The Peak Blog

After Thoughts: Inspired by Dallas Mania

Sonia — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 20:09:00 GMT

Last month I had the privilege of teaching several MVe workshops at Dallas Mania. It was a great convention and our MVe Chair was well received and it was great to see so many of our MVe instructors. However, many of the attendees were not Pilates instructors and it was amazing to see how well their bodies moved on the MVe Chair. What set the non-experienced attendees up for success was the thorough explanation of the basic alignment tools – specifically Pilates Stance, Powerhouse, Scoop, Box, Centerline and Opposition. These alignment tools were explained before the workout portion of the workshop. This provided simple connections using simple words. Simplicity is powerful!

In seeing these attendees move with such control, it made me smile and recognize how simple Pilates can really be. If a first time student could move so well in a group setting, why do we sometimes feel Pilates is so complicated? It is no wonder why the fitness community has stayed away for so long. However, Peak Pilates’ MVe Chair and our other Pilates education programs help to demystify Pilates and are attracting individuals of all different backgrounds.

Not only has the MVe Chair made Pilates less complicated, it has made Pilates less intimidating to the fitness community as well. As a result, the MVe has stimulated more interest in the classical mat and reformer work. It is like going in through the back door!

I have used this realization in my own personal studio. When I have a potential client walk into my studio, I ask questions that help me understand where the client is coming from and try to find the right starting point for them. I find out if they have been more exposed to yoga, group fitness classes or personal training. I also ask if they play sports. If I draw the conclusion that their background is more of a fitness experience, many times I will suggest the MVe Chair. It is a comfortable starting point for them. Many of my clients, who started out in MVe Chair classes, are now taking classical mat and reformer classes. Yeah!!!!

What is even more powerful than that is when these “fitness” clients then bring in their “fitness” friends. Boy… when you can get “fitness” clients referring their “fitness” friends to Pilates… well… you get the picture!

Getting Back into the Swing of Things

Clare — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 23:03:00 GMT

I have a new goal for my Pilates practice. I want to get back to being able to do a full Bridge on the reformer, which I haven’t been able to do since before my hip surgery. So here is the strategy I am using to help me reach my goal, I hope it helps you too.

I start with either the mat or reformer to get warmed up, usually in the intermediate/advanced order. Then I go to the Spine Corrector and do a sequence of Arm Stretch and Circles followed by the Leg Series, Leg Circles onto Head, and Back Bend with feet on the hump of the Barrel. This sequence provides chest and hip stretches, gentle spine extension strength and leads up to the back bend with the feet elevated on the hump of the Barrel. If I hadn’t done the second Long Box on the reformer, I do it next on the Spine Corrector with Grasshopper, Rocking and Swimming followed by a couple of simple roll downs from a standing position.

Next I go to the High Barrel to deepen the stretches of my spine in all directions: Side Stretches, Backward Stretch and Backward Stretch Hanging. After those deep stretches I work strength again with the Swan and Horseback holding two pound weights. I always balance out Spine Extension with a counter movement in flexion.

As an ending, I go to the Cadillac for the traditional ending including Breathing, Spread Eagle, Pull Ups and Hanging Pull Ups. I omit the Hanging since it is contraindicated due to my hip replacement.

I do this routine two to three times per week. Once a week I focus on the super advanced reformer (with the help of a teacher who can spot me) so I can begin to work in the Headstands, Breaststroke, Backbends to the footbar (after Thigh Stretch) and with a lot of help, just pressing up to the full Bridge.

If I am short on time, I do a mini-mat followed by this routine and can get in done in 20 minutes. Stay tuned… I will let you know how it works by New Years!

- Clare Dunphy

Baby Boomers Bearing "Boo-Boos"

Sonia — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:30:00 GMT

Baby Boomers Bearing "Boo-Boos”- say that five-times-fast!

Like most of you, the majority of my clientele are Baby Boomers. Baby Boomers is the term given to the generation of Americans who were born during a "baby boom" following World War II. Baby Boomers were born between 1944 and 1964. My Baby Boomers are very active. I love this population! This group is healthy, mobile and very adventurous when it comes to their recreational activities. They are doing everything they can to stay fit and healthy. Ironically, because they are so active and adventurous, they are getting many “boo-boos.” They are walking into the Pilates studio with tennis elbow, twisted ankles, sore backs – and once in a while – even broken bones. But nothing is going to stop them! They are going to “live” until they die!

So, how can we, as instructors, support these clients? We understand that Pilates is a functional exercise, so put it to use. My suggestion is simple. Choose appropriate individual needs exercises and apply Pilates connections to their recreational activities. This is simple, effective and empowering.

