Issue 3, November 17,2004
From Stacy
I learned a lot of good stuff during this past couple of weeks! I
participated in a Pilates workshop with Alan Herdman from London which lead me
to further research some interesting concepts about health and well being. Also,
I went to see the amazing movie "What the ^%()(*&%$$ Do We Know?" at the
Esquire and had a mind-blowing evening thinking about quantum physics,
perception and habits.
So stretch your spine, take a sip of water and settle in to do some
enlightening reading - there is a lot of good information in this
installment.
Here is the good news: everything we are doing when we do Pilates helps us
in more ways than we can even imagine. And here is the even better news: our
methodology at Pendleton Pilates promotes a fast-track to physical, mental and
even spiritual health.
Sound too good to be true? Here are some examples.
1. Pilates and the Lymphatic System
As you may know, much of the body is made up of water. Part of the
water is in the bloodstream, but far more resides in the lymphatic
system. Oxygen and sugar are transported from the blood vessels to nourish
the cells via the lymphatic fluid. Likewise, wastes from the cells – carbon
dioxide, lactic acid and metabolites – are carried back to the bloodstream
through the lymph fluid.
Like the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system is made up of channels
or vessels, valves and filters (nodes). Unlike the bloodstream system, however,
there is no pump like the heart. Instead, the lymphatic fluid is forced through
the system by the action of the muscles and breathing.
When the lymphatic system is flowing freely everything is fine. When it backs
up, however, there’s trouble. The consequences, can be serious, even
life-threatening Not only can there be a build up of toxic materials,
but improperly functioning lymph nodes can't produce the substances that
keep our immune system functioning. So in addition to being part of
the body’s plumbing and repair system, the lymphatics are an essential part of
our immune system.
Pilates provides just the right kind of muscular engagement and breath work
to keep the lymph system functioning well. Further, since much of the lymph
system is centered around the chest, upper abdomen and neck area and since
Pilates naturally focuses on chest expansion and abdominal/lat control, it is a
perfect exercise system for good health year-round.
2. Breathing
There are so many benefits to deep, rhythmic breathing it is hard to list
them all - but here is a start.
- Proper breathing improves the health of the nervous system,
including the brain, spinal cord, nerve centers and nerves. This
improves the health of the whole body, since the nervous system communicates
to all parts of the body.
- Breathing also
rejuvenates the skin.
The skin becomes smoother and a reduction of facial wrinkles
occurs. (Yippee!)
- The lungs become healthy
and powerful, a good insurance against respiratory problems. Deep, slow, breathing reduces the
work load for the heart. The result is a more efficient, stronger heart that
operates better and lasts longer. It also mean reduced blood pressure and less
heart disease.
resting the heart a little.
- Deep, slow breathing assists in
weight control. If you are overweight, the extra oxygen burns up the excess
fat more efficiently. If you are underweight, the extra oxygen feeds the
starving tissues and glands. In other words,Pilates tends to produce the ideal
weight for you.
- Relaxation of the mind
and body. Slow, deep, rhythmic breathing causes a reflex stimulation of the
parasympathetic nervous system, which results in a reduction in the heart rate
and relaxation of the muscles. These two factors cause a reflex relaxation of
the mind, since the mind and body are very interdependent. In addition,
oxygenation of the brain tends to normalize brain function, reducing excessive
anxiety levels.
3.
Pilates and our Bad Habits
I love the saying, "You
can't think your way into right acting, you have to act your way into right
thinking." And the movie, "What the Bleep," helped clarify this for me. In it,
scientists explain how our habits, both physical and emotional, get hard-wired
into our bodies. So that no matter how much we wish to quit eating sugar all day
long or to stop feeling like a victim all the time, these feelings and desires
get trapped in our body on a cellular level.
The only way we can
change our behavior is to behave differently. Once we start moving our bodies,
mindfully, say in a Pilates session at least twice a week, we start to
re-wire the mind-body synapses so that we can break the cycles that keep us
stuck. Pilates will truly help us get out of our rut, regardless of what rut we
are in.
**
I am so grateful for learning what I've learned from Pilates that I'd love
to share more with all of you. So join me on Thanksgiving day if you can (see
below!) or at my workshop in December.
Also, I want to express my most heartfelt appreciation to Pendleton Pilates'
co-owner Lou Buschle, to our amazing teachers Sarah, Brian, Teresa, Nikki,
Donna, John, Laura, Melissa, Judi, Diane, Anna, Kate and Kate, to the
unflappable Shannon Faith, and to all of you for making this a great, healthy
year.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. And keep coming back.
Best,
Stacy Sims
Thanksgiving Day Bonus Classes - First Come, First
Served!
While your waiting for the turkey cook in your own oven or to
schlep a casserole dish of something fattening and wonderful to someone else's
house for Thanksgiving dinner, take an hour for yourself.
Join Stacy in a workout at the Downtown Studio, FREE, to the first clients
who respond. She will be at the studio for a 10:00 am and 11:00 am class.
Pilates Workshop with Stacy Sims
This advanced technique workshop will introduce
teachers and students to the Pendleton Pilates method. This three-hour workshop
at our downtown studio will invigorate your Pilates practice and expand your
knowledge of the fundamental principles of Pilates. Stacy Sims, Pendleton
Pilates’ founder and head of the Teacher Training Program, will help you get the
most out of each exercise you teach and/or perform and will also explore more
advanced techniques for intermediate and advanced students and teachers.
Pendleton Pilates' students will
enjoy fine tuning their appreciation for the work and be able to reinvigorate
their own practice.
Stacy will have just returned
from a workshop with internationally recognized Alan Herdman, who has a Pilates
studio in London. Space is limited. $30 deposit required to hold your space.
The Class Fee is $100 or $75 for
practicing Pendleton Pilates’ clients. Please call Shannon at 513-478-3232 to
reserve your spot.
Want to
Learn More? New Teacher Training Class Starts in January
Our clients make the
best teachers. And our Teacher Training class is a wonderful way to expand your
knowledge, earn a lifetime of free Pilates, and give back the gift of Pilates.
Check out the website at
Pendleton Pilates Workshops. And call
Shannon or Stacy to ask more about this awesome program.
Don't Forget - Holiday Gift Certificates
Seriously, can there be a better gift? Ask your friends and loved ones to
help you support your own Pilates habit and then pass it on! Give a gift
certificate for an Initial Consultation Series, a Pilates For Golf assessment, a
Mat Class, a Yoga pass or a Thai Yoga Massage!
Trust us.
This is truly the gift that keeps on giving.
Call
Shannon at 513-478-3232 to make arrangement for your gift certificates. And ask
about our Pendleton Pilates Gift Pack! We'll put together a gift bag with our
"Look Better Naked" tote bags, t-shirts, water bottle and gift
certificate.
Share Your Story
We would love to hear from you about why you love Pilates. Did you used to
be in pain? Do you feel better in your clothes? Are you nicer to your spouse?
Please share your stories with us. We would like to be able to include your
words in these newsletters and, perhaps, on our website. So please let us know
if it is okay to reprint your words.
We can all use all the encouragement we can get and perhaps if we work to
encourage each other with our own testimonials, we'll all be stronger for it. As
usual, call Shannon at 513-478-3232 or email to
info@pendletonpilates.com.