Pilates? SPX Pilates?

2014 is coming to a close, and we’re starting to celebrate at Pilatesblue!
Thanksgiving is a day away and how thankful we are for our family & friends.
The holidays sometimes can add stress and over indulgence; we’ll welcome 2015 soon and say hello to New Year’s resolutions!

We’ve decided to do a little pre holiday blog on the question we hear every January, “Should I do traditional Pilates or SPX Pilates?”

I believe one can appreciate both methods. SPX is a group reformer type class on machines called the Megaformer.  Sebastien Lagree developed the exercise regime and the equipment in 2001. He was a Pilates enthusiast with a desire to take it to the next level. The SPX is an innovative and aggressive approach to full body conditioning.  The Megaformer™ workout strengthens the body, tones and elongates the muscles, improves endurance, jump-starts the metabolism, burns fat, increases flexibility and postural alignment, and restores the body’s natural balance.

"Since Pilates was first introduced almost 100 years ago, different styles of this intriguing system of exercise have emerged. This is a controversial evolution of Pilates. Certainly frowned upon by many Pilates purists, as some put it, “…a mutation of Pilates.

This technique is far removed from the classical method taught by Joseph Pilates. It opposes one of Pilates key principles, which advises against pushing the body to exhaustion. Instead, it incorporates the weight training principle of muscle failure, which helps boost muscle tone and development.
It follows some Pilates principles such as spinal and joint alignment, core activation (centering) and deep concentration. Nevertheless, this modification is considered a fitness-based exercise rather than a mind-body movement system. 

Despite its difference from traditional Pilates, this system of exercise has gained huge popularity, mostly due to the impressive results that people are experiencing within a short period of time. The many benefits associated with traditional Pilates are improved posture, alignment correction, body awareness and reduced back and joint pain. One telling benefit which amplifies the popularity in this fitness exercise technique is the effective weight and fat loss".*

What type of environment do you gravitate towards? Most Pilates studios are calm and serene places with peaceful colors and designed to help clients focus on the mind and body connection. In comparison, SPX studios have several machines. Where the goal is to break a sweat while working out to upbeat music.

Many of my Pilates colleagues, with a passion for the work of Joseph Pilates, find the SPX technique questionable. I think SPX is great for what it does for the body. As long as it’s being sold as fitness and resistance training class that includes Pilates elements. Not as an authentic Pilates class. People seek out Pilates classes after hearing of its healing properties; it’s important to go into an SPX class with some knowledge of the movement & equipment.

Nothing wrong with an evolution in Pilates, in fact its a compliment to the originator ~ Mr. Joseph H. Pilates himself. Maybe you would see him on the Megaformer in his 80’s rocking out to the latest Iggy Azalea.

My concern with SPX Pilates is technique. If it’s going to be taught with speed, and fast transitions on a moving megaformer, at least teach proper technique. To me proper form is imperative! With proper form one can gain the benefits of the movement without injury.

I’m happy to say under my watch, there have been no injuries. Some classes I have taken, I definitely feel like I should have given them a citation for lacking instruction & class awareness. When you’re exploring studios, talk to the instructors. Let them know if you have any injuries and what your exercise history is.  Make sure you are in the correct class for you; that the instructor explains the machine to you & you trust they will guide you properly & safely through the typical 50 minute session.

Traditional Pilates vs. SPX Pilates? My recommendation is take some traditional Pilates classes first to learn the proper technique & how to navigate the reformer. Know that traditional Pilates instructors have several years of training under their belt before they receive their certification. They understand the human anatomy, and can help you perfect your form.  

Many SPX trainers take weekend courses and may not be that familiar with anatomy & modifications.  Do your research and find a place that feels inspiring & welcoming. And then go rock out like none other! Get your heart racing on the Megaformer, and move safely from one exercise to another. 

Tell us what you think! Traditional Pilates vs. SPX Pilates? What do you like better? Or do you love both! We do! At Pilatesblue you will experience an infusion of both classical Pilates, SPX & The Sharp Method.  Details available upon request of all methods of movement. 

