Pacific NW Pilates Blog» Pacific NW Pilates Teacher Training and Certification Program

Impressions from a Pilates Student: the Mind -Body Connection

Leslie Braverman — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:49:34 +0000

I see a big QUESTION MARK sitting on top of my head; Does anyone else have this visual? This idea helps me to SLOW down both my mind and body. I can proceed to an analytical mode.

1. What am I trying to accomplish and

2. What are the steps needed to get to that ultimate goal?

I will sit with my eyes closed and SEE my body MOVE into the position. In my mind I am really GOOD at using all the body mechanics and in such perfect form! Oh if only my reality was the same.

So after slowing down and closing my eyes, I begin to visualize a LIGHTBULB over my head. I start to get some light coming in and filtering down to the body where the mental awareness of my body mechanics are making better sense. The light may be dim at first but as I take it through the above process, it becomes brighter and brighter until the LIGHTBULB “POPS” into an

EXCLAMATION POINT! By George, I think I’ve got it!!!

The Exclamation Point will be challenged when I do the intermediate or advanced form of the same exercise. So my process will begin again. But that is what I love about Pilates; endless challenges.

I would also like to share my MOMENTS that I try to stay alert to throughout my day.

1. Ah-Ha Moments; that is the light bulb turning on and creating an awareness to be focused on at that moment.

2. Hurrahhh Moments (sense of ahhh in that moment); when my body really feels the ah-ha. Mind and body are working well as a team.

3. Ha-Ha Moments (I try for as many as possible); these are moments that come from the belly laugh which is a sneaky way to find and work the transversus abdominus!

4. Duh Moments; when I will gently tap the side of my temple saying “why did this take me so long”.

5. At the end of all this comes a big TA-DA Moment of pure joy. I like to throw my arms into a big “V” and look up in wonder as I say out loud “TA-DA!.

6. AHHHHHH MOMENT- A time to be quiet and release my thoughts….But just for a moment.

Scottie Johnson

Knee Stability Post Surgery

Jean Leavenworth — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:38:07 +0000

We just got this question emailed to us from a student:

This is Christi Tuck from Colorado Springs YMCA. I am a certified STOTT PILATES instructor and I have a question.
I have an inquiry from a possible student regarding some knee issues and if the reformer would be beneficial and are their any concerns. Basically they had surgery recently and the doctor informed them they have no cartilage around the knee. I believe they had the meniscus repaired.
My guess is the reformer would be helpful to strengthen the surrounding muscles and that starting at light resistance would be best. I welcome any comments or suggestions.

Hi Christi-
Thanks so much for your question. As far as your client’s issues are concerned; yes, the reformer would be very beneficial to her recovery. Doing footwork starting with lighter resistance is a great start. I would also do single leg pulses in a variety of positions–laterally rotated, parallel and medially rotated. Make sure when she is doing footwork or single leg that she is really using her quads to draw the kneecap up as she straightens the leg. VMO (vastus medialis oblique) is especially important for knee stabilization and it tends to be weak for many women. I find I really feel the VMO muscle more when doing lateral knee pulses, but that may vary from person to person, so check in with her to see if she is feeling that muscle. Strengthening the posterior leg muscles will also help to stabilize the knees, so make sure you are doing some glute and hamstring work as well.
Melanie Byford-Young has a great workshop on Knee Stabilization if you ever get a chance to take it! She created an exercise where you are sitting on the reformer carriage with no springs attached. One foot is on the floor between the rails and the other leg is lifted up supported by the hands or with a flexband around the thigh. If you have a rotational disc, place the foot on top of the disc and keep the ankle, knee and hip tracking as they slowly move the carriage out and in. This helps to stimulate and strengthen the popliteus muscle which is another deep knee stabilizer.
The more those stabilizing muscles are activated and strengthened, the less wear and tear will occur to the knee and the remaining cartilage. Eventually, you can increase the resistance as those muscles get stronger, but at the beginning we don’t want to overload those stabilizing muscles.
Let me know how things go or if you have any other questions.

