Pilates Works

Take A Look At My Pilates Facebook Page

2010-06-22T07:42:00.000-07:00

I have been dragged kicking and screaming into the realm of Social Media. I've avoided it for a long time because I believed it was a fad that would eventually go away! Alas (I mean good!) it hasn't so I'm embracing it now before it's to late :)

I picked Facebook because almost everyone I know has one and it's an excellent platform for posting videos and other Pilates related stuff.

It also gives you the opportunity to ask me Pilates related questions which I'd be delighted to answer. So if you have a few minutes why not click the link below and take a look? I'll be adding more videos and articles as time allows (I still have to earn a living).

Carol J Bartram
(Pilates Instructor)

My New Personal Trainer Blog

2010-05-08T04:27:00.000-07:00

I know this isn't Pilates relates but hey what the heck. I'm busy promoting my Personal Trainer Blog so I thought why not tell you about it as well :)

You never know if you live in the UK you may just need a Personal Trainer Hull! I have it on good authority that people do actually live here. It's on the East coast of the UK right by the river Humber and although like the rest of the country the weather is pretty cold and damp it's not a bad place to live if you can live with the appalling Hull accent!

The Blog details my Personal Training services and carries a lot of useful posts and articles on all aspects of health and fitness.

So if you're bored and have nothing better to do why not meander on down and take a look. I'm always looking for feedback on the site layout and am always glad to answer any questions you may have on fitness and how to get the very best from your workouts. Just leave a comment and as and when time allows I'll answer them.

I love Blogs they're so easy to set up and maintain and I really enjoy entering into conversations with like minded people.

Jist don't ask me how you can lose 20lbs in a week - you'll get a very short answer :)

Carol J Bartram
(Personal Trainer & Pilates Instructor)

DogPedic - You Will Never Guess

2010-04-21T03:34:00.000-07:00

I know this isn't strictly Pilates related but seeing as I found it while searching for other orthopaedic type stuff and I found it very amusing I thought I'd related to you.

Basically it's a memory foam orthopaedic mattress for guess who, dogs. Yes that's right a mattress for dogs but not just any mattress apparently this will help any dog who suffers from arthritis, hip dysplasia and any other joint disorder.

When you consider how expensive these mattresses are from humans it seems unfair that a dog can get a mattress of this quality for less than $40. If I was to go and purchase one it would cost me a lot more than that. I must admit I was tempted to buy a couple and sleep on them myself.

I suppose these days when we treat our dogs better than we do ourselves it is hardly surprising that a whole industry has been created to pander to the needs of our pets. Mind you once I stopped laughing who knows maybe it good idea. After all it is fully washable, has a nonslip base and a waterproof cover. It's easily portable and least you always know where your pet is after all if I had a mattress like this I know where I'd be most of the time :)

So if you want to have a good laugh or maybe even by one take a look at this DogPedic Reviews page.

Bare Lifts - The Low Down

2010-04-17T04:28:00.000-07:00

Bare Lifts is one of the latest innovations on the market today. Touted as a method of giving us perky breasts without having to resort to block and tackle like under garments!

These little fellows are quite ingenuous they are adhesive backed patches which you place on your breast close to the nipple and then you lift the breast into the desired place and stick it in place. I know this sounds quite painful but I can assure you it isn't.

They are easy to fit and you will feel properly supported. I'm not sure I'd risk a high intensity step class wearing them although in theory they should stay in place.

According to the manufacturer they are also water proof so swimming while wearing them is also possible.

For me it's the not having to wear a bra that pleases me the most I hate the damn things and BareLifts will at least allow you to choose particularly for those strapless dresses.

If you'd like to read my full Bare Lifts Review please follow the link.

Pilates For Beginners - YouTube Video

2010-04-06T04:31:00.000-07:00

I've started to produce a series of videos on Pilates, Pilates benefits and other Pilates tips. I've done this because there is so much wrong and sometimes dangerous information available today that the record should be set straight.

Pilates is seen by many people as a way to eliminate or reduce pain (back and neck amongst others) and if taught properly can do just that. The problem is that many of the Pilates exercises and workouts shown on video sharing sites touted as beginners Pilates are not suitable for people seeking rehabilitation for an injury / back / neck problem.

In fact by trying to copy the workout they could make the problem a lot worse :( I'm not saying the quality of the videos or instruction is poor just that for the average person the so called beginners workouts are far from easy or suitable.

If you would like to learn more about Pilates, it's benefits and how to use the information found on the Internet safely then visit my YouTube channel Beginners Pilates by clicking the link.

Robert Bartram
(Pilates Instructor)

Pilates Beginners Where Do You Start?

2010-02-13T06:19:00.000-08:00

If you're a complete beginner at Pilates where do you start? Most people start with a beginners Pilates book but very soon realize that they just don't have the information a complete beginner needs. They almost always make some assumptions about your current skill level.

Do they teach you the Zip & Hollow in enough detail?
Do the teach how to find Neutral in all positions?
Do they teach How to use a block?
Do they have a detailed video on each exercise
Do they teach you the correct mind set?

I know the answer is no because I've bought most of the Beginners Pilates books available to find exercises for my own classes. The books are good and written by some of the greatest Pilates Instructors in the world but they are not of much use to a complete beginner.

