How Has This Changed my Life?

Can Pilates help women facing hysterectomies or other abdominal/pelvic surgeries? Can people move with strength and ease after 50? I am living proof. Recently, I faced two pelvic/abdominal surgeries, only five months apart, to combat the latest effects from my history with stage 4 endometriosis. Each surgery creates new scar tissue, which can create new pain and limitations in my movement and ability to live a normal life. Needless to say, two surgeries so close together (I’ve had 4 all together including a total hysterectomy 5 years ago) was a double whammy for me to recover from and I worried if I’d ever feel well again.

I work in a physical therapy practice as a Rehab Pilates specialist, and so preparing for surgery included what I would recommend for any client – plenty of core work and moving my body safely for strength and stability in all planes of motion. I chose STOTT PILATES for my instructor training because of the emphasis in anatomy, rehabilitation, and adapting the work to fit each unique body’s needs. Setting aside time for Pilates prior to surgery was a chance to experience my body as capable, not helpless, and to feel joy in movement as the springs on the equipment helped me move and soar as I otherwise did not have the strength to do. I literally was doing Pilates in the pre-op little room on my hospital gurney as I waited for them to take me into surgery. My husband laughed, but I knew it would be my last chance to help my abdominal and pelvic muscles be strong and ready to face recovery, and also, it was a welcome distraction from the stress of the moment. Doing Pilates gave me something positive I could do for myself and my healing.

After the surgery, I was able to use what Pilates has taught me to focus the mind with my body… to isolate and relax muscles more easily, use breath to cope with pain, and literally went through the entire recovery without ANY pain meds other than a couple of regular strength Tylenol! My first day back at work, I turned to two women physical therapist co-workers, both extremely athletic young women in their 20’s, and said “ok gals, I need your help in getting me back into shape… let’s do an abs workout.” Imagine my surprise when I, a woman 51 years old, with a total of 4 surgeries to her gut, found I was kicking these younger women’s butts! I thought they were actually going easy on me as we worked out together doing a variety of abdominally challenging Pilates exercises. No, as it turns out, the muscles do have memory and the body does indeed want to return to wellness if you give it the tools. Because Pilates addresses all my muscles, not just the surface ones, my recovery was faster and my power returned quickly. My surgeons were shocked at how fast I bounced back – yet again!

Now at nearly 52, I see each day that age is not a big determiner for wellness. Neither is past surgical trauma. Breathing and moving well is! Each day I move, in all directions and with the stability and strength required to do so safely. At my age, despite having had osteoporosis diagnosed since I was 40, am just as tall and straight as ever. My ribs expand to allow easy full breaths, and my body actually craves the feeling of moving/stretching. Perhaps next time, if there is a next surgery, I won’t be so lucky. I can’t help that, but I can celebrate each day the best I can by moving and challenging my body in ways that feel healthy. It is my best chance at facing whatever life has in store for me with grace and joy.

The thought of advancing age… of possible future illness… none of that scares me anymore. Whatever life brings, I know that my Pilates practice will adapt along with my changing needs, keeping me flexible in mind and body for the whole of my life.

I often think how fortunate I am to have chosen to formally study Pilates at Pacific NW Pilates over all the many choices out there. The level of training and commitment to quality at PNWP is simply heads above the rest! They taught me how to make Pilates relevant for even the most challenging of health situations.

Thank You!
Renata Marsal

A slice of pilates heaven in Puyallup, Washington

Just spent the weekend in Puyallup, Washington (just outside Tacoma) teaching a STOTT PILATES level one Barrels Module at lovely Studio Malulani www.studiomalulani.com

Because of the flooding on I-5, I had to fly to Seattle and then drive south to the studio. Of course, the second I arrived, all signs of stress disappeared as I was warmly received by Johnette Schiesz, the owner of Studio Malulani, a STOTT PILATES instructor and Reiki practitioner. The studio is like a slice of pilates heaven.

The girls learned all the essential and intermediate level one barrel work this weekend, and they did beautifully. Each year, Studio Malulani hosts Pacific NW Pilates to teach one or two courses or workshops. In fact, the studio has already trained about ten students to become STOTT PILATES instructors. This spring Melanie will be going there in July to teach the STOTT PILATES Injuries and Special Populations course- I’m jealous!

How to do quality pilates when you’re on a budget

Given the current economic climate, it is not surprising that people are having to cut back on their pilates lessons. It’s also not surprising that gyms with pilates programs are having to cut back on their programming. So, what can you do to keep in pilates shape and watch your wallet?

