It’s easy to think about the curling higher in Pilates or reaching more in an exercise. But, what about the “pulling” action in Pilates? And, how can you Pull from the right place to allow you to curl higher and reach more?

This weeks class we think about pulling from a few different places in every exercise to help us dive deeper into our entire mat!

We flow in this class and you don’t have to worry about anything but where to pull from!

Are you ready? See you on the mat!

xx~LL

Sometimes we are all about the Mat! And, well, these are mat classes so it’s pretty hard not to be all about the mat work. But, the rest of the Pilates method was designed to support us when we are on the mat. So, this week, while we mat out we will be gaining strength and inspiration from Pilates exercises typically done on the other pieces of equipment!

See you on your mat,

xx-LL

In life it’s easy to think we need more. More money, friends, stuff, props, equipment, exercises and time. But, what we are really looking for is connection. And, Pilates is all about connecting our mind to our body. Our muscles to our center. Basically, it’s about connecting to ourselves so that we can go out and connect to others.

If we connect to our mat and our equipment, it helps us connect to our center and our strength. These connections don’t disappear when we leave our Mat or Reformer.

This week on the Mat and Reformer we will focus on what’s connecting to the equipment and acknowledge what isn’t.

See ya in class,

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.

See you on your mat,

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

In this week’s class, LL wants you to feel your body go in two different directions. Normally in life, we prefer not to be pulled all over the place but in this case, on your Pilates mat, you will love how this tug of war feels inside your body. Plus, connecting your body to Pilates and your mind on your mat will allow the outside world to disappear. So, what are you waiting for? Put those people vying for your attention on hold. Snag some floor space and enjoy the work of Pilates in your body.

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

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

Hi, this is Arlene. Welcome to my studio Bodywork & Pilates on our Pilates Retreat Maui!

This is day two of our retreat and we just had an amazing day of a morning mat class, hiking, an extraordinary brunch and now we’re about to get started with our evening mat class.

So glad you can join us!

Arlene

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

Chest Expansion is like Swan in Pilates – it is EVERYWHERE! You may not be familiar with Chest Expansion if you just started Pilates or if you’ve only ever done the Mat exercises. But, it’s a great exercise to understand if you’re wanting to do some of the more intermediate and advanced exercises.

So, this week, grab a thera band (or a set of leggings or a belt could even work). We’ll be using it throughout our Mat practice. If you don’t have one, it’s ok you’ll use your imagination.

On the Reformer we will use Chest Expansion sooner than normal and in different ways to help us connect to our back and see how that can help us deepen our practice. 

Are you ready to see how many places Chest Expansion can show up? 

See you in class,

xx-LL

March Matness is underway and I am using it as our theme for each week!

Today’s class uses the 6th exercise in the March Matness order: Single Leg Stretch to investigate what it is and how it prepares our bodies for the rest of our mat routine.

As always all levels are welcome!

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 on what’s touching, not touching and supports your movements. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get connected!

xx-LL

It’s funny how we fall into our feet. Have you ever noticed how you stand? Do you stand more on one side of your foot or the other? I stand heavily into my heels. But, the more I focus on my whole foot the more my entire body gets stronger, more connected.

In this weeks Mat class we are going to focus on how our feet allow us to connect more to our entire body. Leg Pulls will feel soo good when you stand in your feet. Side Kicks will feel so stable when you connect to the outside of your foot!

And on the Reformer we will use the springs and our feet to share information to our entire practice! Ever wondered how the horseback flex and point actually makes the exercise more possible? Wonder no more!

Share your feet discoveries in this weeks class comments and in our group page.

xx~LL

Have you ever thought of your Mat as a piece of equipment? If not, after this week’s class, I hope you do! Because it truly is. And, if you’re a Reformer lover, I know you think of your Reformer as a piece of equipment. But, do you truly connect to the carriage, handles, foot bar and springs?

This week we are going to explore how we are connecting to our equipment in each exercise. Are we pushing it off of us, or away from us? Or, are we using it to support us?

See ya in class,

xx~LL