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What happens when you do Pilates in Angkor Wat?

  • Author: lesley.logan
  • April 2, 2017
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You plan your next trip back to do it all over again!

We arrived here on Sunday, March 5th, and our personal tuk-tuk driver Poly took us to our retreat space. I knew this space would be unique and calm. I was not expecting it to be this artistic oasis with plenty of meditation spots, hammocks, mango trees with branches that provided a canopy from the Cambodian sun and bungalows with handmade mosaic floors. The owners have thought of every detail. Sweet touches of Buddhas, vases, flowers everywhere. The community table we ate all our homemade vegetarian meals, that are farm-to-table, is a complete mosaic table with adorable French dishes set inside.

After setting down our bags, we explored the Shalas where I would be leading Pilates class. The best way I can describe our room is a treehouse. Completely outdoors above the mango trees with a covered roof to protect us from the sun and in the rainy season the rain.

As our group arrived (we had 11 total) they got settled in their rooms, and we all enjoyed a delicious dinner of Cambodian style curry and rice. Getting to bed early to wake up for our first day of the retreat. We had Pilates class bright and early as the sun rose. Our first day filled with Pilates classes, a workshop to understand the Pilates mat better for a home practice, the Pilates teachers who joined us loved the deep dive. The retreaters Pilates experience ranged from less than a year to several years and a couple of teachers. Diving deep into Joseph Pilates “Return to Life” mat allowed everyone to develop a personal Pilates practice all their own. After a lovely lunch and lounging, we went out to a Pagoda (Buddhist temple) and met a young monk who blessed us. We did an outdoor standing mat class and then hopped on a boat to enjoy the sunset over the West Baray (a reservoir).

Not sure if it was the heat or the beauty but the Baray called us, and we had to jump in. Swimming in the West Baray was incredibly refreshing and while on a retreat so liberating. Here we are in Siem Reap, Cambodia, a place with incredible history and we are floating along as the sun sets on our first day.

Not sure how our second day could top the first but it did! After Pilates class, we got lots hammock time in and then off to the Temples. Our guide Pich is unlike any other. She grew up in Siem Reap and spends her days touring every temple. When she is not, she is giving food to the monks in her village and taking care of her elders, even ones that are not family. I say this because the people here in Siem Reap are the nicest people you will meet. They give more than they have.

Pich started us off at Prasat Kavan, a Temple built in the 10th century. I had not seen this Temple last year. In fact, there are so many Temples here in Angkor that I still have many, many more to see (hence why I am already planning the next trip). After Prasat went to Ta Prohm, also known as the Jungle Temple. This one is so Tomb Raider. Our guide took us in a back way so that we could see some of the buddhas they thought were missing. Eventually found under some stones that had fallen without their heads. Something you’ll learn about this place is that there are few Buddhas with their heads. Most stolen or destroyed.

After our tour through this place made for the covers of National Geographics, we took a long drive off the beaten path to visit Bantey Srey, the pink temple.

I try not to make trips like all tourists. Our retreats are meant to take you away from the routine and to also learn more than what you could from a few articles and some you-tube videos. So, Pich, our all-knowing guide took us off the main route, and we stopped at our driver’s village to see how they make sugar. It’s not at all how you expect it, and you’ll just have to join me next time to see how good sugar can be.

Then back on the bus to continue our adventure to the pink Temple. I cannot tell you how amazing this space is. Seriously, you will just have to see it for yourself.

Day 3 was spent diving deep into the last half of Joe’s Pilates exercises and then enjoying all that Siem Reap has to offer. There are many restaurants, shops, and museums to see. Our 4th day woke up early and went out to watch the sunrise above the center tower of Angkor Wat. This time of year is perfect for it to line up over the top tower. Pich, our guide, knew how to take the best pictures and then took us off to see Bayon and Praer Kahn before we went back to Angkor to see the inside. There are thousands of tourists at the Temples each day, and my guide knows when to go to what Temples so we can enjoy them all to ourselves.

