Teachers, Mentors, and Guides - A lowly profession, or ray of light to inspire the world? All I have ever done is teach… not sure I’m wired to do anything else. And as a teacher most of my life – gymnastics, dance, fitness, Pilates… My “job” has been to inspire...
Pilates Exercises, Techniques & Teaching Tips
Pilates Exercise Tips for Functional Movement of the Upper Torso & Spine
Gaining a Deeper Perspective on the Details of Moving the Upper Body for Improved Flexion & Extension - Arms, Shoulders, Ribs, and Spine I love those days when I'm teaching along and decide to pick just a little bit more on a piece of an exercise. Seems like once...
Pilates Matwork Exercise Tips: Slow Swimming to Improve Hip Extension and Back Strength
Swimming is a lot of fun in a pool, and a little more of a challenge out of the water on the mat in Pilates class. But practicing this exercise on the mat can really help improve strength in the back of the whole body from your arms, shoulders, and upper back,...
Pilates Ladder Barrel Exercise: Runner’s Stretch To Improve Flexibility for Tight Hip Flexors & Hamstrings
Today I want to share with you a Pilates Ladder Barrel exercise that is excellent to help release tight hip flexors and stretch the hamstrings. Both of these muscle groups tend to be tight and in need of improved flexibility. Increasing joint range of motion at the...
Pilates Arc Barrel Exercise: Side Bend with Hip Extension
Increase flexibility and mobility for your arms, shoulders, spine, and hips with this effective Pilates Spine Corrector exercise. Discover a great way to use the Pilates Arc Barrel to stretch one whole side of the body. Improve shoulder mechanics, while...
Shoulder Exercise to Strengthen the Lower Trapezius for Healthy Shoulders: Diamond Down
Posted a blog recently on the topic of strong and healthy shoulders, but I just uploaded a video to demonstrate my easy "diamond down" exercise to help strengthen the lower fibers of the trapezius muscle to help improve shoulder mechanics and reduce neck and shoulder...
Core Strength-Pilates Exercise Video for Abdominals: Little Pulses
Having great core strength means that you've got a balance between strong abs and a flexible back allowing you to move easily through each exercise during your Pilates workouts. A while ago I posted an article on my blog about improving abdominal strength and spine...
Pilates Exercise Tips for Strong and Healthy Shoulders
Have you ever injured your arms and shoulders? Do carry stress and tension in your neck, upper back? Do you ever notice your shoulders hiked up around your ears? It’s not surprising that so many people these days experience one, or all of these shoulder issues. To...
Improving Abdominal Strength & Spine Articulation – Pilates Fitness Tips
The Benefits of Adding Pulsing to Pilates Exercises It’s always a challenge to get a better Roll Up, Neck Pull, and Teaser, or Short Box Round on the Reformer with the full backbend and up. Here are a few tips and thoughts to add a little extra to your Ab work and...
Pilates Exercises for Twisting and Improving Rotation of the Spine
In a workshop a few years ago with my Pilates mentor, Dianne Miller, she made a comment that has really stuck in my brain. “Twisting exercises facilitate improved flexion and extension of the spine.” Don’t know why I never realized that little gem on my own, but how...