You could select a DVD or find a workout online that you like, but the problem with that is you don’t receive any feedback about how you are doing the exercises and with pilates, feedback is paramount!

Instead, find a reputable instructor in your area (see my recent blog about finding a good pilates intructor) and ask he or she to select a Pilates DVD that is appropriate for your fitness level. Then purchase a small package of private lessons with that instructor in order to work on the exercises highlighted int he DVD. Especially if you have an injury or other special condition, it may be really important to make sure that your pilates technique is being evaluated; in some cases, your instructor may suggest that you omit certain exercises that are taught on the DVD.

Over the last several months, some of my students have chosen this option when they didn’t have the financial means to come to the studio every week. This method has also worked well for students that travel alot. In some cases, these students have continued to supplement their training with group classes while others have simply worked at home and then come in once a month to get their routine changed and their technique reassessed.

This solution requires discipline, but it can be an excellent alternative to getting out of shape or losing interest in your workouts when money is tight. Ask your instructor to provide challenges for you to meet and things for you to work on by the next appointment.

Another idea is to look for studios in your area that offer lessons with Pilates apprentices. These are pilates teachers-in-training that have completed all their course hours but have not completed their examination. In many cases, these students will teach you privately at a highly discounted rate, and they are often observed by a seasoned professional. Check out pilates centers in your area that train students to become certified instructors and offer this as an option.

Here is a link to STOTT PILATES Licensing Centers located throughout the world:

http://www.stottpilates.com/education/centers.html

Each of these locations has an Instructor Trainer available. Licensing centers train students to become STOTT PILATES teachers, so these are some of the most elite studios in the industry, and many of them offer discounted lessons with apprentices.

If none of these locations are convenient for you, check out the Instructor Finder search for other certified STOTT PILATES instructors that are near your area at:

http://www.stottpilates.com/finder/infosearch/infocustomerconfirm.lasso

Good luck!

Do abdominal exercises hurt your back?

Do abdominal exercises make your back hurt? They shouldn’t. If you find that your back is sore after doing a series of abdominal exercises (either immediately after or a day or two later), you may want to check to see if you back is gripping while you are doing them.

Here are several tips for helping you learn how to use your abdominals (instead of other muscles) while doing ab exercises (sometimes called crunches or sit ups)

Step One:

Re-educate your body to learn how to find your abdominals without recruiting other, more dominant, muscle groups.

Often when one has weak abdominal muscles, the hip flexor muscles (the muscles at the front of your hip) and back muscles will overwork. Remove the additional challenge of holding your legs in the air, and instead, cue your hips and back to relax.

To do this, place a thick pillow on the ground in front of you and drape your legs over the pillow (or arc). Then actively tell your back and hip muscles to “let go.” You may notice that your back falls into a slight curve so that there is a space between your back and the floor. See if you can maintain this curve during your sit-up and still keep your back and hips quiet! When you do this correctly, you should feel that your abdominals are working more effectively.

Step Two:

The second step is to see if you can do the same thing with your legs up in the air in a supported position. You could do this by placing your legs over a ball (this will be harder since it is an unstable surface). If you need a surface that provides more stability, put your legs over a coffee table or other surface.

Step Three:

The last step is to see if you apply this to having your legs in the air without support. In this position, your hip flexors will have to work in order to hold your legs up against gravity, and your back may need to be placed firmly on the floor (instead of having a curve in it), but your back should still not be working and, overall, you should feel that there is more balance between your abdominals and hip flexors.

Once you have this skill, you should be able to apply it to other abdominal exercises that require more complex movement with your arms and legs.

Good luck.

 

Creating the 12 Days of Pilates Video!

Much thanks to all our Pilates Angels that helped us with the production of this video project. They all came in (or stayed) late last Friday night until 8:30pm learning the choreography and the music. What a crazy and fun project; I hope everyone enjoyed themselves!

A special thanks to everyone who helped:

Choreography by Leslie Braverman
Music production by Carri Bugbee
Lyrics by Leslie Braverman, Carri Bugbee, Melanie Byford-Young and Jean Leavenworth
Videography by Ash Leavenworth
Social Coordinator and champagne provider: Melanie Byford-Young
Morale Booster and Cheat Sheet Designer: Patricia Broome
12 Pilates Elves/the talent (in Teaser order)-
Lynda Schnarr
Kay Stepp
Daphna Kadim
Cheryl Ramette
Virginia Henry
Jill Prevender
Jerai Laird
Sue Thornburg
Kate Manning
Jean Leavenworth
Tracey Hutzenbiler
Lisa Mathews

Special Guest Appearance by Seemore the Santa Skeleton

YOU TOO CAN DO THE 12 DAYS OF PILATES WORKOUT!!

