Arlene here, and this is my studio Bodywork & Pilates right on the beach in Maui, Hawaii.

We’re about to have a really nice mat class because I’m going to demonstrate the traditional pushes and pulls that I learned from Jay Grimes. Everybody’s going to get a nice hands-on stretch as they do their exercises. So get ready!

Arlene

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

We start our work standing and we end our work standing. What happens on the mat in between is the magic that allows standing at the end to be more invigorating and for many of us possible!

This week, let’s find the magic of the transitions and nuances of the exercises to help us go from the mat to standing on our two feet with strength and control!

xx-LL

One thing I see in pics, videos or virtual sessions are the heels coming apart. And it does make a difference in making the exercises happen when the heels are together. The strength you gain from that hug is necessary when the heels are apart. This week, we will use the Magic Circle for some teachable moments. But you can hug a quarter to challenge yourself.

See you in class,

xx-LL

Hey there, you’re a Rock Star, let’s put some attention and focus on our open leg rocker this week. If you have some light weights, we will use them for a few exercises on the Mat. On the Reformer, we’ll enjoy how so much of our Reformer practice is helping your open leg rocker!

See you in class,

xx-LL

Hello, good morning! It is day 3 here on our retreat in Maui and I can’t believe it’s going by so fast – it’s so beautiful.

We’re just about to start class. We’re doing a whole thing with the footwork in the beginning and stretching the hamstrings and really getting into our seat and our stomach because a lot of us hiked yesterday.

I hope you enjoy it and I will see you next time!

xx-LL

One of my favorite parts of the HIIT classes I go to besides the Thai kicks (freaking love those) is when we Row! I see a lot of people do it so wrong. All in their upper necks and lower backs. But, when I get on the rower I feel my seat connect, my center work and like I could go for at least 5 seconds longer than the timer. And it’s all thanks to Pilates!

So, grab your 1 lb. or maybe even 2 lb. weights and join me for a week of Rowing! On the Mat we’ll bring the rowing exercises to our flow. And, on the Reformer we’ll row where we row and we’ll sneak some rowing into other places too!

Can’t wait to see you row!

xx~LL

We are bringing some of the Reformer to our Mat this week! Breaststroke is a Reformer exercise that is often avoided or just loathed, especially if you don’t have a spotter. But, after this week’s class, I do see some love for this exercise in your future. 

On the Mat, if you have some 1 or 2 lb. weights nearby they’ll be super helpful for a few exercises. Yes, canned food or water bottles will also work here!

On the Reformer you can use those same props to do this class if the Breaststroke is new for you or if you just hate doing it. I know you’ll find through this week’s class that so much of what we do in the beginning is in preparation for Breaststroke and you’re more ready than you think!

See ya in class,

xx-LL

In my personal Pilates practice, I’ve been noticing that while I can connect to my second seat quite well. I have been leaving my lower core hanging out! It’s so funny how our bodies like to “forget” something we already worked on ages ago. But, needless to say, I’ve been cheating a bit.

So, this past week I have been focusing on containing myself (which is quite opposite for how I like to live my life). In this week’s Pilates mat class we will focus on containing our core and what that means especially for when we are facing gravity.

Are you ready for your 30 min core containment? Register here for this week’s class.

See you on your Mat!

xx-LL

The midline is an often underused area of our bodies. It’s easy to think you are squeezing your inner thighs only to find out when you get to the shoulder bridge that your knees roll out and you’re not engaging your inner thighs at all!

This week LL focuses on finding that inner thigh connection with or without a prop. She uses a magic circle. You can use one if you have one or a squishy ball or yoga block will work as well. If you don’t have any props you won’t need them. Your imagination and attention to detail will wake up your inner thighs as well.

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

Whether you are doing Pilates, weight training, yoga or cardio it’s super easy to focus on the front side of the body and to not think about or connect to your back side. So, this week’s class “hello, from the other side” (yes, you can belt it like Adele) is all about what the back side of our body is doing.

On the Mat, if you have a Magic Circle we will kick class off with a mini warm up to connect to our seat. You can use your imagination or even a ball. Something you can press into.

On the Reformer we will not need anything extra but feel free to have some 1 or 2 lb. weights nearby if you want to skip the heavier springs.

See ya in class,

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

Hello Pilatinis®! Take this online equipment workout with LL for a 50 min Cadillac/Tower workout and stay for a 30 min Q&A with those who attended live. Special discount for OPC members. Check your dashboard and look for the Perks tab!

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