Peak Performance Pilates

The Olympics is a exceptional platform to observe the principles of Pilates in action. In track and field the following elite athletes move effortlessly, biomechanically efficient and they do not have over-developed muscles: U. Bolt, E. Merritt, A. Felix, SA Fraser-Pryce, and S. Richards Ross.  Enjoy!

The Olympics is an opportunity to observe all sorts of bodies in motion. Try to distinguish the athlete who trains properly in a balanced manner and has great posture (such as Roger Federer) and those who over-work or train in an unbalanced manner. Find the athlete who uses the least amount of effort (biomechanical efficiency) and thus moves in a fluid, flowing motion.  Look to see if the athletes are using their center and their wings. Those coming from the armpits will be superior! Enjoy the ample opportunity to observe many difference kinds of sports – all requiring the principles of Pilates, especially precision. Enjoy!

At our workshop “Follow your head” at Pilates on Tour in San Francisco on July 15, we spoke of moving around 1 axis of rotation.  The Chest Expansion is an example of turning the head around the axis of rotation that is on the top of (the back) of the head (above the top of the spine).  Kathy Grant used to say “‘Listen to someone in front of you’ as you turn your head” (surround listening).  This cue keeps your neck long and moving around 1 axis of rotation (so you do not tilt your head while you are turning it).

I thank everyone who attended the Perigord retreat.  It was a fabulous and enjoyable experience and you are all very talented and inspiring Pilates’ devotees and wonderful people!  Thank you Violaine Bonnin and Marie-Annick Retif for the exquisite house.

Sunday, July 15, 9 am – 12 pm at Pilates on Tour, San Francisco,  Jennifer Stacey, MS and Dr. Chady Wonson, DC, LaC, CTN, CNC will be presenting a unique, scintillating workshop: “Follow your head: Understanding and cueing head position in Pilates.” Flyer: forum POT 2012  For a $50 discount off of the conference use the following code: $50 Discount Code:       STACEYWONSONTOUR50 .  For more information go to: https://bbu.pilates.com/gamma/pilates-on-tour/pilates-SF-2012.aspx?EventID=1180#https://bbu.pilates.com/gamma/pilates-on-tour/pilates-SF-2012.aspx%234

Sleep is a key factor to managing abdominal bloating.  Abdominal bloating can make it difficult to access your abdominal muscles when performing Pilates. So for a svelte look and successful Pilates, try to sleep a minimum of 8 hours a night. It regenerates the nervous system and brain, and regulates hormones. Stress can also cause bloating, so try to take walks, exercise, practice Pilates and any sport or dance that you enjoy, and breathe! Exercise helps you sleep better.

Kathy Grant used to say “chest away from  the chin” when you roll down from a Roll Over. You can apply this image to other skills: In the Hundred or when you are rolling up during a Roll Down on the Cadillac you can think of “the chest running (or drawing) away from the chin.”  The accomplishment of these skills is dependent on thora-columbar flexibility by rotating around your xiphoid axis. It allows you to perform the Hundred with your head in line with gravity (and thus a released neck) and flat abdominals.   More on this topic at Pilates on Tour July 15 with Dr. Wonson and Jennifer Stacey.

Sunday, July 15 at Pilates on Tour, San Francisco,  Jennifer Stacey, MS and Dr. Chady Wonson, DC, LaC, CTN, CNC will be presenting a scintillating workshop: “Follow your head: Understanding and cueing head position in Pilates.” For a $50 discount off of the conference use the following code: $50 Discount Code:       STACEYWONSONTOUR50 .  For more information go to: https://bbu.pilates.com/gamma/pilates-on-tour/pilates-SF-2012.aspx?EventID=1180#https://bbu.pilates.com/gamma/pilates-on-tour/pilates-SF-2012.aspx%234

2012: June 30 – July 7, Come join us for a rejuvenating week in one of the most beautiful areas of France! Jennifer Stacey will teach Pilates at a farmhouse retreat in the gorgeous Dordogne, France near Villefranche du Perigord. For details go to peakperformancepilates/retreats/ .  Pilates’ classes, delicious meals, swimming, relaxing, bicycling, kayaking, canoeing, petanque. Explore the ancient caves, the towns and markets in the area.  For information contact: flyer   Perigord flyer  Jennifer info@peakperformancepilates.com

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