Peak Performance Pilates

Happy New Year! It is the time of year people look at their health regimes. Sometimes we set goals that are too large to achieve in our daily lives. It is great to set goals. But if you cannot meet them, then make them smaller. So I suggest that if you have a full schedule and you do not have time to walk, run or swim (or whatever mode of cardiovascular work that you enjoy) for 1 hour a day, try walking for 20 minutes to start with. If you find yourself suddenly free to take a walk for 5 – 10 minutes, go out and enjoy a short walk.  It is good for the spirit to be outside or have a change of scene, and the walk will energize you.  The same goes for Pilates.  15 minutes of Pilates will refresh you and make your back, muscles and insides feel better. Mr. Pilates said that if 99% of the people did 15 minutes of Contrology every day there would be world peace! The formula for working out is: increase your workout schedule 10% a week, intensity, time, etc. but not more than 10%! But remember, if you spend time watching tv, perhaps that is the time to invest in your health. Good Luck!

Happy Holidays, Joyeux Noel, Buon Natale, Feliz Navidad, Frohe Feiertage, Vrolijke Kerstmis!

May your New Year be filled with perfect health, happiness and harmony.

Best wishes, Jennifer Stacey, MS

Peak Performance Pilates, Pilates + Vacation

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We are proud to announce that Jillian Hessel will be teaching her phenomenal Scoliosis Workshop Friday – Sunday, April 25 – 27, 2014 in the San Francisco Peak Performance Pilates studio. Space is limited so sign up early. For information go to https://peakperformancepilates.com/education/workshops/     Email Jennifer: info@peakperformancepilates.com    Flyer will be coming out soon.

Come discover the joy of Kathy Grant’s Cats, laterals and other intriguing skills that are part of her “Before The One Hundred” and other repertoire in a class on Wednesday, January 8 at 6-7 pm. San Francisco Peak Performance Pilates and The Pilates Collective Studio. Taught by Jennifer Stacey, MS. $28. Details may change (to a longer class). Class size is limited so sign up early. Email Jennifer: info@peakperformancepilates.com. Flyer: KGrant class 1-20141x

Happy Birthday Joe!

Joe Pilates said that The One Hundred “oxygenates” the body.  He believed Pilates increased circulation and was like an internal shower.  A family member of mine had a pulse oximeter measurement (SpO2 – pulse oxygen saturation)  of 86 (she has a lung condition). She then performed the One Hundred breathing sitting up (without pumping the arms, since she had an arm injury) and her pulse ox measurement rose up to 98! She also felt warmer. A different person’s pulse ox also rose from 94 to 99 after performing the One Hundred breathing. A different person started at 89 and ended up 98 after performing the One Hundred breathing. The pulse oximeter measures hemoglobin saturation (The percent amount of HBO2 in total Hb in the blood) .

We are presently choosing the location of the 2014 European  Pilates + Vacation  Retreat with Jennifer Stacey, M.S., July 19 – 26, 2014.  Our next location might be in Algarve in southern Portugal, Como, Italy or we will return to the Perigord, Dordogne, France (the location of the 2012 Retreat)! Delicious meals, invigorating Pilates sessions, sight seeing and relaxing. More details coming. Contact Jennifer info@peakperformancepilates.com 10 hours of Mat classes, 3 hour workshop, accommodation and meals included.  Space is limited! 2013 had a waiting list. Updated information will be coming soon.  peakperformancepilates.com/retreats  Images from 2013 Pilates + Vacation Retreat, flyer coming soon:    

Mr. Pilates knew about warming up before stretching. The One Hundred is highly effective at warming you up, pumping the organs, increasing blood flow, bringing in oxygen and ridding the body of the byproducts of ventilation. Think of it as house cleaning for the lungs. If you are ever cold in any circumstance, try the One Hundred breathing to warm you up. I once did it when I was on a raft trip for over an hour! Otherwise my legs would shake too much to row.

You may find it getting colder, now that fall has arrived. Staying warm is important to your general health as well as your muscles and mobility. Ingest warm food and liquids as well as spices that warm you such as cinnamon and ginger. Wear a scarf or turtleneck to keep your neck muscles warm. Warm up (walk or perform a modified One Hundred) before you stretch. The heat pads you place in the microwave to heat up, are very effective on a stiff back or stiff muscles. Keep your hands and feet warm with gloves and socks. So enjoy the autumn colors while staying warm!

Thank you everyone for participating in my Mat class at PMA in Florida. Thank you for all the participants’ scintillating contributions to the “Addressing hallux valgus (bunions) with Pilates” at the International Assoc. of Dance Medicine and Science in Seattle.  It was great fun! Such enthusiastic learners and bright faces at both conferences.  If you need a hand out of the classes do not hesitate to contact me.