Fitness For Everybody

Pilates & Gardening: Or how to hoe without hurting

by Jean Leavenworth February 21, 2009

This question was emailed to us: Hi all! I have a great client who struggles with on and off lower back sensitivity. She is concerned that her issues will put a damper on her gardening this spring (we live in Chicago, and we take our warm-weather activities very seriously!) Can you recommend some postural suggestions [...]

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Pila-tease. It's not easy!

by Leslie Braverman February 5, 2009

This past week I worked at Pacific NW Pilates with several new students and each of them remarked, in their own way, about how difficult pilates was for them to do. I hear people comment about this frequently, and I can assure you, after teaching for over ten years, that it is quite normal to [...]

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Anatomy of the Pilates Reformer

by Leslie Braverman January 12, 2009

The pilates reformer is an amazing piece of equipment. The design is simple and, yet, it is extremely versatile, enabling one one to do hundreds of different exercises that strengthen and/or stretch the arms, legs and trunk. There is a carriage in which one can sit, kneel or stand on and which glides back and forth. [...]

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

by Leslie Braverman January 5, 2009

Tips for doing pilates on a budget

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What, exactly, is "the core?"

by Leslie Braverman January 3, 2009

Learn what the pilates core is. Read about which part of the body makes up the core and what muscles are included in order to help stabilize the spine and pelvis and prevent injury?

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Tips for choosing a pilates instructor

by Leslie Braverman January 3, 2009

Pilates training is a very detailed system of exercise, so it is important that you look for an instructor that is qualified to teach it. He or she should have a full command of the work and know how to instruct and design programs for students of all levels. Here are some things to keep [...]

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Pilates can condition your body and mind like a dancer's

by Leslie Braverman January 1, 2009

Pilates is great cross-conditioning for dancers because it helps maintain muscular balance & requires one to pay attention to quality of the movement: to the rhythm, dynamic and genesis of it.

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The 12 days of Pilates workout for New Years Eve!

by Leslie Braverman December 31, 2008

I taught the whole 12 days of Pilates Workout to 10 lovely women for New Year’s Eve! Of course, we did have to celebrate afterwards with champagne and treats. What a fun and healthy way to celebrate the arrival of a new year. Pacific NW Pilates wishes you a happy, joyful and exciting 2009!

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Do abdominal exercises hurt your back?

by Leslie Braverman December 29, 2008

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 [...]

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