Here are some of my thoughts:

1. It’s harder than it looks. Don’t let the video fool you.

2. From the second I stepped on the equipment I was hyper-aware of my posture. It really made me think about stacking up my body . . . → Read More: Adventure: The CoreAlign Challenge]]>

A few weeks ago Patty from The Lift Pilates asked if I wanted to come try out the new CoreAlign equipment at her studio. I’d been reading so many positive things about it on their blog and since i know how important core training is for my running, I figured it was high time I saw what it was all about.

Here are some of my thoughts:

1. It’s harder than it looks. Don’t let the video fool you.

2. From the second I stepped on the equipment I was hyper-aware of my posture. It really made me think about stacking up my body properly before I even began trying to move.

3. I was working all kinds of small muscle groups that I normally wouldn’t be conscious of. Running is very focused on the larger muscles (hamstrings, glutes, quads) but CoreAlign brought all the smaller, supporting pieces into play.

4. Even though the movements were smaller and more internally focused, I really worked up a sweat. It was kind of surprising.

5. I can see how this form of cross training would help me as a runner. A stronger core, along with proper body alignment and form is only going to make me more efficient at moving.

Check out the video below to see more about how my session went!

Where: The Lift Pilates
758 N. Broadway (Inside Milwaukee Athletic Club)
414-751-8200

What do you guys do for core training?

As a competitive runner for almost 25 years, including more than 20 marathons and the Hawaii Ironman Championship, I wish I had discovered Pilates long ago. After constantly suffering from foot injuries, tight hamstrings . . . → Read More: Pilates for Runners: Guest Author Patty McNichols]]>

Patty McNichols, owner of The Lift Pilates Studio, has worked in the fitness industry for more than 25 years. Since 1984, Patty has worked as an aerobics instructor, a personal trainer, and in management of public and private health clubs, spas, and hospital-based fitness centers. After years of training and racing in marathons and triathlons, she has found Pilates to be the best and most complete system of exercise.

Have you tried Pilates before?

The Lift Pilates Studio is celebrating Pilates Day 2011 by offering a free mat class at 10:30AM followed by a reception with refreshments and snacks. All experience levels are encouraged to attend and everyone will be entered into a raffle for the chance . . . → Read More: Free Pilates Mat Class this Saturday at The Lift]]>

Saturday, May 7th is Pilates Day 2011! (Really, it is.) Pilates Day is an international event produced by the Pilates Method Alliance on the first Saturday of May every year to foster the community’s appreciation and awareness of the Pilates Method. If you’ve ever wondered about Pilates and how it can benefit you, here is your chace to try it out- for FREE!

The Lift Pilates Studio is celebrating Pilates Day 2011 by offering a free mat class at 10:30AM followed by a reception with refreshments and snacks. All experience levels are encouraged to attend and everyone will be entered into a raffle for the chance to win three free mat classes!

Pilates can be great addition to your fitness routine. It focuses on building strong core muscles as well as improving your overall strength, posture and flexibility. (Runners, this can be a great way for you to cross train.)  If you’re up for something new- or even if you’re a Pilate’s pro- stop by the studio this weekend for a great workout.

Where:

The Lift Pilates Studio
758 N. Broadway, 8th Floor
(Inside Milwaukee Athletic Club)

When:

Saturday, May 7th @ 10:30AM

Questions? Contact Rachel at rachel@theliftpilates.com for more information.

What is your fitness background?

I became involved in exercise classes at the urging of a friend many years ago. Prior to that I hadn’t been particularly active, especially not on a daily basis. I began taking step classes and loved the group atmosphere. Soon I was taking 4 to 6 step classes per week. It was often many of the same people in each class . . . → Read More: Your Pilates Questions Answered!]]>

Fit Milwaukee welcomes Angie Sorge (a.k.a. @mrsajbombers or “The A” in AJ Bombers) as she dishes on her Pilates training and how it has changed her body for the better:

What is your fitness background?

I became involved in exercise classes at the urging of a friend many years ago. Prior to that I hadn’t been particularly active, especially not on a daily basis. I began taking step classes and loved the group atmosphere. Soon I was taking 4 to 6 step classes per week. It was often many of the same people in each class and I met a whole new group of friends. Soon I was integrating Reebok Slide, Ab, kickboxing, tai-bo and weight lifting classes as well.

tyle="clear: both">A few years ago, my schedule became so tight that I couldn't seem to find the 1.5 hours I needed to get to the gym and participate in a class. I realized I could run a couple miles and even at a slow pace, finish in less time than it took to change, drive to the gym, find parking, check in, take class, get back to the car and then home again. So I began to walk/run a 2 mile course around my neighborhood. At first, it was more walking than running, but soon I was able to make it through the 2 mile course without stopping. This eventually to led longer distances, two half marathons and 2 full marathons. Throughout, however, I was having quite a time keeping my hips, knees and feet healthy. I knew I was ready to try something different, something with less impact and this led me to Pilates.

How did you first get interested in Pilates?

As I've stated, running was taking its toll on my hips/knees so I had enlisted the help of a massage therapist to help release them each week. She suggested I try Pilates to help stretch and strengthen my muscles without any impact. Whenever I try something new, in an effort to give it a fair shake, I listen and really try to understand what the instructor is saying. After a few Pilates classes, it was amazing to me that she could articulate how to use a specific muscle, to achieve correct form, and I really applied myself to do it right. Its been about a year and a half, and I am still learning, still strengthening muscles I didn't know existed. You never really get to the end. As you build more strength, Pilates gets harder.

How has Pilates changed your body? What are the benefits?

