Over the last 7 months I have added Barre Workouts to my own sessions. Wow! No wonder Ballet Dancers have such great legs and bottoms. They use all the Pilates principles along with yoga, isometrics, cardio, kickboxing, balance and posture, trust me, you will feel your thighs burning while doing this workout, and notice after a few sessions how much higher, rounder, and firmer your butt is.
The two Barre workouts I am using right now are Emma Newham's Barre Concept, Emma is now the first person to offer Teacher Certification in Barre Concept in the UK, Australia, Canada, and Ireland. The workout itself is very thorough and you will use every single muscle in your body. Also, if you are not familiar with Ballet, you will learn quite a few Ballet terminologies as well. I did Ballet for 3 years when I was 7, but that's a long time ago and I am having to remember the positions. Emma demonstrates these at the beginning of the DVD.
The Booty Barre by Tracey Mallet is equally as challenging, again using every single muscle in your body, the music is very upbeat and lots of fun. To be honest I can see myself using these workouts for a very long time, because like Pilates every workout is different.
Both DVD's are getting rave reviews in Fitness Magazines, Newspapers and Television. Give them a go, you have nothing to loose, but will gain toned arms, legs, core and butt which is a great thing. Oh! and yes you will feel like a dancer
CHRISTINE SMITH FACE YOGA/ACUPRESSURE TEACHER PILATES REIKI BODY TALK ACCESS
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Loving Pilates
Just been thinking about the many ways Pilates enhances my life, how I incorporate it into my activities around the house, and doing other workouts. Once you have been practising Pilates for a while it becomes part of you and the way to live your every day life, it is not used solely in workouts, body awareness becomes second nature. Sitting at the computer, doing dishes, gardening, bending, walking, cooking, ironing (yep, I still iron) etc.
So! What are you waiting for, give it a try, see why so many people love the way their body feels after participating in a Pilates Class, or a one on one. See why so many athletes are now incorporating Pilates into their routines to make them stronger, flexible, less prone to injury, and be more successful in achieving their fitness goals. You Will Love It.
So! What are you waiting for, give it a try, see why so many people love the way their body feels after participating in a Pilates Class, or a one on one. See why so many athletes are now incorporating Pilates into their routines to make them stronger, flexible, less prone to injury, and be more successful in achieving their fitness goals. You Will Love It.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Winter 2012
Started the year off as I mean to go on, positive that the Universe will deliver to me exactly what I need, when I need it.
I may not have tons of clients but I love the ones I have and they are thrilled with what Pilates does for their bodies, and minds.
It is my mission this year to spread the Pilates word to everyone who will listen, they really don't know what they are missing, especially the guys out there.
I continually upgrade my skills and you can find me constantly reading everything that is Pilates related. I include in my classes what I think will work for my clients, and also what I think they will enjoy. It also helps that I do my own daily practise, I mean, how I can I teach it, if I don't do it, I feel you have to know how it feels in your own body before you can successfully explain and use the imagery necessary to help someone else understand the movement.
The beauty of Pilates is that it can be incorporated into our daily lives, my clients are always telling me how they remember to use the principles when gardening, dancing etc. We also have fun, there is nothing quite like finishing a class with the Seal to make you feel like a kid again.
My other goals this year are to practise more energy healing, Reiki, I do it on myself and those around me but would like to expand so I am now looking for places to volunteer. I will keep you posted on that. Also, Body Talk is also wonderful, for those of you who haven't tried either, go for it, you will feel amazing afterwards.
So enjoy what promises to be an enlightening year for everyone.
Namaste
Chris
I may not have tons of clients but I love the ones I have and they are thrilled with what Pilates does for their bodies, and minds.
It is my mission this year to spread the Pilates word to everyone who will listen, they really don't know what they are missing, especially the guys out there.
I continually upgrade my skills and you can find me constantly reading everything that is Pilates related. I include in my classes what I think will work for my clients, and also what I think they will enjoy. It also helps that I do my own daily practise, I mean, how I can I teach it, if I don't do it, I feel you have to know how it feels in your own body before you can successfully explain and use the imagery necessary to help someone else understand the movement.
The beauty of Pilates is that it can be incorporated into our daily lives, my clients are always telling me how they remember to use the principles when gardening, dancing etc. We also have fun, there is nothing quite like finishing a class with the Seal to make you feel like a kid again.
My other goals this year are to practise more energy healing, Reiki, I do it on myself and those around me but would like to expand so I am now looking for places to volunteer. I will keep you posted on that. Also, Body Talk is also wonderful, for those of you who haven't tried either, go for it, you will feel amazing afterwards.
So enjoy what promises to be an enlightening year for everyone.
