For years I have been hearing about Active Isolated Stretch and as my normal routine, did not peak my interest until recently. I had an Activated Isolated Stretch session five years ago with an acclaimed Personal Trainer and have had the DVD on my desk for about two years! Watching James Duus, a Mind Your Body instructor, teach a Pilates class, it all came together. He warms his clients with AIS! It’s fabulous. Stretches for every body part repeated ten times, held for 1-2 seconds. It is a movement oriented stretch which warms the muscle and increases flexibility over time but also allows your body to feel ready to begin the rigorous Pilates class you anticipated when you woke up for. Now ALL our instructors will use the AIS technique as a tool in the Pilates group classes and private pilates lessons. You will notice the ropes hanging from the Pilates Towers; ropes are used to stretch the legs, as in a traditional hamstring stretch. I love it and love to share with all of you what I love! If you have tried AIS, what is your take on the technique as far? Here is a link to some questions and a bit more information on Activated Isolated Stretch. Tell us what you think by responding to this blog! -gail

Mind Your Body Pilates has NEVER, in fifteen years, canceled Pilates classes, appointments or closed the doors. As you all may know, we will jump through hoops to get to the Pilates studio, though most of our instructors travel from Brooklyn to get to the dedicated Pilates students at Mind Your Body. Today was different. Though, instuctors, James and Lamar started on foot, I stopped them in their tracks to say, “Though this is tough, WE ARE CLOSED FOR THE DAY!” Because most of our clients live on the upper east side and just footsteps away from the Pilates studio, I received many disappointing messages, though everyone understood why. We still have openings in our weekend Pilates classes and you can sign up online:

HAVE FUN. BE SAFE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMITMENT TO MIND YOUR BODY AND YOUR PILATES PRACTICE!

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