Welcome to the Surprise Pilates Blog! Together we will explore topics related to Pilates, Life, and all things Health, and Wellness. Subscribe to our blog so you will receive new posts emailed directly to you. Feel free to pass this along to friends and family or suggest a topic you would like to see featured here. Thanks so much for reading.
When I was a child, my father was a big proponent of good posture. We ate dinner together as a family every night and he expected my brother and me to sit up straight and keep our elbows off the table. Good posture became my normal. I remember at school and at my friend's houses having adults comment on my good posture. It was not normal I suppose with other kids my age.
Read MoreI have heard more times than I can count the comment, “but I don’t look like a Pilates student.” This usually comes from someone considering whether to try Pilates or not. It comes from someone with limited knowledge of the benefits of Pilates. It certainly comes from someone who doesn’t know what a Pilates student looks like.
Read MoreI hear lots questions and uncertainty about Pilates from folks who have never tried it and aren't quite sure what Pilates is. Truth be told, it can be hard to put into words all the magic that Pilates is! So today, I thought I'd take a moment to clear up some of the myths and untruths stopping YOU from trying Pilates!
Read MoreThis morning I went for a long run. It was cool, crisp, and picturesque with the Fall colors beginning to show. I felt strong, energized, and capable. I was reminded of why I love running! Not every run is like that ... and it was only a few days ago I was dragging along in the heat and humidity.
Read MoreWe know Pilates helps us to build strength. We probably also know by now Pilates works to lengthen our muscles. The work we do either on the mat or equipment works on extending, lengthening, and dynamically stretching out muscles and fascia as we build strength and control of our small and large muscles. That alone is a pretty good reason to do Pilates! Still not sold? Let me share with you several other reasons to do Pilates that you may not have realized.
Read MoreI have had quite a few new pregnant clients, and also lots of questions about Pilates and pregnancy. Let's take this opportunity to talk a little bit about pregnancy and Pilates! Let's look at how the pair could be a great fit for you if you are expecting or expecting to be expecting some day!
Read MoreIt’s becoming more and more common to see a Pilates Reformer in a Physical Therapy office. I think that is wonderful! After all Joseph Pilates began rehabilitating injured soldiers during the war and then later working with injured ballerinas. Pilates is rooted in finding symmetry in the body and creating balance where there is imbalance.
Read MoreThere are plenty of ways to workout or burn a few calories so what makes Pilates special? What can Pilates really do for you that another fitness class can't?
For starters - Pilates is so much more than a 'fitness class'. Will you get fit - yes but that is just the beginning of the changes you'll see with Pilates. Joseph Pilates said "In 10 sessions you feel different. In 20 sessions you see the difference and in 30 sessions you'll have a whole new body." That's a pretty bold claim and yet I see it happen again and again in my studio.
Read MoreWhether you call it double leg work, footwork on the reformer or any other name, it’s an important part of Pilates. Often performed at the beginning of class, but it should not be mistaken as ‘just the warmup’ phase. Footwork on the bar can show us and teach us many important lessons if we tune in and let it.
Read MoreI enjoy working out. I love Pilates. I love running. But some days I just don't feel like it! Not every day do I bounce out of bed and feel like moving. Most days I do but occasionally I'm tired, burned out, stressed or just plain lacking motivation. Here are my go to motivators for those days:
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