My favorite Temple is Praer Khan. A very extraordinary woman lives there and takes care of the Temple. She was not there this trip so of course, I just have to come back. She is worth the trek through the jungle to meet her and receive a blessing.

After a day of touring, we enjoyed a sunset class together and then a group dinner at one of my favorite cafes, one that when I am in LA, I crave.

Our final day included a long mat class and a great farewell breakfast. As I write this, I am sad this retreat has come to an end. But, it’s not THE END. I am deep into planning my next retreats. To be first to know about the next Angkor trip message me here. Space is limited, so it is first to come first serve.

You also do not have to wait! This summer I will be in Ojai, CA. Instead of saying “I wish,” or “Someday,” just say “YES!” Saying yes means time for you away from the norm, from the walk of the same and it also means connecting with yourself and connecting to the world. It’s an exotic place out here. See you soon!

xx~LL

By lesley.logan

Lesley Logan, NCPT, is the founder of OnlinePilatesClasses.com, the first free online catalogue of Pilates exercise tutorial videos, where you can also find weekly online mat classes and workshops. When not teaching from her studio in Los Angeles, Lesley can be found traveling the world leading Pilates retreats, or offering Pilates business coaching to studio owners and other instructors through her private mastermind group. Connect with Lesley on instagram @lesley.logan or through the contact page on this site.

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SUCH A TEASE

ONLINE MAT & REFORMER PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Teaser is probably one of the most photographed exercises in Pilates. Which makes people think it's a "peak pose." But, it's anything but! It's simply another layer to your Pilates practice. This week we will acknowledge how each exercise contributes to your ability to do Teaser (someday) and then how Teaser teaches you where to get curious in your practice.

On the Mat we will use light weights for one round of Teaser as they can be helpful for those still adding into their practice.
No props on the Reformer.

See you in class,

xx~LL

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, light weights and a Mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a Reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

SHAPE OF YOU

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

In this Pilates workout we’ll explore the body’s natural ability to move through the five fundamental spinal shapes: tall back, flexion, extension, lateral flexion (side end), and rotation (twist).

As we flow we’ll become more aware of the way our spine moves because the shape of your spine tells the story of how you move.

See you in class,
Megan

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, rod, box and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.


BOOM BOOM POW

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Boomerang on the Mat isn't easy for me. It's got sooo much going on. Perhaps that's why Joe Pilates put it at the end. In this week's classes on the Mat and Reformer we'll build up the connections we need to roll through our Boomerang with strength and control. And, focus on the genius of how many exercises ready us for this chaotic controlled roll.

Props needed:
Mat: 1lb weights or water bottles
Reformer: 1lb weight or water bottle

See ya in class,
xx-LL

MOBILITY AND STABILITY

ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, TOWER/CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Throughout our movement practice we have muscles actively moving and muscles actively holding still. Whether muscles are mobile or muscles are stabilizing us, they’re definitely working and definitely getting stronger while we workout. As we bring awareness to what’s mobile and what’s stable, we hope it helps you connect more to your body, your practice and your overall confidence in movement!

Props needed:
Mat: Squishy ball or bolster
Reformer: None
Tower: None
Chair: Optional box and mat

See ya in class,
xx-LL

IT TAKES 2!

Online Mat, Reformer, Cadillac & Wunda Chair Pilates Class Descriptions:

Yaasss, it does take 2 to make a thing go right! This month, we’ll only be doing 2 reps of each exercise on the Mat, Reformer, Wunda Chair, and Cadillac/Tower. This is such a fun challenge for our bodies. Have a towel nearby because we’re gonna’ work up a sweat!

Props needed:
Mat: Magic Circle
Reformer: None
Tower/Cadillac: None
Wunda Chair: None

See ya in class,
xx-LL

BOOM BOOM POW

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Boomerang on the Mat isn't easy for me. It's got sooo much going on. Perhaps that's why Joe Pilates put it at the end. In this week's classes on the Mat and Reformer we'll build up the connections we need to roll through our Boomerang with strength and control. And, focus on the genius of how many exercises ready us for this chaotic controlled roll.