First, understand what activities your client participates in. Does he or she run, cycle, swim, hike, golf, play tennis or basketball? Once you understand this, you should choose the individual needs exercises that are going to bring awareness to the connections that are needed during their physical activities. For example, during Going Up Front on the high chair, point out how the proper activation of the glutes and Powerhouse prevents the pelvis from tilting anteriorly avoiding low back pain or discomfort. Then ask them to think of this the next time they are hiking up a mountain. This could be the reason your client’s low back hurts each time they hike.

Furthermore, these specific connections should not just be emphasized during the individual needs exercises, but throughout the entire session as the opportunities present themselves. For example, for the client who swims and tends to agitate the low back, point out the correct use of the glutes during Beats on the Belly or during Swimming. I can’t tell you how thankful your client will be.

By increasing your clients’ body awareness during their Pilates sessions and during their recreational activity, you will reduce their discomfort and prevent injury. Most importantly, you will empower them to take care of the only body they have. This will allow them to continue enjoying the recreational activities they love for a very long time.

Go Baby Boomers!

Is an Open-Studio Structure Right for Your Business?

Colleen — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 17:24:00 GMT

Recently an instructor e-mailed me with a question concerning guidelines for allowing clients to access equipment and workout on their own and the potential fees for this. This is a philosophical and organizational concern and it may be a legal one, too. It is important to check with your insurance agent and legal advisor.

On the whole I find this a sound option for clients and had this structure with some success at my studio. I called it “open gym.” Additional revenues, fostering ownership of the work by encouraging mind-body principles and keeping the studio active during down times are benefits of the open gym/studio concept. Here are a couple structures and ideas around the fees for them that might be helpful:

Start it Right

Create an initial introductory startup package. It may include a variety of your services, such as a specific number of privates, mat and/or equipment classes and open studio time. If its setup and introduced this way initially then clients are more apt to do it. This package should be only for first-time clients to help generate traffic. A facility I consulted with used this concept and it helped their business grow tremendously. Their introductory package was around $650 and included a variety of classes, privates and open studio time. The second package, for every client, included more classes, less privates and more open studio time at a manageable monthly fee. Private lessons and classes could be purchased al-a-carte as well. In general monthly open studio fees could be charged separately and range anywhere from $25 to $50 a month or more. The latter is what worked for me.

One the other hand, another studio owner I know had a monthly membership fee for privates, classes and open studio time that did not work. The fee was set too low and she had to restructure it for a more profitable situation. Setting fees for open studio, or including it in an over-all package, depends largely on what your community will bear and what they are used to.

Do some research and find out what gyms in your area charge for one time visits, what are the monthly membership fees are. You don’t have to price yourself exactly with them, but at the same time you don’t want to be too high or too low for your market.

Package Considerations

• Packages may indicate sequences of lessons designed to develop clients’ skill level in order to utilize open studio privileges successfully. For instance, three privates may be required before participating in group classes. After the specific number of group classes are taken, then open studio time privilege may be permitted.

• One instructor I know allows her clients to access the facility when she is not there for an hourly rate of $15 which is comparable to a one time visit to the gym (she is the only instructor at her business) with the purchase of a package of private lessons. She gives them the key pad access; these students are at intermediate levels and/or are students who know their programs well.

• Open studio time may be offered free with the purchase of private lessons for a short period of time and then charged after that introductory time period.

• Auditions to use the studio may be required. If this is the case a clear step by step process needs to be laid out to ensure success. Then a fee could be accessed for the use in packages.

• Clients may want to only do open studio after a certain level. These clients can be required to have one private every month, or two months. Packages for monthly open studio time and quarterly lessons might be good.

Open-Studio Considerations

• Set specific hours. Direct clients by setting specific open studio hours and foster small groups to work out together. Research has shown the benefit of the camaraderie maintains member retention. This would also allow you to control the traffic and not have too many users during your prime-time.

• Equipment. Do you have enough equipment for an open studio structure?

• Set policies. What will you do if an open studio client is working on equipment you need for a private paying client? How will you track when individuals come?

• Support. Have support material like books and DVDs for client to access. At the least a list of exercises for them to reference is important.

I hope this gives you some ideas to chew on and consider. This is by no means exhaustive. See if you can discover a creative way to add open studio time for your clients that is profitable for you. The biggest benefit, however, is how the client begins to take ownership of the work and do it on their own. If they do this you will probably have a client for life that you can mature and progress in the work. Give it a whirl.

Pilates for Kids

Zoey — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:50:00 GMT

We all know that Pilates is great! However, over this past year, I have been surprised at the number of young clientele that our studio (The InnerSpace in Avon, CT) has attracted.

