New Year, New YOU!

There is no better way to start the New Year than committing to a Pilates program! Are you looking to achieve a strong core, lean muscle, and a healthy spine?  Then start your year off with a commitment to wellness with Pilates. If you are new to Pilates, you just have to sign up and get started. If you have practiced Pilates for some time, think about deepening your workout. Have you tried the Pilates and Barre combo class?  Or perhaps book a private and work on your weaker areas.  Are you recovering from an injury or surgery and want to get back on track? Pilates is a gentle, low-impact but vigorous workout.  Pilates offers so many tremendous benefits for the mind and body, what better way to step into the New Year than with commitment to yourself to practice Pilates and achieve your personal goals?

Whether your goals are to simply shape up or to achieve flexibility and release tension,  committing to Pilates will deliver this and so much more!  As Joseph Pilates, founder of Pilates said, "In 10 sessions you'll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you'll see the difference, and in 30 sessions you'll have a whole new body".  Take action that will bring health and wellness into your life as you step into 2014.

Easton Pilates Studio

The Gift of Pilates

When you practice Pilates, you are giving your body and mind a tremendous gift! The benefits of Pilates are so vast. The practice of Pilates creates physical improvements such as less back pain, better balance, increased core strength, muscles become long and lean, your butt lifts, abs tighten, and you obtain greater flexibility. In class, we practice deep breathing, reducing stress. You also need to concentrate and learn to practice with control; studies have shown this even helps increase productivity at work! Pilates has also been called the anti-aging exercise as it targets the systems and structures of the body that are most affected by aging. With Pilates the improvements to your body go on and on. In a private and semi-private studio like Easton Pilates, the environment is calming and quiet, a place where you can let go of hectic pace of life the holidays can bring. You are given individual attention throughout your Pilates journey. You are encouraged to connect with your mind and body and forget about the world, staying in the moment. Give yourself or someone you love the gift of health this season.

Kate the Great!

Kate Hudson has one of the hottest Hollywood bodies. She just came out with a new line of exercise clothing and has been in the press a great deal. She showcases her gorgeous figure on the cover of November's SHAPE magazine and in the interview she credits 15 years of Pilates and dance exercise for her lean toned body. View SHAPE cover here: http://www.shape.com/blogs/fit-famous/kate-hudson-looks-fit-and-gorgeous-november-issue-shape

Pilates Mat Classes vs. Pilates Machines

Pilates mat classes offer a series of exercises designed in a classical order by Joseph Pilates. The order of the exercises is intended to flow within and into each other in order to build strength. On the mat, it is you supporting your body with no help. You have to concentrate to activate the right muscles and breathe to achieve flow of movement. Through Pilates mat classes, you will condition your body, learn mind control over muscles, build flexibility and strength in the legs, abdominals, arms, hips, and back. You will align your spine and pelvis and learn to breathe deeply all while developing a strong core and improving coordination and balance. Pilates mat classes are perfect for healthy bodies looking for a challenging workout, cross training, and a mind-body connection. You may be attracted to Pilates machines due to their sleekness and challenging appearance. They are certainly challenging however they were actually designed by Joseph Pilates to help people do mat work! The machines offer support for your body and there is less room to perform an exercise incorrectly. While the machines provide a fabulous workout for healthy bodies, the machines are recommended for those who may be experiencing pain, are recovering from an injury or have other issues to begin their Pilates journey. A private lesson is recommended to start before beginning a Pilates machine class so a trained professional can assess your body and work with you to achieve your goals.

Pilates: The Anti-Aging Excercise

A famous quote from Joseph Pilates, founder of Pilates is, “A man is as young as his spinal column.” These words resound true even more so today as we continue to uncover the benefits of Pilates. As we age, our body functions change. We experience loss of both muscle and bone mass, often with an increase in body fat. Our metabolism slows. Many of these changes are connected as a decrease in one of the body’s areas can lead to a decrease in another area. These changes can lead to health issues. However these changes can be counteracted with exercise, with Pilates being an optimal option that targets the systems and structures of the body that are most affected by aging. Since Pilates is a form of mind-body exercise that requires focus and concentration, it keeps the mind sharp and it is known that those who practice Pilates have improved productivity at work. Pilates is minimal-impact and can be customized for specific injuries and physical limitations. It is highly beneficial for increasing or restoring range of motion and function following an injury or an operation. Pilates strengthens the core which increases balance and coordination, improves flexibility, prevents overuse of particular muscles and supports injury prevention. These benefits transfer to activities in our daily lives such as proper bending, lifting, sitting, rising, reaching, and simply being aware of our posture and positioning. Many of us who sit in front of a computer all day recognize the importance of this! Pilates also leads to body awareness for joints. The practice of Pilates will keep your spine young and your body mobile without pain.

