Check out this great interview of our founder Marie Schneider by Chiropractor Raymond Bunch as they discuss the many benefits of Pilates!
(more…)And the neck bone is connected…
Dear Clients, Friends and Family,
Hello again and thank you for continuing with us as we journey through the book written by Joseph Pilates, “Return to Life Through Contrology”. Joe wrote this book in 1945, and the health giving benefits of Pilates are even more relevant today than they were then. As a nation, we are much more sedentary in general, and a good exercise program is necessary to maintain youth and vigor. But the benefits of Pilates extend way beyond most. Please read on as we share with you, Joe’s thoughts on the spine.
Pilates Positive Impact on Aging
Pilates Positive Impact on Aging
Some of us know all too well the signs of aging. We are either experiencing them ourselves or seeing them in others. A decrease in height, and increase in weight, more fat and less lean muscle mass, rounded shoulders and upper back (kyphosis), reduced bone density (osteoperosis), loss of balance (increasing the risk of falls), and a general decrease in strength, to name a few. That’s the bad news, the good news is that there is a lot you can do to counteract this aging process. A good diet to guard against weight gain, and a program of moderate intensity exercise to help with body composition, posture, balance and strength can help immensely. Strength training on the Pilates Apparatus can increase lean muscle mass, reduce bone density loss, greatly improve posture and balance, providing a full body workout. By adding some cardio to your program, such as walking or cycling, you have all your bases covered!
Pilates addresses the “whole person”, and no one says it better than Joe did. ” Pilates (Contrology) developes the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirit.” Joseph Pilates
This lovely lady is Darlene Elliott, a twice a week visitor to Pilates of Old Town. Darlene is 84 years young and has been doing Pilates for 3 years. Darlene is shown here performing the Pilates Knee Stretch, and can hold a “Plank” position like no other 84 year old I’ve seen! She is certainly a testimony of the anti-aging benefits of Pilates, don’t you think?
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Fitness at Fifty
When I took my first Pilates lesson at age 50, I thought I was going to die. It was so difficult, but my friend and I had paid for a 7 week series, so I persevered. By lesson 6, I noticed that my normally painful neck was not hurting, and I had more range of motion. At the conclusion of the 7 weeks, I re-enrolled, and Pilates has been part of my life ever since. Combining focsed breathing with controlled movements, the goal of Pilates is to increase flexibility, strength, endurance and coordination without adding bulk. Pilates also increases circulation, aids in sculpting the body and strengthening the “core” abdominal muscles. Most people see their posture improve quickly, I certainly did. Pilates forces you to stay focused, keeping your mind alert and active. Though Pilates will always be challenging, it has become a way of life for me, I look better and I certainly feel better.
Sheryl Friedner Strich, D.P.M. Podiatrist/Foot Specialist
Pilates, Podiary & Plantar Fasciitis
PILATES, PODIARY AND PLANTAR FASCIITIS
Dr. Sheryl Strich
We have been hearing about all kinds of athletes who are sidelined due to Plantar Fasciitis. How do you know if you have it? Your heel hurts!! The heel pain is the worst when you take the first step in the morning and then subsides after you walk around for a few minutes. However, a dull ache usually returns later in the day after sitting or standing for a long time. The pain can be very limiting. The plantar fascia is a strong ligament that is attached to your heel bone and extends to the base of your toe joints, and plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia. Causes of plantar fasciitis include strenuous sports, high arches or flat feet, walking on hard surfaces for a long time, and unsupportive shoes. HINT: DON’T WEAR FLIP FLOPS TO DISNEYLAND – DEFINITELY A SET UP FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS! Interestingly enough, plantar fasciitis is the one foot problem where high heels are not the evil doer.
When a patient comes in to my podiatry office, there are various treatments available; anti-inflammatory meds, strapping the foot in a neutral position, orthotics and shockwave therapy. At home, patients are instructed to ice in order to take down some of the inflammation.
As a Pilates Instructor, here are two of my favorite exercises to help prevent and/or rehab for plantar fasciitis. Since the heel bone is connected to the leg bone, the Achilles tendon must be included in the exercise regimen.
1. Using the Reformer: The balls of both feet are placed on the bar as though you were
wearing stiletto heels. Maintain the stiletto heel position as you press the carriage
away. When your legs are fully extended, drop your heels. Hold it. Then go back to
the stiletto heel position as you bring the carriage back in. Repeat 8 x.
2. Inchworm: With your mat against the wall, place legs in tabletop with the soles of
your feet against the wall. Your knees are directly over your hips. Begin by “doming”
your feet, allowing your heels and toes only, to touch the wall. You will flex and extend
your toes as they drag your domed feet up the wall and then back down the wall.
Repeating for one minute.
