Pilates Rolling Like a Ball, Teaser and Jackknife

You miss things about your old life. You wish you things could go back to normal. Maybe you’re not able to work the way you used to. Or, you can’t go to your favorite classes, gym, restaurants? You’re itching to get out and every day seems to be a freaking roller coaster of emotions. After 8 weeks of quarantine and 10 weeks of not being in my pre-rona life, I have found that all the things I wish I had are available to me. I mean, I am not traveling which is the one thing I miss in this “new normal” but before all this happened I wished I had “time” for a lot of things. And, now I do. We all do. The key though is to embrace it. And, that might be the hardest thing outside of dealing with the virus. Here are some of my best tips for thriving during this time:

The SideKicks used to just include the Front and Back. But many of Joseph Pilates students have added a few variations to this. Why? Because the sidekicks are so important. Our side strength is what helps us do movements in multiple planes at once.

It’s easy to think that you’re too busy, it’s too expensive or that you need friends to travel. I used to think that you had to plan super far out to travel, that it cost a lot of money and that I would need someone to go with me. And then, I went on a trip to Brazil alone. It wasn’t supposed to be that way but I am so happy that happened because it opened my eyes to taking trips no matter how far, how busy or if I would be alone. It’s incredibly important to get out of our routine, to disconnect so that you can reconnect to who you are and where you want to be going.

Do Reformer exercises exist on the Mat? Yes, no and maybe so! Well, actually, it’s more yes than no and a lot of similarities. Why? Because, when Joseph Pilates first created his method it was on the Mat. And, then what he noticed was that most people could not do the Mat work on their own. They needed help, strength, flexibility, awareness. So, he created the Reformer and his other apparatus to allow his students to be able to rock the Mat. 

I am often asked, “What happens on your Pilates Retreats?” It’s not every day you hear about Pilates retreats and if you have never done Pilates it might sound like a bizarre excursion. Or, if you have done Pilates you may be wondering just how much Pilates you’ll be doing! But, there is so much more than meets the eye. My Pilates retreats in Maui and aboard are packed with movement, leisure, and good vibes.

I used to absolutely be obsessed with the Cadillac! Now, don’t get me wrong, I still love the Cadillac but…

What do you do for yourself in the morning? Do you go for a walk? Make coffee? Stretch out? Personally, I drink a massive glass of water, go for a run, make a smoothie and then head into the studio. I try to give myself some time to roll up, down, over and a little twist and extension to see where my body is that day.

I remember when I first fell in love with Pilates I immediately purchased the unlimited class membership. While it was more money than my gym membership I did the math. I could go to one class for $25 or I could go to as many classes as I wanted for $116. And, I managed to get to those classes 3-5x a week! I felt like I was winning on the deal end.

But, what I couldn’t swallow was the cost of a Private Pilates session. Back then they were $75-$90/session. Now, most fully certified Pilates privates are between $80-$175/session. And, I know for many that can sound expensive. However, let’s take a look at the “why behind this wait what? Pilates is how much?!”

Those of you who know my Pilates story have already heard that my first years of Pilates were only mat Pilates classes. I rearranged my entire work schedule so I could take class five days a week! I was obsessed with getting in my Pilates workout. I had no idea what other types of Pilates classes were out there and this was pre-working out online.

How busy are you? I know for me I am BUSY! I mean, sometimes I think if I had an assistant wouldn’t that be amazing. But, then I realize that my assistant can only do so much. I mean, my assistant cannot get my massages or do my workouts. Well, I guess she could but it wouldn’t help me feel strong or relaxed! And, so then I go back to just feeling overwhelmed and busy as busy can be and realizing that I need to put myself first. And, if you are anything like me then you too need to put yourself first! But, how do you do that? How do you put yourself first?

I cannot believe that Jeni Del Pozo and I have now led four Pilates Day Retreats since our launch! It’s pretty crazy how a little idea (we should be doing Pilates Retreats) and a couple of almond milk latte’s birthed what is now Pilates Day Retreats. We have toured all of Los Angeles and all over the Pilates studio, and we are now taking our Pilates Retreats to Your Neighborhood Studio in Culver City, CA.

Alright, so the title of this week’s blog is a bit of a lie! I do not make resolutions. I set personal goals that are in line with my vision and how I want to feel as I go through life. As I achieve my personal goals (and sometimes I don’t, and I have to readjust my timeline or the goal itself), I take stock of where I have been and where I am going. But, how are these not the same as resolutions? And, what are my goals for 2018?

As promised, Andrea Maida Pilates and I are moving our tips for your Short box series to the Ladder Barrel. You’ll find out why I love doing this series of Pilates exercises over here so much in my Youtube video. 

The Boomerang! Not just any mat exercise. But, almost every mat exercise!

I used to just say Boomerang was a rolling Teaser. But, as I made this class the truth is it’s more than that. It’s the rollover, it’s the seal, it’s the double leg kick arms, it’s inner thighs of spine twist and so many more.

Boomerang is often skipped in a mat class because it has so many moving parts, so this week’s class gives it the spotlight it truly deserves… Have fun thinking about the Boomerang for a full 30 min!

See you on your mat,

xx~LL

It’s easy to think that going upside down in the Pilates work is all for the “advanced” practitioner! Or, that you are not ready yet. But, I feel that if you use some of the earlier Mat exercises as tools your body will not only learn how to go upside down well it will yearn for it! 

In this week’s collaboration with Andrea Maida we discuss the exercises on the mat that go upside down- Roll Up, Jackknife, Corkscrew, High Scissors/Bicycle and Control Balance.