We first offered a class called ‘Playful Pilates’ a year ago. This was a simple venture for four age groups: 4-5, 6-8, 9-11 and 12-13. Classes were 30 minute mat classes with a focus on fun and imagination. They booked up almost immediately.

The secret of our success (as is often the case) was a mix of factors. We had parents who had first-hand experience of the power of Pilates and wanted their children to benefit as well. We had a dynamic 25-year-old instructor who had a sense of joy and playfulness. We had a commitment to make sure that the kids’ progress was seen and the work could be shared at home with their parents in some homework assignments!

After the first session, we expected groups to continue but were unexpectedly surprised by the request for child privates. We now have quite a clientele of young Pilates students studying privately. They are all athletes; the sports they represent include soccer, lacrosse, hockey and figure skating. Most privates are 30 minutes, although some of the older teens and the very high-level competitors take one hour sessions. All came in tight, some in pain or recovering from injuries. All have benefited, and we are now looking at expanding into a class for youth athletes that is more sports specific.

We have heard testimonials that they are now playing pain-free, can touch their toes, have more push and drive – and perhaps most importantly – that they are now able to accomplish skills that they were previously unable to do. And of course, people are taking note, other parents are asking what ‘camp’ their kids went to that improved them so much.

Because this is a blog, and not a CEC, I want to just share a few things that have worked for us in training these budding competitors.

While you want to keep it fun, you also need to keep it a focus on progress:

- As with any client, assess their body with the first exercises to determine areas of tightness, weakness and looking for muscle imbalances. You may be amazed by how asymmetrical some of them are. If they have R/L side-to-side imbalances, give them a priority and then move to other areas of challenge.

- Be disciplined, but with a sense of humor. Teach the order, the transitions and gently remind them or make a joke when they wander off-track. As with all clients, ask them what’s next, what’s the name of an exercise, etc.

- Kids thrive on praise, so notice the improvements and make a big deal about it, but be sure that they have earned it and are genuinely better. Kids can smell a phony comment a mile away!

Use props to stimulate their imagination, help them find a better feel for an exercise or connection. You should also use their imagination to challenge them:

- Try to incorporate their equipment as a prop. We have developed a concept called FitSticks and have trialed it for youth group classes. The lacrosse and field hockey players bring their sticks and use them is their prop. The soccer players frequently use a ball.

- Imagination is very alive in most kids, so tap into it! Use images that are playful, appeal to their age group and also to their sport.

- Share with them for example, how something relates to a sports skill. Then have them take it off the mat and focus on it at sports practice during the week and see how it works. Once they improve in their sport they will be eager to do more of this!

Equipment? There is plenty on the mat to challenge kids.

- The mat work will make them strong and flexible. If you are working with older teens that you think may benefit from reformer and/or chair, follow the progression guidelines. They may be more uncoordinated than you would expect!

- The younger kids really want to do the equipment. As a reward you might use the stability ball to simulate the reformer exercises. We have a Swedish Ladder that our gymnasts in particular benefit from working on, and the kids enjoy the small hump barrels. Balance what they want with what you know is best for them.

It’s important to keep in mind that kids are not mini-adults and should not be treated as such. Remember that they are still growing and very impressionable. Be an impeccable role model! Be enthusiastic! And as Mencius said, “Be child like not childish!”

Hip, Hip Horray!

Clare — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 23:29:00 GMT

It is hard for me to believe, even as I write these words, that nearly five months ago I had a second hip replacement. After reflecting back on the experience and re-reading my journal I was reminded of the feelings and personal progress I encountered both leading up to the surgery and after.

I share my story with the intention to provide insight so you may have the opportunity to gain a richer understanding of what it can be like to face a major surgery… and in turn be able to support your clients during this critical time. This is an account of my personal experience so please do keep in mind that every person experiences surgery differently, both emotionally and physically. Going through this surgery a second time has made me aware, yet again, of how valuable Pilates is in maintaining levels of strength, flexibility and an especially strong powerhouse during both the pre-hab and re-hab phases of recovery.

It was October 2007 and I had started Bikram yoga again, finally feeling ready to return to yoga since my first hip replacement in April 2003. I was so happy to be back in the hot room, sweating with everyone else and practicing yoga once again. One day during the standing series, I noticed that I was collapsed a little in my standing leg and not able to lift out of my hip as the abductor muscles had become fatigued after only about ten seconds. I persisted and thought the muscles would get stronger over time, after all, I told myself, I had been away from these held postures for a while and it would inevitably take time to get back to where I once was.

Several classes later with no improvement, a little ache in my hip began to develop. I noticed it felt weak when I had been practicing on the mat during side kick series and it ached after working on the chair. I knew that this hip was arthritic and had dysplasia, but it had been asymptomatic. “Could this really be happening?” I wondered, or will it just subside on its own?

