The Springtime, in Chinese medicine, is known as the time of the liver. The liver is known as "The General” — it’s responsible for directing the flow of energy through all the systems of the body, clearing away accumulated toxins so we can be clean and strong for the summer. When the body is filled with toxicity, The General is overwhelmed, and we can feel sluggish and “stuck” in our bodies.
Joseph Pilates was aware of the value of moving with the seasons and being in touch with the natural world. He always took the winter off to go skiing, and also kept a place in the mountains, where he enjoyed spending time outdoors (there is footage of him demonstrating his exercises outside, surrounded by trees). A regular Pilates workout, together with a gentle shift in nutrition can assist your body’s natural detoxing process, so you can avoid that stagnant, achy feeling, and be full of life for Spring and Summer...
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Joseph Pilates' original sequence of 34 mat exercises are still going strong today... The hundred, the roll-up, single-leg stretch, double-leg stretch…I sometimes feel like I could recite these in my sleep! Trends like Yogalates and Cardiolates, whilst a refreshing change, can be short-lived and we are seeing a return to authentic Pilates, the 34 original mat exercises that were taught from beginning to end...
Pilates was originally called Contrology. Joseph Pilates, the inventor, intended it to be about the art of controlling the muscles... an exercise method where you use your mind to control your body and muscles. The moves he designed focus on core muscles in the "powerhouse" (abs, pelvic floor, lower back), proper alignment of the spine, and awareness of breath....
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Jane McLennanEveryone is the architect of their own happiness. Pilates is my happy place. I love it. There's nothing else like it for strengthening, lengthening and grounding. Archives
October 2017
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