So Carol and I (Bob) decided to create a monthly beginners Pilates Subscription Program that would take a complete beginner (assuming nothing) through a comprehensive and safe Pilates course which would enable them to get the well known benefits of Pilates with minimum risk and at a pace a beginner can deal with - not to slow and not to fast.

To discover whether this program might be for you (because it won't suit everyone) please click the following link The Beginners Pilates Program

Bob Bartram
(Pilates Instructor)

Pilates Power Gym Review

2009-08-17T03:26:00.000-07:00

Are you tired of working out on a family gym that does not fit your body-type or fitness level? Tired of having your workout equipment take up most of the space in your home?

Are you looking for an exercise regime that fits your lifestyle?

It's now possible to solve all those hassles once and for all. Try the Pilates Power Gym.

Multiple resistance levels provide for a more intense and effective workout. This means that anyone can use it regardless of age, strength level, or body-type. In minutes, you can adjust the Pilates Power Gym so that it turns into your individual strength-training machine, crafted to perfection to suit your demands.

Pilates is the perfect way to attain that perfectly toned shape you've always wanted, and now it's accessible to you in the comfort of your home. Pilates can easily be made into any exercise regime that you already pursue, for a extensive workout.

You can concentrate on a special problem area, and work at achieving perfectly toned abdomen, arms, legs, back etc. without increasing muscle mass.

The Pilates power gyms strong carbon steel frame can bear up to 16 stone of weight. The machine also comes with multiple incline levels and various resistance cords in order to allow alterations, according to the needs of the user. It is built to provide absolute comfort, with padded handles, and comfortable foot straps. It allows for the slow movements that are necessary for Pilates to strengthen muscles, and the spine.

The Pilates power gym comes with an instruction DVD, which shows and explains the many unique exercise options available to you with the machine, you can use this DVD guide to try many unique workout routines, and to design your own system.

Unlike most other exercises, Pilates is suitable for people of almost all ages and physical condition, because it is a low-impact method, targeted at achieving the best results.

Pilates is also the best solution for problems such as arthritis, lower-back pain, and bad posture.

It deals with muscle related problems by strengthening the core postural muscles and adjusting body alignment. Doing a variety of Pilates exercises, improves muscle control, muscle strength and improves joint mobility. Although Pilates works best and returns better results if they are used together with other more vigorous exercises including jogging or fast walking.

The Pilates power gym is light and can be stashed away easily, saving you space, while supplying you with all the benefits any regular Pilates machine does, and much more.

Switch to the Pilates power gym and experience a complete full-body workout, in the comfort and privacy of your living room.

For more reviews on At Home Workout Equipment please visit my Blog.

Pilates Instruction And The Hidden Secrets

2008-08-12T07:42:00.000-07:00

When we think of Pilates Instruction we imagine people holding and moving through various poses; working their bodies through a well-balanced sequence of exercises. Most people are well aware of all the physical benefits regular Pilates training can bring, but often forget (or aren't aware) of some of the other, hidden, benefits which are just as important.

Joseph Pilates always intended that his exercise system was to be holistic and was to work not only the body but the mind as well.

If Pilates exercises are to be done well they require smooth and controlled movement, great concentration and synchronisation between movement and breath. All these aspects require you to become "mindful"; not by mistake has Pilates been called the "Thinking Person's Exercise". You cannot do Pilates well if you just throw your body about like you would in an aerobics class. You need to concentrate on what is going on within your body so that you can first learn to activate and then control your deep stabilising muscles.

This deep concentration has another hidden side effect that good Pilates instructors are well aware of. If you are concentrating very deeply to execute a Pilates exercise in perfect form there can be no room in your mind for anything else. Your mind is forced to cease its endless chatter as it focuses on the challenge at hand. This in turn causes your mind to relax and to "forget" (for a short time) about all the other things that were stressing you before the class started like "Did I lock the front door?", "Is my boss going to fire me?", "Does my bum look big in this tracksuit?". You get the idea.

Most people have lost the ability to relax their minds, even for a few seconds .Even when they are sleeping, the stresses of the day, week or year seep through causing them to sleep restlessly, toss and turn, have nightmares, and wake up feeling more tired than they did when they went to bed! This in turn has a knock-on effect the following day as more and more stress is piled upon them.

I soon became aware of this sometimes hidden benefit when my clients started to tell me that the night after a Pilates class they slept like babies and woke up refreshed the following morning.

The Pilates class was not only exercising the body, but was allowing the mind to relax and "vent" some of the stress that had been building up during the day. When we consider how many people stress kills every year, anything that can help you to reduce your stress levels (even if it's only for an hour) has to be a good thing.

I'm discovering over time more and more hidden benefits to regular Pilates training and I'm grateful to the man whose genius invented this fantastic exercise system.

Thank you Joseph Hubertus Pilates.

Imagine living life with a body that is free of aches and pains a body that is straight and strong, that's the promise of doing regular Pilates exercise. I'll show you how Pilates has made me stronger, fitter and more flexible than when I was much younger and how it could do the same for you.

If you would like to learn more about the hidden secrets of Pilates then visit my Free Pilates Exercises website and make a start towards that new you today.

Robert E Bartram is a qualified Pilates Instructor.

