Pain Free Posture MN & Pilates Integration Mind. Body. Spirit.

Deb, I just wanted to know if I started pilates would it help with my flexibility?  I am a fit person and work out four to five times a week but I have never been very flexible and I know that this is my weak area when it comes to exercise,how long would it take to see a change in my flexibility if I started. Thanks.

Great Question- The answer is yes...BUT there are some mitigating factors to consider.

Pilates is known for helping people develop both strength and flexibility. Adding a class such as Fusion (yoga and pilates in one class) to your workout routine can increase your strength and flexibility. You can expect an increase in flexibility, mobility, balance, and body awareness, as well as a decrease in many types of pain.

In my opinion, the average active person participating in any combination of pilates, yoga or fusion type classes (doing 2-3 classes per week) should see some results within 10-12 classes.  This will vary depending on each individual and things such as the number of classes a person takes each week, whether they are private or group classes, whether they participate in other physical activities, and whether they have any existing injuries.

You may want to consider investing in some private sessions where a certified pilates instructor can assist you in defining your goal of increased flexibility, and help measure the outcome.  Joseph Pilates himself said ""In 10 sessions, you will feel the difference. In 20, you will see the difference. And in 30, you'll be on your way to having a whole new body."

I hope that gives you some insight into your question. Please feel free to come and speak with me before of after class so I can help you with any modifications you might need on your journey to increased flexibility. It can and does improve with patience and practice in the studio.

Peace & health,
Deb Preachuk

On Saturday May 2nd, 2009 I was privileged to host and celebrate Pilates Day 2009 at Life Time Fitness in Eagan, Minnesota.  It was a fantastic and well attended event in a state of the art heated studio! Our theme for the day was 100 people doing the 100!

It was so wonderful to see men and women, of all abilities, ages, races and backgrounds enjoying the benefits of a strong principle centered Pilates mat class. Although the event was hosted at a members only facility, we were able to provide guest passes to family, friends and the community at large, thus honoring the concept of providing pilates programming that is accessible and affordable by all!

We received amazing support from YogaDirect.com and the Eagan Life Time Fitness Life Spa. In addition to two STOTT Pilates power packs, YogaDirect.com provided an amazing assortment of prizes to giveaway.  Items included a stability ball, yoga mat, blocks, stretch strap and eye pillow.  Each participant also received a specially printed discount coupon for 10% of purchases with YogaDitect.com in honor of Pilates Day 2009.  The  Eagan Life Time Fitness Life Spa donated a hot stone massage as a prize at the event, and provided hot lavender scented towels to each participant at the end of the workout.  All I can say is that the whole event and environment was Fabulous!!

This event would not have been possible without the help and support of so many important people.  I'd like to thank:  Ray Infante at the PMA, Anne West my amazing student volunteer for the event who organized the prizes and took photos, Julie Kiecker (Eagan Life Time Fitness Group Fitness Department Head), Amy Kopp (Eagan Life Time Fitness Life Spa Department Head), and Shelly Oullette at YogaDirect.com  Because of their care and support Pilates Day 2009 in Eagan Minnesota was a huge success!

More than 60% of all recreational golfers will suffer one or more golf related injuries during the course of their playing career. Most of these injuries result from poor mechanics, a lack of flexibility and generally poor golf ( physical) conditioning.
 
Physician and Sports Medicine 

Pilates on the Green builds strength and flexibility simultaneously, develops core strength, improves posture and alignment, and creates stability. All the elements needed for a great swing!

Throughout the month of June, women will call the shots on the links, as American Express Women's Golf Month celebrates its fifth anniversary in 2009. A nationwide initiative, American Express Women's Golf Month seeks to provide people with the opportunity to learn or re-learn the game of golf in a fun and friendly environment, while also increasing the participation of women in golf.

Please join me on Saturday June 6th, 2009 from 11:30am - 1:30pm at Crystal Lake Golf Course to Celebrate Women's Golf Month 2009.