Come and celebrate the end of 2008, and welcome in the new year!
Join us for a FREE, FUN workout followed by champagne and treats.
Learn Pacific NW Pilates’ 12 Days of Pilates Workout! You will receive a special prize for attending, so bring your friends!

The workout is appropriate for any fitness level and is great way to get ready for a happy and healthy new year.

Date: December 31, 2008
Time: 11:00am-12:00pm
Location: Pacific NW Pilates
Sign up online or call us at 503-292-4409

Your expert opinion is requested

This question was sent and responded to through email, but we thought others might be interested!

Hi All-Knowing Pilates Instructors-

Hi Lulu!
How are you doing? Snowed- in? This is just WRONG in Portland.

Anyhow…as you know the new V2 Max Plus™ is awesome! The all- in- one unit is definitely great for a small space. That said, the STOTT PILATES® cadillac is a great piece of equipment too. Here are a few things to consider:

The V2 Max Plus, overall, is a little bit bigger than the Cadillac. (30 in. wide x 97 in long x 16 tall- from the floor) versus the cadillac (36 inches wide x 89 in long x 25.5 tall-from the floor).

You gain many new exercise options with the V2 Max Plus that you couldn’t, otherwise, do with just the Cadillac and STOTT PILATES Reformer. Also, I believe, many of these exercises are more functional then the Cadillac exercises that you will be missing.

You can do the majority of the Cadillac exercises on the V2 Max Plus minus the hanging exercises and the trapeze work. Keep in mind, the hanging exercises (walkover, for example) cannot be executed without high ceilings. Overall, I think you would find that you can do many more V2 Max exercises with ALL your clients then the Cadillac exercises that use the hanging bars.

So, I guess if it were me, I would purchase the V2 Max Plus and another Reformer instead of 2 Reformer and a cadillac.

Hope that helps. Let us know when you are purchasing equipment, we may be able to get you a better price. Carole can help you with the order. Also, let me know if you would mind if I posted your question to our blog- I think others might find it helpful- thanks.

Response from Lulu Blake:

Leslie,

How do I work with someone with scoliosis?

From Melanie Byford-Young

Hi Jeff,
Great questions about your client.

How to work with prenatal clients

• This question was sent and responded to through email, but we thought others might be interested!

Hello ladies!

I am beginning to teach both mat and reformer to a woman 6 weeks pregnant. With her last child she did not do any physical exercise because she was afraid of miscarrying. However, she would like to try Pilates once a week throughout this pregnancy. Can you give me some tips to use when working with her? Also, she hasn’t done Pilates for the last month and is worried that since she has been “out of practice”, starting up again will be like starting a new exercise program–which is not recommended in prenatal books. I assured her that this would not be a problem, but she would like the official word from the experts at PNWP.

Thanks so much!

Answer from Jean Leavenworth:

Hi there-
I am curious why she stopped exercising completely during her first pregnancy. Was she at risk for miscarrying? That is something to find out as it could still be an issue, and I would highly recommend that she is released by her physician to work with you during this pregnancy and that she is given permission to work with you through each trimester; the first trimester has the highest risk of miscarriage, so it is important that she has been cleared for exercise.

General contraindications during pregancy:

1.) no inverted exercises e.g. rollovers, short spine, etc

2.) no extreme stretching due to lax ligaments, especially side splits!

3.) Prone exercises may be uncomfortable due to breast tenderness and after the first trimester will need to be replaced by a quadruped position.
after 20 weeks, work in an inclined plane instead of supine (use arc barrel, spine supporter or similar device to keep upper body elevated)
be cautious about over-exertion or letting the body get over heated. Strengthening the core muscles will be very helpful to prevent excess lordosis during the pregnancy and it may help during the delivery process too.

4.) Pelvic floor exercises are great, but emphasis should also be placed on learning how to relax and release the pelvic floor too.

5.) side lying leg work is great to strengthen the abductors–use a pillow under belly as pregnancy progresses.

6.) arm work and upper body strength is important to prepare the new mom for carrying the baby around and all the other heavy baby stuff!

