Pilates Articles
Aliesa George is The Official SelfGrowth.com Guide to "Pilates". You can find complete information on Aliesa George and her products by visiting Centerworks Pilates.
The Pilates Method (or simply Pilates) is a physical fitness system developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. The program focuses on the core postural muscles which help keep the body balanced and which are essential to providing support for the spine.
The following content relating to Pilates has been reviewed by the editorial staff at SelfGrowth.com for quality and caliber.
All articles written by an Official SelfGrowth.com Guide are denoted by three asterisks (***) at the beginning of the title.
All articles written by an Official SelfGrowth.com Guide are denoted by three asterisks (***) at the beginning of the title.
SelfGrowth.com Recommended Articles:
The Pilates Scoop - By Aliesa George- Yoga and Sports - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2009 from Paula WilbertYoga and Sports: Skiing It is incredible what yoga does for skiing – people can ski all day long and improve their flexibility. Conditioning before hitting the slopes can increase the safety and enjoyment of the sport. Most ski injuries occur early in the day when muscles are tight and ...
Views: 8(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - Muscle Cramps - by Submitted on Oct 06, 2009 from Paula WilbertYesterday in my Pilates mat class, one of the participants developed a cramp in her foot. After her agony subsided, she asked “What causes muscle cramps and why do I get them so frequently in my feet?” We’ve all experienced a muscle cramp, sometimes known as a “charley horse” (wonder ...
Views: 44(4 votes)You must read the article to rate it. - Wrist Assured Gloves for Yoga and Pilates - by Submitted on Oct 02, 2009 from Paula WilbertDoes wrist strain and pain interfere with your yoga or Pilates practice? If so, the new innovative Wrist Assured Fitness Gloves and Yoga Gloves will provide the pain relief and comfort you need to continue practicing yoga and Pilates without wrist pain. Our Wrist Assured Fitness Gloves ...
Views: 47(3 votes)You must read the article to rate it. - Pilates Multitoner exercise system - by Submitted on Aug 31, 2009 from daniel loigerotIn the twenty first century, stress and poor posture are taking an increasing toll on our bodies. almost everyone has experienced that special kind of back pain that comes with working in front of our computer all day long. wouldn't you like a program that brings relief from back pain, tension and ...
Views: 51(2 votes)You must read the article to rate it. - Total Gym Exercise Review - by Submitted on Aug 16, 2009 from Natalie ShelbyMy Total home gym experience began when I bought one after seeing it on television about 10 years ago. For me, exercise has to be fun or I'll get bored and give up. This total body fitness gym delivers with a workout designed to give you a full body workout in about 20 minutes. I obtained the ...
Views: 72(4 votes)You must read the article to rate it. - The Pilates Principles: Concentration - by Submitted on Aug 14, 2009 from Gina AxelsonThe Pilates principles are the foundation of the Pilates method and are what make the exercises so effective. Knowing and applying these principles to your workouts will help you to balance your body's musculature, prevent injuries, and maximize the results of your workouts. This month's ...
Views: 58(2 votes)You must read the article to rate it. - The Benefits of Exercise in Everyday Activities - by Submitted on Jul 04, 2009 from Aliesa GeorgeQuestion: What daily-life activities can I do that use different muscle groups in different ways? How do I do them correctly? What muscle groups they will use? 1. Driving – Practicing Seated Posture, Relaxed Shoulders, Low Abdominal Support Sit with your back tall (adjust your rearview ...
Views: 175(2 votes)You must read the article to rate it. - Developing Pilates Training Programs for Clients with Attention Deficit Disorder - by Submitted on Apr 23, 2009 from Aliesa George"I have a question about a client with Attention Deficit Disorder, ADD. She takes medication for it and sometimes it works better than others. I try to minimize distractions in and around the studio and I try to be very clear with my queing. Is there something I could be doing to focus her? ...