My muscles are long and lean, not bunchy. My midsection is longer (hard to believe, but it is) and my posture is so much more correct. When I first started, my shoulders were so curled forward I couldn't lay down on a mat and have them touch. My instructor actually does a pretty funny impression of what I looked like when she told me to lay flat for the first time! Now, not only are my shoulders more opened up, but my entire back is more flexible. Oh! And my feet are straight! I mean I used to have pain from running - it was because I wasn't aligned. Now that I am, its amazingly different. The alignment has eliminated my hip and knee pain, and even calluses that were on my feet are slowly going away. I'm EVEN and symmetrical!

What's up with those weird looking machines/contraptions? How do they work?

The machine that you most often see associated with Pilates is called a Reformer. Its has a pad called the "carriage" that you either lay, stand or sit on. The best thing about the Reformer is that it supports your weight, so no matter what your fitness level, you can work on it. It has resistance springs that can be heavy to light (depending on your strength level) and pulleys so that you also pull your own weight. And there are many levels of the Reformer, so you never get stuck with the same workout. The stronger you get, the harder the positions become.

In this photo, I am lying on the carriage, in an upper body curl, legs extended and pumping my arms to get my blood moving. Its a warmup move called the "100" and can actually be done on all 3 pieces of equipment and the mat!

This position is called "short spine". My feet are in the straps and begin in a 45% angle away from me. As I bring my legs up and toward my head, I am resisting against the pulleys for a smooth, even lift up and roll down.

The third position below looks quite easy, but believe me when I say that it is not. (Even after just a few of these to get the picture, my legs were trembling from the exertion) .

This "split" position is done with light springs and you must control the carriage by squeezing in with your inner thighs. If I were not to control the carriage, it would have opened completely; I would've been in trouble as I haven't done splits since I was very young! Also, in order to mount the Reformer, you have to step into the center of the carriage, then move one foot to the frame and ankle/toe the other foot to the shoulder block. All while keeping the carriage closed. Trust me when I say that its difficult!

How hard is it to get started? Do I have to be flexible and/or graceful?

Its not hard to get started. If you're committed to learning the proper form, you'll be amazed at the changes you'll see and feel. Its not a sweaty, panting workout like a treadmill or aerobics class, its a deep, inner workout that raises your body temperature. You don't have to be flexible and certainly not graceful. As Pilates is done (1) while extending oppositionally thru your head and feet, (2) using as many muscles as possible at the same time and (3) without music (it can disrupt proper breathing which is very important) gracefulness is not a requirement. Once you get the basics down, one or more of these positions incoroporate into every Pilates move. Its definately a full body workout. As times progresses, you'll develop new strength and new muscles and begin to accomplish things that you didn't think you could do! Its so completely empowering!

If you are interested in trying a PIlates mat class, The Lift Pilates will be offering a beginning class for Fit Milwaukee readers on Thursday nights at 7pm staring on February 25th. This is beginner level class to learn the basic mat exercises without the Reformer or any other machines.

First of all let’s get this question out of the way: What exactly is Pilates? The short answer . . . → Read More: Adventure: Pilates Mat Class]]>

Next on my mission to try new things is a Pilates mat class. Ok, so technically this isn’t totally new for me since I took Pilates back in college but it’s been many many years. Trust me. Anyway, when I decided to rediscover my rock hard abs I was pointed in the direction of The Lift Pilates Studio, located inside the Milwaukee Athletic Club downtown. (Don’t worry- you need not be a member of MAC to take a class here.)

First of all let’s get this question out of the way: What exactly is Pilates? The short answer is that it’s series of exercises developed by Joseph Pilates that focus on the muscles in your “powerhouse”. (Translation: abdominals, pelvic floor, hip joints and lower back). There is also great attention brought to proper breathing and alignment of the spine. Precision and muscle control are very important in the Pilates method as every movement has a purpose. The primary focus is on the quality of movement rather than quantity.

What can you expect if you decide to take a mat class? Well, the days that I’ve attended the class size was very small, which is nice because that means you get a lot of personal attention and adjustments. (The first time I went I was actually the only one that showed up so I got a private class! ) The instructors there are very good at offering modifications to the exercises as needed and give helpful, gentle corrections. I also appreciated that there were straps at the bottom of the mat to hook your feet under sometimes if you needed the extra help. Yes, It will feel like a lot to think about at first when you’re trying to discover the proper alignment, focus on your core and remember to breathe all at the same time, however, please don’t be intimidated! I feel like a broken record when I say things like this but you don’t need to walk into the studio and already be an expert. Why else would you be going to the class in the first place? I by no means have the exercises mastered but when I left the studio last week I felt my abdominal muscles were engaged, my spine was lengthened and my legs felt long and limber. I notice that I want to sit a bit taller in my seat on the drive home and I pay more attention to my posture in general throughout the day. Just think of the possibilities if I keep it up!

If you are interested in an getting an introduction to Pilates there are two mat fundamentals classes coming up. The first is on Saturday, February 6th at 11:30AM and the second is Monday, February 8th at 6:30pm. I’ve also gotten wind of a possible Fit Milwaukee beginner class starting at the end of February. Stay tuned for more information!

Where:

The Lift Pilates
758 N. Broadway
(Inside Milwaukee Athletic Club)
8th Floor
414-324-2219

You can also follow @pilatesmke on Twitter!

If you’d like to get an idea what some of the mat exercises look like before attending a class, I recommend the book The Pilates Body by Brooke Siler. Back when I was originally learning the series I found it a helpful addition to my practice at home. There are detailed descriptions of each exercise as well as modifications for beginners and extras for more advanced levels. There are many copies available right now at various Milwaukee libraries.

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