The Synergy of Myofascial Release and Pilates

If you are experiencing pain in your body, the combination of Pilates and myofascial release is an incredibly powerful path towards healing. With Pilates, you strengthen your core, elongate your spine, correct your posture, and create good form in your everyday life, protecting and correcting your back and body. Through Myofascial release, deep relief occurs. Pain that may have been stored for years in your fascia is let go. Uniting these two practices is a recipe for health in mind and body. Myofascial Release is a practice that goes to the core cause of the problem to release the symptoms where traditional therapy, surgery, or medication has failed to produce results. The fascia is a tough connective tissue which spreads throughout the entire body from head to toe without interruption. It surrounds every structure in the body! A myofascial therapist will scan the whole body for restrictions and assess for postural dysfunction. After examination of skin and tissue integrity, the skilled hands of the therapist will apply light to moderate timed pressure into the fascia and wait for a release. The therapist will repeat this timed pressure into various areas of fascia until each restriction has released enabling muscles to stretch and elongate promoting a lasting effect. Here is a great video that illustrates what fascia is: (Magnified 25x during a myofascial release session).

Pilates Benefits Your Career!

On Boston.com today in Chad O'Connors Article:  Self Improvement: 6 things you can do to enhance yourself and career  he discusses how Pilates can not only bring wonderful health benefits but how practicing Pilates can actually help boost your career! He writes:

There are so many benefits to exercise, such as good health, self confidence, positive endorphins, better sleep, and stress relief. An effective form of exercise to try is Pilates.

Sarela Bliman-Cohen, product management consultant and Pilates instructor, said “Pilates is a very challenging total body workout, and it makes you feel energized. After working all day long, Pilates is very satisfying.”

Pilates is a very focused form of exercise that forces you think about every movement and so much control is involved. That sense of focus can carry over to the workplace and help you with the ability to better focus at work. “It is often said that people that take Pilates gain 2 inches in height. This occurs by fixing and being mindful of posture, lengthening muscles, and fixing muscular imbalances and tightness,” said Julie Erickson, Owner of Endurance Pilates and Yoga.

For full article go to: http://www.boston.com/business/blogs/global-business-hub/2012/09/self_improvemen.html?p1=Well_MostPop_Emailed6

Another reason to LOVE Pilates!!  The benefits are endless!

       Easton Pilates Studio serving Easton~ Mansfield~ Canton~Foxboro~ Stoughton~  Sharon~ Norton-

We welcome students! 

         Easton Pilates offers Pilates group, semi-private, private classes and Myofascial release services in the studio.  Private and in-home instruction is available.  Mat and Barre, Reformer and Cadillac classes are available.
~Increase core strength & flexibility, reduce back pain~ 
Eastonpilates.com     twitter.com/eastonpilates     Facebook/EastonPilates

Why is the Core So Important?

The core has become an everyday term in fitness but what is it exactly and why is it so important?  The core is the abdominal muscles, glutes and the entire back area that connects to your spinal cord and supports the spine.  The core is made up of the upper abs, obliques, and the very deep layer of abdominal muscles. These deep muscles are not worked by simple exercises such as crunches and require a more intensive workout like Pilates to strengthen the core.  When you have a strong core, the weight of supporting your body is not placed on your bones solely. 

Increasing your core strength will create a leaner appearance by cinching your waistline and giving you a flatter stomach.  A strong core will protect your spine which is very important as many of us sit at a desk in front of a screen all day. A strong core is a preventative measure against future back pain. You will notice an increase in your balance if your practice sports like paddle boarding, running, snowboarding, golf, or tennis with a strong core. Another benefit of core exercises is improved lung capacity. Core muscles are connected to the diaphragm so working out these muscle groups will enhance one’s ability to inhale and exhale completely. If the body is able to take in more oxygen, the heart is able to pump more blood, improving the overall performance of the body.  The benefits of a strong core generated by practicing a core-centric workout like Pilates not only build abdominal muscles but improve your overall health and wellness. 

The Core

 

               Easton Pilates Studio serving Easton~ Mansfield~ Canton~Foxboro~ Stoughton~  Sharon~ Norton-

                          

We welcome students! 

