Breaststroke, Yes You Can!

Joseph Pilates created the Mat work first, then saw how hard it was for people (I mean, you know) and designed the Reformer. In this week’s mat class we’ll take some of the exercises from last week and continue to add on! If you’ve never been on a Reformer don’t worry. The Reformer exercises were born from the Mat so you’ll recognize a lot of the spine shapes.

See you on your Reforming mat,

xx-LL

Every so often we just get our flow on. It can feel fast to do this kind of a class but it’s not about going fast or going slow, it’s all about the practice. And, as the class continues to layer in exercises and feel more advanced I will shout out options from earlier in our practice for you to do instead. But, there is to be no judgment. No feeling like you aren’t strong enough. Nope! When we do this kind of class it’s literally a check in. How are you doing? What is still a struggle and where are you feeling improvement. And then share that in our FB group!

Not only will you connect with other members on shared struggles and discoveries but you’ll also inspire themes and tutorials to help you get stronger before our next check in.

No props needed, just yourself!

See ya in class!!

xx-LL

This week we’ll be doing our Reformer exercises on the Mat and the Mat exercise on the Reformer. If you have never done Pilates on a Reformer, there may be some exercise that seem odd to you. And, if you are always choosing our Reformer classes instead of the Mat, you might want to skip this week. But, I really want you to feel how the entire Pilates method works together. How the Reformer can support you and the Mat can challenge you.

On the mat have a set of 1 lb. weights nearby (if you have them it’s not necessary). Reformer lovers you won’t need any extra props just pay attention to different spring settings and flows.

See you in class!

xx~LL

I know most of us are always looking to shed the weight whether physical or figurative. But, this week, I do want to bring a little weight into our practice. Just a little bit. Like 1lb or 2 lbs.

If you’ve got little hand weights bring them with you. If you’re traveling or at your office and you don’t no worries! The mind is a beautiful thing. Grab your real or imaginary hand weights and join me as we explore what a little weight can do for our Pilates practice.

xx-LL

Aloha, Arlene here! This is my studio Bodywork & Pilates in Maui, Hawaii. We’re to have an amazing mat class so I’m glad you can join us!

I’m going to go over getting more length in your spine and pulling in your abs. I’m going to be throwing in some extra teasers in there.

Arlene

Ever have a teacher who asks you to, “Give them one more?” Well, if you haven’t you will this week. And, if you have then you may not be looking forward to this class but I promise I won’t ask for one more rep. Instead, I will be asking for one more inch.

Yes, an inch! Because I want more length from you. It’s so easy to do what you usually do or reach from your joints. In this week’s class, we will reach from different parts of our spine in every exercise.

Are you ready to feel taller?

xx-LL

I know you love the Reformer! Who doesn’t?! Well, in this week’s class the Reformer meets your mat. Get ready to footwork, row and snake away on your mat. Who needs a reformer when you’ve got your imagination and your muscles?

See you on your mat,

xx-LL

When doing Pilates it’s easy to get obsessed with your core or keeping your shoulders out of your ears. But, the more connected you are to your seat the stronger your entire body will feel. Some of those notorious hip grippy exercises like Spine stretch forward teaser will become more tolerable and you may even find you enjoy them a little bit!

xx-LL

While not everyone has a set of hand weights laying around if you do grab them. If you don’t or you have a shoulder or neck injury skip the weights and join in for class anyway. Props are only a suggestion to help you feel something different in your mat practice.

xx-LL

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.

Think about how you move in life. When you are taking your groceries from the cart to your trunk you are lifting, twisting, bending and turning. Having strong obliques and glutes is key to stabilizing and agility. I mean, these muscles have to be able to do movements in both directions.

This week, we are taking the strength of our sidekicks through our mat work. Get ready to feel your hips in a whole new way!

See you on your mat,

xx-LL

Join Lesley Logan for a 30 min Pilates mat class designed for you to do anywhere you can lay down! Seriously, Pilates was designed on the mat first. Sometimes we can’t get to a studio, can’t leave the house, office or we are off traveling. Lesley’s mat class is perfect for your 30 min window dedicated to all things you. Turn your notifications off and lay out your mat (or even a towel) and get connected to your mat.

Your mat is just like a piece of equipment. It gives you feedback to what’s touching, not touching and supports your movements. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get connected!

xx-LL

It’s almost summer here (although you wouldn’t know it by all the rain). And while we likely won’t be getting in public waters anytime soon I thought it would be fun to explore all the “water” exercises!

On the Mat:
Swan, Mermaid, Swimming, Seal, and Crab

On the Reformer:
Rowing, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Swimming and Mermaid!

Get ready to warm up and get your water exercises in!

xx-LL

Welcome to the January Consistency Challenge! You’ll come back to this page each week for the class replays. Make sure you’re logged in or you won’t be able to see the class.

There is lots of cues regarding the shoulders. Too often “shoulders down” is a quick fix cue thrown out there. Or, even, “don’t use your shoulders…”. But, what does it feel like to have your shoulders connected? Is it down? Is it back? How will it feel to simply focus on the shoulders throughout the whole mat workout? Well, take this week’s class and find out! I can tell you I can feel the effects after just one time doing this class. Enjoy your shoulder explorations!

See you on your mat,

xx-LL

Do you ever wonder how you are so strong on one side in one exercise and then in another exercise it switches? No, just me? Ha! I am pretty sure we are all in the same boat when it comes to being asymmetrical! So, this week we take on our sides! One side at a time that is.

On the mat we will play more with exercises that are play with asymmetry and then seeing how we can take what we learned and change up how we do our symmetrical exercises.

Then, over on the Reformer we play around with exercises where we take away one leg or one arm. Get ready to do Stomach Massage with one leg! It’ll be fun I promise.

Can’t wait to see a side of you!

xx~LL

P.S. Which side will you be doing twice next time?