Views: 134(2 votes)You must read the article to rate it. - Pilates and The Ankle - by Submitted on Apr 22, 2009 from Bodycenter StudiosSpring is coming and exercising outside becomes more pleasant. As you head into training for your spring and summer activities, a part of the body we often forget about is the ankle. We forget until we injure them, that is. An ankle injury can really put a crimp in your training schedule. ...
Views: 127(2 votes)You must read the article to rate it. - ***I Have Foot Problems - Are There Foot Exercises that Can Help? - by Submitted on Apr 21, 2009 from John AOVThis Foot Care Question was just submitted to my inbox by Nicole, thought perhaps there are others out there searching for answers on how to alleviate foot problems and curious to know if exercise might help. “I have some problems with my feet. Hyper mobile forefoot and hypo mobile mid-foot ...
Views: 126(2 votes)You must read the article to rate it. - ***Body Awareness, Exercise Safety, and the Potential Pitfalls of a Bad Personal Trainer - by Submitted on Apr 21, 2009 from John AOVI have to say that I am grateful for my gymnastics, dance, and Pilates training - especially in regards to body awareness. I’m sure it’s why so many dancers and athletes are embracing Pilates as a component of their injury-prevention and cross-training program. And it makes sense why so many ...
Views: 104(2 votes)You must read the article to rate it. - ***Rowing for Cardio and Health - by Submitted on Apr 21, 2009 from John AOVYesterday I switched things up for my regular aerobic workout and did my cardio on the rowing machine. Whew…I forgot what a great whole-body workout you can get on a rowing machine. If you’re one to always head to the treadmill, bike, or elliptical machine - I’d encourage you to check out ...
Views: 134(3 votes)You must read the article to rate it. - ***Knees Over Chest Is Best - For Getting Great Benefits from Pilates Training - by Submitted on Apr 21, 2009 from John AOVI’ve been focusing a bit more on my own Pilates workouts lately - and it’s such fun to discover new things about the same old exercises I’ve been doing and teaching now for fifteen years! It’s never boring, and regardless of whether I’m teaching a client, or giving myself a workout - ...
Views: 110(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - Body Awareness, Exercise Safety, and Ten Tips to Avoid the Potential Pitfalls of a Bad Personal Trainer - by Submitted on Apr 21, 2009 from Aliesa GeorgeI have to say that I am grateful for my gymnastics, dance, and Pilates training - especially in regards to body awareness. I’m sure it’s why so many dancers and athletes are embracing Pilates as a component of their injury-prevention and cross-training program. And it makes sense why so many ...
Views: 132(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - Pilates Training Program Design: A Discussion About Client Safety and No Neck Flexion - by Submitted on Apr 21, 2009 from Aliesa GeorgeDesigning safe and effective Pilates training programs that are client-specific, goal-oriented, and help improve whole-body health is the primary function of a great Pilates teacher. You can know lots of good exercises, but it's the subtle changes, adaptations, or order for workout sequence that ...
Views: 126(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - Are There Any Exercises I Can Do to Help My Foot Problems? - by Submitted on Apr 21, 2009 from Aliesa GeorgeThis Foot Care Question was just submitted to me by Nicole, and I thought perhaps there are others out there searching for answers on how to alleviate foot problems and curious to know if exercise might help. Here's the Question: “I have some problems with my feet. Hyper mobile forefoot and ...
Views: 103(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - 6 Weeks to a Bikini-ready Body - by Submitted on Apr 13, 2009 from karon karterAh, the thrill of being fearless in your bikini. But are you fearless? If not, the problem may be that you aren't ready to strut your foxy stuff because you're dreading every lump and bump and the bulging belly on your body. Well, you don't have to spend your summer in a muumuu. Instead, get a ...
Views: 156(2 votes)You must read the article to rate it. - Pilates and The Core - by Submitted on Mar 17, 2009 from Bodycenter Studios"The core" is a pair of words that have dominated the fitness industry as well as sports as of late. Everyone is selling "the core" exercises to cure all your ills. So what is the core and are you engaging it? Many people confuse doing pilates exercises with engaging the core. It is very ...