         Easton Pilates offers Pilates group, semi-private, private classes and Myofascial release services in the studio.  Private and in-home instruction is available.  Mat and Barre, Reformer and Cadillac classes are available.
~Increase core strength & flexibility, reduce back pain~
Eastonpilates.com     twitter.com/eastonpilates     Facebook/EastonPilates

Chronic Pain, How Myofascial Release Can Help

Unfortunately there are many people in the world living with chronic pain: back pain, neck pain, hip pain, headaches just to name a few.  Myofascial Release is a practice that goes to the core cause of the problem to release the symptoms where traditional therapy, surgery, or medication has failed to produce results. 

The fascia is a tough connective tissue which spreads throughout the entire body from head to toe without interruption. A myofascial therapist will scan the whole body for restrictions and assess for postural dysfunction. After examination of skin and tissue integrity, the skilled hands of the therapist will apply light to moderate timed pressure into the fascia and wait for a release. The therapist will repeat this timed pressure into various areas of fascia until each restriction has released enabling muscles to stretch and elongate promoting a lasting effect.

Many patients have returned to normal activity and pain free lives after sessions of myofascial release.  Whether you are experience lasting pain for the first time or have been living with chronic pain for years, myofascial release can help. Nobody should have to live with pain! 

 

The Fascia tissue in the body.

 

               Easton Pilates Studio serving Easton~ Mansfield~ Canton~Foxboro~ Stoughton~  Sharon~ Norton-

                          

We welcome students! 

         Easton Pilates offers Pilates group, semi-private, private classes and Myofascial release services in the studio.  Private and in-home instruction is available.  Mat and Barre, Reformer and Cadillac classes are available.
~Increase core strength & flexibility, reduce back pain~
Eastonpilates.com     twitter.com/eastonpilates     Facebook/EastonPilates

When You Commit to Pilates, Pilates Commits to You!

It is widely accepted by physiologists that generally it takes about 28 days to change a habit. In Pilates, we are reminded in class or in private sessions of many, many tiny adjustments that need to happen in order to have correct form.  When you have correct form, you are properly exercising and using your core as your powerhouse.  You are not relying on your legs, arms or neck to do the work for you.  This is how we build and strengthen our core and stop over-using muscles like our quadriceps to muscle through motions, creating a long, lean body.

When practicing Pilates, your body is a work in progress. Pilates is not meant to be “perfect”.  We have great moments when we make a new connection.  “Wow, when I make sure my big toe is in my midline then I can feel how my under-butt is now connected!”  Sometimes it may be frustrating that you can’t seem to quite bend your bones enough to get a pose yet. Over time, these small adjustments we need to keep reminding ourselves of will eventually become habit and we can advance to the next level.

Joseph Pilates, founder of Pilates, stated, "In 10 sessions you will feel the difference, in 20 you will see the difference and in 30 you will have a whole new body." Whether you seek improved balance, core strength, lean thighs, a higher butt, less back pain, tight abs, greater flexibility, or a clear mind, with consistent Pilates sessions all and more is possible!

Image via Shape.com

 

               Easton Pilates Studio serving Easton~ Mansfield~ Canton~Foxboro~ Stoughton~  Sharon~ Norton-

                          

We welcome students! 

         Easton Pilates offers Pilates group, semi-private, private classes and Myofascial release services in the studio.  Private and in-home instruction is available.  Mat and Barre, Reformer and Cadillac classes are available.
~Increase core strength & flexibility, reduce back pain~
Eastonpilates.com     twitter.com/eastonpilates     Facebook/EastonPilates

Our Feet

Our feet are our bodies’ anchors to the world!  They are the foundation of our entire bodies. How often do we pay attention to them?  For most of us, the answer is not too often!  Joseph Pilates, founder of Pilates, understood the importance of feet.  He even invented the foot corrector and the toe stretcher, two devices which improved foot mechanics.  Joe also incorporated pedals for the feet on some of his machines and began many of his classical Pilates’ exercises with foot work. 

Photo via www.tptherapy.com

The feet, when corrected, can resolve imbalances up to the hips and stabilize muscles in the pelvis.  When feet are worked on, often knee, hip and back pain can be resolved.  The toes play an important role by helping create balance.  If you perform toe lifts, which connect your feet up to your lower buttocks and your entire core, you will notice an improvement in your balance as your core strengthens.

Pilates teaches awareness to the feet and its relation to the rest of the body which sits on top of the feet. There’s a lot of weight resting on our feet, so good alignment is essential to balance all the forces that the feet must endure. When the core is strong, it lifts your body weight off of your feet, yet you are connected so you stay grounded head to heal and arches.

