Springs & Resistance

Welcome to the Reformer...this is another Joseph Pilates invention...it works with springs as resistance, you add them and remove them depending on which part of the body you are using or which Level of Pilates you are currently experiencing..or if you have a hangover and wish to take it easy today..

These are great bits of kit, theres so many moves from the Mat you can adapt for the Reformer, but the Mat is the place to start so you get used to the terminology...Neutral Spine, Lateral Thoracic Breathing, Powerhouse - what it is, where it is and how to use and activate it, strength..know your posture type, know your muscles..

If you know someone with a Reformer see if you can have a demo, and see what the benefits are. They arent cheap though, and you need a big room to put them in!
Ive got a cheaper end model which is OK, it compliments the Matwork, introduces you to leg work you can transfer to the matwork too.
No Reformer?? No Room? doesn't matter...get on the Mat..perfect your pilates routine, get stronger, aim to do the Teaser without any struggle and whilst breathing fluidly without tension, that should take you a while..get a Pilates Circle and a band to work with resistance..the Circle was created by JP as well for a good resistance workout on the Mat

I had a chat with someone yesterday who saw a Reformer on QVC and wishes to buy it...great!!!....but do some Mat classes first to introduce you to the Pilates world, as this isn't just another fad or exercise machine like a Treadmill or exercise bike..this should be used as often as possible and correctly, in Neutral Spine, with stability in your pelvis, activating your centre..your TA..if you dont know what the heck I'm going on about, check out a well trained pilates teacher for the answers..then get a Reformer or you may find it gets used as a clothes horse..just like your old exercise bike you sold on ebay...

Stuff about stuff

New love?? The sea and the sand....I dont like the depth of the sea but Im ok in the shallow bit...its powerful and can sweep you away in a second (sounds quite romantic.. if it was a bloke!!)
maybe its my age and experience that makes me more wary of the dangers (again...sounds like a relationship thing going on here! though not so sure how the word "experience" makes me sound..)

Love the wetsuit, love the body board, though I think I will be a fair weather surfer chick, not up for a surf in the rain, unless its with a gorgeous chap in the warm rain of somewhere rather nice...cant see that happening in Cornwall, although its somewhere nice, when it rains it usually cold and miserable, though I'm willing to be persuaded! Maybe...

Love spending time on the beach with Jo and Sally-ann, and their hubbies, Paul & Mike...missing Phill & Jamie, I think I more or less invited myself to the beach fun, but was made to feel very welcome ..thanks guys! Roll on next Summer!!!

Reading lots of big words..

I love reading, recently its all been books on Pilates, I counted them the other day...I now have 33 of them... ranging from stretching books to standing pilates, Pilates for older people to Imagery for alignment...if you want to borrow a book just ask! I am the Pilates Library of Portreath..

Today, Im re-reading Stuart McGills Lower back Disroders, this is a great book..I bought it when I first started on the Level 3 anatomy exams and wanted to know more, I came across Stuart McGill through the internet , hes American , is extermely experienced and knowledgable on the body specialising in the lower back, movement and rehab exercises. What I love about his attitude is that hes open minded but he has his own lab where he experiments his theories on actual people, his facts are scientifically backed with real evidence, so it works..
Prevention is better than cure (so find out more about your body, your stabilising muscle for your Pelvis, your Transversus..get stronger!) But if all you have left is cure to look forward for...then surely going for cure the right way with specific correct precise exercises is the way forward..? Big pat on the back to those who have already been practicing Pilates, big WHY NOT to those who havent..

I'm on page 207 of 273, got a bit more to get through yet ..!

The Sea & Me

I dont have a great relationship with water...& being a Pisces you would think that was a bit weird as we are supposed to LOVE the sea being the sign of the fishes if you believe all that stuff...having nearly drowned as a kid on Brighton beach under the Pier, I've hated water ever since, but I managed to pass my 10 meters at school..just..but I dont like going under the water...even in the shower..the fear of drowning.! (in a shower?! are you mad flower?...well...yes..)

So it took a lot of courage to get in the water with Jo & co this week, but so glad I did, I think it was hearing about Jo beating her water fear and going in the sea, it helped me to do the same.
We all went again today! The sun was out all morning until we got to the beach, then the clouds rushed over to greet us, buggers..

But we had a great time anyway, Phil & Jamie hired proper boards and did some standing balancing acts ...I was very impressed ....these two are great fun, shame they don't live down here!
Sally-ann & Mike were just zooming along, they were going so fast, Mike was steering with his board...hes just asking for a speeding ticket!
Jo had her new rash vest on, as did I and new shoes..lilac!! thanks Jo!!
Cant wait for next time, almost annoyed I cant go on Monday, but Tuesday is looking VERY likely, just before Body Combat!