First off, a big thank you to Muratori Pilates and Spirale Pilates in Brazil.
Many thanks to Lipe and Adri at Empower Pilates, you were such familiar faces to me even though we have only just met. Fabi, I would have been lost without your wonderful translating and I hope we meet again very soon.
Gabriela Andrioli, what a delight to be with you and your beautiful family for this event. Your little girl is delightful and she arm-circled her way into my heart. The Wall Exercises are loved by everyone!
Sandy Shimoda, your presence was felt across the miles and I can’t wait to hug you again in person.
Brazil, your teachers are dedicated and inspiring.
Your hospitality and warmth filled me with love for your country, its food (of course) and the Pilates system.
I was thrilled to discover that many of you have been reading the blog for a while now and we’ve already become fast friends.
I love when that happens!
When I began writing about my journey through the Pilates Method in 2012, I wanted to create a place you could find practical and usable information about the true Pilates system.
I also wanted to infuse fun into these challenging, sweaty exercises that are so good for our bodies.
‘Cause bodies are funny, right? With their disobeying parts and naughty habits. LOL
And it’s ok to have fun when you do your workout.
In fact, it’s a must.
I’d love to continue our conversations, my Brazilian friends, right here in the comments.
So if you’re reading in Brazil, leave me a little love note in the comments so we can chat.
I’m so glad you’re here.
What’s on my Pilates mind today?
Thank you, my dear Brazilian friends for giving me the space to create one of my favorite workshops to date.
Certainly all of us feel the compressive nature of the Pilates apparatus. It’s what fosters the lift we need – the gravity-defying qualities – to avoid being squished into the Reformer carriage.
What I call compression, you may understand more as support, or assistance, or feedback that you receive from the apparatus.
Whatever name you give to this environment of the Pilates apparatus, you definitely notice when it goes away.
Ultimately, on the Mat and in life, the Pilates apparatus teaches us and then… we’re on our own.
United against gravity and searching for balance.
Just like on the 2×4 right?
Let’s look a little bit deeper…
As you continue on your Pilates journey, look for more initiation beginning in the center of the body. Sometimes there’s a glimmer of the body leading the mind, the guts leading the movements before the arms or legs.
What if we allow the compressive nature of the apparatus to create solidity and integration in the trunk of the body?
The lift of the seat to support and protect the delicate low back, pulling the power of the legs and lower body up to join forces with the very center of the body.
Likewise the top of the back harnessing and protecting the shoulders and upper body, allowing them more freedom of movement.
The extremities then become a conduit to the apparatus and your body is the power behind the movements.
I love Pilates.
It always makes you think “hmmm…”
Even if you don’t know the exact answers. The noticing is all.
These things take time.
One of my favorite examples of the Compression Factor at work!
Everybody likes a good Tendon Stretch, am I right?
Ooh and the Pilates system is chock full of them LOL
On the Reformer, lying down and fully supported. Ahhh…
Hanging off the very edge of the carriage then, now it’s not so fun…
Now stranded out in the middle of the studio perched on the tiny 2×4.
After the one lying down on the Reformer, this one’s a rude awakening…
But who’s the boss?
You or the exercise?
Consider these 3 exercises – although different in shape, location and relationship to gravity – to be exactly the same exercise.
Start with the lying down one and move to the others and create the same experience for your mind and body.
See what you think 🙂
Come and enjoy my favorite Pilates games with me in person!
You’re in luck!
My September Pilates Party is going to be extra special this year. I’m teaching my favorite topics: The Roll Up and all things Pilates Mat Exercises.
Left on your own, stranded on the Mat can be a scary place to be in the Pilates method.
It doesn’t have to be.
You’ve trained yourself well and in your mind you have filed away all the helpful feels of the Pilates apparatus.
The Cadillac. The Arm Chair. The Wunda Chair. The Neck Stretcher.
These dedicated apparatus will be your chief allies in your fight for Roll Up proficiency.
And I’m thrilled to be your guide.
This September Pilates Party is BOGO! Woo hoo!
Register for the Saturday workshop and join me on Sunday as well for an additional workshop where we’ll put our new skills to the test.
Extra fun provided by my hometown, beautiful Solana Beach, California just north of San Diego.
Don’t miss out.
Your Roll Up will thank you.
I will too.
Register today!
PS. Can’t make it to San Diego? I’ve got something for you too.
6 Responses
I like this: ❤️.
“What if we allow the compressive nature of the apparatus to create solidity and integration in the trunk of the body? The lift of the seat to support and protect the delicate low back, pulling the power of the legs and lower body up to join forces with the very center of the body. Likewise the top of the back harnessing and protecting the shoulders and upper body, allowing them more freedom of movement. The extremities then become a conduit to the apparatus and your body is the power behind the movements.”
Good visualization for me!!
Corrie 🙂
So glad you find this to be helpful – it is my mantra now LOL
see you soon!xox
A
thanks for the teachings for all of us Brazilians! your presence here in Belo Horizonte tree Connection my dear Andrea!! His simplicity in teaching is brilliant and rich in details! Your work is brilliant. Hope to see you soon 😍
Clério, thank you so much for the opportunity to be in Brazil. It was a dream of mine to visit your country. And I had an amazing time sharing this beautiful system with all of your wonderful teachers! Until we meet again 🙂
Hugs and kisses to you all!
xo
A
Andrea, how wonderful you are!! Your energy in teaching Contrology is contagious. You will be always welcome to Brazil, and certainly left love and enthusiasm with us. It was really amazing meeting you in person and learning from you. Hope to see you soon.
Karla –
It was my pleasure to be able to work with you and be in the studios in Brazil. Keep up your good work and long live Contrology! Yes I hope we can see each other again soon. Lots of love to you from California! And thank you so much for your kind words on my teaching – what can I say? I love Pilates and the magic it brings to enhance our life. Miss you!
xox
Andrea