Many people encounter pain in their arches or heels during their lives.  A great remedy for this pain, in addition to practicing Pilates, is Myofascial release. Myofascial release involves freeing the fascia which is the connective tissue throughout our entire bodies.  Stretching the fascia and releasing bonds between fascia though Myofascial release can relieve foot pain or pain anywhere in the body. Choosing proper, comfortable footwear is essential to foot health as well.

 

               Easton Pilates Studio serving Easton~ Mansfield~ Canton~Foxboro~ Stoughton~  Sharon~ Norton-

                          

We welcome students! 

         Easton Pilates offers Pilates group, semi-private, private classes and Myofascial release services in the studio.  Private and in-home instruction is available.  Mat and Barre, Reformer and Cadillac classes are available.
~Increase core strength & flexibility, reduce back pain~
Eastonpilates.com     twitter.com/eastonpilates     Facebook/EastonPilates

Added Benefits of Pilates Exercise

In a recent article on Pilatesstyle.com written by Dr, Eugene Harry, he discusses the "5 Hidden Benefits of Exercise," which include:

Younger looking, more blemish-free skin The increase in circulation and perspiration that occurs with exercise delivers more nutrients to your skin while allowing impurities and waste to be removed. The result—a healthier complexion!
Natural “feel-good” chemicals Exercise releases endorphins, the brain chemicals that boost your mood and make you feel happy, as well as relieve stress, and enhance your self-esteem and self-confidence. Exercise has also been shown to increase neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which gives us a natural high and allows us to sleep better.
Constipation prevention Exercise increases the contractions of the wall of the intestines, helping to move things along through the intestinal tract more easily, and decreasing the time it takes to pass through the large intestine. But wait an hour or two after eating before exerting yourself: Exercising too soon after a meal can divert blood flow away from the gut and toward the muscles and slow down the digestion process.
Prevents brittle bones Walking, jogging, dancing, Pilates and yoga are all weight-bearing exercises that help strengthen bones. During weight-bearing exercises, bones adapt to the impact of the weight and the pull of muscles by building more bone cells, increasing strength and density and decreasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
Enhanced immunity Physical exertion increases the rate at which antibodies flow through the blood stream, resulting in better immunity against sickness. The increased temperature generated during moderate exercise makes it difficult for certain infectious organisms to survive.

All the more reasons to stick with your Pilates commitment!

                            

Photo credit via Pilatesstyle.com 

 

               Easton Pilates Studio serving Easton~ Mansfield~ Canton~Foxboro~ Stoughton~  Sharon~ Norton-

                          

We welcome students! 

         Easton Pilates offers Pilates group, semi-private, private classes and Myofascial release services in the studio.  Private and in-home instruction is available.  Mat and Barre, Reformer and Cadillac classes are available.
~Increase core strength & flexibility, reduce back pain~
Eastonpilates.com     twitter.com/eastonpilates     Facebook/EastonPilates

How's Your Posture?

Don't let this happen to your body! Take control with Pilates!

 

               Easton Pilates Studio serving Easton~ Mansfield~ Canton~Foxboro~ Stoughton~  Sharon~ Norton-

                          

We welcome students! 

         Easton Pilates offers Pilates group, semi-private, private classes and Myofascial release services in the studio.  Private and in-home instruction is available.  Mat and Barre, Reformer and Cadillac classes are available.
~Increase core strength & flexibility, reduce back pain~
Eastonpilates.com     twitter.com/eastonpilates     Facebook/EastonPilates

Mother's Day Specials!

From                Easton Pilates Fitness and Wellness Concentration~Centering~Control~Precision~Breath~Flow                    Group Myofascial Body Rolling Monday 5/20/13 6:00-7:00 pm $50 Master foam roll and ball technique to roll, release and relief fascia pain. Use your own hands to self manage restrictions in the tissue. Home exercise handouts and instructions. Pre-register online click here Body Rolling Workshop  or Call 508 208-6884 Private Pilates Lesson $50      A customized Pilates lesson includes a strength, flexibility and posture assessment. Corrective exercises are recommended to promote more balance in the muscular-skeletal system. Fundamental Pilates exercises with breath and movement are taught on the reformer, tower and mat. Pre-register online click here Private Intro Pilates Lesson or call 508 208-6884                   Easton Pilates Studio serving Easton~ Mansfield~ Canton~Foxboro~ Stoughton~  Sharon~ Norton-                            We welcome students!           Easton Pilates offers Pilates group, semi-private, private classes and Myofascial release services in the studio.  Private and in-home instruction is available.  Mat and Barre, Reformer and Cadillac classes are available. ~Increase core strength & flexibility, reduce back pain~ Eastonpilates.com     twitter.com/eastonpilates     Facebook/EastonPilates