Pilates Instruction

Technorati Tags: pilates instruction, free pilates exercises, pilates training, joseph hubertus pilates

The dangers of teaching Pilates!

2008-02-01T05:46:00.000-08:00

Hi,

I just have to blog on this one!

Bob is teaching the Pilates class tonight while I keep house, feed the Ravening Hordes, do the company accounts (bleahh!) and supposedly write an ezine article.
That's the cunning plan, anyway. But he's just phoned from the gym, spluttering with indignation, and when I stop shrieking with laughter I'll explain why:-

He goes straight from working to the gym - he's such a good little sausage. Every day I pack his bag with a full set of clean gym gear to teach in (matching of course; he's such a fop. Asks his classes if his bum looks big in this set of togs; it's a good job they're used to him!)

In the UK you can buy boxer shorts for both men and women; it solves our age-old girly problem of VPL without having to resort to the torture of wearing a thong.

You can guess what's coming, can't you?

In the early morning rush of getting ready, I'd packed him the wrong boxers. He hadn't realised until he tried to put them on in a changing room full of blokes!
My girl-boxers have scalloped legs and cute little buttons on the front - and they're one hell of a lot smaller than his boy-boxers.

I leave the visual to you…but can you imagine the looks he got from the other blokes?!
Well, I'm afraid that instead of being apologetic, I fell off my chair laughing and dared him to tell his Pilates class that he was teaching wearing his wife's knickers.

He was not amused.
Oops :)

All the best,

Carol J Bartram

Technorati Tags: pilates, exercise, boxers

I eat like a bird - honestly! - Part Two

2007-06-28T03:36:00.001-07:00

Hi,

Here's some ideas for you about how to sort out your food problems:

Try keeping a food diary for 3 days, including a weekend day. Everything you eat and drink - EVERYTHING - goes on that list, together with the quantity and the time of day.

If you would like to read the rest of this article about I eat like a bird - honestly! Part Two please click the link.

All the best,

Carol

Technorati Tags: pilates, fitness, health

I eat like a bird - honestly! - Part One

2007-06-14T04:55:00.001-07:00

Hi,

"I eat like a bird - honestly!"

This is what many of my weight-loss clients tell me, while looking at me all wide-eyed and innocent. " I've no idea how I've put on so much weight. I must have a slow metabolism, surely. It's not my fault." Well, ok, I'm a reasonable human being (although not according to some of my clients and my daughter).

If you would like to read the rest of this article about I eat like a bird - honestly! please click the link.

All the best,

Carol

Technorati Tags: pilates, weight loss tips, diet

Tom Cruise gets in shape by doing Pilates!

2007-06-12T06:22:00.001-07:00

Hi,

So, Tom Cruise gets in shape by doing Pilates.
Works for me!

All the best,

Carol

National Ledger - Tom Cruise Gets Buff for Katie Holmes

According to a report from Star Magazine the megastar keeps his body in action-hero shape with a grueling 90 minutes of Pilates every single day. "This is a really tough workout, and it isn’t for the squeamish, but Tom likes to really challenge himself,” a friend tells Star.

Technorati Tags: pilates, tom cruise, fitness, exercise

The T-Bow - Great for your Pilates Exercises

2007-06-06T07:39:00.001-07:00

Hi,

Well I bet you've never heard of a T-Bow or Tbow. Am I right? Thought I was! Actually, neither had I until a few months ago. We were at a Fitness exhibition in London when I saw this - Thing. Looked like a small humpback bridge in bright orange with a blue exercise mat fixed to the convex side. Gaps in the sides meant you could pick it up and carry it like a briefcase. I lifted one - not heavy; I could easily carry 2 and I'm not exactly built like Charles Atlas.

If you would like to read the rest of this article about the T-Bow please click the link.

All the best,

Carol

Technorati Tags: pilates, tbow, t-bow, exercise, fitness

Pilates and Osteoporosis - Part Three

2007-06-04T04:45:00.001-07:00

Hi,

And here is the last part of the article on osteoporosis. If you do have osteoporosis – and you MUST take your doctor’s advice before doing any exercises – here are a few “do’s” and “don’t’s”:

If you would like to read the rest of this article Pilates and Osteoporosis - Part Three please click the link.

All the best,

Carol

Technorati Tags: pilates, osteoporosis, exercise, fitness

Pilates and Osteoporosis Part Two

2007-05-31T04:37:00.001-07:00

Hi,

And here come the Do's regarding osteoporosis.

Try not to get it in the first place! We rarely think about the future when we're young too busy living. But, like our pension, our bones are something we should invest in before we start having problems with them. When you are eighteen, you can't be bothered thinking about your pension. When you are fifty-eight you wish you had!

If you would like to read the rest of this article Pilates and Osteoporosis - Part Two please click the link.