Teaching in Bangalore, India

Jean Leavenworth — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 20:40:33 +0000

I arrived in Bangalore on December 1st, after finishing an Intensive Reformer training in Mumbai. I was scheduled to start teaching an Intensive Mat Plus course at the Zone Mind and Body Studio in Bangalore the next day. It was a long drive in from the airport to the hotel and the traffic was intense! This city has grown by leaps and bounds over the last decade, but the roads have yet to catch up with the increased traffic! I was staying in a very nice condo hotel that was an easy walk to the studio. My hosts, Anjali and Sharat Sareen picked me up the next day and took me to their beautiful studio. This was an oasis of calm and beauty after the noisy atmosphere of the Gold’s Gym in Mumbai. I enjoyed hanging out in the lounge or on one of the open air balconies before and after the training.

The lounge at the Zone Studio

Most of the students in the IMP course had been training with Anjali and Sharat for a couple of years. It really helped to have some experienced students in the group and of course to have Anjali co-teaching with me. That was a first for me and it took me a while to get used to having someone else there to teach. Anjali made it very easy though and we had a great time together.
They were also extremely generous in taking me out to dinner several times and of course on our whirlwind shopping extravaganza! I had such a great time that day and really found some gorgeous things to take home with me! I only wish there had been more time for seeing some of the area around Bangalore. This was a whirlwind trip in more ways than one! The course went by so quickly that in no time we were at the end of the course, practicing those difficult intermediate exercises!

Practicing the Rollover with the arc barrels

Fortunately, this was not on the day when we went out to eat the giant paper dosas! What a delicious food this is, but as you can see, it is not small in size!

I had such fun working with this group. I hope they continue to practice and improve their teaching skills. It is fortunate that most of them have Anjali and Sharat to observe and work with while they prepare for their exams.

The IMP group outside the Zone studio

The Ultimate Girl’s Night Out…in ITALY!

Jean Leavenworth — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 20:08:57 +0000

Posted by Trisha Hatfield Graves
In early 2007, I received an email from the owner of a “Learning/Wellness Retreat”, The Cascina Papaveri in Italy. They were interested in having me serve as the Featured International Pilates Instructor for two weeks in June. This retreat was the dream child of a retired British / Kiwi couple in their 70’s, conceived from their dedication to health, their love of Italy, a mutual enjoyment for farming…and their 20-year relationship with Pilates. They also possessed an insatiable interest in people, so, several years ago founded and purchased “The Cascina Papaveri” (The Poppy Farm), consisting of a huge historic farmhouse on an organic farm and vineyard, perched on a hill overlooking miles of rustic northern Italian countryside. This not only became their new home, but was remodeled to provide 10 beautiful 5-Star guests rooms, each with its own private bath. The lower floor of the farm house became an open-breezeway gym, lap pool, sauna / steam rooms and the largest fully-equipped Pilates studio in Europe. They had contacted me because they wanted to bring something different to the retreat for “Women’s Week” and saw that I taught Pole Dancing as well as Pilates.

View from the cascina

I was quite honored because this retreat is recognized as featuring “best of the best” in international Pilates instructors. Most of their featured instructors can boast of having DVDs, books and TV spots…and “a following”. I simply owned The Pilates Center of Olympia, a small local studio, and my ‘followers’ consisted of several handfuls of loyal clients, most of whom could not afford the $2499 to take this trip. The pole dancing facet, however, really intrigued the Cascina’s owners, and the philosophies around providing women with an avenue through which to connect with their sensuality seemed like something their guests might enjoy.

I explained that the pole dancing was a package deal. My daughter, Cally, and I co-teach the classes together; spotting, assisting and guiding women. Five months later Cally and I were on our flight to Milan, Italy with two rifle cases containing our heavy-duty removable commercial poles capable of extending to their fourteen foot ceiling. The rifle cases had been revamped a bit, embossed with an aluminum veneer and butterfly pattern, which did not detract from their 60 pound weight!

When we arrived at the Cascina we found waiting for us, three British women; one working for the office of the Prime Minister, a lawyer from London, a woman training to become a Pilates instructor; and 3 Americans. One of these comrades was my client and two were a married couple from Chicago. All looking for a good time to relax, get healthy; and “let their hair down” so to speak.

