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Month: July 2012

Client Testimonial – Pilates

I recently received this testimonial from a client. I sure do love hearing success stories like these!

 

I started doing Pilates on my own after rupturing my achilles tendon, having surgery, etc. I bought a book (did a lot of research and found one that was excellent) and was able to stay in amazingly good shape while I recovered. I then went to the reformer class in Seattle, which I loved. Then I moved down here and found you through Yelp.

I was a little nervous about taking a “mat” class vs. the reformer and was concerned that I wouldn’t get the same level of workout. Boy, was I wrong. You really are a gifted teacher, Anne. Your commitment to your profession is an inspiration – I’m always impressed by the fact that you’re constantly learning new things and incorporating them into our class. The class is never the same (so we don’t get bored), you always give very good “visuals” to help us do things correctly and it’s a GREAT workout.

I REALLY, REALLY appreciate you and am so, so happy to have found you. I have noticed that my arms are much stronger. All those pilates push-ups that I hate have helped me a great deal – Ha! 🙂 My spine is also healthier than it’s ever been!

You Are Invited To Fluid’s Client Appreciation Party Saturday July 21st 2012

Fluid’s annual Client Appreciation Party is happening this Saturday July 21st from 5-8 pm. If you are reading this post you (yes you) are invited!

Join us for live music, food (Laura’s famous Hawaiian style meatballs are on the menu, as well as Haupia), Mai Tai’s, and fun! Take a dip in the kiddie pool, or just relax in the shade. Prize for best (or worst) Aloha shirt.

Come meet your Fluid family and be the fist to get the scoop on our Hawaii 2013 trip.

 

The July Five

 

Each month I assign my clients five exercises to work on everyday. Last month we did a leg focus. This month we work upper body, core, standing balance, and a hip stretch. Here are a few of my yoga ladies demonstrating these exercises. Try going through these once on your own this week and let me know if you have any questions. For more details descriptions of these exercises click here.

1) Criss Cross

Right elbow to your left knee. Switch sides.

2) Medicine Ball Push Up:

One hand on a medicine ball. 5 – 10 push ups, then switch hands.

3) Big Twist:

Press up into a side bend.

Twist your feet and reach under (like a one armed down dog). *Note this third photo is taken from the other side.

Slowly lower back to the ground.

This is the most complicated of the five – I am happy to show you this personally the next time I see you.

 

4) Warrior III:

Stand on one leg, lift back leg, shoulders down.

5) Pigeon:

From hands and knees, slide your right knee forward and slowly lower your hips.

 

If you have tight hips place a block or pillow under your hip for support. If you feel pain in your knee stop immediately. You should feel this stretching your hip.

Six Exercises to Relieve Low Back Pain

I had an interesting experience this week while training one of my couples. They had been out of town for a few weeks on a road trip so I was excited to see them and planned an awesome strength session which included some of the husband’s favorite leg exercises plus theraband, and Swiss ball moves. This couple is very athletic, getting in some form of activity- walking, elliptical, Pilates or strength work – most days of the week. My challenge in working with them is designing a program that they both enjoy that includes elements of stabilization, strength, cardio and flexibility while helping both of them reach their fitness goals.

When I arrived at their house the husband reported low back pain so I threw my plan out the window and we spent an hour working on basic stabilization exercises, core strength and flexibility. After our session they both felt like that got a good workout and stretch, and he reported reduced back pain. I learned to come prepared AND be prepared to adjust my plan based on what is going on with my client that day. If his back is feeling better this week we will resume a more rigorous strength program.

Do you suffer from low back pain?

Here is a video of yours truly demonstrating a basic back stabilization program that includes the following:

Swimming

Thread the Needle

Lion Drinking

Cobra

Single Leg Kick

Flight

Try going through these moves on your own and let me know if you have any questions.