While the utilization of props (balls, fitness circle, straps, blocks), can easily add a strength challenge to any mat exercise, can props improve flexibility and decrease tension as well? How about change your alignment and enable the core muscles to work more effectively and specifically? Can using a prop inhibit improper biomechanics? Can it reduce the chronic tightness in our hips and shoulders?

The answer to the above questions are YES. Using props in a Pilates mat class can work wonders for increasing flexibility and correcting improper biomechanics.

For example, a small ball between the knees engages the adductors and helps to stabilize the pelvis and engage the core. A yoga strap is a tool for deeper stretching, a theraball challenges balance and stability and a yoga block may be used to open the joints and is used as a stability tool when placed under the pelvis. The props PROP your bones up so you can feel the origin of the muscle, using a muscles full length when extending! It may sound Greek but it is easier performed than stated. We hope you will come to experience it yourself, as we believe it will literally CHANGE YOUR LIFE.

We do it all at Mind Your Body, and each class has something different to offer and is always a challenge. One can start with our Basic Tower/Mat class on Monday’s at 4:30 PM. For a full class schedule, please visit https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/asp/home.asp?studioid=3187.

Dear Friends:

The PMA would like to make it known to the international Pilates community that our First Generation Pilates Teacher, Kathleen Stanford Grant, is home bound and in poor health.

We know how much she would appreciate hearing from her former students, admirers, friends and all well wishers. Now would be the ideal moment to thank her once again for her contributions and care.

If you would like to send a card wishing her peace, comfort and good health, please write to:

Kathleen Stanford Grant
135 Eastern Parkway, Apt. 14i
Brooklyn, NY 11238
USA

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Anderson
Executive Directo

Renowned choreographer David Parsons, artistic director of NYC dance company Parsons Dance, returns to the Joyce Theater to present his evening length work “Remember Me,” a fiery, athletic, heart-wrenching rock opera featuring live vocals from the East Village Opera Company. After nearly a three week run, the show ends TONIGHT 2/21 at 7:30 PM. For those who are unfamiliar with Parsons’ work, imagine a product both graceful and sharp, technical and artistic, innovative and classic. Parsons’ ability to reinvent an age-old story (two men in love with the same woman) proves his presence in the dance world is ever lasting. The dancers themselves are gems, highly trained and committed to their art. Night after night live music, bold lighting and video projection captivate the audience. This is not just a dance show, this is an experience. Tickets are still available, no less! Visit www.joyce.org or call the box office at 212-242-0800. If you would like to donate to Parsons Dance and help Parsons himself create a brand new work, please e-mail inquiries to info@parsonsdance.org.

Additionally, did you know that NYC Pilates studio, Mind Your Body, has in its instructor roster the very talented Melissa Ullom, the most recent addition to the Parsons Dance ensemble? David Parsons, an avid Pilates class fan (and a fan of Mind Your Body on the Upper East Side), has been known to practice Pilates with the best, and Melissa certainly is an asset to Mind Your Body! Pilates keeps the body strong and able to perform night after night after night! After watching “Remember Me,” I trust you will feel inspired to achieve those fitness goals!

Parsons Dance in collaboration with the East Village Opera Company

As you may already know, I am an outdoor cyclist and take spin classes in the colder months, which we are in. With the Pilates classes and GYROTONIC classes I take regularly combined with the 100 mile rides in warmer months, the cycling classes have gotten much easier! I breezed through Saturday’s class and those of you who spin, know that the spin classes are NO JOKE! I don’t want to put anyone in a negative light but I wanted to scream out, “DO MORE PILATES. FIND YOUR CORE!” I always give much credit to anyone for taking a job, riding, power walking or taking a simple stroll on the treadmill so I was happy to see so many people exercising in this group class. But I also wanted to shout, “CROSS TRAIN”. People were unsteady on the bikes, rocking their bodies and that comes down to exerting too much effort. Where is the control? Pilates classes are a great way to cross train one’s body. Pilates exercises will lengthen the spine, allow one to use the core, stand tall, move freely, balance on the ground or on a pedal and most importantly, MOVE FROM THE CENTER OF THE BODY, THE CORE. Check out our classes! Do it today. The most common statement I hear is, “I wish I had started Pilates classes ten years ago!” Yeah, it is one more thing but it is worth leaving the office early or getting out of bed on the weekends. I see and experience so many happy people at Mind Your Body, as it is a treat for the mind and the body.
Yours truly, Gail Giovanniello

I can’t say it any other way. Pilates is about focussed, fluid exercises designed with an intelligent order that keeps you limber and strong from the inside and out!!
Please check this article out from the PMA. And tell me how Pilates makes you feel? What has changed in your body, mind or spirit? How about your gait? Posture?
And for those who have had a negative experience or think it was not a workout, contact me. I would like to change that…. Not everyone LOVES Pilates but if you were turned off by your experience, I know that I can turn it around. Pilates is just too good to get a bad rap!

Sure, one should continue to do cardiovascular workouts such as spinning, outdoor cycling, kick boxing, running, indoor equipment, but Pilates is a must for spinal health, breath control, flexibility, balance and an all around sense of well-being. ok…..check the article. Look at Joeseph Pilates in these photos. He is in his late 60’s here…..Tell me what you think. xo gail certified PMA Pilates instructor