314 Pilates

"Never give up on a dream because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway." ~ Earl Nightingale

Client Spotlight: Joan G Joan is somewhat newly retired, and has found a new way to stay busy, with her young dog, Dyson, and by keeping up her focus on physical fitness. She originally sought out Pilates training because of its benefits for flexibility, and the tranquil feelings that it left her with after a session. Joan visits 314 Pilates once a week with her husband, and their good friends for a quartet class, and particularly loves her classes with Shannon for the individualized corrections she receives. Just recently Joan shared our favorite type of realization, which is that her back pain always decreases after her weekly session! Tell us in the comments below what *you* would hope to get out of a Pilates session, and let us help you make it happen!

One of our very favorite aspects of Pilates is that it requires a deep mind - body connection; one would get very little out of it by turning off their brain and going through the motions. Because of this, Pilates is excellent for building #neuroplasticity and producing #BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor). Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to form and reorganize synaptic connections, especially in response to learning or experience, or following injury. BD...NF is a protein within nerve cells that keeps brain cells functioning and growing. It is necessary for continued learning and its production decreases with age. Because January is #internationalbrainteasermonth we are sharing a video of an aerobic jump board exercise that increases production of BDNF while challenging the brain to incorporate complex patterns for the goal of forming synaptic connections. Way to go Dr. Katie, a client that gets just as excited about the mental aspect of the work as she does the physical!

Introducing Mini Galileo Sessions!! If you have been in the studio, or following us in the last few months, you know that we are enamored with our Galileo oscillating vibration plate, for so many reasons. In 15 minutes, one can achieve a full body workout that: - supports the establishment of new osteocytes (so good for those with osteoporosis or osteopenia) - builds muscle power & tone while bypassing the compensation patterns most bodies have naturally established (str...engthen the muscles needed to help low back pain without the body tensing up and fighting against the work!) - relaxes soft tissue, leading to increased range of motion and feeling of flexibility - promotes healthy gut flora To book a Galileo session (15 minutes) for $40, simply call the studio, check the website, click the link in bio, or comment below and we will reach out to you to set it up! Come see how 15 minutes can change your day! See more

What can be said about 2020 that hasn't already been said? It was rough, for everyone. We thank you, as a business, for your support while we pivoted to a virtual platform, and for putting your faith in us as we reopened after lockdown. We extend the deepest gratitude to you, as our friends, for each time you checked in on our well-being. And most importantly, we honor you, as individuals, for creating space to care for yourselves, in all the various ways that manifests itself. My greatest hope as we step into 2021 is that we are all able to bring this deep level of self care and community that was forced upon us by 2020 into our futures. Our very best wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year, we will see you in the studio!

While the New Year is close , there is no need to wait for a resolution to get in the studio and honor your movement practice! Before the 1st we have 4 #groupfitness opportunities for you to get in and work on your strength, mobility, and breath, and in doing so relieve some of that holiday stress, re-centering your wellbeing as the top priority. If you still have family in town, bring them in, and let them see your happy place! Check the link in bio for the schedule and to sign up!

Merry Christmas to all! Pull your loved ones close, or snuggle up to your holiday Zoom session; whatever way you are celebrating this year (if you are), 314 Pilates wishes you the very best!

Exercise of the Week This week, it's all about thoracic mobility. Side bend and rotation are seemingly easy movements *until* we FOCUS on FORM! A great way to do this is to kneel with one foot against a wall (outer sole of the foot pressing into the wall). This will prevent the pelvis from going along for the ride with the thoracic spine, bringing the challenge back into the movement. Next week, we'll add on some hip and glute work to create a flow with the wall!

Let's talk about the #pilatesjumpboard. Chances are, if you have tried it, you love it. The jumpboard has many benefits including those of a cardiovascular workout without as much of a toll on ankles, feet, and knees because the force of the springs is less than the force of gravity. This means one can increase stamina without increasing fatigue! One of our favorite benefits of the jumpboard is how it strengthens the pelvic floor, simply by breathing in a way that supports ...abdominal contraction while jumping. You can see in this video our clients are working on coordination, leg and abdominal strength, and bone health to prevent osteoporosis. We incorporate the jumpboard into private sessions, duet, and group classes. If you would like to give it a try, just ask your instructor. Not a client at 314 Pilates? We have great introductory specials; reach out in the comments and we will contact you to discuss the right kind of session for you.

"The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination." ~ Tommy Lasorda This is Lydia's first attempt at Long Spine! I (Shannon) have been teaching Lydia ballet for years, and Pilates for just a few months. I knew she would ace this because of that #determination. What potentially daunting exercises have you faced head on with determination? Tell us in the comments!

No small caption or blurb I write could showcase what a hysterical #breathoffreashair our next Client of the Month is. Emily has only been with us a bit over a month and is already integrating the Pilates principles into her daily life. Emily shares her journey with #breastcancer, "Most people say their cancer diagnosis hit them like a brick wall, well that’s literally how I found I out. I accidentally cut a corner too close, ended up with a bruise on my chest that wouldn’t... go away, and received my first ever (and last) mammogram. I learned I had cancer at 38 without ever having one sign that anything was wrong. I believe that there is someone looking out for me above that pushed me into that wall. Throughout the past two years I have had the following: bilateral mastectomy, chemo, radiation, SIX breast reconstruction surgeries (good news the sixth time was the charm and it finally worked), total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, more scans & tests than I want to count and countless side effects from treatments and pills. But I tackle it all with positivity and humor. Heck I even broke out into musical numbers thanks to the good drugs of anesthesia right before a couple of those surgeries . "After the countless surgeries my body felt broken, tight and like it wasn’t mine. I even had to have two muscles removed from my back and sewed onto each side of my chest to hold my new implants. I have a high tolerance for pain so I wasn’t hurting long after surgery but my chest wasn’t a part of my body anymore and was extremely tight all the time. I’m feeling complete again, able to relax my body and plus have control/awareness of my new muscle placement." Story continued in the comments.