See ya in class,
xx-LL

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, 1lb weights or water bottles and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, 1lb weight or water bottle and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.


FLIP IT AND REVERSE IT

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Ever wonder why some of the exercises that require more stability, balance, and control are at the end of the order when we’re tired? I have, and I can’t help but think “Why all the madness???”

We know there was definitely a method to the matness (puns intended), but I wonder if there’s a bit of madness to the method. I want to know if it really makes a difference to do the order from beginning to end…so, why not flip our Order and reverse it and then talk about it?

Join me for this week’s classes where we are going to flip it & reverse it! We are going to start at the end of the order and work our way to the beginning. Let’s explore how our bodies feel when doing the “end of the order” exercises while we are COLD and how it feels to do our “warm up” exercises while we are HOT (and maybe a little tired)!

Grab a barrel or a blanket for the Mat class. We might need a little help connecting at the beginning of our workout, and a barrel or blanket will help us do that! Grab a ball and you’ll have everything you need for the Reformer class.

See you in class,
Rachel

PUT YOUR BACK INTO IT

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Pilates is often thought of as a "core" workout. But, if you've been around OPC long enough you know its all about the center and that includes the back. In this weeks class on the Mat and Reformer we are going to explore how our back is part of every exercise.

Props needed:
Mat: 1 exercise a the beginning with the Magic Circle and 1 exercise a theraband or leggings. After that no props needed.
Reformer: None

See ya in class,
xx-LL

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, Magic, Theraband or leggings and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, 1-2lb arm weights and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.


SHAPE OF YOU

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

In this Pilates workout we’ll explore the body’s natural ability to move through the five fundamental spinal shapes: tall back, flexion, extension, lateral flexion (side end), and rotation (twist).

As we flow we’ll become more aware of the way our spine moves because the shape of your spine tells the story of how you move.

Props needed:
Mat: none
Reformer: Rod and box

See you in class,
Megan

FLIP IT AND REVERSE IT

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Ever wonder why some of the exercises that require more stability, balance, and control are at the end of the order when we’re tired? I have, and I can’t help but think “Why all the madness???”

We know there was definitely a method to the matness (puns intended), but I wonder if there’s a bit of madness to the method. I want to know if it really makes a difference to do the order from beginning to end…so, why not flip our Order and reverse it and then talk about it?

Join me for this week’s classes where we are going to flip it & reverse it! We are going to start at the end of the order and work our way to the beginning. Let’s explore how our bodies feel when doing the “end of the order” exercises while we are COLD and how it feels to do our “warm up” exercises while we are HOT (and maybe a little tired)!

Grab a barrel or a blanket for the Mat class. We might need a little help connecting at the beginning of our workout, and a barrel or blanket will help us do that! Grab a ball and you’ll have everything you need for the Reformer class.

See you in class,
Rachel

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, barrel or a blanket and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a ball and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.


ARM WEIGHT FUN

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Everytime I use Arm Weights in my workouts I have a lot of fun playing around with the exercises. These little weights have a big impact on our form, control and execution and we also get a sweaty workout. Let´s grab your 1 to 2 pound Arm Weights and get together on your Mat & Reformer to play around and have some fun!

See you in class,
Yasmin

UP, UP, & AWAY

ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

We are all going to feel like Super Humans after this month!!

Whenever I’m in a hard exercise (for me) where I’m holding myself up with my arms and reaching my legs away I picture myself with super human strength!!! I can do ANYTHING! It makes me smile and helps me stay STRONG.

This month our exercise is Up Stretch and when you think about it - reaching your legs away and staying strong over the carriage may feel a lot like flying!

We’ll be focusing on stabilizing our strong cores while staying equally balanced in our arms and legs. We are giving you some amazing building blocks by merging strength and stretch in all directions. You are going to get a little bit of everything that you can use to connect to your Up Stretch (and even your Roll Up and Knee Stretches Off).

Chair: Please have a foam roller and a balance pad available. We are going to challenge your balance safely.

xx-LL