Guests received multiple amenities, among them, unlimited daily Pilates (both apparatus and mat; taught by me), unlimited use of the gym, lap pool, and sauna/steam room; daily Culinary Arts classes, all meals beautifully prepared using market fresh ingredients and organic produce from the farm; unlimited Private Label wine from the Cascina’s own grapes, trips to local village markets and an added bonus with Cally and I there…unlimited Pole Dancing for Fitness!

Trisha in the pilates studio with her pole

Cally and I were put up in a gorgeous little apartment in the village and walked the three miles to and from the retreat each day. It was the most incredible mother-daughter adventure, and with our philosophies around “Women Empowering Women” this represented taking our ‘show’ on the road! The British women loved the liberating experience of pole dancing and while playfully cheering the ladies on one day to “smack their fanny”, one diplomatically explained to me that …ahem…“fanny” means something quite different in Britain.

Out of literally thousands of Pilates instructors worldwide vying for an opportunity to serve as the retreat’s featured instructor, I am humbled and ecstatic that they chose to feature me again last summer. Cally couldn’t go, so I brought another of my instructors, Heather Christopher and 7 clients of my own. We had another wonderful visit. For more info Email Trisha Hatfield Graves:trisha@pilatesatplay.com or Visit: www.cascinapapaveri.com

Mumbai Impressions-A Pilates Instructors First Trip to India

Jean Leavenworth — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 03:53:07 +0000

I arrived in Mumbai around 2am on Friday November 20th after leaving Portland at 8:45am on November 18th. Once our plane had landed in Mumbai we were shuffled from one line to another to go through customs and through a special Swine Flu checkpoint. Then began a very long wait for our luggage. It seemed to trickle out one bag at a time and by the time my bag finally turned up it was close to 4am. I almost missed finding Samir who was hosting the course and had been outside waiting for me for 2 ½ hours. Fortunately, we finally made the connection and he drove me to my hotel in the Malabar Hill area of Mumbai.
After a good 7 hours of sleep I awoke and ordered the vegetarian “sumo” meal from the hotel restaurant.

It was delicious, and “sumo” enough to last me for two meals! Samir picked me up later and took me the few blocks to Gold’s Gym where the Intensive Reformer course would be held. We finished assembling the SPX reformers before heading back to the hotel. I discovered that the hotel was “dry” which is fairly common in India. Fortunately there was a “bottle shop” just down the street where I could get a beer when needed! It took me several days to get over the jet lag and I think I would have recovered sooner if I’d been able to get to sleep earlier on my arrival. As it was, I would come back from the course every day around 4pm and be utterly exhausted and would then take a short nap. This was a terrible idea as I would then wake up each morning around 3am and be unable to go to sleep again. I finally broke that cycle, but it took almost a week to feel completely adjusted.
The Gold’s Gym was just a few blocks from the hotel, so after a nice buffet breakfast I would walk down there each morning to do a little workout/warmup before the class started at 10am. Malabar Hill is a very prestigious neighborhood that was originally developed by the British.

Since it is up on a hill it tends to get more breezes and be slightly cooler than the lower parts of the city. If Malabar Hill was the coolest spot in Mumbai, I wasn’t looking forward to venturing out from there! The temperatures during my first week in Mumbai hovered between 92 – 94 degrees and the humidity was intense. I can’t imagine what the city would be like during the hot monsoon season!
I had seven students in the IR course and they were all new to pilates for the most part. A few had done some mat classes, but I was really starting from the ground level with all of them. The first day we went through the principles of STOTT PILATES and learned how to set up and use the SPX reformers. At the beginning with a group like this I always feel that it is going to be a real uphill battle to get through all the elements of the course and really get them to understand the subtleties of the pilates repertory. As we progressed though, things got better.

Everyone really worked hard to learn these new concepts and movements. I always want to have more time too, and it is hard to let go and leave them to practice on their own. I hope that they will keep in touch with me as they continue their pilates training.

A hard thing to get used to in Mumbai is the abrupt contrast between the well to do and the very poor. Even in an affluent neighborhood like Malabar Hill there are constant reminders of extreme poverty. Unlike the US, which tends to keep it’s wealthiest areas quite distanced from any sign of poverty, India mixes everything together. A billionaire’s home will have a squatters hut built on the outskirts of the estate. One side of a road will be filled with wealthy mansions and condos and the other side will be filled with shacks made of corrugated tin. What is even more bizarre is that no one seems to notice this dichotomy.

