Good, Good, Good, Good Vibrations!

This is a vibrational universe - everything is energy, and we create by the vibration that we embody. Most of us do not create with intention, however.  We simply observe "what is" and then offer back the same vibration of what we are observing.  Upon first hearing this, one may say, "I can't possibly be the creator of my own life, for if I were, I would never choose 'this'!"  However, vibration does not judge, it simply increases whatever it is focused on - wanted or unwanted. So if you want to create something new, something other than the "what is" that you are observing (a physical condition, financial condition, relationship, career - whatever!) you must withdraw your attention from the "what-isness" that you do not want and focus mentally and emotionally on what you do want until the dominant vibration within you regarding that subject is a vibrational match to what you do want. When you do this, the Universe must manifest your creation for you!

Series Work Within Classical Pilates

In classical Pilates, there are certain exercises that go together in groupings that are called, series. The series are designed so that the whole is worth more than the sum of their parts. On the Reformer these include, Footwork Series, Rowing Series, Stomach Massage Series, Long Box Series, Short Box Series, Long Stretch Series, Knee Stretch Series, and the Splits Series. On the Mat there is the Abdominal Series and the Side Kick Series. Each exercise in a series should flow seamlessly from one to the next so that the series feels like one continuous flowing movement. As an example, let's take a brief look at Footwork Series..

In both the Reformer and Mat workouts, the exercises start by lying on the back. This is to counter the force of gravity that is constantly pushing down on the body when it is upright. Lying on the back allows the spine to relax and lengthen, for the muscles to work with less tension, and the organs to settle into their places... and this is where we begin with Footwork Seris. Joseph Pilates put a lot of emphasis on the feet. It is important to have flexible, strong feet that propel and support the body properly when standing and in motion.  In the Footwork Series we work the feet in different positions to strengthen and stretch the feet and ankles, and to lengthen and strengthen the legs, glutes, hips, and abdominals. During Footwork Series you want to flow without breaking from one repetition to the next, from one exercise to the next, keeping the Powerhouse engaged as you move out and in, and while changing from one position to the next. As you move from "Toes" to "Arches" to "Heels" to "Tendon Stretch" move the feet together, lifting them off of the foot bar together and placing them in the next position at the same time. Maintain the engagement of the Powerhouse and connections in the body rather than relaxing and walking the feet one at a time into the next position and then regathering all of your connections.  

Joseph Pilates performing Footwork Series on the Reformer

You Are What You Eat....

Worry is a Misuse of Imagination

The Three Critical Conections

In classical Pilates we talk about "Critical Connections" and you hear about them often from me in class :)

They include:

• The Three Anchors - referring to wrapping the inner thighs, drawing the sits bones in toward the centerline of the body, and scooping the low abdominals in and up.

• Ribs to Scapula and Scapula to Ribs Connection - meaning to draw the scapula, or shoulder blades, down the back of the body and pulling them in against the ribcage in the back while simultaneously pulling the front of the ribcage down the front of the body and pulling in towards the spine.  Think of hugging
  your shoulder blades against your ribs and your ribs against
  
  your shoulder blades.

• Heel to Seat Connection  - the activation of lengthening the backs of your legs and reaching through your heels with your sits bones.

Put all of these together and what have you got...?

Pilates Stance!

Now that you are more aware of these connections, try focusing on them in the exercises and see how they deepen your practice.

Original "Cadillac"

 In 1912 Joseph Pilates was living in England and working as a boxer, circus performer, and self-defense instructor. When WWI broke out he was interned with other German nationals living in England. During this time he served as an orderly on the Isle of Man where he began modifying hospital beds so that those who were recovering from illness or injury could exercise.

Joseph Pilates designed all of the classical equipment that we still use today.

Reformer

Wunda Chair

Power Circle

Ladder Barrel

Guillotine

Arm Chair
(using the springs to strengthen the neck)

… plus many, many more.

You Were Never Intended To Use Your Action To Make Things Happen

You create through thought, 

you create through vibration.          

You were never meant to use your action to make things happen, you were always intended to use your action to enjoy the benefit of what your energy alignment had actually accomplished.

~Abraham-Hicks

What Causes Muscle Cramps?

Is it dehydration? No
Is it electrolyte imbalance? No

Here is a quick video with Nobel Prize winner for chemistry, Dr. Roderick MacKinnon and new findings about what causes muscle cramps....




I will keep watching for when this information becomes public and let you know!

Integrity

If you need cooperation from others to feel good, you are in deep doo-doo. But when you only need cooperation from Self, when you only need the power to bring yourself into vibrational cooperation with who you are, isn't that truly what integrity is? Isn't integrity being a vibrational match to the true vibrational core that is you? 

~ Abraham-Hicks

Weak Gluteus Medius with Danielle Ufniak (Physiotherapist)

This is a great short video which talks about the medial glute muscle and some indications that it may not be firing or activating correctly.  There are many reasons why a body may begin to move into misalignments and when it does, some muscles no longer perform the way they should and other muscles try to compensate.  If this continues, we often will experience pain.



Pilates exercises are designed to bring the body back into proper muscular and skeletal alignment.  Learning how to activate the proper muscles during an exercise and attention to precision during your Pilates practice will help keep your body balanced, flexible, strong, and in alignment!