All the best,

Carol

Technorati Tags: pilates, osteoporosis, exercise

Be kind to your Parents

2007-05-25T03:47:00.001-07:00

Hi there,

This nothing to do with Health, Fitness or Pilates, and everything to do with being a parent. I wrote this for our pre-teen daughter, whom I love dearly despite my exasperation! She was actually quite amused by it. Although she'd die rather than admit it :)

Be kind to your parents

Be kind to your parents
Even though they whine and moan
And pester you to say "Hello"
And eye your clothes and groan
Be gentle to your parents
Even though they give you grief
By telling you "It's time for bed"
And "Have you cleaned your teeth?"
Why must they get so crabby
When you sulk without a word?
Why can't they see a parent's place
Is NOT seen and NOT heard?
Why don't they get their duty
Is to fill the fridge with cheese?
Why must they keep insisting
on stupid words like "Please"?
They exist to buy you ipods
Put crisps upon the shelves,
If you'd known what they were really like
You'd have specified House - Elves!
You think they're prehistoric
You really, truly do
But it isn't long ago they thought
Theirs were prehistoric too!
So be kind to your parents,
Smile when you're waited on
Be gentle with those Dinosaurs
You'll miss them when they're gone!

All the best,

Carol

Technorati Tags: parents

Pilates and Osteoporosis - Part One

2007-05-25T02:38:00.001-07:00

Hi,

Ok, so what about Pilates and osteoporosis? It’s more a series of “Don’ts” from the look of it. If there’s any osteoporosis in the thoracic spine – the bit between the shoulderblades – over time the spine will crumple in on itself to form what is known as “Dowager’s Hump”. And at this point it gets nasty…seems like just about ANYTHING (including sneezing) can cause the vertebrae to fracture. Don’t like the sound of that!

If you would like to read the rest of the article Pilates and Osteoporosis - Part One please click the link.

All the best,

Carol

Technorati Tags: pilates, osteoporosis, fitness, health

A tale of two ladies

2007-05-18T00:40:00.001-07:00

Hi,

Once upon a time there were two ladies who had been friends for most of their lives. They met at primary school, went through the giggles and general insanity of the Teenage Hormone years together, kept the other one sane at their respective weddings and were godmothers to each others' various offspring....

A tale of two ladies

Technorati Tags: pilates, health, fitness

Pilates - You Can Be Sincerely Wrong

2007-05-16T01:21:00.001-07:00

Hi,

Sometimes I see people exercising with such bad form that it makes me want to shoot myself. My lecturer Alan(Yoda) told me once that, when I qualified, I wouldn’t see dead people, but bad posture. He was right. Boy, was he right...

Pilates - You Can Be Sincerely Wrong

All the best,

Carol

Technorati Tags: pilates, exercise, training, stretch

Do Pilates, Live longer - Part Two.

2007-04-26T00:58:00.001-07:00

Hi,

This is the continuation of my article on stress. My advice is avoid it wherever possible!

All the best,

Carol

Do Pilates, Live Longer - Part Two

Sometimes we have been suffering from stress for so long that we almost get used to it. This is dangerous as we then regard the way we feel and act as “normal”, simply because we cannot remember being any other way...

Technorati Tags: pilates, stress, exercise, relax

Pilates and how to scare your clients!

2007-04-19T04:39:00.001-07:00

Hi,

This has been billed as The Next Pilates.
Hmm...maybe if you're a seagull. Personally, I can't see it happening in my classes; some of my clients get vertigo doing Side Bends!

All the best,

Carol

WiredBerries: In Mid-Air: Suspension Training

In Mid-Air: Suspension Training
by Valerie Nahmad

Meet the latest, greatest exercise craze--suspension. Billed as "the next Pilates," suspension training utilizes gravity and body weight to work the total body, with a special focus on the core.

Technorati Tags: pilates, exercise, training, stretch

Do Pilates, live longer!

2007-04-15T03:13:00.001-07:00

Hi,

This is an article I wrote a few months ago about stress. I was stressed when I wrote it! People do not realise the insidious damage that stress causes to health, mental and physical, when experienced on a long-term basis. Have a read of this. Then examine your own life and sort your stress before it sorts you!

All the best,

Carol

Do Pilates, live longer Part I

Technorati Tags: pilates, stress, exercise

Pilates apprentice (slave)

2007-04-01T07:59:00.001-07:00

Hi,

My name is Bob Bartram and I'm the other half of the Pilates team here in the sunny UK.

I have a full time job, so I only get to teach Pilates part-time in the evenings :(

I am a qualified Pilates Instructor and Hypnotherapist, so as well as teaching Pilates I manage to squeeze in a couple of Hypnotherapy clients per week as well. (Phew, life is busy!).

My wife Carol is a hard task-master as she wants me to take over some of her evening classes, but not until "I'm ready" lol. So I'll be taking over some of her classes soon but she gets to keep all the money! How unfair is that? Pilates Apprentice indeed, more like Pilates Slave!

Still, I enjoy teaching Pilates; it relaxes me, almost as much as self-hypnosis.
Over the next couple of months, I'll be posting on my experiences as a Pilates Slave, oops, I mean Apprentice. I'll also be sharing some of my "Mind Management" experience to help you get the most from your own Pilates practice.

Remember "You can't have a change without making a change" so make a change today by really investing time and effort into your Pilates training. You won't regret it and it will pay you back in spades, I promise you. It did for me :)

All the best,

Bob Bartram

Technorati Tags: pilates, instructor, exercise, hypnotherapy

Free Pilates Exercises!

2007-03-29T07:48:00.001-07:00

Hi,

I have finally got my www.free-pilates-exercises.com Web site up and running.
It's nothing fancy, but I intend to add content and articles to it on a regular basis. It's my baby!