Book a session or a package, you'll be glad you did!. Send us an email at jku@pilatesblue.com. Tell us you read this blog, and we’ll give you a discount. 1 private class for $50.00 or 3 privates for $150.00 through February 2015.

Happy workouts, and happy holidays!

- Jaime 

Pilatesblue

*
Please see original article @ http://www.pilatesdigest.com/bootcamp-pilates-for-your-pilates-studio/ <http://www.pilatesdigest.com/bootcamp-pilates-for-your-pilates-studio/

Beautiful Friday, already mid September.  Hot days, hotter than during July and August.
The moon last night was so beautiful; the flight of the Endeavor up in the sky today flying over Culver City fantastic ~
Feeling blessed to be alive.

Appreciating clients both from Pilatesblue and Pilates Platinum.  Different studios in their focus and energy.
The privates at Pilatesblue are exactly that ~ a space allowing the client to listen, learn, and connect with their body and mind.  Not as easy as you think.  Lots of information to share during a session.  Learning to position the body correctly, from tip of the head, neck, shoulders, chest, upper back, mid back, lower back, arms, elbows, hands, rib cage, abdominals, glutes, pelvis, thighs, hamstrings, knees, quads, shins, calves, ankles, feet, toes ~ reminds me of that old song growing up...head shoulders knees & toes. And of course breath ~ that's a huge aspect of Pilates.  I love the connection to my body and I enjoy educating others how to find the same.  I think one of the rewards about teaching is seeing clients connect ~ maybe for seconds at the beginning, and then slowly watching it deepen, with deepness comes more understanding of their bodies and the strength of their mind.  Pilates method is just that ... mind body connection.

The group classes are quite fun and rewarding as well.  Its inspiring to see a group of people from 10-14 on machines executing the same moves, but all slightly different and all going for the same goal of working out.  It has a deeper meaning for me. I see clients coming and going, some wanting to sweat, some wanting to run through the hour to say they've done it and others working on changing their bodies or managing an injury.  The Pilates Platinum studios, and there are four around LA, are based on a technique called SPX Dynamique.  Similar to a reformer, using springs for resistance training, stretching, strengthening, increasing cardiovascular.
The movement is not that complicated, the challenge though is to move quickly from one exercise to another keeping ones heart rate up.  I would think an introductory class would be great for beginners to walk them through the essential movements before throwing them in with the wolves; advanced levels. That would be one aspect I would change.  The machines can be dangerous without proper knowledge of how to use them.  How to step on a machine using light springs and perform exercises that require balance, concentration and coordination.  A newcomer must be introduced to this experience carefully, especially if the client has not done any exercise of this type before.

I think the group classes are great. I am addicted.  Always a challenge ~ yes repetitive, but repetiton is about training and training is about repetition. Its how you execute the exercises and how your body feels on any given day.  We switch around the exercises to keep it interesting and the music to keep the energy moving.

So, today I love both techniques.  I am proud to be able to teach both techniques and educate others to find their power and grace.

Every day I learn something new to try and to share.  I hope I continue moving and teaching Pilates for a long long time.  I recommend it to almost everyone ~
today, by the way, I learned that I want to take another class tomorrow...won't you join me?

www.pilatesblue.com for privates & duets
info@pilatesplatinum.com for group

Breathe ~

There are Six Pilates Principles:

Centering, Concentration, Control, Precision, Breath, and Flow

For many, these six principles are the foundation of the Pilates approach to exercise. Their application to the Pilates method of exercise is part of what makes it unique in the fitness world.

During this holiday season I thought it would be appropriate to highlight ‘breath’.

The integration of the principles accounts for the balance, grace, and ease that one can experience as a result of practicing Pilates.

Joseph Pilates emphasized using a very full breath in his exercises. He advocated thinking of the lungs as a bellows -- using them strongly to pump the air fully in and out of the body. Using the breath properly is an integral part of all the movements.

Did you know that ‘Breathing’ can transform your life!

Especially during this hectic season it is important to slow down and breathe…

If you feel stressed out and overwhelmed, breathe. It will calm you and release the tensions.

And If you are worried about something coming up, or caught up in something that already happened, breathe.

It will bring you back to the present.

