Lou is Pilates

Lou executing the Pilates Side Twist on the Wunda Chair in her Brooklyn Studio. Notice the rib cage extention and how the energy stretches through her entire body creating the long lines and body control.

The Pilates Method gives you the opportunity to experience graceful, fluid movements with power and strength that you’ve always admired in dancers and athletes. Now you too, can have that grace and control.

Pilates is a wonderful solution to all your bad postural habits. It encourages both muscle development and flexibility in each exercise.

Your body is more likely to get injuries when you have  poor posture. Pilates is the Answer.

The Hand-Scapula Relationship

Pilates Pro Newsfeed: The scapular-humeral rhythm affects the entire arm down to the hand. When the arms picks up an object, the scapula acts like a crane or lever on the back to move the arm in space.

The upward and downward positions of the scapula can be confusing movements  to visualize. They refer to the placement of the shoulder blade on the ribs in movement.

Upward rotation of the scapula refers to the healthy movement of the scapula following the lift of the arm.  When done correctly, the scapula glides down the back, widens and shapes the ribcage. The tip of the scapula  should follow the direction of the hand as it moves up in space. The inferior border of the scapula (the lower  tip of the shoulder blade) moves forward toward the armpit and the scapula revolves slightly around the  ribs to help move the arm forward. The gliding action brings an easeful depression of the shoulder blade.

Downward rotation of the shoulder blade follows the movement of the arm as it reaches backwards. The superior border of the scapula moves up over the shoulder as the arm extends backwards. You may notice some clients whose scapulae are stuck in downward rotation. Posture, tension around the shoulder girdles and weakness are all possible reasons for this.

Take a look at this Great video to understand the Scapula better: From movements afoot http://movementsafootblog.com/2009/08/22/scapular-revolution/#comment-4982

Dakota and Pilates/ The Perfect Mix

The Pilates Studio wouldn’t be the same without first getting a big hello from Dakota. He’s come a long way and now is the perfect greeting community for all my clients who love him.

Did you know that owning a dog can be good for your health? Here is Cobble hill Brooklyn there are as many dogs and children. Studies show that dog owners can reap many health benefits from their loving companions. At the Body in Balance studio all my clients reap the benefits of feeling the love of a dog.

No doubt, my fuzzy buddy offers us constant companionship, loyalty and always a smiling face. Because of this steady influence on our lives, many studies have shown that dog owners tend to have lower anxiety levels, lower blood pressure and better heart rates. Some studies have even shown that dog owners can have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels than non-dog owners with similar dietary and lifestyle habits.

What’s New In Brooklyn and Pilates

Pier 6 finally opened  and it’s the stroller brigade pier. I’m not complaining about the kids having yet another nice place to play, in Cobble Hill, but after waiting for 25 years for a dog park the one they give us at this pier is totally unacceptable.

Obviously the person who designed this dog park does not own a dog. They used rocks as terrain, no trees for shade, no fun stuff to do, like an agility course of some kind, and one water area. Dakota went in and jumped up on the cement seating which was meant for the owners to sit so he wouldn’t have to endure the sharp edges of the rocks that were hot from the sun. Not to mention how difficult it is to pick up your dogs poop in rocks, which will become a very unsanitary place to be. The gates are a bit difficult to open also…I call Marty Markowitz’s office today to lodge a complaint.

Finally we see where the bike route is coming into effect, can’t wait for that.

Pilates Pro – Pilates-Pro.com: The Pulse of the Pilates Industry-

Kathy Grant: ‘A Magnetic Life Force’

The Pilates World has lost another great Mentor/Teacher. Kathy Grant died last week. Read all about her achievements and life in the Pilates Pro.   (Click on the link above.)

Our thoughts and prayers goes out to those affected by the earthquake in Haiti, and our sweet animals that have been effected by the oil spills.

Daylight Savings Time

When told the reason  for the daylight saving time the Old Indian said, “Only the Government would believe that you could cut a foot off the top of a blanket, sew it to the bottom, and have a longer blanket.”

Schedule for Pilates @Body in Balance Studio: Private or Semi Private Sessions: Monday-Thursday from 8am-1pm and 5pm-9pm...By appointment only…Contact Lou today

http://www.bodyinbalancestudio.com/contact-us

Body in Balance Pilates TV

Welcome to my new website. I’m very excited about sharing some educational information and videos with you. The first video will teach you the proper way to execute the roll down and give you some modified versions for home exercise. Also check out Joseph’s video from 1936…It’s quite entertaining

I’ll be putting on different video’s from time to time so you can work out at home, especially while I’m away from the Body in Balance Studio. Now you have no excuses.