“Foot for Thought…”

As an author and advocate for foot care. And having learned the hard way with some serious foot pain issues as a competitive gymnast when I was a teenager. I’ve been on the bandwagon to spread the word about the importance of healthy & happy feet.

So last night I was thinking…what life would be if we didn’t have feet? And here’s what I came up with…and how things might be different if for some reason things changed and our feet became obsolete. Read More…

Darlene Asks about Pilates and Pregnancy…

Dear Aliesa,

I am teaching a Pilates class and one of the participants has
told me that she is pregnant. She has been doing Pilates for
a while and is strong and knows her limits, but I am looking
for a resource where I can research the limitations and
contraindications for a pregnant participant.

Can you recommend some reading or a website I can rely on
to give me correct information? This is a mat class only.

Thanks very much for your help,

Darlene

Great Question Darlene!!!

You’ll find a few guidelines for Pilates & pregnancy in the PMA Pilates Certification Study Guide. If I remember correctly, Dawn-Marie Ikes did a session or two on this topic at the PMA conference in 2005 & 2006, it was great information. If you have access to a copy of the course outlines for either of those years, I think you’ll have the info you’re looking for. You might check on the PMA website for Dawn-Marie’s contact information www.PilatesMethodAlliance.org and request info directly from her.

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Wii Fitness…  What Fun!

I may be a bit behind the times when it comes to enjoying the fun and benefits of all the new interactive video game products on the market - like the Nintendo Wii Fit…  but recently my techno-geek boyfriend purchased a Wii Fit for home.  (He’s had one at work since they first hit the market.)  Being a bit shy about actually getting a computer to do what I want, for me is intimidating, never mind the hand-eye coordination it takes to “win” a computer game…..I was never any good at these games as a kid.

I have to admit my extreme skepticism about the benefits of staring at a TV screen and using a computer game for fitness.  But am always excited to hear about new ways to inspire and encourage people to increase their exercise and activity level, and ANYTHING that people enjoy doing that involves movement can be a great way to improve health and fitness.

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I recently had someone drop me a contact request for Pilates Teacher Training information and thought she had some great questions that might be helpful to post in my Centerworks Pilates blog. 

 Think I may turn this into a regular section and update & add posts with questions as they come in.

It’s so important that students interested in making the transition from client to Pilates teacher ask good questions and gather lots of information before making the decision about who to enroll with for their Pilates Teacher Training Workshops and apprenticeship. 

With the commitment of time, energy, and finances it takes to invest in your Pilates education - you want to be sure you’ve found the best program for you!

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Great Press on NPR for Pilates and Foot Exercises - “How to Keep your Feet Happy”

I’m thrilled to see foot-care and foot exercise making national headlines! 

 Did you happen to see or hear the news?  I’m not a regular National Public Radio listener, but fate stepped in and brought it to my attention. So how did I find out?   It was a double whammy….which to me was a sign that I had to check it out. 

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I’m frequently asked for referrals from people across the country (and the world) in search of a Great Pilates Teacher or Pilates Studio that they can check out and take Private Pilates lessons and join group Mat and Pilates equipment classes.

Here are a few frequently asked questions, and Five Tips to find a Great Pilates Teacher near you:

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I recieved this question about Pilates training by email today, thought it relevant for a blog posting:

Question: Is Pilates appropriate for someone with peripheral atrophy? Balancing is becoming more & more difficult so yoga is no longer an option. If appropriate, please tell me where I might find a certified teacher/instructor. Please advise.

Answer: I do not feel it’s appropriate for me to answer this with a specific yes, or no – because I’m out of my scope of practice to recommend Pilates for a specific person, with a specific medical issue. (Especially someone I’ve never seen or worked with!)

However, here are my personal thoughts on the subject:

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I had a blast teaching Shoulder Mechanics and Fantastic Feet workshops in Little Rock in April, as well as a Matwork master class. Thanks to the fantastic group of students and teachers that participated in these workshops!

I am looking forward to being back in Little Rock for a full series of Centerworks Pilates Teacher-Training Workshops starting the end of June.

If you’re interested in these courses, you can download the flyer & registration forms at: Centerworks Pilates Teacher Training Program Info Flyer for 2008-2009 Little Rock Workshops

If you have questions, drop me a comment on the blog, or email me a question with the contact form at http://centerworks-pilates.com/contact.html

Hope to see you in a workshop soon!

I’m always experimenting with cues to help find good images that my clients can associate with while they’re moving through their workouts. When I can associate a relatable picture to proper body position and movements - I usually get great execution of each Pilates exercise.

Here’s my new cue of the week for improving Spine Extension.

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