What I hadn't realised, was just how much time and effort it takes to get even a simple Website up and running. So why don't you go take a look and let me know what you think. Personally, I'm going to sit down!

All the best,

Carol

Technorati Tags: pilates, free, exercises, stretch

The Horror!

2007-03-25T04:45:00.001-07:00

Hi,

I've just read the following article and just had to comment!
In an earlier post entitled why don't more men do Pilates I think I now know!

Nina should consider herself very lucky she could move out of the line of vision. Pity the poor Pilates Instructor who has to check the form of an entire class waving their limbs around! No escape for them! There have been times when I have wished for blinkers like a dray horse...

I used to just politely "suggest" that male clients wore tracksuit pants "for their own comfort". I now hysterically insist, after one incident involving an octogenarian wearing baggy shorts, a sidelying leg lift and full view of the "last turkey in the shop"!!
I was close to needing counselling, remedial hypnotherapy and a large drink after that...

All the best,

Carol

About Nina: pilates

About five minutes into it I looked up from between my legs only to see a pair of rather impressively hairy legs. Just as I was about to make a mental note to myself to finally shave my own limbs I realized the pair I was looking at belonged to a guy.

Technorati Tags: pilates, fitness, health, weight, stretch

A different take on Pilates :)

2007-03-18T06:53:00.001-07:00

Hi,

I thought this article would give you a good laugh.

All the best,

Carol

Pillow Talk | Men | Health | Telegraph

Dear Ruby,

My wife is obsessed with Pilates. I used to think she had a crush on her teacher, but when I met him (former ballet dancer, camp as a row of tents) I realised I had nothing to fear.....

technorati tags:pilates, fitness, health, stretch

Cardiolates sounds like a new coffee!

2007-03-15T07:47:00.001-07:00

Hi,

Hmm...have a read of this latest article entitled "cardiolates" and see what you think. Personally, my jury is out on this one. Rebounding, which is jumping to the beat on a mini trampoline is indeed an excellent calorie-burner, and 500 kcals an hour is about right. Although I think you'd have to be fitter than Paula Radcliffe to do it for an hour. I've taken the Urban Rebounder Instructor course, and it nearly did me in! Made me realise I was nowhere near as fit as I thought! Excellent course, and they insisted on good posture for all the moves, but combining this with Pilates? Dunno!
But, hey...I'm as open-minded to new ideas as the next anally retentive, posture-obsessed Anorak! What I say is...show me the DVD and I'll give you my opinion...!

All the best,

Carol

Cardiolates helps burn 500 calories per hour, corrects posture - Turkish Daily News Mar 15, 2007

The latest craze in the fitness world is cardiolates. The new workout is a cross between cardio and pilates. It is both fun and helps burn 400-500 calories per hour. We researched everything you need to know about this new exercise…

Technorati Tags: pilates, cardio, fitness, calories, weight, loss

Why don't more men do Pilates?

2007-03-13T06:32:00.001-07:00

Hi,

I see very few men in my Pilates classes (apart from my husband), and most of those don't stick with it for more than a few sessions. This is a pity because men are generally less flexible than women and the types of training they do (weight training and things like manic running and cycling...men don't do things by halves!) also tend to leave them with tight muscles. And they don't stretch. Bad boys! I think they feel that Pilates is only for "girlies" and real men don't need it....
I and the New Zealand rugby team would beg to differ. Try telling them it's exercise for girls!
Tip: Wear full body armour when you do so...:)

All the best,

Carol

Health: Pilates-Life Style-Driving-TimesOnline

Think you’re too macho for Pilates? Tell that to the New Zealand All Blacks, who use these apparently gentle stretching techniques as part of their basic fitness programme.

Technorati Tags: pilates, strength, stretching, fitness

Why I'm not crazy!

2007-03-12T03:16:00.001-07:00

Hi,

I'm 44 years old, my knees (and most of my body) still works. I never did like doing a lot of high impact training and I never taught it. Looks like I was right :)

All the best,

Carol

The exercise craze that crippled a generation-Life Style-Health-TimesOnline

Hardest hit were the instructors. “I would be taking 20 classes a week,” said Ebony Williams, who now teaches Pilates. “My knees are painful and swollen, I’m seeing a chiropractor for my back, and I have to have regular massages. All the instructors I knew have had the same problems with their knees, back, joints and shoulders.”

Technorati Tags: pilates, fitness, pain, chiropractor, exercise

Can Pilates help me lose weight?

2007-03-07T02:18:00.001-08:00

Hi,

Pilates is not an exercise system designed for quick weight loss. Which I don’t agree with anyway. Sorry about that; shoot me. An average Beginner Pilates class lasting one hour will typically burn as many calories as walking for the same time - approximately 240 Calories. Not too shabby I’m sure you’ll agree, but if you compare it with an hour on the cross trainer which will burn 500-600 Calories you can see Pilates doesn’t even come close. So to answer the question “Will Pilates help me lose weight?” the answer is yes, but only in conjunction with a cardio and strength training programme. However, when you put these three factors together, then the results are gang-busting!

All the best,

Carol

Technorati Tags: pilates, lose,weight, loss, fitness, lean, muscle, history

Why wait until you've had an accident to try Pilates?

