Friday, November 4, 2016

An Attitude of Gratitude: 7 Day Challenge


"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." 
-William Arthur Ward

With the season of Thanksgiving upon us I wanted to take a moment to link our minds and bodies together by setting up a Gratitude 7 Day Challenge.  All it takes is a few moments each day to really notice a difference and keep a positive spirit during the holidays which can usually seem stressed and overwhelming with commitments.  Carve out one week before the end of this year and do these daily exercises to start feeling more love, joy and peace in your life (bonus if you are able to repeat the challenge 2x before New Year!) . 
  • Day 1: Write a thank you note to someone outside your immediate family and send/give it to them.
  • Day 2: Journal 3 things about yourself you are grateful for and why.  Feel free to be creative and do a painting or drawing also that links these character traits you love about yourself into one image.
  • Day 3: Write a thank you note to someone not in your family and send/give it to them.
  • Day 4: Journal 3 things about your spouse/parent/friend you are grateful for and why.  
  • Day 5: Write a thank you not to someone whom you routinely go to for service (masseuse, hair stylist, teacher, store clerk, accountant, babysitter, mechanic) and send/give it to them.
  • Day 6: Journal 3 thing about the world in which we live you are grateful for and why.  Feel free to get creative and put together a collage of pictures or even make a mini movie to express your gratitude and post on social media or add as artwork in your home.
  • Day 7: Write a thank you note to yourself (think putting away in a time capsule to look back on next year or at a big life event ahead) or to your "higher power/God" (can be sent up in a balloon or presented during a religious ceremony).

"Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings."  
-William Arthur Ward

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Group Reformer Add Ins



No matter the level or ability of your clients in a group equipment class setting it is always good to sprinkle in some "extras" which add in some functional balance and posture work.  

Seated Triceps dips off a box or Reformer bed
Image result for standing footwork, pilates

Magic Circle Standing Routine (arms/legs)

Seated Side Bends/Twists/Circle Squeezes

Functional Standing Footwork (Squat to Seated)- drive through your heels, can be modified by doing off the reformer bed to standing or use a wall with hands for balance

Standing Arm Weight Series (or without weight if injured)
or more of a Barre version of Arm Weight Series

Standing Single-Leg Stretch (one legged balance/knee hug ins)

Shoulder Opener swings to help poor computer posture from Jay Grimes video

Saturday, October 1, 2016

Break It Down: Double Straight Leg Lower Lift (Part 4 of Series of 5)




Purpose- teaches how to work in opposition, strengthens core, 

Preps- 100s, Double Leg Stretch, Feet in straps, Double knee folds, Leg Springs (Frogs, Lower/Lifts),Corkscrew 

Form- hollow out abs, hold by knee or ankle of single leg, scissor legs in air, pull into midline throughout, tips of shoulder blades on the mat



*May not be appropriate for those with low back or neck issues.  See modifications below.

Modifications- hands support head or keep head down, less lower for more support, hands under bottom for more low back support, cross at ankles or soft bend in knees

How to Advance- Magic circle/ball/band in hands or feet, weights in hands, perform on Reformer with hands holding straps  

Challenges- connect right from Scissors without lowering head, add in more reps