Namaste
Chris
Thursday, September 8, 2011
The Body Talk System
The BodyTalk System
Below is more fascinating information on Body Talk
The body is a complex and amazing mechanism, with each of its systems, cells and atoms in constant communication. Unfortunately, the stresses of everyday life can compromise these lines of communications or overload the energy circuits. To address this, the BodyTalk System provides a simple and effective form of therapy that allows the body’s systems to be re-synchronized so they can operate as nature intended – and effectively respond to injury and illness.
The BodyTalk System works by first identifying the weakened energy circuits within the body. The practitioner relies on the body’s inherent knowledge of itself to locate the energy circuits that need repair by using a form of biofeedback, which is a subtle muscle-testing technique.
For every malfunctioning energy circuit found, the practitioner or client contacts the corresponding “points” with his or her hands. The practitioner then lightly taps the client on the top of the head, which stimulates the brain center and causes the brain to re-evaluate the state of the body’s health. The result is that the general energy balance of the body is greatly improved.
The practitioner then taps the client on the sternum to “announce” the corrected energy flows to the rest of the body. This is beneficial because the heart is responsible for communicating the state of the body’s health to the rest of the body. Stimulating the heart by tapping the sternum forces the heart to store the corrected energy patterns in the body’s cellular memory. This means that the body will remember these changes after the treatment.
Below is more fascinating information on Body Talk
The body is a complex and amazing mechanism, with each of its systems, cells and atoms in constant communication. Unfortunately, the stresses of everyday life can compromise these lines of communications or overload the energy circuits. To address this, the BodyTalk System provides a simple and effective form of therapy that allows the body’s systems to be re-synchronized so they can operate as nature intended – and effectively respond to injury and illness.
The BodyTalk System works by first identifying the weakened energy circuits within the body. The practitioner relies on the body’s inherent knowledge of itself to locate the energy circuits that need repair by using a form of biofeedback, which is a subtle muscle-testing technique.
For every malfunctioning energy circuit found, the practitioner or client contacts the corresponding “points” with his or her hands. The practitioner then lightly taps the client on the top of the head, which stimulates the brain center and causes the brain to re-evaluate the state of the body’s health. The result is that the general energy balance of the body is greatly improved.
The practitioner then taps the client on the sternum to “announce” the corrected energy flows to the rest of the body. This is beneficial because the heart is responsible for communicating the state of the body’s health to the rest of the body. Stimulating the heart by tapping the sternum forces the heart to store the corrected energy patterns in the body’s cellular memory. This means that the body will remember these changes after the treatment.
The navel is then tapped out, this part of the body is considered to be the third brain.By tapping the navel, it appears that the changes become integrated at a "gut" level, becoming more fully embodied. Because the body stores the changes made by the brain during the tapping process, this means that every formula or circuit that is corrected builds on the one before.
The BodyTalk treatment protocol is straightforward and requires no diagnoses. The practitioner relies on the guidance of the body’s natural wisdom to not only locate the weakened lines of communication but also to find the proper order in which they are to be addressed.
Just as the body heals a wound with a particular sequence of chemical reactions, the body wants to address all healing in a certain order. This concept is paramount in the balancing process to initiate the body’s ability to heal itself. The healing process usually follows rather quickly.
For more information on Body Talk and the Workshops available check out
http://www.bodytalkcentral.com/
The BodyTalk treatment protocol is straightforward and requires no diagnoses. The practitioner relies on the guidance of the body’s natural wisdom to not only locate the weakened lines of communication but also to find the proper order in which they are to be addressed.
Just as the body heals a wound with a particular sequence of chemical reactions, the body wants to address all healing in a certain order. This concept is paramount in the balancing process to initiate the body’s ability to heal itself. The healing process usually follows rather quickly.
For more information on Body Talk and the Workshops available check out
http://www.bodytalkcentral.com/
Thursday, June 16, 2011
PILATES THE KEY TO A WELL TONED BOTTOM
Practise pilates to perfect your ‘Pippa’ posterior…
WITH Pippa Middleton’s recent revelation that her fabulous physique is down to weekly sessions of Pilates, interest in classes have soared, with everyone desperate to achieve that same breathtaking butt. Pilates is also a favourite with stars such as Jennifer Aniston and Elizabeth Hurley for staying honed and toned, as the effective exercises not only help build core stability but also keep the muscles looking long and lean. It’s certainly worked for Pippa, here’s how it could work for you…
What is Pilates?
Pilates, named after founder Joseph Pilates, is a conditioning programme that focuses on core muscles – notably in the abdomen, back and pelvic girdle. It strengthens, lengthens and tones, as well as helping to improve posture, flexibility and balance.