During this time I was rehearsing new MVe Chair workouts for an upcoming DVD shoot in January, preparing for an MVe Trainer Camp and staying in shape for a long planned ski trip with my family. However that little ache was getting more of my attention until I was not able to ignore it anymore. I discovered that cross-country skiing actually made it feel better so I grew hopeful that it was healing. Then one night in early January I got out of bed and instantly my leg buckled under me. Denial time was over and in that moment, I knew I was headed for another hip replacement.

The timing couldn’t have been worse. We were launching our new MVe Reformer program with DVD shoot and Trainer Camp in a few weeks and I had important conferences to attend in March, April and May. Needless to say, I was bummed out. Why was this happening now?

As an active person in good shape, I felt like my body was letting me down. Could all those years of running and high impact aerobics be catching up with me? I tried to make sense of it all and in the back of my mind held onto the belief that it would disappear and everything would be back to normal. I wondered, “What have I been doing wrong? “What’s causing this?” But cognitively I knew I was born with shallow hip sockets, coupled with the damage created by the volume and intensity of impact activities in earlier years, but somehow this awareness didn’t alleviate my feelings of sadness and self blame.

I had to find a new way to relate to both my physical body and myself – and not only to make it through the upcoming DVD shoot and Trainer Camp – but also in order to face the reality of my almost certain predictable future. I was so excited about the launch of the new MVe program and the Peak team had worked zealously to prepare for the big launch. On the set of the DVD shoot and during the Trainer Camp it was interesting trying to figure out how to stand for hours, exercise and smile – all while making it look easy. I kept my mind focused on each task as it came, step by step, committed to giving my best. The shoot went smoothly and the Trainer Camp was a smashing success – the best the team has ever put on. Everyone on the team felt exhilarated by the positive energy during the camp and looked ahead to introducing the new program to the world. For me, I felt both thrilled and worried. By the end of that week, both dreading the inevitable and accepting the truth, I picked up the phone to call my surgeon.

After my initial appointments, regardless of how complete the communication was, I still had unanswered questions, which he said he could not answer until he was actually performing the surgery. I needed to accept two key facts: he was the expert and I needed to trust him. Period. I had to trust not only his expertise but also my body’s ability to heal and recover. The thought of never being able to ski or do any of the activities I love again loomed in the back of my mind. I had to accept the possibility of something going wrong at any point during the procedure – including the remote chance of not waking up from the anesthesia. I found I had a “committee” meeting in my head playing out every possible scenario. On the surface I was functioning normally, but inside I felt vulnerable, scared and fragile.

Surgery would be on March 14 and I hoped I would be healed enough by summer to present at the IDEA World Conference in July. I had eight weeks to get myself prepared. It was a very long eight weeks!

I kept myself as active as possible knowing the value of being strong entering surgery so I continued with Pilates, pool exercise, biking and cross country skiing on the weekends. The intensity and duration of these activities of course dwindled but I managed to do something each day. Pain is no fun, especially for active people. It hurt to walk, it hurt to not walk. It throbbed at night lying still in bed, with the memories of the first surgery still floating around in my mind. “Okay,” I told myself, “If I must do it again, I must – so stop whining!” However, the gnawing in the pit of my stomach didn’t subside and my inner dialogue went on like this until the day came. I felt vulnerable, anxious, angry and afraid of the pain I was about to face.

Surgery day finally came and I was as ready as I could be. At this point I wanted to get this show on the road! Before I knew it, it was my turn, and the next thing I remember was waking up. The pain was under control and the next day the physical therapist came in to start exercises and get me to stand up! The program consisted of iso quads, iso glutes, ankle flexion/extension, knee slides, hip abduction/adduction, seated knee lift and standing up. I was allowed to walk supported by a walker or crutches. I was to do this three times a day. It started slow and I had to assist my leg at first but amazingly enough, I could do more each day.

During the first few weeks I gave myself permission to slow down and take my time getting around, fondly referring to it as the time of “living in slow motion.” Since bones are in an early healing phase for the first six weeks, it was important to let them have the time they needed for that initial healing. I did begin a very modified mat program after the first week, which included the Hundred with feet on the floor, partial roll up and supported knee folds. I worked slowly but progressed quickly.

The physical therapist came three times a week for the first six weeks but never suggested any core exercises, only focused on the operated leg. I found that odd since we recognize the importance of working the body holistically. I remained faithful to the Pilates mat routine and progressed through my recovery remarkably well. Every day I could do more, walk better, and go up and down the stairs faster.

