Why Pilates?
Why Pilates, out of all the fitness programs and sports and workout options out there? Here’s my story of how Pilates changed my life.
Taking care of our bodies through exercise is important at any age, but as we get older, being active becomes all the more critical.
Aside from trimming down or adding muscle, working out has some serious health benefits for the parts of the body we can’t see. If you need more convincing to get moving, here are 10 reasons why hitting the gym, taking a yoga class or simply going for a walk is beneficial for anyone, especially as we age.
But if you’ve already been diagnosed with a disease or disability, regular exercise can often improve health conditions/complications.
A study showed that 10 percent of premature deaths were caused by inactivity.
If you’re dealing with high blood pressure (as many older...
School is back in session and everyone is getting back into their usual diet and exercise routine.
There is a great desire to shed all those added “summer pounds”. I have overheard clients talking about their dieting habits and how they are planning on losing weight. While most are healthy, I would like to talk about why you should stop skipping meals for weight loss.
Going too long without food denies your body glucose, the sugar that supplies your brain with energy. Without energy, it can feel more difficult than usual to work or perform everyday activities. You will likely get less work done and will be slower to make decisions if you have an empty stomach.
You may want to skip meals to reach a certain weight, but doing so may have an unwanted reverse effect. People who often skip lunch or dinner burn fewer calories overall and spend less total time exercising....
Lauren Santos is a born and raised Miami native who has continuously engaged in sports rehabilitation, and health fitness studies from a young age.
Such as her parents, Lauren has chosen to pursue a career in the realm of medicine to ultimately become a licensed Physical Therapist specializing in sport rehabilitation. Lauren is an active member of the Sports Science Organization where she participates in various events involving exercise sciences and fitness studies throughout the academic school year at Florida International University (FIU). Lauren is as adventurous as she sounds, always creating a comfortable, and welcoming environment no matter where she is. In Lauren’s free time you can almost always catch her working out getting her fitness on or just simply enjoying the outdoors. As a part of the Pilates in the Grove team, Lauren is always willing and able to assist clients whilst on their fitness journey!
Favorite thing to eat for breakfast...
I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve heard “Can I do Pilates when I’m pregnant?” YES! And furthermore– YOU SHOULD! Pilates is a wonderful addition to any fitness program, no matter your experience or current fitness level. But it’s especially beneficial for those who are expecting, for a number of reasons. We’ve narrowed it down to our top three reasons why you should practice Pilates during pregnancy in this blog post
This condition is when the rectus abdominal muscle or “6-pack” muscle separates along the lines alba. In all pregnancies there is a thinning and widening of this fascia as the uterus pushes up against the abdominal wall- but in many women this separation widens greater than the normal 2 finger width and becomes problematic from both a function and aesthetic standpoint.
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I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve heard “Can I do Pilates when I’m pregnant?” YES! And furthermore– YOU SHOULD!
1. Improved core strength, especially of your transverse abdominis, can help prevent a diastasis recti.
This condition is when the rectus abdominal muscle or “6-pack” muscle separates along the lines alba. In all pregnancies there is a thinning and widening of this fascia as the uterus pushes up against the abdominal wall- but in many women this separation widens greater than the normal 2 finger width and becomes problematic from both a function and aesthetic standpoint. The stronger the deepest layer of abdominal musculature is (the transverse abdominis), the more the rectus will be supported and less likely to separate. Pilates focuses on this deep abdominal layer and can help teach you how to engage your TA more...
If you are at all familiar with the history of Pilates you may have heard some of Joseph Pilates’ famous quotes from “Physical Fitness is the first requisite of happiness” to “ The Mind when housed within a healthful body possesses a glorious sense of power”.
Mr. Pilates also firmly believed in the health of our children and held true to his belief in “First Educate the Child”.
Both good and bad habits begin to be formed in early childhood. Joseph Pilates believed that if we could introduce his form of exercise into a child’s routine it would help them create good physical habits early on in life. It was his dream to have children learn his exercise so they would grow up knowing how to properly take care of their bodies. Pilates can help establish a correct foundation of movement that children will use for their entire lives. It will also create a balanced musculature that...
Carrie has a Degree in Exercise Science from FIU, where she also competed as a Division 1 Swimmer.
Her love for Pilates came about while nursing a shoulder injury and trying to find a workout routine she loved after 15+ years of swimming. After a few years of practicing, she completed the Core Advancement Teacher Training at Pilates in the Grove.
Outside of the studio she Coaches swimming and enjoys spending time with her husband and two dogs.
Favorite thing to eat for breakfast
Eggs with GF toast and spinach
I don’t leave home without?
My water
If Joseph Pilates were alive today what would you ask him or have him teach you?
I’m not sure that I could pick just one thing, I’d like to know everything. I think I would have just latched onto his side and followed him around.
What qualities do you admire in a teacher?
Passion, humor, someone who pushes you, knowledge
Top 3...
Breakfast has always been my favorite meal of the day, so much so that I have been known to eat breakfast burritos for lunch and dinner too.
As much as I love the taste of a greasy burrito or breakfast sandwich, my gut doesn’t always agree with me afterwards. I have put together some of my favorite healthy recipes for all my fellow breakfast lovers out there that are not only delicious, but easy to make! Breakfast is important – not only is it the first meal of your day, but it also sets the tone for the next 12-15 hours you spend awake. Let’s make it count!
Vegan and gluten-free
Summer’s here and your regular workout routine has gone haywire!
The kids are home, each one in a different Summer camp which means various drop off and pickup times. Vacations are planned and you miss your usual Pilates classes. Not to worry, you don’t have to wait till Summer’s over to get back to Pilates. All you need is a little space and a mat and voila!
Here are a few of my favorite, very effective mat Pilates exercises that you can do at home.
1. Hundred
Lying on back, knees in tabletop position, arms by sides. Inhale to prepare. Exhale to roll head, neck and shoulders off the floor, maintaining axial elongation. At the same time, reach hands along the floor to hover just off the mat. Keep knees bent or extend legs to 45 degree angle. Inhale for five counts, exhale for 5 counts while pulsing arms. Repeat breathing pattern 10 times and lower back to starting...
Why Pilates, out of all the fitness programs and sports and workout options out there? Here’s my story of how Pilates changed my life.
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