Pre-Exercise Reminders

1. Work at your own pace.

Rome wasn’t built in a day (I know, you've heard this before, but it's true!). Listen to your body; start slowly, and work your way up.

Breaks are essential. Take them. If you feel that the movements are intense, you might be experiencing isolation. That is good. If you’re feeling pain, stop all together until you are pain free, or follow my modified version. Listen to your body and use sound judgment.

My philosophy is quite different from other exercise programs. I encourage you to rest rather than to compensate for fatigue by drawing inappropriate muscles to support the movement.

Within a very short time you will see your strength build. (It’s amazing!). Remember every day is different, some days yours muscles will feel strong, while other days they are tired. Respect your body and accept that it is trying to tell you something.

2. Experience relaxation while you engage your muscles.

I know, it sounds a bit twisted, but it's one of the most important tips I can hand you. As you become relaxed in your movement, fluidity comes and ease follows. While engaging the proper muscles, you will become stronger and more flexible − truly an incredible result of Pilates.

With deeper relaxation, the core muscles work more effectively, allowing the rest of the body to move with ease and not force. Good news is, the deeper the muscles work, the faster you get results.

Relaxation also boosts the mind body connection, giving you optimal control. When learning how to achieve a relaxed manner you are more in tune with your body.

3. Concentrate on proper alignment and counterpole.

Imagine different points of your body lengthening away from each other. This is called counterpole. It is simply two anchor points being stretched simultaneously from either end. An example would be the crown of the head lengthening away from the tailbone − as if a long thread were lifting you up from your crown as the tailbone lengthens away from the crown. Different parts of the body will be cued throughout the exercises. This counterpole creates length and allows for space within the spine, joints, and pelvis, ultimately improving alignment and creating room for rich movement.