Mumbai is filled with these contradictions. It is what makes the city such a crazy, adrenaline filled circus! After a few days here, your rhythm changes and you start to feel the honking, screeching, tabla beat of the city get inside of you. Whatever you do here, don’t miss the thrill ride of taking a taxi or a autorickshaw around town!

A Pilates Limerick

Leslie Braverman — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:39:08 +0000

by Penny Holcomb

There once was a woman named Penny

Whose body malfunctions were many.

Her knees, back and neck

Were hurting like heck

And in profile she looked like Jack Benny.

An exercise program was called for

To strengthen her muscles and “bod” core.

Aerobics got old.

Swimming? “Too cold!”

And running just made her poor dogs sore.

Attracted by all the hard bodies

To Pacific Northwest Pilates

She signed up for classes;

Through Aimee bought masses

Of group sessions, privates and hot tees.

Now Penny is looking quite racy;

She’s no longer mopey or spacey.

Her glutes are sure tight,

And her abs are just right

Thanks to Cheryl, Patricia and Traci!

How Pilates Has Changed My Life

Leslie Braverman — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:29:41 +0000

I started coming to Pacific NW Pilates in January of 2007 on the advice of my doctor. The previous summer I was diagnosed with a problem with my sacroiliac. After months of pain pills, muscle relaxers, massages and physical therapy my doctor prescribed Pilates. He said I needed to have a strong core to support my body. Years of abuse from child birth, including a C-section, and just every day life had taken its toll on my 47 year old body.

I started with a beginner jump start mat class. The pace was a little too fast for me so I tried a gentle Pilates class with Sue. The slower pace of that class is what I needed. The class also had people like me suffering from a variety of different injuries. Eventually I got strong enough to start going to Sue’s beginner mat classes and as her schedule opened up I started doing private lessons with Sue as well. The first year was a slow journey for me. I was afraid of re-injuring my back so I was overly cautious. It also took a long time and lots of private lessons for me to figure out how to correctly get in a proper “neutral” position and stop “tucking.” It took time to get stronger but eventually I did.

The summer of 2007 my family spent two months in Europe. I was not able to go for my Pilates classes.

I was on my own and spending lots of time on trains, buses and airplanes and sleeping in a different bed every week. I continued doing basic Pilates exercises I had learned to keep my core and back strong. I don’t think I would have enjoyed my trip as much as I did without Pilates. Pilates played a big role in keeping me mentally and physically healthier that summer.

Along the way there have been set backs, like the time I was in a hurry and tried pulling my dog out of the car when she wouldn’t budge. That was a month before I was heading to Europe for the summer! But with Pilates basics under my belt recovery was easier and faster. Last December I went sledding and severely sprained my ankle. Again with time and Sue working on my injured ankle, Pilates once again made a huge difference in my recovery.

Rosie Fiallo

Pilates is A Part of My Healing

Leslie Braverman — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:39:09 +0000

I was originally referred to PNW Pilates by my PT of over 25 years in putting me back together after several car accidents, recurring SI dysfunction and a couple of falls!! All of the above cooperate too well in leaving me uncomfortable at best, and unable to move at worst.

27 years ago when I had just arrived in Portland my left SI did its usual slipping out and I was hosptialized at Saint vinnie’s for two weeks, and put into traction on valium and codeine for two more months at home. I worked from my home setup with an old-fashioned traction device. I was not given any PT after being released from the hospital, and told to remain in bed for as long as it took to reduce the muscle spasm. 12 months after this episode, I gave birth to my first child(and had been confined to bed for the last 3 months of my pregnancy due to the threat of an early birth–which didn’t happen) You can just imagine what poor physical shape I was in for that event!!

