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Showing posts categorized as “lifestyle matters.”

Passionately Pink Pilates!

October 17, 2023

Breast cancer is a disease that affects many people, either directly or indirectly. The Pilates method is believed to be an excellent system for post-surgery recovery as it helps increase circulation and slowly regains range of motion, strength, and stamina. However, physical recovery after breast cancer treatment might not always be easy and can leave many women wondering how to care for themselves after surgery. Fatigue, limited range of motion, and fear of sore areas may discourage them from exercising, and finding a trained therapist to help them through this time is not always possible.

Lissa Curtis, BS, a certified Pilates teacher, and Naomi Aaronson, MA OTR/L CHTc, collaborated with me on this project to address this issue and provide a solution. We aimed to create a FREE video for women recovering from breast cancer surgery, which they could do at home six weeks post-surgery after their introductory physical therapy sessions. This video has helped thousands of women since its creation over a decade ago. Yet, it has stood the test of time.

Volunteering my services for this cause was an opportunity to support community education and awareness of resources to help cancer patients in their physical and mental well-being and recovery. We named this video "Passionately Pink! Pilates," reflecting our passion for finding a cure. This exercise routine is perfect for women 6-8 weeks post-surgery and has been given the go-ahead by their doctor to exercise. The workout is divided into two parts, and it's gentle and mindful, created especially for them. Let's welcome them back to their bodies!

Please feel free to share this video: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/10799754.

This exercise routine is suitable if you are about 6-8 weeks post-surgery and your doctor has given you the green light to exercise. Divided into two parts, this workout is gentle and mindful, created just for you. Welcome back to your body.

Filed under: Lifestyle Matters

CONTROLOGY IS…

September 11, 2023

"Contrology is..." is an homage to Joe Pilates, the genius of physical culture whose exercise method has become widely popular since his passing in 1967. Pilates teachers and educators Benjamin Degenhardt and Clare Dunphy collaborated in studying the original Mat exercises with the help of archival materials and decided to pay tribute with this demonstration - and illustrate the power, grace, control, and movement quality that represents the work. Contrology, the original name of the method created by Joe Pilates, is more than just exercise. His desire was for the method to be understood as a "return to life", simply by maintaining our physical instrument - our bodies - to the best of our abilities and capabilities. So that we, as a human species, can function better and live better lives. In a world where physical fitness is generally more determined by looks and not by health, we want to pay tribute to the concepts that inspired Joe Pilates to create his amazing work by showcasing his original exercises. The quotes in the film were taken from his book "Return To Life".

Please note that this clip is not intended as an exercise video, and we would like to discourage you from attempting to follow along with the exercises without proper guidance and instruction by a trained professional. Feel free to contact us for assistance in finding a teacher for you. Special thanks to http://gratzindustries.com for providing us with the original Mat apparatus and to our helpers on site: Tina van Heyst Lyon and Jennifer Bender Ferre. Learn more about Benjamin and Clare on our websites: https://benjamindegenhardt.com https://progressivebodyworksinc.com Music by: "Plasma" by Redmann (freemusicarchive.org/music/Redmann/Best_Bytes_Volume_1/11--Redmann--Plasma)

Filed under: Lifestyle Matters,Movement Matters

Finding Clarity and Growth as a Pilates Teacher: Taking the Next Step

September 11, 2023

Are any of these statements true for you?

Have you ever found yourself feeling unsure about the deeper meaning behind the Pilates work? As if there are some big secrets that no one has ever shared with you? If so, you are not alone. Many Pilates teachers have experienced this same sentiment, craving a deeper understanding of the work they offer to their clients.

You know there is still so much more to learn, but you're not quite sure about what to do next. The constant pursuit of knowledge and growth is a characteristic that great teachers have in common. Feeling curious and eager to discover more about the thought process behind super-effective Pilates sessions is okay.

Attending workshops and gathering information is a great way to expand your knowledge, but it can be difficult to incorporate all that you've learned in a way that feels right to you. It's important not to get discouraged. Many teachers have faced similar challenges and have found ways to integrate new information into their teaching practice effectively.

