May 3, 2025
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
Updates
Studio Closed May 26th
Mat Classes: In the month of April, we used the Thera-band for extra strength and stretch. Going into the Month of May we are returning to just our bodies on the Mat. Embodying The Pilates Method takes time, understanding and practice. It always comes back to breath supporting the core and movement. The more you do it, the more the body will change. Look at any method of exercise and that is true across the board. You have decided to invest time and money into Pilates so go all in. Don’t rush through the hard things, don’t dismiss movements you aren’t getting yet, be patient, ask questions and keep going.
OPVL
OPVL: In level 1 a quick 20-minute video called “Building a Better Start” comes back to some feel good fundamentals then moves into a full body workout. Just some deep simple work you are sure to feel great after.
Level 2: The video is breaking down one of the most common exercises done incorrectly, Spine Twist, Corkscrew and Saw. They all have to do with twisting which is one of the more challenging movements to do purely without any compensation.
Level 3: Is a Slow Flow with all of the great advanced exercises like Rollover, Neck Pull, Swan Dive, Shoulder Bridge and Push-ups. The slower pace is sure to set you up ready for your best execution.
Thank you and Happy Spring!