2007-03-05T07:53:00.001-08:00

Hi,

Practicing Pilates regularly strengthens you from the inside out.
From a firm foundation you can build a strong and supple body, one that is less likely to injure itself during your normal daily activities.
Would Pilates have helped Jenny with a fall from her bike, well probably not but it will shorten her recovery time.
Read the article and see what you think.

All the best,

Carol

It's all gain - without the pain | Health | Telegraph

Cyclist Jenny Kingsley always dismissed Pilates as a New Age gimmick. Then she broke her hip and was forced to reassess her prejudices

Technorati Tags: pilates, hip, fitness, stretch, weight, loss

My husband Bob has passed his Pilates Matwork exam

2007-03-01T02:32:00.001-08:00

Hi,

At last my husband Bob has passed his basic Pilates Matwork qualification!
I now have someone I trust to cover my classes in case I'm off work sick.
He is now getting in his supervised hours under my watchful gaze lol. No mercy! Conversations in our house are getting very animated as he has his own ideas on how a Matwork Class should be run.

It has made me think, and in some cases re-evaluate some of my own teaching practices and style. Like anything else in life that we strive to be good at, we need to be constantly learning and adding to our skills. Pilates is no different. If we don't question what we do, how will we ever improve?

So although it's adding a lot more work for me at the moment bringing my husband "up to speed", it has refreshed my own knowledge and given me some valuable insights about how I can improve my own teaching.

Well done Bob!

All the best,

Carol

Technorati Tags: pilates, fitness, stretch, lean, skills

ACE predicts Pilates will be more popular in 2007!

2007-02-22T01:11:00.000-08:00

Hi,

ACE (American Council on Exercise) has produced it's 2007 fitness trends predictions. Unsurprisingly Pilates and Functional Fitness (remember Pilates is a functional exercise programme) and other mind body exercises are predicted to become more popular this year (2007). People are starting to realise that practicing Pilates regularly can improve the quality of their lives both physically and mentally.

All the best,

Carol

ACE Makes Fitness Trend Predictions for 2007

Survey Results Highlight Forecast of Hundreds of ACE-Certified Fitness Professionals

ACE Makes Fitness Trend Predictions for 2007 Survey Results Highlight Forecast of Hundreds of ACE-Certified Fitness Professionals

Technorati Tags: pilates, exercise, fitness

Menstrual cycle injury risk!

2007-02-13T02:32:00.000-08:00

Hi,

I knew it! Men have everything easier than us...just read this article. How unfair is that? Not only are we landed with periods for most of our lives, but now we are more likely to get injured in between them! That's it...from now on I'll make sure my other half gets injured too. Bring on the PMS!

This article is not specifically Pilates related but was interesting enough for me to bring it to your attention. It may help you exercise more safely if you bear the results of this study in mind.

All the best,

Carol

Menstrual cycle injury risk - Women are more likely to injure themselves at specific times in their menstrual cycle, research suggests.

BBC NEWS | Health | Menstrual cycle injury risk link

technorati tags:Pilates, injury, exercise

Pilates can reduce the BMI of young girls

2007-02-11T07:30:00.000-08:00

Hi,

This is an interesting abstract detailing the effects of 4 weeks of Pilates on the BMI of of 30 eleven-year-old girls.
The conclusion? "The girls enjoyed Pilates, and participation for 4 weeks lowered BMI percentile. Pilates holds promise as a means of reducing obesity".

Now as a Pilates Instructor, this result is very interesting. I know that doing Pilates will burn some calories, but it can hardly be classed as high intensity aerobic exercise! I always recomend my clients do Pilates, aerobic AND strength training exercises if fat loss is their primary goal. So why did the girls' BMI go down? Answer? Because they were doing SOMETHING that got their muscles moving!
It just goes to prove what I've always believed. Get people to do ANY exercise consistantly and they can expect results. Make a change and you'll get a change!
You have to get off the couch! Now! So what are you waiting for? Get up and do something (and remember to include Pilates in your programme for optimal results :)

All the best,

Carol

ScienceDirect - Preventive Medicine : Effect of 4 weeks of Pilates on the body composition of young girls

Effect of 4 weeks of Pilates on the body composition of young girls

Technorati Tags: pilates, obesity, exercise, bmi

Free Ebook 'The Basic Secret of Pilates'

2007-02-08T02:11:00.001-08:00

Hi,

I thought you might be interested in my free Ebook "The Hidden Secret of Pilates". An Ebook that will teach you step-by-step the MOST IMPORTANT exercise in Pilates! Once you have learned this secret exercise you are on your way to a FIRMER, LEANER MORE TONED BODY and it won't cost you a penny!

It will be like having a Pilates Instructor at your side teaching you the correct way to perform this exercise! You need no expensive, bulky equipment, no fancy gym clothing & no costly footwear. All you need is your body and "The Hidden Secret of Pilates".

If you'd like this Free Ebook just enter your name and Email address below and I'll send it to straight away.

All the best,

Carol

technorati tags:pilates, free, book, exercise, gym

Don't let this happen to you!

2007-02-06T04:18:00.001-08:00

Hi,

This is an excellent article and highlights a problem not many people pay a great deal of attention to. One of the benefits of Pilates is that the exercises are balanced (or should be if the instructor is qualified) so the muscle imbalances mentioned in the article aren't an issue. In fact practicing Pilates on a regular basis will help to correct any muscle imbalances you already have.