If you are discouraged and have forgotten your purpose in life, breathe. It will remind you about how precious life is, and that each breath in this life is a gift you need to appreciate. Make the most of this gift.

If you have too many tasks to do, or are scattered during your workday, breathe. It will help bring you into focus, to concentrate on the most important task you need to be focusing on right now.

If you are spending time with someone you love, breathe. It will allow you to be present with that person, rather than thinking about work or other things you need to do.

When you are exercising, breathe. It will help you enjoy the exercise, and therefore stick with it for longer.

If you are moving too fast, breathe. It will remind you to slow down, and enjoy life more.

So breathe. And enjoy each moment of this life. They’re too fleeting and few to waste.

Let’s all remember the most important part of this holiday season is to give our love and

our thankfulness, all the rest are extras. Simplify and breathe.

Peace to all ~

Thank you to 2010!

Jaime

jaime's birthday ~ Charity: water campaign!

October 2010

Hi Everyone ~

My birthday campaign has been running for almost a month!

My b-day has passed; however, we still have much ground to achieve our goal …

Thank you to everyone that has participated, it means so much to my family and to me.

We are so excited that we are actually helping to change the world!

There simply DOES NOT need to be so much suffering on our planet ~

We do NEED everyone’s help to reach this goal ~ and we need it NOW!

We have until Mid-November to pull together the total of $5,000 to complete our project.

Image how our GIFT of water will help the people of Bayaka, and change their lives!

They will be able to drink clean safe water, as we are able to do every single day ~

Water is such a simple thing; we go through our day without thinking about how much it really provides us. It is necessary for most life on Earth. Humans can survive for several weeks without food, but for only a few days without water.

Unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation cause 80% of diseases and kill more people every year than all forms of violence, including war. Children are especially vulnerable, as their bodies aren't strong enough to fight diarrhea, dysentery and other illnesses.

A clean water project nearby means more than safe drinking water to women and children in developing nations; it means time, freedom and incentive to change their communities.

When a water project is built in a community, members can often use the new water source to grow small gardens near their homes and secure their own food supply. Self-sufficient households are less affected by external conflict, famine or inadequate government services.

This September Campaign continues for several months – to focus and help the poorest and most remote countries in the world. The goal is to raise $1.7 million with the help of individual fundraisers.

Remember, 100% of the money raised will directly fund sustainable water projects.

Please pass this on to your friends, your church, your temple, your book club... seriously, ANYONE who you feel could lend a hand. We want this to go BIG!

We are more than inspired to make this happen! Please join us today!!!

When you make your donation please pull up the exact site below, so the funds are directly deposited into our WELL account!

http://mycharitywater.org/jaimesbday

~ Thank you ~

Jaime

To learn more about charity: water ~ http://www.charitywater.org/september/

Q & A:

Stats:
The essential facts to know about your teacher: Jaime

Certifications:

Birth Doula
Advances in Pilates, Long Beach Dance & Conditioning
Power Pilates Mat
Absolution : Level 1 - 5 - Classic NY Method
Stott : Continuing Ed courses

Degrees:
BA in Dance & Theatre, Minor in Anthropology from UC, Santa Cruz

Years Teaching Pilates:
9

Hometown:
Long Island, NY

Top 3 Hobbies or Activities:
Being with my family, kayaking & hiking

Q & A:

From my favorite foods to some of my bucket list~

What kinds of foods do you like and how do you like to fix them up?
Brown rice, lightly fried with tofu, peas and carrots, couscous, salad, beets ~
fresh water, ginger tea

What’s one of your favorite exercises to teach and do you have a special spin to it that you prefer?
The Pull up on Wunda Chair; I help clients find their position and strength and talk them through the lift and the lowering; pretty amazing to pull your body up in space and maintain balance and poise
And Jump Board because its so fun and empowering, until exhaustion:)

If Joseph Pilates were alive today, what would you ask him?
I would ask if he is happy with the evolution of Pilates, what his favorite exercise was, what the internment camp was like and how come Clara got very little publicity.

