We have entered Spring and therefore, it’s time for cleaning in the studio. If you missed the article about Home Spring Cleaning, click here and you can read about it. As for the Studio just a couple of things I wanted to clean up. Firstly, if anything EVER changes in or about your body you have got to tell me. I do not live in your body, which is why the very first question I ask you when you come in is, “how is your body?” There has been too many occasions lately, when a client has come in and at the very end of our session they say, “ well, my neck has been tight all weekend and I haven’t been able to bend it.” Or “I fell and hurt my knee” or “my bulging disk is really bothering me.” Or “well, a few years ago I broke this bone and have a rod it in now.”  It’s important I have this knowledge going into working with you. Things happen and if I don’t know, things will go as planned then wonder, “why are they moving that way?” Listen to your body, sometimes you need to literally ask yourself "what do I need to support my body in this situation.” If you come in and say “hey my neck hurts” it’s ok to say, “so I need to just keep my head down.” I then can go off of that and offer stretches or what not that could help it. When you filled out the paperwork when you first started with me, it’s to get the relationship built around your body. Second, Please remember a Private Session is different than a Mat Class. The Mat Classes are not 100% tailored to your specific needs like a Private Session. It is important that you always take care of your body. If we are doing an exercise that you know would not feel right, don’t do it, or ask if there’s another wayto do it. If it’s really bad, DO NOT COME. Unless you are brand new to the Pilates Method, you know the exercises never change. Roll up is always Roll up, Leg circles are always Leg circles, Swimming is always swimming. Variations may occur, but in the end, the Mat Classes are tailored to be a workout, sometimes more concentrated and slow and sometimes more aggressive and faster. Thirdly, I the understand when there is an emergency or you are expecting a really important call but NO cell phones should be on during a session or a mat class. I’ve witnessed calls and texts being taken during the time, especially, during a Mat Class. It is not just your class; it’s also the others who are also in your class. This takes attention away from their and your time during the hour. If you are expecting a call, leave the area. If you must text back leave the area in which the class is taking place. Be respectful for who else is paying for their class time. Lastly, Super Important, I am NOT a physical therapist. I have a lot of knowledge in keeping the body safe, I have a lot of knowledge in what to do after PT with the guidance of your PT. So, if you have a injury or an issue that isn’t going away, you may have to seek other advice. I teach Pilates which is spine focused, core connected to move your extremities. I am always willing to help rehab an issue after PT or an issue that is not very serious (stiff neck, grouchy knee, achy feet) but in the end we are doing Pilates exercises in a Pilates format. It is when you are doing Pilates exercises that I see what your body mechanics are doing. This allows me to address that, make it more at ease or correct it so that you can come back to the Pilates exercises and do it at your maximum potential. After working with clients for over 20 years this way, the clients, when they want to, can go to very advanced levels of Pilates. It’s fun and it’s exciting to see and be a part of. Let’s continue to work together so that you are feeling amazing in your body. Heidi

Hey Friends! It’s always exciting to see my clients make the switch to just coming to Pilates because it’s helping them, they do it their minimal amount and call it good, to completely commented. There is something different about their minds and bodies. I know this because it happened to me too. It may come as a surprise that I haven’t always been dedicated to my Pilates practice but it’s the truth. When I started my Pilates teacher training, I was all in practiced, read and practiced more… then life happened and slowly, I just doing my minimum, a side stretch here, a set of arm circles there and sure I’d pushed the reformer out and bring it in with my mind wondering. After some time of doing this, I noticed that things physically were just standing still and I became dull in my teaching. Something that I’ve heard and take to heart is, “if you’re board, your client is too.” I didn’t know this saying back then, but looking back, I’m like yea, so true. I will be honest, had I not had to have my hip surgery, I can’t say I would have moved out of that place, but I did. I wanted my hip to heal and be better so, I really decided to dedicate time to my Pilates practice. It looked like this: 30 to 1 hr a day 6 days a week of Pilates practice. Soon, my understanding of Pilates became clearer, the understanding of my body became clearer and of course my teaching because fun again. One of the things that helped fuel also was March Matness. Seeing other Pilates lovers out there showing their versions and their true self doing Pilates helped me see that Pilates looks different on everyone but one thing is true, they are all doing it. So, I encourage you to practice your Pilates outside of the studio. In the grocery store line, when you are waiting on dinner in the oven, when you are done with your work, walk or even right before bed do Pilates. Do more than just the minimum, challenge yourself to push yourself. Your future self will thank you Studio will be closed: April 7-10 and 17th