Several years later, the same thing happened, and this time I was given a half inch lift to wear in my right shoe–which I did for about 6 years, and sent back to my PT, whom I had met through my first child’s pediatrician, who sent me there for a crik in the neck from long middle of the night feedings, and continued Si dysfunction.) I continued to have episodes; when the orthopedist who put in the lift sent me away in the middle of one such crippling episode (now I was home with 2 little ones, and my husband was travelling!!!)I turned to a friend , a DO, who set me up for x-ray studies of leg length and cranial sacral treatments with a colleague.

Fast forward through MANY cranial treatments(several practitioners), acupuncture, 3 car accidents and 2 surgeries, and PT: About 1 1/2 years ago, my PT sent me to Melanie after several attempts on my part to undertake exercise programs on my own. After several sessions with Mel, she turned me over to dear Janet, and I have been happy ever since.

Last winter I suffered round of a frozen shoulder; the previous episode had me stopping all activity , including walking, because of the pain. Janet urged me to continue with the pilates, and modified the workouts according to whatever shape I was in at the time. She is patient, cheerful and very supportive, skillfully reading my readiness for her routine at any given moment, and adapting them on the spot to my ability on a given day. This past summer I went through another period of frequent “slips” in my pelvis, which were, I believe held in abeyance by Janet’s skill in straightening me out, literally, in a session. She encouraged me to supplement with visits to the chiropractor if I asked for her opinion.

Unfortunately, due to financial difficulties at home, I have had to postpone my next round of 10 sessions. I am having major jaw surgery in November, and have every intention of coming back asap, as I believe that working with Janet will speed my recovery from that major event. I will be back for her professional and personal touches in my “healing process”, and can absolutely attest to the success that one-on-one pilates has brought to my long-standing skeletal problems. Janet has given me some exercises to continue at home (without the reformer, which I will sorely miss) and has convinced me of the utility of one-on-one instruction for my circumstances. I am not ready to “take a class” and am suspicious of the many venues where people are teaching “pilates” just by saying so (indeed, I have the same opinion about many yoga classes), and have developed a good understanding and respect for, under Janet’s care, just how much training goes into a good instructor of pilates. She is always caring and professional.

I hope to be back in the studio very soon. I will miss my weekly dose of Janet’s enthusiasm and skill for the next little bit—

What Pilates has Done For Me!

Leslie Braverman — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:15:33 +0000

I recently hit the “50″ mark (ugh, oh-no not me) and had a physical… my blood work came back as if I was in my 30’s, this was great news ! However I had been waking up with back pain (in spite of a “sleep number” bed) and the doctor sent me off for an x-ray… his letter said something to the effect of “your back is older than you look”… I was devastated, I don’t look 50 (at least that is what other kind people have said and most especially as I am a DOER (typically well above others), not a watcher/couch-potato. So off to physical therapy he sent me. PT said that development of my “core” was the best treatment for addressing my “aged” back. They referred me to Pacific NW Pilates.
Though I have not been at Pilates very long, I attribute Pilates to no more back pain in the morning. Proper diet and cardio workouts in a gym had not been enough to address the needs for my back. So even though I’m a “newbie” at Pilates, I am well convinced that I’m going to be a life long Pilates advocate.
Since starting Pilates, the back pain in the morning is gone, I’ve dropped several pounds, reduced my body fat, and am within 10 lbs of my high-school cross-country running days (!), one of my next goals. I’ve been attending great semi-privates, and will be looking to schedule group classes next.
Best regards,
Otto

My Little Pilates Story- Big to Me!

Leslie Braverman — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:10:03 +0000

My story is little unless you are me, then it is big!
I’m a pediatric physical therapist, in practice since 1971. Was never athletic at all, I always preferred to hang out with a book rather than play sports. But I live an active life and enjoy gardening, hiking, backpacking, x-c skiing, and sea kayaking. I injured my back gardening in 1979 (SI strain) and had intermittent low back pain ever since. I tried “crunches” and other basic abdominal strengthening exercises, but could never get strong enough. At work, my little patients transitioning from crawling to walking always made my back ache, and it was really bad if I had two of them in a day’s work.

