The Pilates Roll-Up

Looking for strong, toned abdominals? Nothing works the abs quite like the Pilates roll-up. It engages all the abdominal muscles through a full range of motion... in a slow and controlled manner (which trains the muscles longer and more effectively). This is an exceptionally effective ab exercise — much more than the traditional crunch.

But like anything else, doing endless reps of the same exercise can become boring, while also leading to "plateaus." So, let's add a few twists on the good old Pilates roll-up. Next time you're doing abwork, try a few of these challenging variations to make an already great move even better.

Why Should Men Do Pilates?

A lot of men think that Pilates is a women’s workout.  First of all, Pilates was created by a man (Joseph Pilates) and originally practiced by men. The most important thing Pilates can teach you is how to move your body.  By doing the method you can get in great condition and you will be able to move with precision because of the constant feedback. You are more likely to perform other activities better, with greater strength, speed and efficiency of movement while preventing injury. 

Desk Pilates

In honor of back-to-school season, we’re penciling in some moves for you to do at your desk.  When sitting, remember that body awareness is key for your own comfort, postural alignment and well-being.  Breathe deeply and more often at your desk to keep stress under control. Perform the following moves throughout your day to help counteract the damaging health problems associated with sitting for too long. 

So My Journey Continues................

In September, I finished the last course required for my Balanced Body Pilates Bridge Program.  This past weekend I completed my Test Out, both practical and written. 

Guess Who's Doing Pilates at the Olympics?

Pilates is not an official Olympic sport (at least not yet), but there are plenty of method practitioners in London for the XXX Olympic Games at this very moment.  Sometimes, if you happen to catch it right, they will feature clips from the private lives of these athletes. It’s then that you discover that, whether they are doing gymnastics, swimming, beach volleyball, diving, cycling or track and field, some of them include Pilates as an integral part of their training. They credit it with making them faster, stronger and more flexible, as well as, helping to increase their body awareness and enhancing their overall performance. They also believe it will give them a competitive edge at landing a spot on the podium. Four of these athletes currently competing rely on Pilates as part of their regimen: Natalie Coughlin (swimming), Misty May-Treanor (beach volleyball), Ariana Kukors (swimming) and Nick McCrory (synchronized diving).  You can bet there are many more that we haven't heard about.

What do you see as the future of Pilates?

The Pilates method is much more than a fitness fad.  It has already survived the test of time and will be practiced far into the future.  Joseph Pilates wrote, “Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness”.   He was right as usual.  The Pilates method develops the body and mind in a way that supports extreme athletics or the rigors of everyday life.  Its value to humanity is only just beginning to be realized.