MY NEW FAVORITE TOY

I love working at a Pilates studio. I love having access to the amazing equipment and most importantly the way my body feels. But like most Pilates practitioners there are times that life happens (the holidays anyone?) and I can't get my regular sessions in. Even after a few days off I can feel the difference in my body. I feel tighter in the muscles (and not in a good way), I ache more, and generally feel unconnected.

So last year for my birthday I asked for the PILATES STICK®. It's a piece of equipment that simulates a lot of the reformer and tower exercises in virtually any setting. I use mine at home and when I train clients in their homes. My 6 year old can even use it (and does!)

The set up is simple; you just place the door anchor between a door and the jam -then shut the door. However it is better to use a strong- solid door and if it can lock... even better. I personally have even attached the PILATES STICK® to my iron staircase (this is not a manufacturer recommended method!). The DVD that comes with the equipment is easy to follow and challenging.

I do have a few recommendations before you run out and buy one.

1. You should have some prior knowledge of Pilates principles and exercises. Most Pilates exercises are like ducks; they look calm and simple on the surface, but if you look deeper underneath the surface there is a whole lot more going on. Anyone who is healthy enough for exercise can figure out "HOW" to use this piece of equipment, but if you don't understand the "WHY" of the movements you won't truly get all of the benefits of Pilates.

2. With the PILATES STICK® you need to work a bit slower and with more control than on a studio piece of equipment. The reason is that you don't have as much control as on a studio reform/tower. You also don't have as much of a structured element to help guide you. For example; on the footwork series instead of pushing on a solid stable metal frame you are now pushing on an unstable wooden stick attached to elastics. While this type of advanced movement is great for learning how to control your body and work deeper into the movements; it can injure you if you are not focused.

All in all I think anyone who does Pilates should have a PILATES STICK® for at home. It's quick, easy, and a great way to supplement studio sessions.

WHY you need a professional trainer

Why do I need a personal trainer?
I can just go to the gym and workout or take classes.
Personal trainers are a waste of money.
What do they really do besides count your reps?

These are just a few of the questions and statements those of us in the fitness industry face everyday. The answer is one I don’t really think needs to be verbal; just look around. According to the Center for Disease Control 67% of adults over the age of 20 are overweight or obese. 15% of adolescents are over weight and 11% of children. (Health, United States, 2008, table 70) If just a gym membership were enough then those statistics would be a lot lower.
Think about it; you make a new year’s resolution to FINALLY get into shape. You get the membership; you maybe buy some workout clothes. You tell yourself you will go every day before/after work. You’re excited and make it very day the first few weeks and then… nothing.
People give up because they don’t get the instant gratification. They don’t lose 20 pounds in a week. They can’t slip into a bikini after 3 spin classes. Their biceps look nothing like Arnold’s. On the other side of the coin they become intimidated by all of the equipment and class offerings. Most large gym patrons don’t know how to use the facility. So instead of asking for help they wander around the isles- try a few machines and then give up.
This is WHY people need professional fitness trainers. Like most professions those in the fitness industry go through extensive training and education* to receive their certifications or licenses. They are required by governing agencies and their employers to stay up to date on the latest research and fitness trends. They are there to create a program specifically for a clients needs and wants. Yes, I said NEEDS and wants; you may want a more toned backside, but you need to strengthen your postural muscles.
A professional trainers job is to give a client the tools and the knowledge to use them. This means we learn about you, your lifestyle, your work, and your goals. We test and evaluate where you are physically and we monitor it to track the client’s progress. We help our clients set realistic goals that are challenging, but obtainable. We are the encouragement to the client’s determination. We help keep clients safe from injury, in correct form, and out of their comfort zone.
As more and more people realize that preventative measures like a healthy- active lifestyle can lower their medical costs while improving their quality of life; they are discovering that like anything health related; you need a knowledgeable person by your side.

* When it comes to hiring a professional trainer you need to be diligent in checking their credentials. Most rebuttable fitness instructor are certified thorough national agencies that require long hours of education, observation, and testing. Always ask to see the trainers certifications since sadly, there are a lot of low quality programs available.

New Year, New Me

Christmas has come and gone. The presents are scattered all over the floor, bags of wrapping paper await the recycler, and the dishes are in the sink. I feel blessed by our family, humbled by our good fortune, and stuffed from all the festivities.

Like most I am now looking toward the new year and making my "New Year's Resolution". This is going to be MY YEAR. Like most mother's (I think, hope, please say I'm not alone...) I lost myself when I had kids. Everything went into them, my house, and my husband. I lost my self confidence, lost my selfishness, and my vanity. Now please don't miss read this last statement. I have never been a Diva. My routine was never more than minimum on the daily front with a little extra for evening outings. For the last 6 years I forgot what make-up was, became clueless when it came to my hair, and don't even get me started on my wardrobe. Let's just say; as long as it wasn't covered in baby spit up it was nice.

MY YEAR, a.k.a. 2010, is about getting back on track. Luckily, I started a bit early. My goal is to finally get my body back. This entails losing the rest of the baby weight, a breast reduction surgery to alleviate my back problems (and let's face it after nursing 3 kids who wouldn't want to help the girls out?), and adding in activities that make ME happy. My reward will be a long weekend with the girls in a beach-y environment.

I will actively move forward with my career by transitioning into studio owner and teacher trainer. My year will have me making time to pursue the thinks I miss; the things I'm good at, and if I'm not good at them then call it- the things I love to do. I will not apologize for this.

I'm telling myself it's okay to think about what I want once in a while.