I worked out the the gym, doing step aerobics and then spinning. One day, a fellow spinner told me about Traci’s Pilates class at the downtown Bally’s Total Fitness. I tried it and I was hooked. The mind-body training began to make a difference as I learned to get my abdominals to wake up and do their job. I’ve continued with weekly classes (moving to Pacific NW Pilates with Traci). I took Melanie’s Pilates for Rehab class at Pacific NW Pilates and that solidified my understanding of the basic principles. I did not get the certification, but do incorporate the principles and exercises in my work whenever possible. I also have several “routines” I do at home (with the help of Moira, PJ and others on DVD!), and it is such a fabulous way to start my day. The good news is that I rarely have low back pain anymore, even after gardening, crawling around after little kids, and doing housework.

I continue to learn about my body and how to keep it happy. After a spell of very uncomfortable neck pain, followed by PT, home traction, massage, and still residual pain, I had 2 sessions with Melanie. She “nailed” the source of the aggravation and gave me a great home program. It is not easy for a 60 year old body to change her posture, but the awareness of what needs to change, and the tools to work on it are beyond value! The arthritis won’t go away, but the pain does, and that is life changing.

A happy PS is that my husband and I planned a 5 day kayak trip for our vacation in September. I was concerned that all that shoulder work would aggravate my neck. The good news is that by stabilizing my shoulders as I held the paddle, my good posture was easy, and I never felt better than when my paddle was in my hands! We had a fabulous week in the Gulf Islands, and I did “my Pilates” on the water, every day.

Thank you to Melanie, Traci and all the folks who keep your studio such an awesome place to be healthy!

Jocelyn Goodall (Physical Therapist)

My Pilates Story

Leslie Braverman — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 04:46:12 +0000

I began to take pilates lessons in February of 2008 when I was diagnosed with moderate to severe hip arthritis. My hips were giving me a great deal of pain on a daily basis. But, I was reluctant to accept hip replacement surgery as my only option. I had known Cheryl Ramette from interactions at our workplace and knew that she taught pilates. For quite some time, I had told myself that I needed to take pilates lessons. But, this hip arthritis diagnosis moved me to take action. I contacted Cheryl and signed up for a few private lessons. Then I moved on to a pattern of two group mat and reformer lessons a week.

Then, on 9/9/08, I experienced a serious fall caused by a spontaneous break of my right femur. The process of my femur breaking caused me to land on my left arm. My left ulna then broke in five places and my left radial head was demolished. I was hospitalized (of course) and had two surgeries to repair my broken bones. Of course, I had to take a break in my pilates lessons.

However, I was back to Pacific Northwest Pilates and working with Cheryl in private lessons by December of 2008. For a month, we worked together to assess my current situation and awaken my sleepy muscles. By January I was strong enough to begin participating in group mat and reformer classes. I have continued those since that time. I have also involved myself in a great deal of water therapy.

By now (10/31/09) all my bones are healed; I can walk without a limp; my arm has more range of motion and strength than my surgeon thought was possible. My arm injuries were actually more serious and required more intricate reconstructive surgery than did my leg. My surgeon is amazed at my recovery.

And, my original goal of strengthening my hip and core muscles, so I could avoid (or postpone) replacement hip surgery, has been achieved. It is VERY rare for me to experience any hip pain.

And, this seems very significant in light of the intervening injuries I sustained and overcame!

I attribute all of this to my work with Cheryl and pilates. Gradually, she and I have seen my muscles become stronger; my endurance and strength have increased tremendously.

Thank Goodness for pilates!

Thanks, Carol

How Pilates Changed my Life!

Leslie Braverman — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 04:41:09 +0000

I am an occupational therapist and work in inpatient rehabilitation. So I should know body mechanics. But I wasn’t attentive one fateful day in April 2002. I blew a disc and ended up with surgery at lumbar 4-5. After weeks of PT, insurance ran out and I was discharged with the recommendation to keep exercising. But what was the right exercise program? A football mom and also a client at PNWP, suggested that I try Pilates. 7 years later, I continue to do pilates so that I can move without pain.

Since doing Pilates, I have walked at least six 1/2 marathons, walked 7 Portland to Coast relay races, and continue to work a garden that produced over 100# of tomatoes. My employers were certain that I would retire 7 yrs ago. But I am able to work and actually inspire my patients to get better because of my experience.