Today, I am thankfully moving around like my old self. I am hiking, biking, kayaking and practicing Pilates faithfully. Once again I am grateful for what Pilates has done for me, especially through this period of my life. I have grown from the experience as both a teacher and as a person having gained a renewed appreciation for not only the power of Pilates but for the lessons learned of trust, patience, compassion and acceptance. Thank you, Pilates.

The Fitness Fusion Debate

Amy P Kelly — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:38:00 GMT

The fitness fusion movement is fascinating to many fitness professionals - for many very different reasons. My fascination revolves around potential applications and innovations of fitness programming that can impact cancer patients during treatment and recovery.

In 2006, the American Council on on Exercise identified the fusion of mind/body fitness with more traditional methods as one of its top 10 fitness trends. Things like Yogilates, Aqualates, Cardiolates, Tangolates, etc. are a result of this movement into hybrid fitness.

Some fitness and pilates professionals love the fusion, and some feel it is an attack on the purity of the orginal. I have even heard debate amongst my own staff about "Classic" Pilates vs. "Fitness" Pilates.

I for one WELCOME the discussion - as well as the "debate"! The idea that passionate fitness professionals are discussing new and creative (functionally correct) ways to inspire and train clients to greater health is something that makes my heart sing with anticipation. This type of dialogue may lead to a new type of exercise program that helps cancer patients (and others) in ways that we can only imagine. Bring on the debate and the new fused, hybrid and completely different ways to exercise. Everyone starts at one point and moves to another along their journey. After all, Joe himself started as a self defense instructor. Ask yourself, where will you start with your passion for fitness and helping others?

My particular area of focus is to pursue opportunities in the fitness realm that will positively impact the lives of cancer patients. You should pick one too. What inspires you? How can you help solve problems and change lives through your love of fitness and/or pilates? Joseph Pilates was only his name when he started - not one of the fastest growing fitness movements in the world. Look where that movement is now. Over 10 million people participate in Pilates. Now that's movement.

I would like to hear from other innovators in areas that they feel passionately about.

This month has been a Pilates whirlwind for me as a business owner. Our trip to Dallas for the National debut of Pilates-sage involved speaking to instructors, Pilates enthusiasts and people who were scared to death of the machines. The perspectives were endless and the opportunities to help people were exhilirating.

The different conversations and the gorgeous ad for the MVe Chair in the last issue of CBI magazine made me focus my thoughts on all the different fitness and/or Pilates "opinions" I have heard this month.

--- I am starting to ramble, but I did not want to leave out the MVe Chair, because I see that as a metaphoric element to Trinity's pursuit of further applications of the fundamentally, universally beneficial principles of Pilates. I hope this makes some sort of sense. I feel this "classical" vs. "hybrid/fusion" Pilates debate will continue. I love it! It leads to progress to new things and additional respect for the old.

- Amy Kelly, CEO of Trinity Fitness + Spa

Organizing Your Pilates Instructors' Behavior (For Pilates Studio Managers)

Sonia — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:32:00 GMT

Being a Pilates studio manager can be very rewarding, but when it comes to working with a staff of Pilates instructors, it can also be very challenging. As a studio manager you have a vision and ultimate goal for your studio, and there are many skills you should possess in order to be successful.

The topic of management encompasses a great deal research and theory. One of the areas of research to understand is organization behavior. Organization behavior is a culmination of research that emphasizes the attitudes of groups and individuals, knowledge about and behaviors in organizations.

In managing your organization/Pilates studio, two helpful areas within organizational behavior are leadership and environment.

Let’s first take a look at leadership:

As a manager, your leadership qualities are very important to the success of the studio. Leadership is the ability to direct, coach, support, delegate, motivate, organize and lead staff towards an organization’s goals. It is important to understand that your Pilates instructors are your most valuable asset, if there is successful leadership. You must understand your instructors as a whole in the setting of the studio. Evaluate what they do, feel, and think. Lead your instructors to work interdependently within the operation of the studio in order to attain the overall objectives of the studio which are set by you. Furthermore, continue to work towards creating and maintaining healthy relationships between your instructors and also between your instructors and you so that the overall goals and individual satisfaction are achieved. Individual satisfaction is vital for long term success and instructor productivity and retention.

Now let’s look at work environment:

As a manager, you define what is expected of your staff by communicating your ideas, concepts, goals, and pertinent information. But how about non-spoken communication? The items found in your studio can also define what is expected of them. Interestingly, we are not always conscious of how many things around us affect our behavior. As a leader it is important for you to be aware of how you can influence, motivate, and guide your staff towards your studio’s goals by creating the right environment. Plants, water features, posters, charts, images, painting, written quotes, bulletin boards, lighting, color of carpet, color of walls, stationary, uniforms, and visible mission statement are examples of items which create the environment and culture at your studio. This will subliminally affect your staff’s behavior towards each other, towards you, and your customers. So take time to define who you are as a company/studio and what kind of behaviors you want to draw out of your staff and customers.