7.) Check for any changes in the diastus recti. If it separates during pregnancy, then extra care will need to be taken post-partum to avoid increasing separation of the rectus muscle. Flexion should be avoided or any other exercise that causes the diastus to increase. Strengthening the TA while keeping the spine neutral is optimal for healing the herniation.

Let me know if that makes sense!
Best wishes-
Jean

Pilates and Lymphedema

This question was sent and responded to through email, but we thought others might be interested!

Hello,
I am a Peak Pilates Certified Trainer in Bradenton, Florida. I have a client that has severe lymphedema and I would like to train her. Her arm is always swolen and she generally has 2-3 infections per year. I am not able to attend you Breast Cancer class but would be interested in purchasing the materials, perhaps. I look forward to hearing from you.

Patty McIntosh

Answer from Melanie Byford-Young:

Hi Patty!
Pilates can be an excellent approach to help her general health and lymphedema. There are several main things that you need to know and keep in mind.
1) Make sure you get clearance from your client’s physician before beginning any exercise program.

2.) wearing her compression garment is a great idea, especially at the beginning, or until you know how she is going to react to the activity.
3.) Diaphragmatic breathing can help stimulates the pumping of the lymphatic system, which will hopefully help with her swelling. Adding lymph massage throughout the session can be very useful if she or you know how to do that.
4.) You do NOT want to overwork the arm! It is suggested that you begin with breathing and some abdominal work to help stimulate the lymph system, then do some leg work; then start some arm work moving the proximal muscles/ joints first, then progressing to the more distal muscles and joints, and then to return to the proximal/ shoulder muscles to help get blood and lymph moving and clearing from the arm. Follow this up with more abdominal and breath work. You can repeat these steps throughout the workout. Minimally, start with the trunk, and then alternate between leg and arm work so as to not overtax the affected arm.
5.) In the past, women with lymphedema were told to never lift anything heavier than 10 pounds. This advice has changed recently, and experts suggest beginning with very light resistance and progressing very slowly. There is a great website www.lymphnotes.com where you can do some more reading on the topic.
6.) You always must consider whether your client has osteoporosis because of her treatments. If there is any concern that she may have decreased bone density, avoid all inverted positions, avoid thoracic flexion and avoid combined flexion and rotation. If she has osteoporosis in her hips, avoid full compression of the hip in a flexed position. If her wrists are involved, then avoid weight bearing through the wrists. Make sure that you include balance work to help prevent falls and fall related fractures. Again, make sure her physician has given her approval and that there are no special exercise modifications to take into consideration.
I cannot take the credit for putting together the STOTT PILATES® Breast Cancer workshops and DVDs, another team created them. The mat and equipment DVDs are excellent and provide a very good introductory preamble,as well as a well balanced exercise program. You can order them on line at www.stottpilates.com or call 1-800-910-0001.
I hope this helps you out. Good luck to you !

See a pelvic rotation? Check out the tensor fascia latae.

Hello all!

I have made an interesting discovery lately with two of my students. I thought others might have had similar experiences, and I would love to hear more about what you think!

I work with one gal that has a clockwise pelvic rotation. She has a history of left knee pain and burning along the peroneal nerve on the same side. In addition, her left femur is medially rotated. She believes that some or all of this may be attributed to a ski accident over 20 years ago.

At any rate, over the last month, we (she and I) have made an interesting discovery. It seems that most of the rotation and pain in that leg is due to the fact that she constantly grips her left TFL (tensor fascia latae) and possibly iliacus.

So, we discovered that whilst pushing out in from the bar in footwork she grips in her hip (thus medially rotating her hip and causing the clockwise rotation) instead of using her adductors or quadriceps on that leg. It is really interesting. Even when lying supine with her knees bent and a fitness circle or ball between her knees, she uses these muscles instead of her adductors! As soon as she stops doing it, her pelvis looks symmetrical.

Then, I realized that I had another student that was doing the same thing, and believe it or not, the same results occured. It is really exciting.

I would love to hear if anyone else has had a similar experience.

Leslie

STOTT PILATES® Intensive Reformer in Sun Valley

I just got back from a lovely two weeks in Hailey, ID teaching a STOTT PILATES® Intensive Reformer course at Lisa Jenner’s Pilates Studio. I drove to Idaho from Portland with my two dogs and my camping gear, and while it was a long drive, I am so glad I decided to camp. Not only did my dogs have a great time, but I got to discover just how beautiful the wilderness is around Hailey and Sun Valley. Here are a few photos of my time in Idaho.

