Pilates Archives

Correct Form when performing AeroPilates

Posted on Thursday, July 29, 2010

Every fitness routine should function to increase mobility of the spine, strength of all the mobilizing muscles, range of motion of the joints, flexibility of your spine, postural improvement and oxygen uptake by the heart and lungs. In AeroPilates we uniquely attain all of those goals in a safe and fun routine that will totally change how you look feel and move.

When you think of improving how your body moves however, it is important to understand that your upper body is stabilized by your shoulder girdle, your lower body by your pelvic girdle and your core is the connection between the two. Your head sits on top and your spine runs uniformly, throughout.

In order to get the most out of your AeroPilates routine it is helpful to be mindful of some of the following rules of correct body placement to prevent injury and maximize results:

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Pilates Performer Protocol

Posted on Thursday, June 17, 2010

So many of you ask me which machine to buy and what to do after mastering the basic workout that comes with the machine. Here is a simple breakdown that will simplify your concerns. read more

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My Secret to Toned Arms, Flat Tummy and Lean Legs

Posted on Wednesday, May 26, 2010

People ask me all the time how I maintain my tone, especially in my arms. With the extremely busy schedule I have, I still make certain to do at least 8 minutes of Pilates every day... read more

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What is AeroPilates?

Posted on Monday, May 24, 2010

AeroPilates is the smart and intelligent way to retrain your body, mind and soul. It is an all encompassing method of Pilates that focuses on the whole body. Primarily, it is concerned with developing correct posture and efficient movement patterns.

Since no clinical studies have ever been performed on a reformer we decided to put our AeroPilates system to the test.

The goal of the study was to thoroughly examine AeroPilates, an exercise program that combines Pilates Strength Training with supine Cardio Rebounding; which can be accomplished by a majority of people, and to determine whether there are significant fitness and weight loss effects.

Pilates is renowned for its unique multiple plane movements and is well touted for the wide array of benefits it provides including Improved Strength, Mobility, Endurance, Flexibility, Core Stability, Proprioception, Control and Coordination as well as Mind/ Body Stress reduction. It has long been used for rehabilitation and is typically performed on a reformer or on a mat on the floor.

I have prepared a short summary of our findings but if you care to read an in depth discussion of the study performed by Neil Wolkodoff, PhD, Sue Peterson and Jeff Miller, PhD. Click here to read the study.

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AeroPilates SpaceMate: a portable pilates gym in a bag

Posted on Saturday, May 15, 2010

As you all know I spend so much time on the road traveling and thus often feel the frustration of not being able to get on my AeroPilates performer to stretch out and realign my weary body.

Over the years I have developed my own portable kit: a tennis ball to work through tight trigger points, my Back Magic to workout the knots and spasms in my poor lower back, from long spurts of sitting, a stretch band or two and a series of floor movements that keep my arms strong and my body toned.

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Mistakes reforming your body

Posted on Thursday, March 25, 2010

Even though I have worked hard to teach you the correct alignment and form while performing AeroPilates from my DVDs, I want to share some helpful tips that will ensure the maximum benefit from your workout. read more

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AeroPilates, an Exercise System That Has Arrived, Not a Moment Too Soon!

Posted on Wednesday, June 24, 2009

History

In 1968, Dr. Kenneth Cooper was the first to write the book "Aerobics", in which he explained how energy expenditure could be scientifically measured. Suddenly there was a way to control weight by measuring calories ingested versus calories expended. The world of fitness was later caught up in the Jane Fonda era, consumed by the adage "no pain no gain". "You must work hard, sweat hard and get sore" exhorted Fonda on her 1981 "Workout" video.

Suddenly men and women flooded to the gym in an effort to become strong, fit, slim and healthy. Consumerism quickly followed. It began with specialized running shoes and when Nike was asked why they endorsed the concept of "target zone" energy expenditure, they answered "it sells shoes"! The fitness clothing manufacturers followed with trendy, comfortable workout gear and the diet industry with protein bars and weight loss shakes. Today, however, most of us in our forties and fifties are still suffering some irreparable damage after all those years of high-impact and mindless exercise!

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An innovation that twists and extends your spine

Posted on Thursday, April 2, 2009

I recently came across a new product that I would love your feedback on. Email me at in info@lighterlving.com and tell me what you think.

You know that my passion about the miracles of a regular Pilates reformer routine is endless because it truly does everything one needs, that as Joe used to say, "is good for the body, mind and soul".

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Common Mistakes made in Elephant series

Posted on Sunday, February 1, 2009

The Elephant Series was so named such by Joseph Pilates because when you are standing on the platform with your hands on the foot bar and your head is relaxed, the line of your spine looks like an elephant's trunk!

Because there is a natural flow from the Knee Stretch Series into the Elephant Series and then into the Downstretch Series I am going to write about all of these exercises as best I can, to share their benefits and their common missing links.

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Common Mistakes in AeroPilates: Arms in Straps

Posted on Wednesday, October 1, 2008

In Pilates we strengthen the arms, back and chest by pulling on straps that originate from the back of the machine. If we are sitting facing the foot bar the resistance comes from behind us, if we are sitting facing the back of the machine the resistance originates in front of us and if we are facing one or other side the resistance origination is different again. read more

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Common Mistakes in AeroPilates: The Hundred

Posted on Monday, June 23, 2008

This exercise has been long considered the one that Joseph Pilates was renowned for. Even though it engages almost all the muscles of the front and back, it is primarily a breathing exercise.