As mentioned managing a staff of Pilates instructors can be challenging. However, with great leadership and strategic creation of your studio environment, your management experience will be one of productivity, creativity, and satisfaction for the entire Pilates studio.

Good luck!

Resources: www.organizationalbehaviorcentral.com

- Sonia Rodriguez, Peak Pilates Master Trainer

The Debut of Pilates-sage

Amy P Kelly — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 20:49:00 GMT

This summer we will feature Trinity Fitness + Spa’s CEO Amy Kelly as a special guest contributor. Amy opened Trinity Fitness + Spa in 2005 after she lost her mother to pancreatic cancer. Trinity has partnered with Peak Pilates to explore new ways that Pilates can make a positive impact on the quality of life for cancer patients.

This past weekend I was away from my normal stomping grounds at Trinity Fitness + Spa in Northern Virginia because the Trinity team was in Dallas, Texas where we partnered with Peak Pilates to debut Pilates-sage at the eWomen Network Conference. Janette from the Education Team at Peak Pilates accompanied our staff and helped us spread the word to participants and encourage them to try Pilates-sage and/or Pilates - whether they were beginners or current Pilates enthusiasts.

Women executives of all different fitness levels came to the "make-shift" spa to try Pilates and experience it on Peak Pilates equipment first hand. The women were so surprised at how easy, yet challenging Pilates is. People talked about feeling taller, longer, leaner - but most of all - they wanted more!

The "looks" that we got as people walked past the reformers and cadillacs were almost humorous in their interest and trepidation. I think that we forget sometime as Pilates professionals that a good portion of the general population has never seen Pilates equipment. They only know Pilates from a tape or other media information. Watching so many women catch the Pilates "fever" reinvigorates us as well.

The story about Pilates-sage and its creation captivated women, because they all want to support women dealing with cancer. Pilates-sage is appropriate for everyone, but its application for people dealing with cancer or other chronic debilitative disease really touched the attendees. All the money we raised when people paid to try Pilates or Pilates-sage was donated to the eWomen Network Foundation, and the list of charities they support is so inspiring. They all touch your heart in some way, and focus particularly on women and children.

I think that all Pilates and fitness professionals believe in helping others and inspiring their clients to lead healthier, fuller lives. It was exhilirating to work as a team to inspire people and get to do what we love at the same time.

I believe that most people in the world want to help, and I was honored to be there with Peak Pilates furthering that goal through something we all love... Pilates! I want to thank Julie Lobdell and the entire staff at Peak Pilates for being a part of this amazing experience!

- Amy Kelly, CEO of Trinity Fitness + Spa

Pilates & Cancer: Trinity Fitness + Spa

Amy P Kelly — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:30:00 GMT

On September 1, 2005 my business partner and I opened Trinity Fitness + Spa.

Inspired by my mother – who had passed away two years before following a tremendous battle with pancreatic cancer, and my husband's brother, who died one year before from cancer – Trinity's mission is to inspire women to be healthier: mind, body + spirit, and every person and program at Trinity is created to further that goal.

Our one-of-a-kind "Lois Membership" http://www.trinityfitnessandspa.com/lois_member.html provides a free fitness membership, spa discounts and personal training to ANY woman currently undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment for cancer.

Our slogan, "We're not just lifting weights, we're lifting spirits!" is at the very heart of everything we do at Trinity to help women battling disease or PREVENT it.

I recently became one of the first trainers in the nation to receive the new ACSM certification to work specifically with cancer patients.

At Trinity, we are always looking for new ways to make it easier for clients to work out during their cancer treatment and receive the associated benefits. Pilates has become an integral part of the programming we offer in this area.

- Amy Kelly, CEO of Trinity Fitness + Spa

Pilates: Not Just for Pilates

Sonia — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 23:08:00 GMT

Recently, I have taught many MVe workshops which have provided an opportunity to share the “Pilates World” with many fitness instructors. I just recently delivered a three-day workshop and to a wonderful group of instructors out in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Besides Pilates instructors, this group was comprised of yoga instructors, personal trainers, kickboxing instructors and aerobics instructors.

As these instructors became more exposed to Pilates, they began to realize that the Pilates concepts and connections should be applied to the exercises they are already teaching in their fitness classes: Pilates is not just for Pilates! How about Pilates for personal training, Pilates for aerobics, or Pilates for kickboxing? It is powerful to see how the Pilates concepts, for example, working into the centerline, keeping the box square, scooping the powerhouse and lengthening with opposition could be applied to all other forms of exercise and our daily movement.