One common fear that many Pilates teachers face is the fear of judgment. Teaching is a vulnerable profession, and it's natural to feel worried about how you teach and what you teach. However, it's important to remember that true growth comes from stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the possibility of making mistakes. Great teachers not only face their fears but also do it anyway.

Feedback is crucial for any teacher or practitioner to grow and improve. It's disheartening when you've not received feedback on your effectiveness since your training. You're left wondering if you're on the right track or if there are areas that need improvement. Remember that you are not alone in this journey. Seeking feedback from mentors, peers, or even your students can provide valuable insights into your teaching and help you identify areas for growth.

Feeling lonely and burned out from teaching is a common phenomenon. The responsibility of being a Pilates teacher can sometimes be overwhelming, and it's important to prioritize your own well-being and personal development. Great teachers understand the importance of self-awareness, self-care, and continuous personal growth.

Now, let's talk about the next steps you can take as a Pilates teacher to find clarity and further your career. It's time to refocus your Pilates career and prioritize your personal development. This means setting aside dedicated time to reflect on your teaching values, your ideal as a teacher, and your vision for growth. Consider using a self-assessment tool to identify your strengths and weaknesses as a teacher. This will help you better understand where you need assistance and guidance to overcome your blind spots.

One of the ways to accelerate your growth as a Pilates teacher is by finding a mentor. Many times, people confuse the role of a mentor with that of a teacher trainer. While a teacher trainer focuses on imparting knowledge and skills specific to Pilates instruction, a mentor goes beyond that. A mentor guides and supports you in the technical aspects of teaching and your personal and professional development. They help you move towards your goals, beyond trends, towards clarity, and ultimately inspire and empower you to become the best version of yourself.

So, if you're still wondering if a Pilates mentorship is the right step for you, consider how it can benefit you in moving towards your goals, giving you clarity, and guiding you into the future. Embrace the idea of lifelong learning and self-improvement to ensure that you continue to develop as a Pilates teacher.

Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Many great teachers have faced similar challenges and have found their way toward clarity, growth, and fulfillment in their careers. Take the next step, prioritize your personal development, and embrace the support and guidance that is available to you. Your journey as a Pilates teacher is just beginning, and endless possibilities await you.

Filed under: Business Matters,Lifestyle Matters

Pilates Transparency Project Fund Raiser

February 22, 2023

MAT CLASS fundraiser!

March 19 @ 4 PM EST

Since the early 1990's, even as the Pilates field has expanded and grown, our ability to reach back into our collective history has been stymied by Sean Gallagher and Richtone. Joe Pilates was far ahead of his time, and there is still much to discover about his method and insights. This is why it is so important that our community retain access to historical documents. Moreover, as Pilates practitioners, we must preserve our right to refer to the founder of the Pilates Method, not just in words, but in images.

We need your help! Come together to help affirm in a court of law that Sean Gallagher and Richtone have no rightful claim to own the visual materials depicting Joe and/or Clara Pilates and/or reference Pilates exercises. We have a unique moment right now to defend our history. In 2000, our community united to defend the word Pilates for all of us to use- and we won! Help us finish this fight!

Contributions Welcome!

https://progressivebodyworks.podia.com/pilates-transparency-project-fund-raiser

Filed under: Business Matters,Lifestyle Matters

Meet our new Mentorship Program ELEVATE!

August 8, 2021

Are you at the stage in your teaching where you want a little boost?  A little deeper insight?  A friendly immersive exeperience?  Here's why to consider Elevate as a next step.  Our mission is to help you:

  • gain a greater understanding of your capabilities, potential, strengths and needs as a teacher.
  • support your clients in reaching their goals
  • fill in some of your learning “gaps”
  • guide you in setting attainable personal and professional goals 
  • develop workable strategies for reaching those goals.
  • grow personally as a Pilates professional

A year in creation, decades in development!  Learn more...

Filed under: Business Matters,Lifestyle Matters

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