The Self-Guided Group Class: It's a Movement!

Pilates in the Year 2020 and Beyond… what I’ll be up to in 2021

Hey there!

Who else can’t believe it’s October?

It’s good news, somewhat. It’s my favorite month! It’s got my birthday right smack in the middle of it on The Ides of October and it’s got Halloween. So that’s a plus.

On the other hand, 2020 pretty much feels like the year that will never end.

At least there’s oodles of time to commit to your Pilates practice.

Who else is really excited about things you can control?

I’ve been thinking about you and your Pilates workout.

Maybe you’ve come across this book?

Amazon.com: Caged Lion: Joseph Pilates and His Legacy eBook: Steel, John Howard: Kindle Store

In Caged Lion: Joseph Pilates and His Legacy, author John Howard Steel shares his experience and friendship with Joe and Clara Pilates. He also gives us youngsters a window into what it was like to work out in the Pilates’ gym.

Yes, gym.

Everyone was responsible for his/her own workout: working, moving, sweating, and getting in “the zone.” This is the laser focus of the Pilates workout. This is ownership of your workout. Your hour of learning about YOU.

Moving. Focusing. Letting the exercises do their magic. Over time. Even if you don’t think you’re particularly good at them. Trust. They are working.

Movement heals.

Movement heals if you actually MOVE.

You make moving it along a priority.

Steady as she goes…

You know me, I’m a reformed slow-poke (ha ha pun not intended!). I’d like nothing better than to micromanage my body and get it all to work together perfectly.

Maybe you wish you could do that too.

Wishing doesn’t make it so.

Think for a moment what that movement gives to your mind as well as your body.

Pilates is positive. It’s up and forward. It is the internal housekeeping of your body. You are massaging your very guts for an hour. It’s the gift you give yourself so you can run, walk, play and indulge in your life, your life’s work, your pleasures.

A Pilates workout by yourself or with an instructor should leave you feeling empowered, emboldened and ready to take on the world. Maybe sometimes you’ll be amazed by what you do!

That’s my favorite part.

That moment when you accomplish even one moment that surprises you.

I remember the last one of those very vividly: 5 brisk Teasers on the Guillotine. At the end of my lesson. Of the Mat. Yeah, totally didn’t see that coming…

Meanwhile…

A big thank you to everyone who participated in my September workshop, The Wunda Chair Project. It’s been a fantastic month of learning and examining the lion’s share of our Wunda Chair exercises. The Wunda is truly inexhaustible. It’s amazing what can be accomplished and addressed on this petite but mighty apparatus.

As you might have guessed, I’m a big fan of the Pilates Project.

There’s a ton of Pilates Projects on the blog. Read a few more of them here, here and here.

(Pilatesology subscribers, check out this Pilates Project on the Control Balance Step Off on the Reformer.)

The Pilates Method is ripe for this kind of exploration. As one workshop participant put it so perfectly, “My whole life is a Pilates Project!”

I feel you.

That moment when you’ve got one wobbly side of the Mountain Climb and it suddenly dons on you:

This is not the Pilates Olympics. The goal is not a flawless Mountain Climb. The goal is to walk tall and with confidence as you go about your day being your very best self.

That feeling – that confidence – is priceless.

Good news:

A Pilates Project for the Cadillac!

The Cadillac

The Cadillac is where the magic happens, right?

It serves everyone you could possibly conjure up: from the frailest individual to the circus performer to everyone in between.

From Leg Springs and Arm Springs to the Standing Arm Spring Series and the Flying Squirrel, there’s an opportunity to improve all our Pilates exercises in the studio.

I had a reluctance I could never place with regard to working on the Cadillac.

Oh, I’m always on board for hanging upside down, but historically I’d rather shoot myself than do the Leg Springs series. And why do so many people LOVE those lying down Arm Springs? They are ridiculous!!

But the first step is admitting you have a problem.

What luck! I’ve got several ????

Having recently “conquered” the Wild Wild Wunda, I hope to build a more proficient relationship with the Cadillac… with some hanging upside down fun included at the end for my reward, of course.

Remember everyone’s favorite Pilates problem, imbalance side-to-side?

