OK… Had enough about the pelvic floor? Look at your own back in the mirror. Not an easy task, I know, but what do you see? Do you see definition? Any special bumps? Raises? (and i don’t mean in your salary!) Well, we know that’s not happening today…. Anyway, most people I meet at the first Pilates lesson cannot move through many vertebrae but lift the spine as one piece…. not good! Our 29 (5 fused to create the sacrum) vertebrae were intended for movement. Each one has a joint between (except the sacrum) and should move at least a little!! This feat is accomplished in Pilates and GYROTONIC, taking some more time than others… but from my experience, just accomplishing articulation of the vertebrae has helped many students relieve back pain, knee pain, hip pain, joint pain…. Once articulation is accomplished, the muscles can develop from bone to bone and this creates the sinewy, defined muscle tone.
Think I am exaggerating? The results are in the hundreds of clients who have come back to Mind Your Body Pilates and GYROTONIC for the past fourteen years to keep their spines healthy and flexible…. Sure we all want to LOOK good but I can assure you that looking good starts with articulation, full range of muscle control and alignment of the bones and muscles. Moving your body as a whole unit; articulating the spine…. Pilates. I’ve been booked solid, five days a week for fourteen years. Pilates. It works!
What you write about, in terms of vertebrae flexibility, rings true for me. Before I attended classes at the Upper East Side studios of Mind Your Body in New York City, I endured various back ailments, probably as a result of sitting most of the day at a desk or in meetings. The consistent focus on the pelvic floor and back exercises have resulted, much to my surprise, in a supple back and for the most part the cessation of back pain. Now, what erxercises do you recommend for the shoulder (damaged labrum)?
Do all Pilates studios in Manhattan emphasize back flexibility?
Yes, Ken had zero spinal flexibility when he first attended our Pilates studio. His interest in Pilates classes was perked one weekend while he was away, perhaps at Canyon Ranch spa where he took a Pilates mat class. After observing the instructors spine articulate, it was that light bulb moment; Ken realized that the spine is supposed to have movement and not act as one unit. After a few years of a committed Pilates schedule, Ken has not only gained flexibility in his spine but has also defined his muscles in his back, a feat, being he was overly, externally muscular to begin with. No offense, Ken, but I believe you knew that!
For shoulder tears, I would recommend strengthening all of the muscles around the joint. Though not a doctor or Physical therapist, my experience allows me to know that the rotators are important, as well as learning to use the muscles around the shoulder blades and upper back, where the shoulder actually starts. Too many people stress the insertion of the humerus bone into the socket of the shoulder, probably due to shoulders that roll forward, where the upper muscles are working too much.
All Pilates studios should work on back flexibility, as this is the base of Pilates. Joseph Pilates says, “Ape the animals….observe an animal stretch and mimic their flexibility…” This was written in a New York Times article in 1968!!! His work was certainly ahead of the times!
In your previous blog you mention Joseph Pilates. I would like to know the extent to which the founder influences your work at the Upper East Side pilates studio. There are numerous pilates facilitites, but what differentiates the Mind Your Body studio in New York City. Are there different interpretations of his work? If J. Pilates were to walk into Mind Your Body in Manhattan, would he recognize the technique and work being engaged?
FYI, I tyhink I had a little spinal flexibility when I first entered the MYB studio on Lexington Ave…let’s just say the flexibility wasn’t fully evolved!
My ideal massage schedule is twice a month. I have not maintained that for the past year and I DEFINITELY
feel the difference. Though I work out six times a week, my muscles are tight, my right side is not in balance
and old injuries are starting to pop up. I am committed to working with Patricia and her massage techniques
at the Pilates studio twice a month beginning last week. Just after our first session, I realized that though I like deep tissue work, getting the circulation
is very important and more of the issue I am having. Thanks to Patricia and her beautiful, relaxing massage room at
Mind Your Body Pilates!, my tired Pilates body is getting the attention and hands-on it deserves. -gail
Nowadays, there are many different types of training and Pilates instructors are trained extensively in anatomy, kinesiology, muscle activation and so on….
Joseph Pilates was an athlete with a keen intuitive sense about people’s posture and alignment. He was intuitive about breathing deeply to deepen the intensity of an exercise and
he made some very wise guesses and educated himself by working with many different body types. His belief was “a sane mind in a sound body.” -Roman motto
At Mind Your Body Pilates in NYC, you will find our instructors to vary somewhat in complimenting styles. I believe Joseph Pilates would be proud, as we stick to Pilates as an exercise routine, individualized to meet one’s specific needs but for the most part, Mind Your Body Pilates will stick to a rigorous workout, deep breathing, flow, grace and progression. With so many different training styles around, it is hard to find a good studio with both a workout, traditional approach and the knowledge to modify for those who have injuries, which I stress is not reason to stop doing Pilates. Pilates was intended to be modified slightly to accommodate minor injuries. Mind Your Body offers the BEST Pilates and GYROTONIC classes on the upper east side. Establised in 1995, trained in 1987. I think Mind Your Body is doing something right.