Archive for February, 2012

Pilates Workouts: Just What the Doctor Ordered

Tuesday, February 21st, 2012

Like many of us, doctors and other health care professionals often work in high-stress environments and, at the end of the day, they need a healthy way to unwind and release tension. Even physicians who practice Western medicine for a living can attest to the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), such as Pilates workouts, yoga and massage.

This article talks about the trend of doctors turning to Pilates and other alternative therapies for promoting stress relief and physical fitness. Not only do they prescribe these activities for their patients, but many of them participate in the workouts themselves. According to the author:

“A study published in the online version of Health Services Research in August (2011) found that 76 percent of health care workers and 83 percent of doctors and nurses used CAM, compared with 63 percent of the general population.”

Furthermore,

“Christy Brave, a nurse in Loyola’s pediatric intensive care unit, said she uses regular Jazzercize, which incorporates yoga and Pilates moves, to relax and take her mind off a stressful job. She teaches the exercise/dance and has offered it free to her fellow nurses.”

Physicians and other healthcare professionals are proving that alternative therapies don’t necessarily have to compete with Western medicine, and that they complement each other quite well.

Personal Best Pilates Studio offers Pilates instruction at all levels, including Pilates equipment training and mat classes. We also feature Reiki and massage therapy.

Whether you’re looking to relieve stress or improve your stamina while getting in shape, contact us to get started with your personalized training plan.

A New Year – A New You with a little help from a Pilates Class!

Tuesday, February 14th, 2012

It’s amazing how three little words can conjure up so much emotion in people when you ask what their “New Years resolutions” are. Most people can’t keep their resolutions past the first day, but if yours was to become a stronger, longer and toner you in 2012, than committing to and keeping a resolution you will love for years to come is as simple as taking a Pilates class.

Focusing on the body’s core, Pilates is an overall conditioning routine that helps build flexibility, strength and endurance in the legs, abdominals, arms, hips, and back.  It also improves balance and coordination, making you more graceful and the breathing techniques will even help you relieve stress and feel more relaxed.  How many other resolutions can say that?

A Mat class is a great way to get acquainted with the principles of Pilates.  You will learn how to do the fundamental and beginning movements correctly and what’s more; all of them can be modified to fitness level.  The joy of Pilates is you work with what is available to you that day.  If you’re feeling good the sky is the limit, if your nursing an injury you can adapt any move to what’s comfortable for you.

As you increase your knowledge and study of Pilates, you can progress to other classes like Mixed Mat, designed for anyone who would like a more advanced Pilates mat workout or even a props class which is a fun, new twist on the Pilates mat exercises that uses props.

So if you’re ready to be the envy of all your friends by not only getting the body and mind Pilates can give you, but actually committing to your New Years resolution, contact us.  Don’t let another year pass you by.