The reason why the subject of breathing causes never-ending confusion is that breathing is both a very finely tuned autonomic process, as well as under our conscious control. Hence it can be altered, but we may wonder whether it should be. This will always have a very complex impact on the rest of our being. Read More
5 Ways Pilates Can Support Your Mental Health
Pilates is often promoted as being great for ‘core strength’ or ‘reducing back pain’, both of which it certainly can do. (I know, as back pain was the main reason I took up Pilates in the first place). Through personal experience and in teaching clients in private and group settings, I now know that Pilates has consistently supported me in managing my own anxiety. The practice can be instrumental in supporting the positive mental health of others.Read More
How To Make Your Movement Look Good And Feel Good With Dynamic Alignment
Say the goal as a dancer is to look good in the mirror. What if it also feels good and is also efficient? Learning how to create that would be the goal. I’ve had conversations with people saying “Ballet wrecks your body”, but I disagree. Ballet can be a great exercise but you have to work on achieving those forms with good function and in dialogue with whoever is trying to achieve them. Read More
How To Maximize Neuroplastic Processes: Keep Your Clients Focused!
As Pilates teachers, how do we make what we do in one or two hours a week potentially influence a positive neuroplastic change? We know that one or two hours a week may not be enough to influence this. What else needs to happen, and what needs to be influenced in that one or two hours a week? Read More
Fascinating Neuro-Concepts You Need To Know As A Pilates Instructor
Neuroplasticity is the nervous system forming, adapting, or reorganizing in terms of its structure and function. Neuroplasticity describes the actual structural changes that can occur to a brain when it comes to learning and adapting, and also in terms of function and how we relay and communicate information “out” (from the brain). It does occur throughout all stages of life however it certainly seems to slow down with age but that’s not to say that it doesn’t continue to happen, it’s just the process can be a little bit slower or requires increased thoughtfulness to facilitate the process. Read More
Do You Really Understand Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis today is not only occurring in older people. There is a major increase of individuals between the age of 40 and 55 and it is amazing how many more people are suffering from osteoarthritis these days. When it gets severe, it’s a total joint failure. One in two Americans and two in three obese people will likely get Knee osteoarthritis, and the knees seem to be the leading joint where OA is found. 1 in 4 Americans or about 25 percent of the population will develop Hip OA, and it’s very costly. Read More