Aloha, we are on our Pilates retreat here in Maui and we are having the best time!

My “Reformer on the Mat” workshop is not just how to do the reformer exercises on the mat, but it’s also why you should do them. How you can feel things differently, how it will change your reformer practice and how it will spice up your mat.

I hope you join me,

xx-LL

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to get Teaser over with sooner? Or, maybe not have to think about Knee Stretches coming up the whole class… well, let’s have some fun and do our series backwards!

You won’t need any props but you will need to pay attention because this order is gonna be… well… backwards!

See ya in class or should I sayy… ssalc ni ay eeS?

xx~LL

It’s easy to Tricep press your way through Shave on the Reformer. But, Shave is an integral exercise for so much of what we do in our Pilates practice! On the Reformer we’ll explore all the ways you can shave. And on the Mat we’ll bring our rowing in with some 1lb or 2lb weights and how the connecting your arms to your back increases your full body connection.

See ya in class,

xx-LL

Somethings in life you can just “wing it.” But, in Pilates the set up is at least half the battle. And, while it’s important to move it’s also important to set yourself up for success. Even if you just hold it!

This week we will still get our move on but we will discuss the set up more in depth that usual. And, if you decide to hold it for the length of the exercise awesome or you can flow through until we set up the next one. This week the in between is your call and I’ll handle all the good stuff to get you anchored in place.

xx-LL

Let’s find out how we can work our midline without losing our outer thighs too! On the Mat, we’ll use the Magic Circle for a few exercises to discover what our midline feels like when it’s working. On the Reformer, we’ll use the Foot Bar and springs to discover our inner strength not just our “go-to” muscles!

Let’s do this!

xx~LL

In the members only group y’all were wanting more breath themed classes before the last one even ended. SOOO here we are… back with the breath. In both the Mat and the Reformer class, we’ll be only focusing on our breath. Don’t worry about the choreography. Just have fun moving and breathing. Notice how strong, calm and connected you are when class is over.

Be sure to come back to the breath as often as you can this week and then see if you can challenge yourself to remember this theme in the weeks to come.

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

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

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

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

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

Rolling exercises look so easy – and then you do them! And, the trickiest part about them is how easy it is to do them wrong. Yep, you can roll and get back up and be cheating your whole way through.

In this weeks Mat class we’ll use the Magic circle to help us Roll like a pro. And on the Reformer we will focus on how practicing our Rolling exercises allows us to do things like Shortspine, Knee Stretches and even Corkscrew.

Share your love or discoveries in the class comments or in our private member group!

xx~LL

Often we think about what we can’t do, the modifications we need to make for ourselves, the right areas that feel like limitations or simply the stress of the day wearing on us and making us feel like we are not as strong as we usually are.

This week’s class is my “what can I do” class. Can you do the exercise you usually skip?

Can you go a little deeper?

Can you try something new?

Will you surprise yourself?

I bet you will!

I did as I filmed this week’s 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

When life gets crazy it’s so important to get “grounded.” But, what does that even mean? And, with the holiday craze who has the time to shop, work, go to parties, workout and then “get grounded?” 

What if we can combine our workouts and our grounding? This week we will focus on how the mat or floor below us actually is our partner in Pilates crime!

Are you ready to hit your mat and finish feeling more connected to you and your mind?  Me too!

xx-LL