Yes, Pilates is about movement and flow, not just individual concepts and connections. However, these concepts and connections provide an opportunity to share the beauty of efficient and effective movement with the fitness world. I love the fitness world and the opportunity to be able to contribute something to it is exciting.

So, next time you have a fitness instructor in your Pilates group class or you are giving a fitness instructor a private session, point out a connection that they can apply to the warrior pose in Yoga, a bicep curl in personal training, or even a front-snap-kick in kickboxing. Pass the gift on and they can pass it on, too. And remember, Pilates is not just for Pilates - it is for 'EveryBody'!

“If you would thoroughly know anything, teach it to others.” - Tyron Edwards (1809-1894)

- Sonia Rodriguez, Peak Pilates Master Trainer

The Diversity of Pilates

Zoey — Thu, 29 May 2008 16:45:00 GMT

I was looking over my schedule for the day and I noticed I have two very different privates back to back: an 11-year-old boy who is excelling in both hockey and soccer and wants for find a core performance edge and an 87-year-old female lung cancer survivor. And once again a feeling of amazement washes over me.

To think that so many years ago [Joseph] Pilates created a system that is accessible to such diverse needs. I am struck by articles that purport that classical Pilates is dangerous and only suitable to the very fit; I believe these are written by individuals who have some hidden agenda to promote their own adaptation of Pilates or their own training program.

Currently I am leading a PPS-I that assesses this Friday. This group has inspired me. They are eager, committed, and open minded. Two of these individuals were previously certified through other programs and came to the InnerSpace as curious students. They fell in love with the flow and the beauty of the classical work and wanted to learn to teach it. There is a male gymnastics coach who wants to use Pilates to help his young competitors gain the benefit he feels in his lessons and an OB nurse who has a desire to help young mothers balance their lives and stay fit. There are others in the group – all with wonderful reasons for pursuing a deeper understanding of Pilates – all wanting to use it as a tool to help others as they have been helped.

As they have gone through observation hours here they have seen a diverse application of the classical work as it wields its transformational power. Because we do a large amount of doctor referral work they have been able to watch hip replacement pre-hab and rehabilitation: many different back and neck considerations, knee and footwork, *** cancer recovery, obese clients coming in for health benefits, osteoporosis, etc. They have seen both Olympic-level and recreational athletes, people wanting to lose weight, get fit, and improve their core. And they have seen that the introductory framework is the starting point for each and every person and that the classical work is adaptable to each and every student and each and every need.

This year I have had the pleasure of leading Peak Pilates workshops at conventions that focus in on how to work the system for less able backs and for obese clients. The attendees have been excited to see how simple concepts of breaking the exercise down to its lowest common denominator and progressing step at a time can make the work easily accessible. Working with the goal of the exercise in mind helps you set a compass point that keeps you on a clear pathway to progress.

So as I start another day here at the studio, I can truly say “there is no where else I would rather be right now than right here” with each and every one of my clients moment by moment, move by move!

Go with the flow!

- Zoey Trap, Peak Pilates Master Trainer

FIBO: Evidence of a Growing Pilates Market

Sonia — Mon, 05 May 2008 21:39:00 GMT

This past April, I had the privilege of leading demonstrations and working with attendees at our Peak Pilates booth at FIBO. FIBO is one of the world’s largest fitness trade shows and this year it was held in Essen, Germany. I was also very honored to work along side our International Peak Pilates Teacher Trainers. It was a heart-warming and incredible cultural experience.

We had a great response and a great showing at our booth. I have never been surrounded by so many languages at one time! I worked with people from Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, India, Japan, Czechoslovakia, Russia and the list goes on… Wow!

It’s amazing how the international Pilates market is catching momentum and growing. We spoke to an Arabian customer who said he had resisted Pilates for years, and now, he says, “Here I am asking you for a demonstration on the equipment.” He spent about forty-five minutes at our booth asking all the right questions. People are realizing that Pilates is here to stay!

As many of you know, Peak Pilates offers Classical Pilates and our fitness line, MVe Fitness Fusion. It is so smart to offer both because the reality is that both are in demand. The market demands the ingenuity of our equipment and the clarity of our education. Because we have upheld the integrity of the traditions of Joseph Pilates, we are the single source solution for any studio owner or any club franchise entrepreneur. The positive response we received at FIBO provides evidence that there is a need for all we have to offer.

I encourage all Pilates professionals to experience both the “Classical” and “Fitness World” of Pilates. Be smart and expose yourself to all the Pilates industry has to offer.

