your program. You would receive specialized cueing, pick the 3 Pfilates exercises for your daily practice, and create some accountability measures to ensure your success. You would then work on your daily practice for few weeks on your own, and we'd re-check and adjust as needed every 4-6 weeks. 


- You could buy the official Pfilates kit with helpful tools & resources, or simply add exercises as a daily practice and track symptoms or improvement on your own. (click here)


Want to try it?
Contact me (click here)

Check out the official Pfilates site (click here)

Last month, I sent some info about a possible retreat in November. Due to construction at the resort, we have moved it to May 2019. 
​

I am so excited to share this exciting opportunity with you!


This Biohacking & Nourishing Movement Retreat in May 2019 is a chance to rest, renew, and upgrade your life with me in paradise. 


For more info, click below:
https://www.inspired-retreats.com/pippa-frame


Registration is now open! There’s even an early bird discount, payment plan available, and a special treat for the first 4 reservations. We only have room for 12 participants max, so act now if you’re interested….