Views: 98(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - ***Questions About Becoming a Pilates Teacher - by Submitted on Mar 12, 2009 from John AOVI recently had someone drop me a contact request for Pilates Teacher Training information and thought she had some great questions that might be helpful to post in my Centerworks Pilates blog. Think I may turn this into a regular section and update & add posts with questions as they come ...
Views: 109(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - ***Focus on Health - The Benefits of a Peaceful Mind - by Submitted on Mar 12, 2009 from John AOVHave you ever heard the term “Monkey Mind” and laughed with the visual of a bunch of monkeys jumping around being crazy and wild? And can you relate to a feeling of having those little monkeys running around in your head causing your thoughts to bounce from one thing to the next and making it ...
Views: 98(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - ***Pilates Exercise Programs for Chronic Back and Neck Pain - by Submitted on Mar 12, 2009 from John AOVConsidering the large number of clients I’ve seen with chronic back and neck pain, and the great results they’ve had from participating in Pilates programs with me, I strongly agree with the findings from this recent research article I read in SOAP notes from PT Products. Exercise ...
Views: 108(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - ***Health Benefits, Fun and Fitness with Nintendo Wii Fit - by Submitted on Mar 12, 2009 from John AOVWii Fitness… What Fun! I may be a bit behind the times when it comes to enjoying the fun and benefits of all the new interactive video game products on the market - like the Nintendo Wii Fit… but recently my techno-geek boyfriend purchased a Wii Fit for home. (He’s had one at work since ...
Views: 118(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - ***How to Find a Great Pilates Teacher - by Submitted on Mar 12, 2009 from John AOVI’m frequently asked for referrals from people across the country (and the world) in search of a Great Pilates Teacher or Pilates Studio that they can check out and take Private Pilates lessons and join group Mat and Pilates equipment classes. Here are a few frequently asked questions, and Five ...
Views: 95(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - ***Pilates Training and Peripheral Atrophy - by Submitted on Mar 12, 2009 from John AOVI recieved this question about Pilates training by email today, thought it relevant for a blog posting: Question: Is Pilates appropriate for someone with peripheral atrophy? Balancing is becoming more & more difficult so yoga is no longer an option. If appropriate, please tell me where I might ...
Views: 95(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - ***Touch for Health & PKP Kinesiology - by Submitted on Mar 12, 2009 from John AOVI’ve been off the blog-wagon for the past few weeks, and am now on the band-wagon to spread the word about the benefits of Kinesiology and Touch for Health! To continue my education in Mind-Body wellness - I’ve enrolled in a series of workshops this year to learn muscle testing and body ...
Views: 100(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - ***Improving Posture with Pilates - by Submitted on Mar 12, 2009 from John AOVJust a quick thought… While improving posture may or may not be on the list of goals Pilates participants, it might be because posture improvement isn’t what they want, but rather the BENEFITS of correcting bad posture, which include: Reduced back and neck pain, less stress on all the ...
Views: 105(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - ***The Importance of Spine Extension - by Submitted on Mar 12, 2009 from John AOVExtension Extension the spine is the opposite of flexion. From a terminology standpoint, it’s helpful to be specific. If the cue is “bend the spine” it could move in one of three directions. Forward (spine flexion), Backward (spine extension), or Sideways (lateral flexion). The other ...
Views: 113(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - ***Great Press on NPR for Pilates and Foot Exercises - “How to Keep your Feet Happy” - by Submitted on Mar 12, 2009 from John AOVGreat Press on NPR for Pilates and Foot Exercises - “How to Keep your Feet Happy” I’m thrilled to see foot-care and foot exercise making national headlines! Did you happen to see or hear the news? I’m not a regular National Public Radio listener, but fate stepped in and brought it to my ...
Views: 104(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - ***Imagine…Life Without Feet! - by Submitted on Mar 12, 2009 from John AOV“Foot for Thought…” As an author and advocate for foot care. And having learned the hard way with some serious foot pain issues as a competitive gymnast when I was a teenager. I’ve been on the bandwagon to spread the word about the importance of healthy & happy feet. So last night I was ...