Well here’s what I’ve come up with on the Cadillac for exactly that:

  • The Hundred (however you like it. Just get it done. Springs or no springs)
  • The One Leg Spring (crossover style or spring on the same side as the leg, pick your poison)
  • The Leg Spring Series (light – arm – springs for me)
  • Arm Springs Lying Down (Just go to your happy place on the Ped-o-Pul)
  • Rolling Back (everyone’s favorite Roll Up)
  • Rolling Back One-Arm Side Stretch (Good Times)
  • Side Leg Springs (front/back and circles for now)
  • Airplane (Using the Airplane Board for now)
  • Flying Eagle (I have high hopes for this one)
  • Push Through Bar Series Tower, Monkey, Teaser, Reverse Push Thru, Mermaid, Swan, Shoulder Roll Down, Push Thru Front (actually enjoying this series more lately)
  • Rolling Back Bar Series – Chest Expansion, Thigh Stretch, Rolling In + Out, Rolling Stomach Massage, Long Back Arms (still a challenge, this series, but some nice rolling to sneak in)
  • Traditional Ending – Breathing, Spread Eagle, Pull Ups, Hanging Pull Ups + Twist, Hang! (Bonus video on this one!)
  • Standing Arm Springs – Butterfly, Squats, One Leg Squats (of course)
  • (Another video with more Cadillac “favorites.” I filmed this a while ago, so I may be lying) ????

2021 Monthly Online Workshops

Study up on your Cadillac exercises and join me in 2021 to nerd out again, Pilates Project Style!

January: The Cadillac Project

In a total of 8 workshop hours, we’ll look at the fundamental forces from our Wunda Chair exploration and take them to the Cadillac. It’s a win-win for sure, by the sheer size and support of our Cadillac apparatus.

The Cadillac Project will meet 4 Thursdays in January: January 7, 14, 21, and 28, 2021.

Class time will be 9am – 11am PST

There will be homework!

Maximum 10 participants.

Prerequisites for this workshop include:

  1. A Cadillac or Tower Unit
  2. Pilates experience

Use this link to snag your spot:

Yes! I love the Cadillac!

 

February: The Complex Reformer Project

Thanks so much for this request, Laurel.

Build a strong Pilates foundation and the complex Reformer Exercises will come.

You probably know them by name or reputation: Overhead, Snake/Twist, Star, Backbend, Balance Control Off, Headstands, High Frog and Russian Splits.

These exercises are some of the most challenging exercises in the traditional Reformer repertoire.

If you do these exercises already or you’re looking for the skills (for yourself or your clients) to work toward these bad boys in the future, this workshop is for you.

Using our Pilates Project POV, you’ll find skills in the fundamental Reformer exercises to combine and transform into your very “favorite” complex exercises. In a total of 8 workshop hours you’ll look deep within the traditional Pilates exercises.

  • Where do we begin to build our Snake/Twist skill set?
  • How and where do we find the components for a successful Star on the Reformer?
  • How can I start to learn the High Bridge?
  • Do I push the Reformer out with my head?
  • What exactly is closing the carriage??

The answers to these questions lie in the exercises you learn in your very first Pilates lessons.

The Complex Reformer Project will meet 4 Thursdays in February: February 4, 11, 18, and 25.

Class time will be 9am – 11am PST

There will be homework!

Maximum 10 participants.

Prerequisites for this workshop include:

  1. A Reformer, classical apparatus preferred
  2. Pilates experience

Use this link to snag your spot:

Yes! I love Complex Reformer Exercises!

 

March: Transitions on the Reformer

Hot off the heels of wrangling your complex Reformer exercises, you’ll tackle all those elusive moments-in-between.

Proficiency in the traditional Pilates System creates one continuous chain of movement. This is your ultimate goal on the Reformer and on the Mat.

Often the transition from one exercise to the next is more challenging than the two exercises you’re connecting. It’s true.

Transitions. The moments in-between. This is where the stuff of life happens!

Picking up a bag of groceries. Reaching behind you. Getting in and out of the car.

Transitions are a part of everyday life. And that’s when you really need your Pilates workout.

For the unexpected.

In a total of 8 workshop hours, you’ll examine getting in and out of all your standard Reformer exercises. You’ll set yourself up for success!

Transitions on the Reformer will meet 4 Thursdays in March: March 4, 11, 18, and 25.

Class time will be 9am – 11am PST

There will be homework!

Maximum 10 participants.

Prerequisites for this workshop include:

  1. A Reformer, classical apparatus preferred
  2. Pilates experience

Use this link to snag your spot:

Yes! I love Transitions on the Reformer!

 

Thanks for your consideration. And for your willingness to jump into Pilates Playtime.

Until we meet again I hope you’ll work out with me on the Reformer:

 

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