The Sun is Shining and I am here for longer days with it. The Winter season was a great one here at the Pilates Studio. I am seeing more smiling faces due to being more in ease with your body. We have to remember there is an ebb and flow to being in our bodies but the more we can listen to it, ask what it needs then support it, we will be more comfortable in it. We’ve got clients losing weight, necks moving more, low backs out of pain, knee pain going away, and being more confident in moving with the Pilates exercises. This all makes me so proud of you! Also, I just want to extend a Thank you for those who either emailed or in person filled out the question: Why I Love Pilates. This was a fun way for us to share with one another what we love about Pilates. Check them out below!

Shall we talk about how much we all love Pilates? It is the month to do it, so I’ll go first.

Hey there! Happy New Year! How many times have you had to re-write the year at the top of your checks? I have definitely had to double check mine.

What a fabulous Year for the studio. So many new faces came into the studio by way of Workshops, Privates and Mat Classes. If that was you, I hope you had a great experience here and we’d love to see back in. For those who are regulars here at Heidi’s Spot give yourself a pat on the back! You have come so far, more self body awareness, becoming stronger, having a better understanding of the Pilates method, getting out of pain and of course the BIGGEST part- YOU DID NOT QUIT!! You pushed past all the discomfort and hard stuff. You are more flexible, stronger, and more in control of your body. I am so proud of you and again, it’s what keeps me teaching. Seeing bodies change, finding new hope and the commitment that you put in makes me want to come along beside you and help meet your goals. Thank you again for trusting me to help you.  May you have a Wonderful Christmas and New Year with people you love.

The more you are thankful the more you can see things to be thankful for. In this season of Thanksgiving, I have to first start off with my Family. I am so thankful for my family’s love and support. We are in a really great season with our kids and it warms my heart that we seem to be seeing and being with each other more this past year. As the kids are growing up and doing their thing, Peter and I now can go and do our own thing. It’s like dating again, I am here for it. Pilates, oh man am I ever thankful for Pilates. After my injury back in July, I was so thankful that I now know a fellow instructor here that was able to mentor and train me. 3 Months later because of constant Pilates practice and doing my homework for my injury. It was as if it never even happened. You! I am so Thankful for you! For your trust in me with your Pilates practice, your commitment to your practice and to the studio and for your encouragement to me! Together, we can get your body feeling the best. Thank you again. I know life can throw us curve balls of disappointments and set backs, and maybe in a moment in time we need to feel that so that when we are done processing them, we can find the good and give thanks for where we end up. May you find thankfulness in your life not just today but every day. Happy Thanksgiving, Heidi

Hey, Pilates enthusiast! The Holiday Season is here..Only 2 more months and we will be at the New Year. Any goals? To reach your Pilates goals, I am here for you. Remember to be nice to yourself while the schedules get busy, it won’t last forever. Be present and enjoy your time and company. If you need to take your Pilates with you, you can always book a Private online or join the Online Pilates Video Library Membership. First up Halloween! Let’s dress up. Come to your Mat class or Private in costume…no, you don’t have to, but it’ll be fun. In November the Studio will be closed on the following dates: Closed Nov. 11th Closed Nov 28th

Hello Everyone If you were looking for perfect walking weather it is here and now! I have been enjoying my walks. My Body differently needs a good stretch and roll out after. I usually set my timer for the amount of time I have and I roll out my Quads, IT bands, hips and glutes. I don’t have to spend a lot of time, I mean I could, but a little goes a long way. Then I get my standard leg stretches in, Hamstring, IT band, hip and Quads. If I have extra time, I’ll do my calves as well. If I didn’t do these things, I would be feeling it later… The tightness would start and discomfort will set it. The enjoyable walk will something of past. Now because I cared for myself after, I know I’ll have a nice night’s sleep. We do Pilates because it teaches us how to care for ourselves.