Pilates photos 1961

I.C. Rapoport is a professional American photographer who was born in New York. In 1961, he was asked to photograph Mr. Joseph H. Pilates in his New York “gymnasium” to accompany an article for Sports Illustrated. He spent a day in the studio, talking with Joe, taking photos and doing some Pilates exercises on the equipment, especially … More Pilates photos 1961

Pilates celebs: Holly Willoughby

Holly Willoughby recently appeared at the Glamour Awards showing off her new, trimmer figure achieved through weekly Pilates sessions. She says “It’s a great way to tone up and streamline your body. As you have to focus on your movements, it’s also a great way to relax.” Read more in this Daily Mail article.

Pilates for Bone Health

After attending a course about osteoporosis some time ago, I have recently followed it up with an assessment and been awarded a certificate in “Designing Pilates Programmes for Bone Health”. Since 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50 will break a bone as a result of osteoporosis, it … More Pilates for Bone Health

Fitsteps is back

Fitsteps is back and this time it’s FAB-U-LOUS! I am starting a new dance fitness class on Tuesday evenings in Mundford. It’s a low impact cardio workout so it complements Pilates, you don’t have to be able to dance and it’s great fun! Fitsteps For All Bodies (FAB) is a variation in which the dances … More Fitsteps is back

Ease Back Pain

A recent article in the Daily Express about non-specific lower back pain, reports a study that concluded “Pilates could be cheaper than manual therapy interventions for the condition.” The article also has a short NHS video about back pain that includes the questions that you should ask your surgeon if you have been referred for potential … More Ease Back Pain

IT Band Syndrome

Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) occurs when the iliotibial band, the ligament that runs down the outside of the thigh from the hip to the shin, is tight or inflamed. When the IT band isn’t working properly, the outside of the knee can become swollen and moving the knee becomes painful. ITBS can be helped by strengthening the … More IT Band Syndrome

Squatting

My previous post was about safe lifting technique. To do this, you have to be able to squat. We practice this in some classes and it’s a good exercise to do at home. Stand with your legs apart, either parallel or turned out, whichever is most comfortable for you. Then bend your knees as deeply … More Squatting

Safe Lifting Technique

This video demonstrates the safe lifting technique that we all used as children but somehow forgot as we grew older. Practice knee bends, waiter’s bow and both together be able to lift safely like this again.