Views: 95(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - ***6 Ways To Help Your Clients Stick with Their Pilates Workout Program - by Submitted on Mar 12, 2009 from John AOVI was eating lunch today and talking shop with one of my Centerworks-trained, PMA Certified Pilates teachers, and we ended up on the topic of: How to effectively get clients enthusiastic about Pilates, AND keep them signing up for lessons so we can really help them see the benefits Pilates has to ...
Views: 84(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - ***Focus on Health - The Benefits of a Peaceful Mind - by Submitted on Mar 12, 2009 from John AOVHave you ever heard the term “Monkey Mind” and laughed with the visual of a bunch of monkeys jumping around being crazy and wild? And can you relate to a feeling of having those little monkeys running around in your head causing your thoughts to bounce from one thing to the next and making it ...
Views: 85(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - ***Pilates Workouts Are For Every Body - by Submitted on Mar 12, 2009 from John AOVThe Pilates Method teaches a common-sense approach to efficient movement habits for whole-body health. Every Pilates exercise combines strength and flexibility with breathing and total body awareness. Learning to pay attention to what your body is doing and how it moves is a must for getting the ...
Views: 107(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - ***Oh My Aching Feet…Foot Pain, Foot Fitness, & Pilates Exercises for Fantastic Feet! - by Submitted on Mar 12, 2009 from John AOVHere are a six interesting foot facts that I found recently from the while researching foot health and exercise on the web. Seventy-five percent of Americans will experience foot health problems of varying degrees of severity at one time or another in their lives. Women have about four times as ...
Views: 183(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - ***Improve Posture & Reduce Pain - Pilates and Posture Principles for Health - by Submitted on Mar 12, 2009 from John AOVDo I have to practice Pilates to improve my posture? Not necessarily. However, the Pilates exercises can be a wonderful way to help you change habits. Everything that you learn about your body with the Pilates Method can be applied to both your everyday life and other fitness activities. The ...
Views: 126(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - ***What Pilates Can Do for You! - by Submitted on Mar 12, 2009 from John AOVWhat is The Pilates Method? The Pilates Method teaches a holistic, common-sense approach to efficient movement habits for whole-body health. Developed as a system or movement regime, Pilates training provides a variety of choices in both exercises and specialized Pilates equipment to help reinforce ...
Views: 110(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - ***The Benefits of The Iliopsoas Muscle to Pilates - Part 2 - by Submitted on Mar 12, 2009 from John AOV“What is the purpose of learning how to properly use the iliopsoas muscle, and how does this affect exercise technique from a Pilates perspective?” In Part 1 the anatomy, benefits, and function of the iliopsoas muscle were reviewed for a greater understanding of the importance it plays in ...
Views: 168(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - ***Get Your Fantastic Feet in Action! - by Submitted on Mar 12, 2009 from John AOVThe cover of BioMechanics - The Magazine of Body Movement and Medicine caught my eye. The February 2007 issue / Volume XIV Number 2 had a barefoot runner on the front and the tag-line, “New barefoot designs challenge footwear conventions.” Since the subject of happy feet and improved posture is ...
Views: 92(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - ***Work, Release, and Brain Training - by Submitted on Mar 12, 2009 from John AOVEvery Pilates exercise involves utilizing the joints as a lever and pulley system. All movement of the body happens as we contract and release different muscles in the proper order to achieve a desired action. If our muscles don’t understand their proper firing patterns, the body will compensate ...
Views: 93(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - ***The Benefits of the Iliopsoas Muscle to Pilates - Part 1 - by Submitted on Mar 12, 2009 from John AOV“What is the purpose of learning how to properly use the iliopsoas muscle, and how does this affect exercise technique from a Pilates perspective?” This was the question asked of me, which led to an interesting few days of contemplation about how I think, what I teach, how I originally learned ...