All the best,

Carol

IF THERE is one glaring false assumption made by the fitness industry in its attempts to lure us to the nearest gym, it is that we sign up as members purely to get fit and healthy. What really drives those who pay a monthly subscription to these temples of bodily worship is vanity.But what happens when the good intentions backfire? What if one step-up too many leaves you with calf muscles like footballs or non-stop spinning gives you thunder-thighs?

The Brunei Times

technorati tags:Pilates, exercise, imbalance, muscle, instructor

Anyone can do Pilates

2007-02-05T04:05:00.001-08:00

Hi,

Just goes to show anyone can do Pilates! It really doesn't matter what your age or fitness level Pilates done regularly will benefit you.
Many people are put off Pilates because they think it is only for gymnasts and dancers, this article points out that it just isn't true.

All the best,

Carol

Three generations joinMonday, February 05, 2007BY ANNE especially to the TimesYou don't have to be a fitness buff to know that Pilates, the exercise method that strengthens the core of the body, is hot.

Three generations join

technorati tags:Pilates, dancers, gymnast

Can Pilates work miracles?

2007-02-04T06:11:00.000-08:00

Hi,

A client of mine (we'll call her Mary), came up to me after class and said "I don't think this Pilates stuff is working for me. I don't feel any difference." Now Mary is a fairly new client of mine and has been to 2 classes in the space of 3 weeks. The thing is, Pilates is good. Very good. But not that good! Even God Himself took 6 days to create the Earth...so to expect results straight away is a trifle unrealistic. I pointed out to Mary that it had taken a lifetime of poor posture and the bearing of two kids to reduce her body to this state, and it would take a little while to reverse it! Can Pilates work miracles? Yes but not by Tuesday!
Pilates is a way of life. Its principles need to be incorporated into everything you do, from bending down to pick up a toothbrush or putting your child into a car seat to walking and all the other normal activities of daily life. If you practice Pilates regularly and follow these principles, then after a while they will become second nature and you won't remember a time when you didn't engage your deep stomach muscles and bend your knees to pick up that box from the floor. You also won't remember a time when your back hurt to do it because you'll have developed a stronger, leaner and fitter body that is better prepared for the rigours of real life. Now wouldn't that be a miracle?

All the best,

Carol

technorati tags:pilates, back, pain, exercise

Pilates can help people suffering from Parkinson's disease

2007-02-03T07:58:00.001-08:00

Hi,

Another article talking about the benefits of Pilates, this time helping people with Parkinson's disease. This comes as no surprise because Pilates done correctly encourages muscle strength and smooth movement.

All the best,

Carol

(National) February 2, 2007 - An exercise regiment designed for dancers is now a possible treatment for Parkinson's patients.By the way 59-year-old Dan Baker stretches and bends, you wouldn't know he has Parkinson's disease.

WIStv.com Columbia, SC: Health Alert: Pilates for Parkinson's

technorati tags:Pilates, parkinsons, exercise, muscle, strength

Skype me with a Pilates question

2007-02-02T02:51:00.000-08:00

Hi,

Cyber-Dinosaur here! Fortunately for me my husband is a computer genius (Ohh I hope he never sees this post) and he has placed a "Skype me" button on this Blog.
So if you have a question you would like answering about Pilates or Health & Fitness please "Skype Me". I may not be able to take your call straight away but please leave a message and I'll contact you as soon as I get home.

All the best,

Carol

Cyber Dinosaur!

2007-02-01T08:36:00.001-08:00

I suppose this is like a cyber Notice Board. Cool idea. I get the hang of these “techie” ideas eventually!
Several millennia after everyone else.
So to all you cyberdudes out there reading this…
I admit it – I’m a cyber-Dinosaur!!

But I’m one hell of a Pilates instructor…….

And where Pilates is concerned, I practice what I preach. So any tips, ideas and exercises I give you have been used on real people with real lives and real problems!

Yesterday, one of my long-time clients, Jayne, brought me an exercise sheet that she’d been given by the physiotherapist she periodically goes to see. And guess what?

Yep, every exercise on that sheet are ones that we do in class regularly!

Bottom line? This stuff works. But you’ve got to stick to it. No use just doing the exercises a few times and giving up. It’s got to become part of your life – just like brushing your teeth. And with the exercises I’ve got lined up for you, it won’t take much longer that that.

So WATCH THIS SPACE!

All the best,

Carol

technorati tags:Pilates, physiotherapist, exercise

Demi Moore and Pilates

2007-02-01T01:29:00.001-08:00

Hi,

Demi Moore has ditched her punishing exercise regime. Apparently she used to train up to six tmes a day and perform hundreds of crunches. She now accepts she needs to treat her body with more care. She says, "Now I do brisk walking as it has less impact on the bones. I also do Pilates to stretch and elongate the muscles, and some light weights."

The nice thing about Pilates training is you can do it at any age. Because it is very low impact you are not going to do yourself any harm. As we get older it becomes more important we consider carefully how much damage our exercise regime is doing to our body.

Pilates can only do us good it strengthens our bodies from within, makes us feel good, relaxes us and on top of all that it's fun too.

All the best,

Carol

MOORE DITCHES PUNISHING EXERCISE REGIME

Movie Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)
2007-01-30 05:13:14

Technorati Tags: pilates, moore, stretch, tone, strengthen

Marked for termination!

