Monthly Archives: February 2015

What is Pilates?

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A lot of the time, when people find out that I’m a Pilates instructor, I get some version of this: “Pilates? Oh yeah, isn’t that like yoga?”

The short answer to this question is…kind of. 

If you Google it, you’ll see that there are many ways to define and describe Pilates. I choose to explain it like this:

Pilates is an exercise method that utilizes a mind-body-spirit connection to improve strength, balance, and flexibility throughout the entire body — with a particular emphasis on the core. While Pilates can be done using only a mat, there are also several machines specifically designed for the method, including the Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, and Ladder Barrel.

Pilates reformerPilates cadillacPilates Wunda ChairPilates Ladder Barrel

Pilates requires you to engage your body AND your mind, using your mental energy to focus on the movements, so that you can perform the exercises correctly and with control. This idea of concentrating on correct form and movement, to get deeper into the workout, is what I believe separates Pilates from other exercise methods. It’s not about how many reps you can do or how much weight you can handle (in fact, some Pilates exercises get harder with a lighter spring). Pilates is about quality over quantity.

This is what makes Pilates a good choice for anyone, from the beginner that wants to start a regular exercise routine, to the athlete looking to rehab an injury, to the post-pregnancy woman who wants to get back in shape. There are numerous ways to add variations or modifications to an exercise, making it more or less challenging for a specific individual. The goal is to get you in tune with the deep core muscles of the body. Learning how to engage and strengthen these muscles is key to preventing future pain and injuries.

There are six principles of Pilates that, when employed, really take the workout to the next level. These principles are Breathing, Concentration, Control, Centering, Precision, and Flow. I’ll go into more detail about them later, but I bring these principles up because, coupled with the idea of a mind-body connection, they reinforce what Pilates is all about: mindful movement.

I encourage you to try a Pilates class to see how the method can benefit you. If you’re already a devotee, I challenge you to learn about the six principles and incorporate them into your workout. Questions? I’m happy to answer — and I would love for you to come workout with me!

Inner Thigh Workout with the Fitness Ring

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Happy Friday!

This week has been a crazy roller coaster of emotions, but I was excited to see that my PeakPilates Fitness Ring was finally delivered. The Fitness Ring is easily one of my favorite props to use during a workout. There are many names used to refer to this Pilates accessory: the Magic Circle, Power Circle, Pilates Ring, etc. However, some of my clients prefer to call it the Ring of Doom, and the sight of it alone makes their thighs hurt — or so they claim.

PeakPilates Fitness Ring

PeakPilates Fitness Ring

The honest truth is that an inner thigh workout with the ring can be brutal, especially if you don’t work with it on a regular basis. Still, nothing will make you feel like you are working those inner thighs the way this ring can. Words like jello, shaking, and on fire come to mind. With “thigh gap” being a thing these days, I think we’re all looking for ways to tone the inner thighs and get those long, lean ballerina legs.

Below is a quick inner thigh workout that utilizes the Pilates ring. It’s the perfect series to do before stepping out in skinny jeans or leggings, because it instantly makes your thighs feel toned and tight.

inner thigh workout

Start by lying on your side with the ring between your legs (about two inches above your ankles). Keep your spine long, with your hips stacked one right on top of the other. Engage your core. Gently squeeze the ring, concentrating your energy on the inner thigh of your top leg. Think about using that inner thigh to push the ring down. Pulse in and out 16 times and then flip over, so that your opposite leg is on top, and do 16 more reps.

inner thigh workout inner thigh workout

Flipping onto your back, place the ring between your ankles and bend the knees into the chest. Start by reaching your fingers up toward the ceiling.  As you lower your arms toward your hips, peel your head and shoulders off the mat. Ideally, just the bottom tips of your shoulder blades are touching the mat, and your fingers are reaching past the hips. Keep the head and chest lifted, with your belly button pulling in towards your spine, as you extend the legs out to 45 degrees and then bend back in. Use your inner thighs to apply consistent pressure to the ring. Do 8 reps in and out.

inner thigh workout

Then take the legs straight up toward the ceiling, to a 90 degree angle, and lower back down to 45 degrees. Again, maintain a constant pressure on the ring with the inner thighs. The head and chest are still lifted (keep your gaze at your navel) and the legs are long and straight. Make sure that your tailbone stays firmly pressed into the mat the whole time. Do 8 reps, before holding the legs at 45 degrees and pulsing in on the ring. Use your inner thighs to squeeze in 10 times.

By this time, you should feel those inner thighs burning! Stretch out the legs and then repeat the entire series.

Are there any specific areas you’re trying to tone? Let me know in the comments 🙂