- Sonia Rodriguez, Peak Pilates Master Trainer

The Body Tells the Truth

Clare — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:00:00 GMT

One of the most impressionable teachers I ever had was a dance teacher, Thomas Molinaro, who was not only a brilliant dancer but had an extremely keen eye. I was in my early twenties before my introduction to Pilates, and Thomas would incorporate Pilates mat work into our ballet and stretch classes. His disciplined approach to ballet training included the required back or pink attire only and classes were conducted with a high degree of formality. Class was held every weekday from 9 - 11:45 a.m. Each day was the same format with the same students, same music, and same work each day – and yet in some way, everyday something was different; our alertness, energy, strength, balance, emotional state, etc.

I’ll never forget how Thomas would slowly and closely walk by us all lined up, simply observing our individual qualities that day. He would occasionally quietly ask how someone how they were doing and politely we would always respond we were doing “fine.” I was very surprised the first time he poignantly said, and a lesson that remains with me today, that our bodies don’t lie, our mouths do. I found it fascinating how accurately Thomas could see how we really felt on the inside based on how we were expressing on the outside. Even when our mouths said everything was “fine,” it was clear as a bell to Thomas when our inside state and outward report were out of sync. Without judgment or a single word he would raise an eyebrow and in that instant we both knew the truth.

But it didn’t stop there. He held out an olive branch to each of us, an invitation that very moment and each moment during class to change our minds choose a different reality. Once class was underway, each of us had a chance to start anew; not only to meet ourselves in the newly created moment, but to learn to trust our ability to use movement as a way to transform our mood or inner state. He always held the door open for possibility. In subtle ways he was teaching us powerful life lessons: we are responsible for our own reality, we alone create our reality, and we have a choice in the matter - and all of this for the price of class admission!

Reflecting on the teacher-student relationship and the non-verbal messaging that transpires during a session I am reminded again that we can always re-choose our reality in the moment both as teachers and as students. Today when I teach I will have my olive branch ready.

- Clare Dunphy, Peak Pilates Master Trainer

Preparing for Discovery

Zoey — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:15:00 GMT

Sitting here enjoying this beautiful spring day in my garden, I’m soaking up all the positive energy – the birds, the breeze, the daffodils, the river, the sun – and feeling positively peaceful. That sense of ease, or well-being, is so healing it is wise to think about how we cultivate that in our studios with our clients.

Many people come to Pilates seeking something. Some know exactly what they are looking for – they come to help their aching backs, to get stronger, to gain flexibility, to breathe movement into their lives. Others want to look better or are just curious to see what the buzz is all about. Regardless of why people start Pilates, it is a joy to share their journey of discovery.

New students discover what they can do that they thought they could not. They discover new reserves of energy and reconnect with their bodies. One of the things I love most about the classical work is the quiet environment. By removing the frills of music and external noise, we help students to reach inward in order to rediscover themselves from the inside out. By tying one movement onto the next with the discipline of the order and the transition we bring them out of themselves and into a new tradition. By bringing the Peak Principles to light through teaching, we help them understand not only movement quality, but how to take Pilates out into the world to do anything better.

Our Peak Pilates 5-Part Formula for Success lists “teacher mindfulness” among the elements. It is the cultivation of this ability to be totally present that helps to elevate Pilates from mere exercise to a mind-body-spirit experience for both teacher and student alike. Have you worked to bring this element to life in your own teaching? If so, your students are benefiting from your total focus and are able to more fully focus themselves. Your students are benefiting from a holistic approach that is transforming.

If you want to improve your “teacher mindfulness,” here are some ideas to help:

• Create a quiet time in the morning. Use this space to simply be. Resist the urge to ‘do’ – simply enjoy some quiet. You can meditate or simply enjoy a special time for you and allow thoughts to simply float by.

• Consider your clients’ full experience: Mentally are they stimulate and learning about their bodies? About Pilates? Are they progressing physically? Spiritually? Do they the lesson leave feeling uplifted and better about themselves? Are you meeting them energetically?

• You want to find the balance in your teaching of providing your students not just cues, but energy. If they are tired are you able to energize them a bit? When they come in overly stimulated and scattered can you bring them some calm? Teaching is like a dance; it takes at least two.

• Is the studio environment conducive to a mindful experience? Is it clean and uncluttered, quiet? Is it a peaceful place that provides a bit of respite from the hectic pace of life?

• Finally, if you have been teaching a while, respect your intuition. Learn to listen through other avenues than your ears to gain a sense of where to go and when.

I frequently share with people that I feel so lucky. I appreciate that everyday I get to contribute in some way to others health and happiness! At my studio in Avon, the InnerSpace, we say “may the inward and outward be one.” When this happens we move towards health and harmony!

Wishing you a springtime filled with growth,

- Zoey Trap, Peak Pilates Master Trainer