Spring brings Change....

Change. Change is the only thing that succeeds. Some fear it. Some don't want to think about it. Some go with its inevitability and creatively make it work for them. That's us - and that's what Pilates is all about -- changing bodies and minds. And breathing deeply as we change......

Seasons come and go and with them, changes in the colors, feelings, and activities that belong to a particular season. For me, this season also comes with a renewed appreciation for the gifts I've been given -- including the opportunity to share my love of Pilates with a wonderful "family" of clients, and of caring, loyal teachers and apprentices. You are all so important to me!

I'm excited about the changes we're making in both our Spring schedule and the ease with which you will be able to diversify your Pilates training with our new program packages and memberships. I hope you will agree.

Thank you for choosing us to be your partner as you endeavor to change....... and reach your health and fitness goals. As we teach you, we learn from you -- and we all change for the better together.

"Action and reaction, ebb and flow, trial and error, change - this is the rhythm of living. Out of our over-confidence, fear; out of our fear, clearer vision, fresh hope. And out of hope, progress." ~ Bruce Barton

Sincerely,

Joy George-Bryden
Joe's Place-True Pilates

The Foot Corrector

An often neglected piece of Pilates apparatus, the Foot Corrector deserves far more attention than it receives! Use of this small, simple but fabulous invention helps strengthen and stretch the muscles of the foot and lower leg, as well as correct imbalances in the foot.

The Foot Corrector exercises are generally done in a standing position, one foot at a time, but they may also be done sitting. Feet and ankles should be warm and limber before using the Foot Corrector, so it is best to do your Foot Corrector exercises near or at the end of your Pilates session.

When performing the Foot Corrector exercises, as with exercises on any of the Pilates apparatus, you work the springs, they don't work you! This can be challenging because the exercises are done standing up with the foot on top of the pedal. It's important to imagine the foot working into the pedal, rather than just on top of it. And of course, scoop your abdominals in and up -- away from the downward motion of the foot.

The springs on either side of the pedal may reveal if the inner edge or the outer edge of the foot is stepping harder or sooner. Correcting imbalances like this can help with knee problems and aid in overall stability of the whole body.

Do all the exercises with one foot first, then stand up on both legs and take time to feel the difference between them. It is likely that the leg you just worked will feel longer, as if it is almost "hanging" from your body. The other leg may feel more "bunched up" at the top -- thicker and shorter. You may realize that both legs felt like this before the exercises and you weren't even aware of it!

As with all Pilates apparatus, correct usage is key. Be sure to learn how to properly work with the Foot Corrector -- it is well worth the effort. And, as simple as it looks, it's actually quite a challenge!