A student came to one of our teachers with complaints of medial (inner) knee pain. For those of you who have been engaging with our foot health discussions, you might guess what was examined first.   That’s right, the teacher started at the bottom of the kinetic chain, immediately assessing his static foot and ankle posture. She then observed his walking pattern, specifically looking for signs of over-pronation. However, everything appeared normal; his posture and movements showcased healthy and efficient dynamics.   So, what do you think the teacher checked nex ..read more

Try something with us. Lock your knees and try to walk. Don’t let them bend! Pretty dang hard, huh? That’s because the knees are fundamental in facilitating locomotion (what a fun word), a.k.a., any form of movement through space. Whether it's walking, running, swimming, or biking, knees are the crucial link between the agility of your feet and the power of your hips. This essential yet often overlooked connection is at the core of many knee problems. Join us as we look into the anatomy of your knees, focusing on their role in the constant tug-of-war between your feet and hips. Learn why this ..read more

Well, March flew by! Just one week left of flow before we switch back to a month of thematic exploration. Let’s make the most of March’s last flow class with intention setting. What’s that you ask? Intention setting is the practice of consciously choosing and articulating your aims or objectives before beginning an activity. In the context of Pilates and flow, it means defining what you hope to achieve or how you wish to feel during your practice. This could be anything from striving for smoother transitions between exercises, nailing your breath control, or even embracing the peace that comes ..read more

In March, we're embracing the theme of flow, a concept that’s stirred mixed feelings among us. Last week, we heard contrasting views: "I love flow. It’s such a good workout," and "Flow means tackling those tough exercises I struggle with." If you find yourself resonating with the latter, consider the unforeseen benefits of confronting these challenges directly. Last week, we explored how intentional movements not only sharpen our focus but also carve out new neural pathways. Interestingly, stumbling through exercises—"failures," if you will—contributes to this growth. Ever found yourself teete ..read more

As Pilates teachers, we often hear, "That exercise required so much concentration," and each time we hear it, it makes our day. This is because moving your body is deeply rooted in your brain's cognitive processes. When you concentrate, you're not just thinking about the movement; you're engaging in a complex neurological dialogue between your brain and your body. This engagement is the essence of creating new movement patterns and strengthening your mind-body connection. You may have read that buzzword before; it’s very trendy, but for good reason! What exactly is the mind-body connection, an ..read more

Have you ever thought about how many movements you make when getting out of bed each morning? It begins with a stretch, swinging your legs over the bed, rubbing your eyes, maybe giving your cat a quick pet, and then standing up. Though it seems straightforward, each action—from stretching to stepping—shows how your body is expertly multitasking. Standing up involves more than just getting up; it's about balancing and using your muscles effectively, skills you've been refining for years. This morning ritual is actually a perfect example of motor learning at work. You've come a long way from th ..read more

Exciting news: we've got one more Monday in February, giving us a final opportunity to focus on our feet this month! We're planning to make this last foot-focused class unforgettable. We've noticed that practices making our students feel great tend to stick. That's why we're dedicating our upcoming Monday class to teaching everyone self-massage techniques for the feet. After all, who doesn’t love a good foot massage? Props are required for Monday's class! You need the MELTⓇ Hand and Foot Therapy Ball Kit and a full length foam roller. If you're missing these props this time around, there's no ..read more

Take a look at the photo below. Which foot looks more functional to you? A or B? If you answered B, you are correct. What’s the difference between foot B and foot A? Foot B belongs to a person who has never worn shoes and it's as simple as that. It’s wild to think that in 2024 there are people who don’t wear shoes, but it’s true, especially amongst members of indigenous tribes. Researchers have studied the feet of such people and have concluded that these populations have: ? Stronger, More Flexible Feet: Barefoot populations tend to develop stronger foot muscles and greater flexibility due t ..read more

What if we told you that your feet are connected to your skull? And that the health of your feet could impact everything in between? No, we haven't lost our minds—it's all grounded in the comprehensive approach of Pilates, which is about achieving "uniform development" for overall body health. Pilates hinges on the understanding that the body is an integrated system, functioning through the coordination of all its parts rather than as isolated segments. Consider the image below, particularly the far-left skeleton labeled as the "superficial back line." This line is a fascial pathway that start ..read more

Part of being a teacher at Pilates in Common is asking our students questions about the nuances we observe in their bodies. A few weeks ago, Keegan watched a student flex and extend her ankle and noticed a discrepancy between how the right ankle was mobilizing compared to the left. This sparked a conversation that went something like this:   Keegan: “Can you feel the difference in how your two ankles are moving?” Student: “Yes. But, I notice it more in my hips than in the ankle itself.”   Curious and knowing that the hip and the foot have a clear, yet “it’s complicated” relationshi ..read more