2007-01-31T04:11:00.001-08:00

Hi,

Hmm the terminator doing Pilates not an image I want in my head!

The following article highlights an important point. Many overweight people when they first start exercising injure themselves badly enough during the first 4 weeks of training that they are forced to stop. It has been my experience that even 10 mins on the treadmill can be to much for some people. Why? Because their core stability is so weak they don't have a stable enough platform to perform the exercise(s) safely.

The answer is to strengthen your core and stability muscles first by practicing a discipline like Pilates and then combine it with Cardio and Strength training.

This way you get the best of all worlds and are much less likely to injure yourself.

All the best,

Carol

Perhaps The Terminator should switch to Pilates. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has set the standard for fitness while occupying the California Governor's Office, also has had some high-profile injuries.

Don't terminate exercise routine -- just do it carefully - Orlando Sentinel : Health Medicine

Technorati Tags: pilates, strength, training, cardio, injury

The benefits of Pilates

2007-01-31T02:17:00.001-08:00

Hi,
The benefits of practicing Pilates regularly are many for both mind and body.
See for yourself by reading my introduction to Pilates.

All the best,

Carol

The Pilates Method Exercise for LifeThe Pilates Method represents a unique approach to exercise that develops body awareness, improving and changing the body's postural and alignment habits and increasing flexibility and ease of movement.............

Pilates Benefits

technorati tags:Pilates, exercise, muscle, strength

Are you shrinking!

2007-01-30T05:11:00.001-08:00

Hi,
Are you getting shorter?
Research from Harvard University suggests that from our forties onwards we can lose as much as 1/2" per decade! Some of this shrinkage is due to loss of bone density, but most of it over 60% comes from bad posture.

So improve your posture by practicing Pilates regularly and stop the rot!
As I'm already short (vertically challenged) I'd better take my own advice :)

All the best,

Carol

technorati tags:Pilates, parkinsons, exercise, muscle, strength

How to avoid injury while skiing

2007-01-30T00:58:00.001-08:00

Hi,
This article mentions the importance of flexibility in injury prevention but misses another important benefit Pilates can give you. Pilates training aims to strengthen your "core" and other deep stability muscles giving you a more stable platform to ski from. I shall be expanding on this topic later.

All the best,

Carol

“Think about it,” says Dr. Paul Sethi, an orthopedist and sports medicine specialist affiliated with Orthopedic and Neurosurgery Specialists in Greenwich, Conn. “It’s a sport that involves propelling yourself down a mountain on what amounts to two sticks.” And often under less-than-ideal circumstances.

Northwest Herald - Snow Patrol: To avoid injury, make careful, healthy choices before you hit the slopes

technorati tags:ski, injury, pilates, core

Can Pilates make me stronger and leaner

2007-01-30T00:15:00.000-08:00

Hi,

Pilates can certainly help you get leaner and stronger although to “Lose Weight” it will be necessary to use other exercise disciplines as well (Cardio & Strength Training).
The following article answers the question nicely.

All the best,

Carol

Question: Can Pilates make me leaner or stronger? Are there different types of Pilates?

Many forms of Pilates can work, given time

technorati tags:Pilates, strength, exercise, cardio

Warning over Pilates safety

2007-01-29T03:38:00.001-08:00

Hi,
The following article highlights the dangers of being taught Pilates by an unqualified instructor or an instructor who has only done a weekend course.
Always check your Pilates instructors qualifications before you sign up for classes and if your not happy find another instructor.

All the best,

Carol
BBC NEWS | Health | Warning over Pilates safety

Warning over Pilates safety woman in yoga position health Which? looked at yoga and Pilates instructionYoga and Pilates fans could be risking injuries because classes are taught by untrained instructors, consumer experts have warned.

technorati tags:pilates, instructor, qualified

Pilates can help with lower back pain

2007-01-29T03:16:00.001-08:00

Hi,
No surprise to me that Pilates can help with lower back pain :)
I think that Pilates if taught correctly is one of the most effective and the safest exercise system you can use to help people with back problems (As with all exercise if you suffer from a back problem you must get your doctors permission before staring any exercise regime including Pilates.)
All the best,
Carol
The following article may be of interest to you.
Pilates Exercises can Help with Low Back Pain
Pilates Exercises can Help with Low Back pain physical therapists are integrating PIlates into their low back rehabilitation programs with great success.

technorati tags:pilates, back, pain, lower, exercise

Check me out!

2007-01-28T08:13:00.001-08:00

Hi,

Unlike a lot of these Blogs I am a real person with real qualifications.
Please checkout my health and fitness Web site and see for yourself.
This way you will know I can give you informed and qualified advice.

My web site

All the best,

Carol

technorati tags:pilates, fitness

Pilates Works

2007-01-28T06:53:00.000-08:00

Hi,

My name is Carol Bartram and I live in Hull, East Yorkshire, UK. I'm 43 years old and have a passion for personal fitness and Pilates. I am a qualified Personal Trainer, massage Therapist and Pilates Instructor.

I have created this Blog to show you the benefits regular Pilates training can bring. Remember "Pilates Works" It has worked for me now I'll show you how it can work for you!

All the best,

Carol

technorati tags:pilates,
exercise


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