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The Miracle of AeroPilates

Posted on Friday, April 25, 2008

I wrack my brain daily to find a unique and more succinct way to explain how AeroPilates is superior to other methods of exercising. read more

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There is finally Science behind AeroPilates

Posted on Friday, February 15, 2008

Since no clinical studies have ever been performed on a reformer we decided to put our AeroPilates system to the test. 

The goal of the study was to thoroughly examine AeroPilates, an exercise program that combines Pilates Strength Training with supine Cardio Rebounding; which can be accomplished by a majority of people, and to determine whether there are significant fitness and weight loss effects.

Pilates is renowned for its unique multiple plane movements and is well touted for the wide array of benefits it provides including Improved Strength, Mobility, Endurance, Flexibility, Core Stability, Proprioception, Control and Coordination as well as Mind/ Body Stress reduction. It has long been used for rehabilitation and is typically performed on a reformer or on a mat on the floor.

I have prepared a short summary of our findings but if you care to read an in depth discussion of the study performed by Neil Wolkodoff, PhD, Sue Peterson and Jeff Miller, PhD.  read the study.

read more

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Total Integrated AeroPilates Cardio Workout Level I

Posted on Tuesday, January 1, 2008

The Integrated Level I workout routine is an exercise regimen designed to be used in conjunction with the weight loss portion of the lighterliving ™ Weight Management System, available at lighterliving ™ and assumes that participants have an AeroPilates Performer and the accompanying exercise videos. For maximum weight loss benefit, use Level I for 30 minutes, 5x a week for 30 days, before moving to Level II.

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Common Mistakes in AeroPilates Exercises Warm-up Footwork

Posted on Friday, October 26, 2007

So often people worry that they are not performing the Pilates exercises correctly, at home, when they watch my DVD's or videos. I want to alleviate all concerns regarding this sensitive issue.

Just as most people work out at the gym alone, without a personal trainer, I am making it possible for you to work out, alone, at home. All my instructional DVDs and videos have been developed so that you can work along in real time. I emphasize the correct muscles, the correct breathing and the correct set-up without being confusing and intimidating. The benefits of working out regularly, on your own far exceed what you would get if you chose to only work with a personal trainer and since the machine is a brilliant support structure, that prevents you from doing something wrong or hurting yourself, you can rest assured that while you may get additional subtle benefits from a trainer you are still truly getting an amazing and profound workout with out one.

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Grow Strong, Not Old

Posted on Monday, February 26, 2007

I recently read a great article by Dr. Karl Knopf who says all it takes for the average 50 something to stay fit is 30 minutes of walking three times a week, some regular stretching and lifting weights. At 50, I too recognize that I can no longer do all that I did when I was younger. My recently stress-fractured foot reminded me that my running days need to be limited and replaced with something gentler. AeroPilates to the rescue!

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The Importance of Correct Positioning

Posted on Saturday, October 28, 2006

Whenever you begin an AeroPilates exercise it is important to place your body in the correct position. Always aim for a neutral spine,it is the natural position of the spine and includes a strong lumbar curve. Most people have a flattened lower back that has lost its natural lumbar curve and, additionally, have weak abdominal muscles. This combination eventually causes the head to fall forward and the neck and back to ache.

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Why AeroPilates On a Machine?

Posted on Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Most people have some kind of physical pain from years of exercising incorrectly. High impact aerobics and muscle isolating weight training have caused their bodies to break down.

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Pilates: The History

Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006

People everywhere are intrigued by the genesis of the Pilates Movement. I have never written an excerpt on its history, so decided this month to share with you how it all began. read more

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Breathing the Pilates Way

Posted on Friday, April 7, 2006

Blood must be oxygenated in order to fill the cells with energy. We also know that breath enhances the benefits of exercise. Breathing is actually how we regulate our energy, and so it was taught by Joseph Pilates. read more

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Refresh Your Brain Daily

Posted on Wednesday, March 8, 2006

Pilates on one of my machines is like the wake-up call that says, "no, don't do it that way...do it like this instead." It is the re-programming of old patterns and the relearning of new ways to move, employing the correct muscles and reducing the burden on the others. read more

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Spiritual Transformation Through Pilates Part Two

Posted on Friday, January 20, 2006

Meditation is merely the ability to quiet the mind long enough to listen to messages from our higher self and to be able to ignore the judgmental chatter that fills our brain much of the time. The most accessible way to achieve this state is to concentrate on the breath. By focusing on cool air filling your body and warm air leaving your body, you automatically relax every muscle and turn off your conscious mind.

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Spiritual Transformation Through Pilates. Part One

Posted on Monday, November 28, 2005

Good health requires a strong Body, a strong Mind and a strong Spirit. When all three are in harmony and balance, we are able to feel and look great. We essentially make a contract with Spirit, at birth, to take care of the Body we are given, in order to fulfill our human roles during this lifetime. read more

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