Lisa has a beautiful studio in Hailey in the Gateway Building. It was fun working in such a beautiful space with such great students too. Everyone worked really hard, but also had a lot of fun!

STOTT PILATES® RMR1 in Vancouver, Canada

Melanie

Special conditions- asthma, arthritis & degenerative disc disease

This question was sent and responded to through email, but we thought others might be interested!

From Jeff to Pacific NW Pilates:

Jeff Ong

From Leslie Braverman

Hi Jeff:
Thanks for your questions; I’m so glad you like the blog and will be attending some of Melanie’s upcoming courses and workshops; she is really the expert in this area, but I thought I would put in my two cents. I know she will have some comments for you to consider too.

This question about asthma as related to the principles of breathing is an interesting one; I don’t think I can recall being asked about it before. At any rate, I have not read a lot about the subject. That said, there are some interesting books out about the topic that you may want to look into. Alexandra Hough has written a book called “Physiotherapy in Respiratory Care” that talks about not only asthma but many other mild and chronic respiratory conditions.
She also has a whole section about breathing techniques for asthma.

To summarize, she says that certain breathing techniques can be used to diminish stress and anxiety (some of the triggers of asthma- although there are many, many others), aid in giving a person a feeling of control, promote relaxation and improve the efficiency of breathing. She emphasizes that the individual should find a comfortable way of breathing, it should be gentle (not deep or forced), encourage breath awareness and diminish residual tension (do these things sound familiar?!) She uses these techniques with patients and encourages them to do them regularly and, particularly, if they feel an attack coming on. I would love to hear if others, with asthma, have felt any changes, positively or negatively, from practicing pilates on a regular basis.

With regard to osteoarthritis (vs. rheumatoid) and degenerative disc disease, the first is a degenerative process in which cartilage around a joint wears away and the second is progressive structural degeneration of the intervertebral disc. Generally speaking, compressive, sheering forces at their respective locations will contribute to both conditions. Therefore, localized joint stability will be really important and, since we are speaking, specifically, about neutral versus imprinted spine and which is better for an individual presenting with spinal osteoarthritis and/or DDD, I would suggest that working in the spine’s neutral position will be most beneficial to individuals with these issues. Working in the spine’s neutral zone with support from the pelvic floor, transversus abdominis and multifidis will be vital to your client’s spinal health, and it will be important that they are cued to avoid bracing, overuse of their erector spinae and/or substituting other superficial muscles for these deep local stabilizers.

I know Melanie will have a ton more information for you about this topic. Diane Lee has also done some amazing studies about neutral spine and lumbopelvic stability; she is worth checking out.

Thanks for your note. Would you mind if I post this, along with our answers, to our blog? I think others will be interested in these topics too, and I would like to hear what others have to say. Let me know.

Thanks.
–
Leslie

Teaching STING, the performer!!

Melanie:
Tell us about teaching STING!!

Answer from Melanie Byford-Young

I arrived at the back stage of the amphitheater around 5:15 pm, signed in and heard the rules (no autographs, no photos, no personal questions, no throwing myself on him during the workout, no pinching his bum and squealing….the regular stuff). I was told that if we were working well together, the session may be an hour; if he wasn’t liking the workout, the session may be over in 15 minutes!!!! I was told to make it a difficult advanced workout, and not to be too nit picky.

(Imagine STING doing side splits on the reformer with his guitar!!- OMG!)

So at around 6pm, STING’s assistant went to ask him IF he would like to do STOTT PILATES®. He arrived at the door, we shook hands (as he gazed into my eyes and told me that I was one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen and that the reputation of Pacific Northwest Pilates proceeded my visit…oops, that is the fantasy version! Back to reality). So down to business.

I started with breathing side on the spine corrector and it was a nightmare!!! I swear I though he may stand up a walk out on me!!!! I ended up demonstrating one rep and from there on things went much better, thank goodness. I did some difficult stuff on the spine corrector and skipped over any other exercises with too many complicated steps/ cues.

From there, I went to the reformer and worked his legs really hard with footwork, sleeper and the jumpboard. From there, we continued with backrowing, long stretch and a series of advanced exercises like tendon stretch. STING does not talk much during the session, so it was funny when I asked if he was feeling the ab work and he barely squeked a “yes’ out of his mouth. When he was doing the side lying feet in straps work, he felt a huge adductor pull, let out a little yelp and said he would be hitting the high notes at the concert! He he he.

