The Pilates method for exercise has never been more popular. Everyone is talking about it; everyone seems to be doing it, and everyone raves about the amazing results they get from doing Pilates regularly. So how does one begin doing Pilates? Where is the best place to go as a beginning Pilates student? What should the student expect from their very first session?  A Little History In the last 10 years or so, Pilates has gone from being something you do under the watchful eye of an experienced instructor at a boutique studio to joining a large studio with one teacher to 12 or more student ..read more

Pilates, a method of exercise that focuses on strength, flexibility, and overall body awareness, has gained immense popularity over the years. If you’re new to the world of Pilates or have been practicing it for a while, you might have some burning questions about this fitness discipline. As a Pilates studio owner, I understand the importance of addressing these questions to help you make informed decisions about your Pilates journey. In this article, we’ll delve into eight common questions that often arise in the minds of Pilates enthusiasts. From understanding the differences between group a ..read more

Most people at some time in their lives will experience some form of back pain. Back pain is one of the leading causes of missed work and statistics show that anywhere from 50% to 80% of adults will experience at least one episode of back pain during their lives. I suspect it might be even more than that. The good news is that most back pain is very treatable with a combination of exercise and healthy living habits. At a relatively young age, I developed serious low back pain. I was in my mid-20s, fit, slender, and active. Doctors had no idea what had caused this condition and the general conc ..read more

What is Osteoporosis and which demographic is most likely to be diagnosed with this condition?  Is it a game-stopper or are there things one can do to prevent further damage?  The word Osteoporosis can be translated into porous bones. It is a disease that occurs when bone mineral density and mass decrease leading to a reduction in bone strength. It is characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue. Having Osteoporosis can increase the risk of fractures in the spine and hip as well as other parts of the body. It is more common in women – especially white and Asian wom ..read more

Big group Pilates classes held in large studios are all the rage these days. Nearly every city in the United States has at least one Pilates studio that offers group classes at very low prices.  These classes are lots of fun and the price is right so why not take advantage of this attractive bargain?  However, students need to realize that in order to reap the amazing benefits of Pilates, you need to learn how to do it correctly. Unlike some aerobic-type classes where the moves are relatively easy to do and follow, there are certain techniques in Pilates that need to be introduced an ..read more

By Devra Swiger It’s that time of year again where most everyone is scrambling to make their New Year’s resolutions. With the very best intentions, people embark on a healthy life journey which, sadly, rarely lasts past the second week of January. In the health and fitness business the most common resolutions are to eat healthier and to get back into tip-top shape. Very rarely do you hear someone proclaim that their resolution for the coming year is to win a hot-dog eating contest or to see how long they can remain seated in front of the television. Nope. Resolutions are almost always about po ..read more

We had always talked about going to Africa one day, but we decided after much discussion that it was too expensive so we took it off our bucket list. Then Covid happened. It taught us the lesson that there is no time like the present, so Africa returned to our list of things we must do before…well…before.  I started planning the trip in June of 2021 after selecting the travel agent I felt was best for our needs.  I interviewed a few people and I picked Kirsty Perring of Traversing Africa. Up until the last minute, we didn’t know if we would really be able to make the trip. Between Co ..read more

Have you ever heard that doing Pilates may be the best exercise ever? Making the decision to do Pilates is easy but finding a perfect studio takes a bit more time. This article will discuss several key factors that should be considered when starting your search.  First and foremost is price. Can you afford to do private Pilates or are group classes more in line with your budget?  Then there is location, the qualifications of the instructors, and the ability to schedule a class. Last but not least is that little something that is hard to define but it’s the feeling you get when y ..read more

If I had a dime for every time I heard someone say, “I’m just not seeing results from my exercise program”, I would be rich – even with today’s sky-high inflation. Why are so many people not seeing results? Why do so many people feel that no matter how hard they try, they can’t lose weight? Why does nothing seem to work? Here are five reasons why people get frustrated with the process of getting into shape and ways to get more out of your workout.  Reason #1:  Oftentimes people engage in an exercise program for all the wrong reasons.  They pick an activity that either they don ..read more

When looking for the perfect Pilates studio whether for the first time or the 5th time, be careful not to make mistakes that could, in the long run, be costly.  You could potentially end up paying more for your Pilates experience than it’s worth or, even worse, sustain an injury.  Before starting your search, review the list of five common mistakes people make when trying to find the right fit with a local Pilates studio. Mistake #1: The studio that has the most reviews or the flashiest Instagram page may not be the best fit for you. Just because someone has 10,000 followers really ..read more