Founder of Body Control Pilates, Lynne Robinson, who worked with Elizabeth Hurley during her pregnancy, says: ‘Pilates changes the way you use your body. Standing tall and looking so poised for such a long time, as Pippa did for the royal wedding, requires the deep postural muscles to work. Pilates helps build this endurance. It uses subtle and precise movements which really hit the spot.’
The Ultimate Buttock Toner
Lie with knees at right angles, feet resting together on a wall. Place a cushion between your knees. Breathe out and, as you breathe in, squeeze your buttocks and gradually raise your spine from the floor, until you reach the bottom of the shoulder blades. Hold and squeeze as you gently pulse up and down for 30. Lower to floor.
What you will need
All you need for a basic Pilates workout is a mat, but it can involve equipment such as a toning circle that incorporates light spring resistance to safely sculpt, tone and stretch the muscles. Join a class or get a qualified instructor to come to your home.
Celeb devotees
Pippa Middleton says her weekly session of Pilates at a studio near her London home have helped improve her core stability and posture. She says Pilates is a ‘weekly necessity that keeps me fit, happy and energised’.
Jennifer Aniston is also a staunch devotee. ‘It’s great. I had a hip problem. I had a chronic back and pinched nerve and it’s completely solved all of it. I love it. It makes me feel like I’m taller.’
Former ballerina, Darcey Bussell has done Pilates since she was 16: ‘It’s the best thing I have ever done for my body. Great exercise and a wonderful source of meditation.
Feel the benefits
According to its founder, Joseph Pilates: ‘In ten sessions you’ll feel the difference, in 20 you’ll see the difference, and in 30 you’ll have a new body.’ As well as helping to give you a peachy posterior, Pilates will also help you achieve:
• Better posture, body alignment and balance.
• A stronger, more flexible spine.
• Greater body awareness.
• Longer, leaner muscles.
• Improved circulation.
• Increased energy levels.
• Relief from back pain, joint stress, sports injuries and chronic health problems.
• Stronger muscles.
• Better range of motion and freedom of movement.
• Less stress and physical/mental tension
WITH Pippa Middleton’s recent revelation that her fabulous physique is down to weekly sessions of Pilates, interest in classes have soared, with everyone desperate to achieve that same breathtaking butt. Pilates is also a favourite with stars such as Jennifer Aniston and Elizabeth Hurley for staying honed and toned, as the effective exercises not only help build core stability but also keep the muscles looking long and lean. It’s certainly worked for Pippa, here’s how it could work for you…
What is Pilates?
Pilates, named after founder Joseph Pilates, is a conditioning programme that focuses on core muscles – notably in the abdomen, back and pelvic girdle. It strengthens, lengthens and tones, as well as helping to improve posture, flexibility and balance.
Founder of Body Control Pilates, Lynne Robinson, who worked with Elizabeth Hurley during her pregnancy, says: ‘Pilates changes the way you use your body. Standing tall and looking so poised for such a long time, as Pippa did for the royal wedding, requires the deep postural muscles to work. Pilates helps build this endurance. It uses subtle and precise movements which really hit the spot.’
The Ultimate Buttock Toner
Lie with knees at right angles, feet resting together on a wall. Place a cushion between your knees. Breathe out and, as you breathe in, squeeze your buttocks and gradually raise your spine from the floor, until you reach the bottom of the shoulder blades. Hold and squeeze as you gently pulse up and down for 30. Lower to floor.
What you will need
All you need for a basic Pilates workout is a mat, but it can involve equipment such as a toning circle that incorporates light spring resistance to safely sculpt, tone and stretch the muscles. Join a class or get a qualified instructor to come to your home.
Celeb devotees
Pippa Middleton says her weekly session of Pilates at a studio near her London home have helped improve her core stability and posture. She says Pilates is a ‘weekly necessity that keeps me fit, happy and energised’.
Jennifer Aniston is also a staunch devotee. ‘It’s great. I had a hip problem. I had a chronic back and pinched nerve and it’s completely solved all of it. I love it. It makes me feel like I’m taller.’
Former ballerina, Darcey Bussell has done Pilates since she was 16: ‘It’s the best thing I have ever done for my body. Great exercise and a wonderful source of meditation.
Feel the benefits
According to its founder, Joseph Pilates: ‘In ten sessions you’ll feel the difference, in 20 you’ll see the difference, and in 30 you’ll have a new body.’ As well as helping to give you a peachy posterior, Pilates will also help you achieve:
• Better posture, body alignment and balance.
• A stronger, more flexible spine.
• Greater body awareness.
• Longer, leaner muscles.
• Improved circulation.
• Increased energy levels.
• Relief from back pain, joint stress, sports injuries and chronic health problems.
• Stronger muscles.
• Better range of motion and freedom of movement.
• Less stress and physical/mental tension
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)