So I got to work with him for an hour, and when he said it was time to finish up, I said something like ‘ bummer’ and then got to do two more exercises! I had at least 12 more exercise planned!

STING is incredibly strong and flexible! Very focused and disciplined!

The highlight was after the session, we shook hands and he said something to the effect of ” well now I have to go and cancel the concert, and you have to go tell everyone”.

After that, I went out and met Carole, my husband Kevin, Daphna and her husband and several other friends. Needless to say, I was still flying and talking a mile a minute!!!! The concert was awesome, especially with Stings sweat on my finger tips!!! I got t touch STINGS bum!!

So there is the story! I did not get to meet any of the other band members nor his wife. I did not get a back stage pass, or an invitation to the villa in Tuscany (yet). Unfortunately, I tried to get Leslie or Daphna to be able to work with him the next night in the Gorge, but his people hired someone from Seattle who he had already worked with. Next time hopefully.

This week I am going to take my midweek madness course through the ‘Sweat like STING” workout. We are talking of posting it on our newsletter so you too can teach the STING workout.

Thanks to everyone for running with my energy and making this whole experience a reality and so much fun! You have now seen me at almost my highest energy level! Watch out if he comes back!

You guys are the best!

Wednesday group class….. watch out!
Melanie

Osteoporosis & Pilates

This question was sent and responded to through email, but we thought others might be interested!

Hi Pacific Northwest,
This is Christi Tuck from the YMCA in Colorado Springs. I thought I would run this question by your studio since over the years we have had your instructors come out to the Springs to do our CEC’s. Anyways, I have a client that was recently diagnosed with osteoporosis of the spine and osteopenia of the hip. I have done quite a bit of research regarding safe exercises for her, however I am still not sure about backward flexion, e.g. backrowing roll-down on the reformer … I know to avoid all forward flexion and lateral flexion. Her doctor said minimal spinal rotation with no resistance would be okay. Any thoughts on the backward flexion??
Thanks for any information you can provide. Have a great holiday weekend.

Sincerely,

Christi Tuck

Answer from Leslie Braverman:

Hi Christi:

This is a great question!

The conservative approach is to omit all flexion and rotation from a client’s workout. Unfortunately, most normal people have to conduct some flexion and rotation in their daily lives, so, in my opinion, it is a good idea that they know how to do these movements appropriately and without alot of loaded compression. Practically speaking, an individual will have to do these movements but should be educated to know what is appropriate for the overall health of their bones.

The thing I try to do is to make sure that the flexion and rotation is never in a loaded position and is done minimally during a workout (i.e. with lots of exercises that include extension and neutral spine spaced between.) Loaded flexion includes ANY inverted work. I would make certain never to do any roll over, short spine type of exercises. Especially because the thoracic spine can fracture easily, you want to make very sure that you omit these kinds of exercises—easily done. This is, of course, something to keep in mind when working in a group setting, also, when you don’t know all the students or their history very well.

In addition, you may need to be cautious with other types of loaded rotation or flexion that uses alot of spring tension or sends a great amount of loaded compression through the spine (I would be careful with things like stomach massage and elephant in a round back position). Also, exercises that combine flexion and rotation in one should, generally, be omitted (i.e. saw, stomach massage with twist etc.)

Do your best to keep your client working in neutral positions as much as possible. As an important aside, loading the bones in other ways would be great and makes Pilates a safe and effective tool for bone building! (i.e. footwork, jumping on the STOTT PILATES® jumpboard, armwork with the spine in a neutral position) all of these types of exercises are going to help your client to build bone without stressing one particular area of the spine too much. Good for you…. being a smart and inquisitive instructor!

I also hope that Melanie and Jean will put in their two (or three) cents!

I hope you are well…all my best to everyone in Colorado Springs.

Leslie

Reply from Christi:

Hi Leslie,
Thank you so much for your quick reply. Your information was invaluable and it also helped confirm the changes I have made to her workout. We had a private session on Friday with omitting the exercises you have mentioned with a main focus on staying neutral. She attended my reformer class yesterday so I was able to ask her how her body responded with the changes we made and I am pleased to say she felt great. Fortunately, she has been doing pilates for a while so her mind/body focus is wonderful. I am happy to hear that you think the jumpboard is a good option because she enjoys it. Thanks again for all your information.

Sincerely,

Christi Tuck

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