The other day my client noticed it was amazing how she could keep her heels together. It’s a problem we’ve been focusing on for 4 years. She said, “Who knew it wasn’t a problem with my heels?” I laughed! Of course I knew, it’s why we’d been focusing on here seat and inner thighs. This week, let’s focus on how we can keep it all together by focusing less on what’s touching and more on how we make that happen.

xx-LL

This week we will be changing it all up! What happens when you mix up what you think you’re supposed to do in a Pilates exercise? What if you think about something opposite? Or, change the order? Let’s find out together! I’ll see you on your MAT!

xx-LL

I’ll never forget the day that I found out I was “showing off” in my Swan on the Mat, Reformer, Cadillac (pretty much anywhere). I was sooo deflated. I thought while my flexion may need some work, surely my extension was Pilates Olympic worthy, right? Nope, I was totally missing the good stuff from my Swans. So this weeks Mat and Reformer classes are going to explore all the levels of Swan and how to find Swan in exercises that are not so swanlike.

Swan life!

xx~LL

Ok, so maybe ‘ultimate’ is a strong word but it’s up there. As we finish off our month of March Matness and conclude the tour of the original 34 in the OG style of Joe P., I think it’s worth really taking a good feel of the Side Bend. And, have no fear there will be options if the idea of standing on one arm and the side of your feet has you thinking of skipping this week.

See you on your mat,

xx-LL

Hey hey, if you’ve got a magic circle get it! If you don’t, you will be able to use a ball for some things. In this week’s class, I want the Magic Circle to support us where it can. Sometimes the circle gets a bad rap.

I mean, think about all the things you’ve called your magic circle…

But, there are a few ways it can support us.

On the Mat we’ll begin with it on the 100 and then sprinkle it in throughout our practice. On the Reformer we’ll use it a few times to find some additional ways to feel, explore or even try and exercise out.

See you in class,

xx~LL

Back by Demand but Fresh and New! Y’all loved the time we swapped the equipment exercises and I wanted to enjoy that flow again. So this theme is back but it’s all new! Let’s see what we get through this week when our Mat becomes a Reformer and our Reformer becomes a Mat.

Mat lovers, if you’ve never done the Reformer, some of these things will feel bizarre or you may not have seen or heard of them. Don’t worry, you’ve got the whole week to have fun! If you’re a Reformer lover who skips the Mat… I see you! You’re getting your Mat on this week. Have 1 or 2 lb. weights nearby for both classes.

See ya in class,

xx-LL

Sometimes you only have 10 min. to workout and you think, “It’s not enough I won’t do anything. I can do my workout tomorrow.” But, then tomorrow comes and more things come up.

This week’s class is sort of in 3 sections – especially, on the Mat. Of course I want you to do all 30 min. but if you only have 10 min. a day, try doing it in 3 parts. I bet you end up doing it all at once (I sure hope you do)!

See you in class!

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, your booty, 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 when you activate your butt! Let’s work your booty and more in this week’s class.

See you on your mat,

xx-LL

The Seal! Typically considered a harder version of Rolling Like a Ball. But, is it? Or, is it a time for you to shine?

I know for me the first time I did the seal I thought it was a funny exercise. I wondered why we even did it. And, then my teacher Jay Grimes reminded me that its a time to show off. To show that you can clap your legs in and out while maintaining balance. And not just at the top of the Seal but at the upside down part too!

Are you ready to let your Seal shine? Let’s Seal it Off together this week!

xx-LL

I don’t know about you but sometimes my lower abs just feel like they are on vacation. My legs LOVE to do ALL the WORK. This week’s class we are getting low! Every exercise we examine how we can get a little more work from the lower abs. And, while we do it get ready to feel those hamstrings and seat work.

xx-LL

Each week we often dive into just one exercise and how it flows through our mat. But this week we feel how each exercise prepares us for the one that comes right after.

It’s a fun way to think about your mat and how every exercise is as important as the one before and after it!

Also, this week I was in my hotel room. So, if you thought you had to have a mat and a home workout space to do class, you’ll see that you can still get your Pilates on in a small space!

xx-LL

Aloha, welcome to the last full day of our retreat. This morning’s class is going to focus on the crab. Because you can crab sooner than you think! So all of the class is going to lead us up to get into that exercise.

I hope you enjoy it!

xx-LL

Hey hey, it’s time to spend a little more time thinking about our sides. We always do the side kicks and twists. But, this week we are going to have some fun with side rolling, side bend, and more side ways to move! My goal is that the stronger your sides are the easier it is for you to find your lift! You’ll be taller and stronger after this class. No reminder needed to have good posture!

On the Reformer we’ll be adding in some more Side lying or side working exercises. As always I’ll give you some options to replace what I am doing if you’re not ready for it.

xx~LL

I know for some going upside down seems like it will NEVER happen. And for others it’s like, “can we do that again!?”

This week’s class we start with several preps to help hoist you up. And while we do spend some time going upside down you’ll find that you can get a little help from other exercises.

If you think NO I CAN’T GO UPSIDE DOWN so you’re gonna skip this class….login, press play and do what you can. There’s a lot of ideas and options in here.

See ya in class and maybe even upside down!

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