Views: 150(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - ***Mastering Movement of the Spine: Extension - by Submitted on Mar 12, 2009 from John AOVThe Benefits of Spine Extension. Tips and Techniques for Increasing Spine Mobility. Exercises to Practice Spine Extension. Practicing Extension with Pilates. Extension (As defined by the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary) Pronunciation: ik-’sten(t)-sh&n Function: noun The action of extending ...
Views: 142(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - ***The Pilates Scoop - by Submitted on Mar 12, 2009 from John AOVThe scoop is a signature concept for Pilates training, as well as a topic for much debate. Every teacher has an opinion on whether the Pilates exercises should be done with a scoop or neutral spine. It’s impossible not to land on one side of the political fence or the other with a viewpoint on to ...
Views: 105(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - ***Mastering Movement of the Spine: The Roll Up - by Submitted on Mar 12, 2009 from John AOV“A man is as young as his spinal column. If your spine is inflexibly stiff at 30, you are old. If it is completely flexible at 60, you are young.” — Joseph H. Pilates It seems that one of the primary differences between Pilates and “traditional” weight room workouts for developing ...
Views: 102(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - ***Mastering Movement of the Spine: Rotation - by Submitted on Mar 12, 2009 from John AOVThe benefit of Pilates is efficient movement. Movement is health, health is life. The spine is the vertical support for our structure. It protects the nerves that cue our bodies for movement. Breath pumps nourishing fluids from the brain to the body and assists in lengthening the spine for freedom ...
Views: 163(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - The Similarities and Differences of Pilates and Yoga - by Submitted on Mar 10, 2009 from Steven GilesYou can barely turn on the TV nowadays without hearing about Pilates or Yoga. When you take up a magazine, you are bound to find articles about these two exercise methods and it seems like everyone is doing either one or the other. What is all of the excitement about? Why are these techniques so ...
Views: 96(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - Top 10 Pilates Instructors & Studios - by Submitted on Feb 27, 2009 from Intent.com AuthorsWhat is Pilates? Pilates is a physical fitness system developed by Joseph Pilates. In Pilates, the mind is used to control the muscles. Pilates attempts to create a fusion of mind and body, allowing the body to move with grace, balance and economy. Traditional Pilates is performed on a machine ...
Views: 106(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - End Back Pain with Pilates - by Submitted on Feb 25, 2009 from Lindy RoyerHave you ever experienced the frustration of back pain? Back pain affects all aspects of your life. Physically, the pain wears you down and drains your energy so you can’t do the things you love. The emotional stress and anxiety leave you constantly fatigued. You can’t think straight because of ...
Views: 90(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - Principles of Pilates - by Submitted on Feb 24, 2009 from Katie AhoTry utilizing one of these principles during your next session... Like most disciplines, Pilates has certain basic principles that should be followed to get the most benefit. The six principles of Pilates are Control, Concentration, Centering, Precision, Breath and Flow. Most are of no surprise ...
Views: 93(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - Pilates - What are the Top Five Benefits? - by Submitted on Feb 07, 2009 from Kareene KohPilates has become increasingly popular in recent years with a growing number of practitioners and studios available. Pilates offers both an equipment-based and floor-based exercises that can deliver a range of benefits. This article provides a summary of the top five benefits that you can achieve ...
Views: 88(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - Pilates Exercise Programs for Chronic Back and Neck Pain - by Submitted on Feb 05, 2009 from Aliesa GeorgeExercise Underutilized for Chronic Back and Neck Pain A recent study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, looked at exercise prescription—who is prescribing it, who is getting it, and what type of exercise is being prescribed—and found that exercise may be underutilized for ...
Views: 79(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it. - The Benefits of the Iliopsoas Muscle to Pilates - Part I - by Submitted on Feb 03, 2009 from Aliesa George“What is the purpose of learning how to properly use the iliopsoas muscle, and how does this affect exercise technique from a Pilates perspective?” This was the question asked of me, which led to an interesting few days of contemplation about how I think, what I teach, how I originally ...
Views: 168(1 vote)You must read the article to rate it.
