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)

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.

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

We all know that warming up is a good idea before we engage in any big activity.

Have you ever considered adding in a quick warm up in the morning to prepare your body and mind for everyday life? Connecting to your body while moving and breathing with intention are powerful tools that can set you up for a successful, pain-free day. You don't have to have any fancy equipment or even do the same exact exercises every day to reap the benefits. 

I get feedback from many clients that they feel stiff or are in pain when they first get out of bed. I invariably as them if they are doing some specific movements (that they already know) to get their body moving, increase circulation, and ease any pain. The answer is usually no for a variety of reasons. The underlying issue is often that they aren't aware of their control of the situation. They aren't accessing the tools they posses to feel better and/or haven't made the conscious choice to use them.

I recently went through a quick warm up sequence with a client who came in feeling terrible, uncomfortable, and frustrated with her body. We focused on breathing deeply, engaging her core, and included 3 or 4 really simple movements in a quadruped position. She was amazed at how much better she felt. She was even more amazed that she already knew all these movements and could have done them as soon as she started to feel stiff & achy. I didn't want her to memorize the sequence we did, I encouraged her to try to remember that she has skills and could use them as needed. 

Now I'm not saying that a short warm up will fix or heal everything, but I can safely say that it will help you to feel better (on many levels.)  Try it and see!


Not sure where to start or what to include in your warm up? 
- come join us at Kiwanis for a group class (click here) 

​- book a private mat lesson with me (click here)

- check out my You Tube Channel (click here)

- buy a video (click here)

Happy Practicing!