True Pilates Sydney Studio Instructors - Luke Cook and Pablo Comino training in the studio

Pilates Instruction - Foundation and Individuality

January 25, 2018 in Pilates, teaching, pilates, exercise, strength training, training, Fitness

It’s no cosmic revelation that every person in the universe is unique in Mind, Body and Spirit. Part of what makes us who we are is from what we see, ear and feel — its individual and personal. Therefore when we talk about Pilates instruction and teaching — all instructors/ teachers are very individual as they determine their focus and approach to a body.

The True Pilates Sydney Community

November 25, 2017 in exercise, Fitness, lifestyle, Pilates, strength training, teaching

Last week we hosted our studio’s Christmas Party for 2017 — the sense of community was well and truly alive as we came in celebration to toast the end of the year and more importantly to our Pilates community of clients and peers.

Pilates — Technique and Precision

May 26, 2017 in training, strength training, lifestyle, Fitness, Pilates, mindfulness

Pilates demonstration of true strength, co-ordination and control stems from technique and precision. It is more than just being on a reformer and working up a sweat. Pilates is about moving with intention — technique, and being mindful of its execution — precision.

Pilates Training in NYC 2016

December 01, 2016 in training, teaching, strength training, whitewater, Fitness, exercise, meditation

My ethos to Pilates teaching and training practice is much the same. As much as I am of the belief you can learn from everyone, I am also selective with my time and attention (retention), therefore I endeavour to train and learn from the best.

Breaststroke on the reformer with 2nd Generation Pilates teacher Cynthia Lochard

Define Pilates — What is Traditional Pilates? Part 2

August 19, 2016 in Fitness, Pilates, mindfulness, exercise, teaching, pilates, strength training

On top of the various Pilates methods available, the exercise world adds to the confusion by cooking up some inventive derivatives of Pilates. Through all the haze of what is Pilates in all its methods and derivatives — the Traditional Method endeavours to stay true to the original method that was taught by Joseph Pilates himself.

Define Pilates - Part 1

August 03, 2016 in Fitness, lifestyle, exercise, Pilates, strength training

Pilates is not Yoga. It is not a relaxation stretch class. It is not physiotherapy. Pilates is exercise — a weight resistance strength methodology that is progressive with over 500 exercises across various Pilates apparatus. It was invented in the 1920’s by a fitness expert named Joseph Pilates.

Pilates focuses on strengthening the deep core muscles of the torso; abdominals, hips, lower back and buttocks — which as a collective, Pilates himself coined the ‘Powerhouse’. Pilates is progressive and adaptive — as one grows in strength, the level of difficulty and intensity of the exercises escalates and becomes more aerobic. For complete strength, control and endurance in the body, all Pilates exercises work the extremities (arms and legs) as ‘extensions of the Powerhouse’.

*Image sourced from www. breakingmuscle.com*

THE SPINE & PILATES - Back Pain Rehabilitation

May 15, 2016 in Pilates, strength training, anatomy, rehabilitation

It is no secret that Pilates is great for back pain management, maintaining spine health and prevention of back injuries. Why? Because Pilates is all about stabilising and strengthening the trunk to support the spine. We refer to this as strengthening the ‘Powerhouse’.

PILATES STRENGTH TRAINING

May 04, 2016 in exercise, strength training, Fitness, anatomy

Firstly, let’s cover what is strength training? These days, you hear these terms used in pretty much all avenues of exercise. But what really constitutes as ‘strength training’?

WORKING TOWARD A SMARTER BODY

January 19, 2016 in Fitness, exercise, Pilates, strength training

These days strength and fitness regimes are primarily based on weights and repetition or by distance. It is important to note that although these progressions increase strength and endurance respectively, it does not necessarily increase the intelligence of ones’ body. In short — being fit does not mean the body is intelligent.

PILATES & WHITEWATER

September 17, 2015 in strength training, Pilates, Fitness, exercise

Of late I have been obsessing over my new found passion — whitewater kayaking. One might mistake its overtaken my love for Pilates, however this couldn’t be further from the truth. If anything it reaffirms my belief in the value of the Pilates method as a formidable strength training program that is intelligent and transferable.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS — Pilates’ 6 Principles

August 27, 2015 in Pilates, Fitness, exercise, meditation, strength training

Sometimes as teachers we become so engrossed in the practice of teaching and training, we take for granted we started the same way — as a beginner. We forget precepts were prescribed and drilled into our practice as opposed to them miraculously appearing in our work and practice.

*Image sourced from www.designedalliance.com — a coaching partnership*

Pilates and the ELEPHANT in the room

August 06, 2015 in Pilates, strength training, exercise, training, Fitness

The popularity of Pilates has given rise to a market that is flooded with poorly trained instructors. With organisations in the business of making money opposed to maintaining the integrity of the Pilates method — certifications are fast becoming a matter of convenience and mediocrity.