Sheryl Maize, LPGA Class A Teaching Professional will conduct two Free Golf Clinics and Deb Preachuk will conduct a Free Pilates on the Green Session! 

This is event is FREE. Registration is required.

Schedule Of Events:

11:30-Noon: Free Golf Clinic with Sheryl Maize, LPGA Class A Teaching Professional

12:15-1pm: Free 'Pilates on the Green' session with Deb Preachuk$0$01-1:30pm: Free Golf Clinic with Sheryl Maize

To register please visit:
http://www.playgolfamerica.com/index.cfmaction=facility&facility=27006340

http://www.crystallakegolfcourse.com/golf_lessons_in_lakeville.htm

Here is a link to a fantastic article on Pilates for Breast Cancer Survivors.  Written by Dr. Suzanne Martin PT, DPT. and featured in the September 2008 issue of Pilates-Pro.

http://www.pilates-pro.com/pilates-pro/2008/9/22/pilates-for-breast-cancer-survivors.html

Please post comments or questions for discussion.

Peace and health,

Deb Preachuk
www.pilatesintegration.com

I
In general, there are three categories of common injuries and issues associated with breast cancer removal and reconstruction surgeries and adjuvant treatments.  They are:

1.  Inflammatory and/or scar tissue related

• nerve damage, disruptions or impingement
• muscle shortening
• scar tissue
• fascia irritations

2.  Dysfunctional/faulty biomechanics affecting movement and posture

• decrease range of motion
• protective posturing
• balance issues
• muscle removed or surgically reattached to another location for some reconstruction options

3.  Risk of Lymphedema due to radiation and lymph removal and surgery

Training with a pilates instructor certified in post-rehabilitative breast cancer exercise will be a safe and effective way to resotre mobility, incorporate precautions associated with the risk of lymphedema to the breast cancer survivor, increase muscular strength and endurance, address pain and move forward in life. 

For more information, please contact me at your convenience. 

Peace & health,
dp

Deb Preachuk

 

 

"All parts of the body which have a function if used in moderation and exercised in labors in which each is accustomed, become thereby healthy, well developed and age more slowly, but if unused they become liable to disease, defective in growth and age quickly." ~Hippocrates~

Did you know that Pilates is an excellent way to rehabilitate, re-educate and balance the postural muscles affected by breast cancer treatments, removal and reconstruction surgeries?

Exercise may be the last thing a woman feels like doing after breast cancer surgery. You're probably exhausted, your arm may be painful and swollen, and the requisite treatments can make you feel even worse. All you want to do is rest. In the past, that's exactly what doctors recommended. However, recent studies indicate a link between moderate physical exercise and improved quality of life for breast cancer survivors.

Pilates Instructors and Posture Alignment Specialists with experience and certifications in Injuries and Special Populations and/or Post-rehabilitative Breast Cancer Exercise can offer a specifically designed exercise protocol designed for those breast cancer survivors. This highly specialized instructor will be able to guide and help you stretch and strengthen the shoulders, chest, back, and abdominal muscles, allowing full range of motion to return to the areas affected by breast cancer removal and reconstruction surgeries.

This type of exercise program is perfect for women at any stage in the breast cancer diagnosis and recovery path.  It is suitable for women who have undergone recent breast cancer removal and reconstruction surgery or who have long since begun recovery.  This program is appropriate for all fitness levels.

  

Pilates and Posture Alignment programming with an insturctor specializing in the field will address the mind, body and spirit of women recovering from breast cancer surgery. Benefits of participation in this type of program include:

• Retrains the musculature of the trunk for postural improvement
• Regain strength and mobility in the affected shoulder and arm
• Improves self-confidence
• Promoting a positive body image
• Enhance and restores energy levels
• Decreases stress and tension
• Enhances physical and mental well-being

If you have any questions, please contact me!  I look forward to the opportunity.  See you in the studio!

Peace and health,
dp

Deb Preachuk
www.pilatesintegration.com