Top 3 places you’ve traveled?
Costa Rica, Canada, Italy

Top 3 things on your “To Do Before You Die” list?
To climb Machu Picchu, Peru; to speak fluent spanish, to move our home where
there are 4 seasons

What’s some of your favorite Pilates studio's
Renee Watson Pilates Studio (Constantia, South Africa)
Drago, NY
Bodyline for Pro class - BH

What’s your Pilates “a-ha” moment?
I was in a certification course in 2001 in Long Beach, CA ~ I remember driving
in my car down my street in Culver City ready to make a right turn. I engaged
my abdominals while turning the wheel - that moment was the ' I think she's got it' moment

Two words that describe your teaching style?
Passionate, inspiring; can I add a 3rd word please... engaging

Favorite type of sessions or classes to teach and why?
I love Privates, as a teacher I am able to connect with my clients and take them out of their boundaries and guide them in a new direction or one that feels good and challenging to them. I also enjoy duets and group classes - whole different animal.

Care to share any teaching blunders?
In the early days, I had a client on the Cadillac with his feet up on the trapeze bar instead of below on the webbing - it was quite funny getting him down ~ we had a good laugh!

Where can we find you usually on any given Friday eve?
Being happy its Friday, rounding up my husband & kids and being together relaxing at home
or having a massage:)

Pilates and Patience

I was taught from my first Master Pilates teacher in 2001 that Pilates is a work in progress ~ how true it is!

Have you ever attended a Pilates class and said afterwards, “I didn’t feel a thing” or “What’s the point?” Most people want the Burn or the Heart Pounding intense workout no matter how they get there. If people don’t get the Burn right away, they quickly move on and never return to take another Pilates class ~ what a shame that is!

What people don’t realize is that Pilates can make your heart spring out of your chest! My clients…they always leave my studio sweaty and elated! The Clue: You have to learn to use the smaller muscles, not only the larger ones!
And that takes time and practice.

If you’re constantly moving from the larger muscle groups, you will feel nothing. We call the larger muscles 'Global' muscles. Everything will seem easy, disconnected, and monotonous. Your musculature will not change, and you will most likely overdevelop those larger muscle groups, possibly leading to an injury or chronic pain.

What I have experienced in my own body is, you must change the movement patterns– Period! That’s what Pilates gives you in the beginning. You have to be patient with this form of exercise until you learn to move efficiently, which means using all the muscle groups. Once you learn the fundamentals and essential movements your body restructures or rewires its patterns, and then you will get that heart pounding like no other feeling. You wait and see! In Pilates we call it an internal shower, and it’s addictive!

No one method does it all but Pilates is a major piece of the fitness puzzle, not the whole puzzle.

Be persistent, open and kind with yourself in the beginning, drop your expectations ~ You will get there, I promise!

Remember: Patience is a Virtue.

Thank you to Dana Fykerud

jaime's birthday!

September, 2010

Dear Family and Friends ~

This year I have decided to do something a little different for my birthday. I have been blessed in my life with as many “things” as I could possibly need… so this year, instead of gifts, I am asking for your help for what might be the coolest birthday present ever: clean water to communities of people who desperately need it!

My family and I are joining Charity: water’s September campaign. Hundreds of people like us are raising money to bring clean and safe drinking water to the Bayaka people in Central African Republic – one of the poorest and most remote countries in the world. Visit the site below to see a video about this campaign:

http://www.charitywater.org/september/

Right now, almost a billion people on the planet do not have access to clean, safe drinking water. That’s nearly one in eight of us.

Charity: water is a non-profit organization bringing clean, safe drinking water to people in developing nations. Here’s the amazing part: private donations have COMPLETELY covered ALL of the organizations administrative costs… so, that means that 100% of all public donations go to directly fund sustainable water solutions in areas of greatest need.

That’s right - 100% of the money raised will directly fund sustainable water projects!

We want to raise at least $5,000 to build a freshwater well in a village and provide 250+ people with clean drinking water.

If you would like to contribute you can donate on my personal campaign site. 100% of your donation will be directed to Central African Republic and in 12-18 months we will get proof of where our dollars are helping, and a link to the specific water project we contributed to on Google Maps.

It would mean so much to me, and my family if you pitched in to help us meet our goal - you can go straight to my fundraising page here:

http://mycharitywater.org/jaimesbday

Thank you for making this project a success!

Jaime