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Feet: They're amazing!

Did you know, feet have one-quarter of the bones in the human body, as well as 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments (www.healthcommunities.com)?!




One body part we don't automatically think about when we thinking about parts of Pilates is the feet, but they play an important role in our lives and in each class! 

Feet: 
1) Support our full body weight
2) Absorb shocks
3) Help propel our legs forward 
4) Help us to maintain our balance 

So much of how we carry ourselves is dependent on our feet and where we keep our weight. It's pretty amazing how much of a role feet can play, and any runner or dancer will attest to this.

When you are in a Pilates class, you will probably hear at least 1 or more cues related to feet. There may be exercises that focus on the feel specifically, but like anything in Pilates it is important to integrate then into all parts of class. It may not seem like feet are an integral part of class, especially if you are new to Pilates, but cues relative to the feet are just as important as any other cue from the teacher. When you stretch your leg out long, the last part of the leg to stretch is the foot. As you roll through the foot from a neutral or flexed position to a pointed position, think about articulating and stretching from the heel, though the arch, to the ball, and then to the toe.

Foot exercises can leave you with better balance, and a lighter feeling as you stroll out of the studio and on to your day!

Have you ever felt a little compressed?

I know I have!

Recently, an article in Pilates Style asked this question, taking a look at some Pilates exercises that address spinal compression specifically. 

For a look at these exercises and the article, click http://www.pilatesstyle.com/2014/pilates-blog/feeling-compressed).

Medically speaking, spinal compression, or spinal cord compression is caused by any condition that puts pressure on your spinal cord (Johns Hopkins). In the case of a medical condition, a herniated disk or osteoporosis, for example, can cause compression. However, the average person can experience spinal compression just by doing daily activities, such as lifting objects or sitting with poor posture. Pressure on the spinal cord can range from mild to severe.



Again in medical terms, spinal decompression is actually a form of surgery, but in a Pilates class we use "spinal decompression" to mean any form of movement that can take some of that compression away.  From breathing techniques to a variety of standing and mat exercises, Pilates is constantly seeking to undo the various forms of compression we experience in our daily lives.  


In Anatomy of Movement Blandine Calais-Germain and Andree' Lamotte teach us that when we bend the spine forward or backward, we must make sure our spine is lengthened first, so that we don’t do any movement from a compressed position. If this is the case, we can actually exacerbate existing spinal compression.

So when we see you in class, keep that great spinal length through the whole class and you'll feel taller, and with any luck, less compressed!

INSPIRATIONAL LIVING: Featuring Jami Long

Jami Long is a fabulous mother of 2 beautiful girls and loving wife of one lucky guy. She is an avid PiYO (Pilates/Yoga) girl and is currently working on regaining her strength and rejuvenating her body and energy after giving birth to sweet little baby #2! Thanks, Jami, for sharing your well written secrets to happiness and health with us!



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Your WHY is what's driving you forward every. single. day. Your WHY is what gets you to tie those shoe strings and get it done! Is your WHY a powerful one? What's your WHY? C'mon lets hear them! Don't be shy.

My WHY is my family. Plain and simple. I am a better wife and mother when I take care of myself. Even if I'm not seeing the end results of my efforts yet, I feel so much more confident when I'm working out regularly. When I'm feeling confident and strong, it shows! And guess what? Hubby notices and he LOVES it. I'm more patient with my children if I've taken some "ME" time that day. So I try and get at least a walk with my dog in every day. No kids, no husband, no phone, nothing. Just me, my music (some days I don't even take that along), my dog and the pavement. It's BLISS and I look forward to it. All that is important stuff, but most importantly, staying healthy is what's going to keep me on this earth longer. That's more time with my family! I'm also leading by example for my young daughters that fitness and a healthy diet shouldn't be a priority bc you hate your body and are desperate to change it, but bc you LOVE your body! So you see it's a positive domino effect that starts with your decision to make a change. That's why I do it everyday.




PILATES WIN: Beating my 5k time using Pilates



Post Race Endorphins!   Me & my sister Kendra who ran beside me!
I am, admittedly, a terrible runner. I have imbalances in my body and get aches and pains after every attempt to run (knee & back). So, naturally, I don't love running and yet, something about it is a bit alluring and keeps me coming back. I want to be good at it...or at least better than I am.  So far, I've run two 5K races in my life.

My 1st Race: TC Harvest Stompede

The run in Traverse City was up and down a wine vineyard was a jog/walk combo that pushed me mentally and physically. I trained a bit by doing a recommended 5k training regimen and injured my ankle & knee the week before the race so I took a break. I, proudly, still managed a 32:14 finish time. Woot, win for me.

Race #2: Fun Run w/Sister

This time around I was going to take it easy and have a "FUN" run. Whatever that is. :) Ha ha. More walk than jog, I guess! I "trained" not by running but by doing Body Barre classes and Pilates (Reformer and Mat). I have never felt like running built the strength the weak muscles of my legs so I wanted the holistic strength Pilates/Barre could give me.  Happily, I admit,  IT PAID OFF! Not a single day was spent running to prepare for this race and I had the muscular strength and endurance to RUN THE WHOLE TIME (no walking breaks).  That's huge. I've NEVER RUN that far without a break.  I clocked in at over 2 minutes quicker than I had in my 1st race = 29:50.

That, to me, is a win.  Not just for my body which is, thankfully, pain free, but for Pilates.  :) I'm thankful I now have this tool in my belt like a secret to working towards better times!
Please visit our website:   

www.pilatesinkalamazoo.com

We offer Pilates Mat & Barre group classes as well as Reformer based Private Sessions. You can now easily find more information on our new website (above) and follow our Living Pilates tips right here on our blog. 

We will continue to keep up with you via Facebook & here on our blog so check back in regularly!