Most of us understand the importance or benefits of training for exercise, especially specific practices such as Pilates, Yoga, running, jumping or lifting. We see the direct correlation between good or ideal form and alignment with athletic abilities as well as injury prevention. 


We work our full body movements (squats)  as well as isolated areas. (biceps, quads, abs etc.)


What about the pelvic floor?


How do you feel when you laugh, cough, or sneeze? Is anything else happening?​

Where or what is my pelvic floor?
Imagine the area between your pubic bone and tailbone, then your two sitbones. Then, visualize those 4 points coming in towards center and up towards the sky. That area is your pelvic floor or diaphragm.  Want more detail? Watch this you tube video, it is an anatomically correct 3D tutorial. 


Why is it important? 
This area is responsible for bladder control. bowel control, sexual function, support of the reproductive organs, and is often seen as the foundation or deepest layer of our core. 


Some pelvic floor disorders are overactive bladder (OAB) or urinary urgency, stress urinary incontinence (leaking), pelvic organ prolapse (POP), and chronic pelvic pain. 


Are there other parts of our body or activities we could improve by training this area? Yes! Posture, SI dysfunction, chronic lower back pain, gait, and more. 


Do I have to isolate it in order to work or strengthen it? No! In fact when we use facilitated muscular contraction by recruiting other areas such as the glutes, transverses abdominus, or hip muscles we get a much stronger connection. 


Why do we need to add different forms of training?
The pelvic floor muscles are composed of both fast twitch (fast contraction time, fast fatigue) and slow twitch (endurance) fibers. They require different types of challenges to improve fitness, and we ideally want balance in the ability of these fibers. Traditional plyometric training can hypertrophy or enlarge the fast twitch fibers. Too much bracing or static training isn’t ideal either. We want a dynamic, strong, and adaptable pelvic floor so we train for endurance, coordination, and strength. 


How can I tell if I’m doing it correctly?
There are specific ways to measure contraction or activation of this area, but they aren’t always necessary. When we try different exercises (in different relationships to gravity) and work that idea of facilitated muscular contraction (getting other areas involved to feel more of an action) you can usually start to develop a more fine tuned awareness. 


Once you find your most successful exercises to practice, consistency is key.
Just a few minutes every or most days will have a huge impact! 


Want to learn more?
Register for my pelvic floor training workshop. (click here)
Read my blog post on my Pfilates training. (click here)
Contact me to set up a one on one Pilates session. (click here)

Classes start on Monday 9/10! 

Registration opens 8/13 for residents and 8/20 for non-residents. 



Mondays
5:30-6:30pm      Intro to Pilates      9/10-12/10/18    #58571    $70
No Class: 11/12
 
6:30-7:30pm      Pilates & Stretch      9/10-12/10    #58570    $70
No Class: 11/12
 
Wednesdays 
9:30-10:30am      Building Better Bones  9/12-12/12    #59569     $74
($7 drop in) 


 
Register Online Today!
www.tempe.gov/brochure
For More Information: 480-350-5200



Interested in trying a group class but feel a bit intimidated? or not sure it will work for you?
Click here to connect with me and we can figure it out together

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. ​

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)

Classes at Kiwanis Recreation Center
Classes start on Tuesday 4/2/18 
Registration is open….
New faces are always welcome, returning ones too! If you’re in the group classes and need some extra help, please bear in mind that you can always book a private mat lesson to get some one on one attention and personal corrections. 

Mondays

5:30-6:30pm Intro to Pilates 4/2-5/21/18    #56569    
 
6:30-7:30pm Pilates & Stretch 4/2-5/21/18    #56568    


Wednesdays 
9:30-10:30am Building Better Bones ($7 drop in) 4/4-5/23/18    #56567    

 
Register Online Today!
www.tempe.gov/brochure
For More Information: 480-350-5200