We work the low tummy and breathing whenever possible. Pilates is not just an exercise form, it is a way of life for me now. I do abdominal engagement exercises prior to getting out of bed. I am constantly readjusting my posture when driving, sitting at my desk, or walking down the hall. I have lost weight and inches during the last 7 yrs. Because of Pilates, I am wearing a smaller size than when I weighed this amount last. I am healthier and in better shape than I have ever been in my entire life. pilates has given me confidence in myself again.

Thank you to the fantastic instructors and staff at PNWP for helping me build a body with attitude by pilates.

Linda

My success…I have a new career… in pilates!

Leslie Braverman — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:20:49 +0000

After more than 40 years of working and juggling a family I finally really retired about two years ago. I found that having time to read, golf and attend endless luncheons and coffees wasn’t really for me. I was BORED and spending much too much time on the computer.

I have always been an active person working out and walking and taking Pilates classes at the Fitness Center, but it wasn’t enough. My Pilates instructor here in North Carolina suggested I join her Mat Training class….and I did! I am more than 30 years older than the other 5 students and I am still struggling with “the teaser’ and open leg rocker, BUT I am motivated and I love it!

I am practicing almost daily, reading books, attending classes at various clubs and viewing tapes to develop a Senior Pilates class. This past Thursday I taught a practice session for 4 friends and they seemed to really like it– so much so that they have asked me to teach every Thursday, and next week, I have 7 students signed up including two men! In January, I am starting a Monday Senior class at NC Pilates in Durham and will be subbing at the Senior Center and a nearby gym. I have a new career starting and I haven’t even finished my certification.

Thanks Leslie for introducing me to Pilates.

Adrienne Braverman (Mom)

The Importance and Necessity of Pilates

Leslie Braverman — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:13:33 +0000

Pilates have been a tremendously important and essential part in my pain management.

I have had back pain for thirty-four years. This resulted from two ruptured discs at age 21 which required surgery. The pain stopped, but after about a year, it reoccurred. I have tried acupuncture, massage therapy, naturopathic herbs, and water aerobics. Nothing helped. I started falling down on a regular basis and was in almost constant pain. I went to a doctor at Kaiser Permanente and was told that I had ataxia and that I would most likely end up in a wheelchair. In 2005, I was introduced to Pilates after talking with Melanie. Before long, my balance improved immensely and keeps improving with each visit. The days of my falling have ended. Even though I occasionally have a flare-up, usually I am pain-free. Prior to being introduced to Pilates, I often had to remain stationary for extended periods of time.

Thus far, I have only taken private lessons. My goal is to get strong enough to be able to take one of Traci’s group classes.

Now I find that Pilates allow me to maintain an active lifestyle.

Jeannie Tenney

Pilates has Put Me Back on Track!

Leslie Braverman — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:07:58 +0000

My name is Meg, and I have been taking the Beginner/Intermediate reformer class with my mom since June. My mother was theinspiration to finally make the financial commitment and start taking weekly classes. She has had amazing results in her posture and strength not to mention a boost in self-confidence. I have always been a very active person from taking dance classes since I was 3 to competing in running and field hockey at the collegiate level. I was blessed in not experiencing any major injuries during my lifetime and believe this was due to the strength training I received in dance. When I moved to Portland three years ago, I didn’t run consistently and stopped taking dance classes. This resulted in losing a great deal of the strength and flexibility that helped keep me injury free.

It was a wake up call for me back in March when I broke my ankle while playing an indoor soccer game. I had never broken a bone before or had to use crutches, and I realized that I had been taking my physical health for granted. The healing process has been long and painful, but I took the necessary steps to get things back on track. The reformer classes have been a huge part of my rehabilitation and I feel that my ankles are now stronger than they ever were. I have also finally gotten back into running again and due to my injury have a entire new appreciate for my ability to do so. I am running faster and stronger than I did during the years in was in the best shape of my life and I truly believe that pilates has made the difference. I had a very successful relay race performance about a month ago and will run my first 10K road race at the end of October. I have a feeling I will perform well due to my increased strength and flexibility.
I look forward to going to my reformer class each week and can’t thank Pacific Northwest Pilates enough for bringing about this personal transformation.

Thanks, Meg