Pilates! Your Holiday Savior!

-This is adapted from a previous presentation.

My Observations:

With over 25 years in the fitness industry I have observed that holiday stress along with some overindulgence of the food & beverage kind often result in increased injuries, illness and fatigue. It also may be a bit more tempting to skip your regular routine of fitness & wellness practices. Instead,use the holiday season to emphasize health, physical fitness and well being. Pilates can be your holiday savior! Pass it on to others!

Why Pilates:

I dedicate my practice mainly to Pilates. Pilates focuses on the core postural muscles which are essential to providing support for the spine. (I often refer to  Pilates as the glue that holds my body together.) This enhances posture and in turn the way you look and feel inside and out. Hence, your energy level will increase providing you with the vitality you need to enjoy the holidays! 

Use Pilates concepts to keep you focused & improve the quality of holiday fun!

Some of the concepts of Pilates are concentration and focus which encourages mindfulness.  Mindfulness instills more thoughtful movements resulting in decreased injuries and movement efficiency. Decreasing the risk of  injury is good! Movement efficiency conserves energy-more energy for holiday enjoyment!

Transform the holidays into a season of health, fitness and wellbeing with Pilates:

Pilates saves your mind and body by reducing stress, relieving tension and increasing your stamina for a delightful holiday season. Make your “New Years Resolution” the day before Thanksgiving (or the day after!)instead of January 1. And remember to apply the Pilates principles to everyday life! Live an active balanced life!

Tips on how to reduce stress, relieve tension and increase stamina for a more enjoyable holiday season.

INCREASE STAMINA AND ENERGY

 Joint Mobilization Exercises: also increases circulation & co-ordination

1) Head Isolations

2) Shoulder Shrugs

3) Hip Circles

4) Jazz Hands

5) Ankle Pumps

RELIEVE TENSION, STRESS REDUCTION

Spine Mobilization: flexion, extension, rotation lateral flexion

Like Joseph Pilates said: “If your spine is inflexibly stiff at 30, you are old. IF it is completely flexible at 60, you are young.”

1) Roll Downs From The Wall

2) Standing Spine Twist

3) Reach Side to Side (Lateral Flexion)

4) In a prone position: Thoracic Extension aka Swan in Pilates land.

Take a moment at the end of the day to sit, reflect, meditate.

Incorporate use of:

  1) Candles

2) Aromatherapy

3) Eye pillow

4) Chocolate!

5) MODERATION!

Live an Active Balanced Holiday Season!

Posted in: Body Awareness, Holidays, Meditation, Mindfulness, Moving Meditation, Pilates, Posture, Stress

Filed under: #pilates, holiday, holiday season, mood