Pilates Instructor: Alisa Dillon-Ogden

Alisa first discovered Pilates while completing a 2-year Certificate in Dance program from the Alvin Ailey School in New York City. She found Pilates to be an invaluable tool for staying strong and injury-free in a career that is hard on the body. Since experiencing the positive affects Pilates has had on her own body, she has committed herself to sharing these benefits with others by completing the full STOTT PILATES¥ Certification program. Alisa has also enhanced her training and knowledge through the study of anatomy, Pilates for rehabilitation and special populations, and Prenatal and Postpartum fitness. She feels that the study of the body is an ongoing process and is always looking forward to her next opportunity to learn something new.

As an instructor, Alisa strives to make Pilates accessible to all her clients, whether they want to prepare for a marathon or just have a day without back pain. She enjoys watching her clients discover for themselves how Pilates can enhance their wellbeing and aims to create a welcoming atmosphere and tailor workouts to the specific needs of her clients, whatever their age or fitness level.

Alisa Dillon-Ogden is certified in STOTT PILATES¥, The Center for Women’s Fitness,
Certified Pregnancy Fitness and Postpartum Rehabilitation Specialist

When I asked Alisa what she liked most about being a Pilates Instructor her response was. “The people I meet.”

When I asked Alisa what has surprised her most about being Pilates Instructor her response was. “The people I meet.” After we both stopped giggling we realized how true this statement was. Never do you get to know the public like when you are working with them and their bodies.

What is your favorite type of client to work with? “I enjoy rehabilitating injured clients and helping athletes prepare for their sports.”

What do you feel your overall contribution is to the Pilates community? “I’m dedicated to finding out as much as I can at what I do, so I can relate my own experience first hand to my clients.”

Alisa is also glad that Pilates is reaching a broad range of people and is more accessible to more types of individual clients. She hopes that everyone will continue to invest in their health.

Pilates Instructor: Kelly Bowker

Kelly Bowker received her BFA in dance from the University of Michigan. She first discovered Pilates as a student of the Bates Dance Festival where she was amazed by the transformation of her own body in just three weeks. Kelly brings a strong foundation in dance and gymnastics to her Pilates teaching. She has danced with Clancyworks Dance Company and Catscratch Theater and has completed an apprenticeship with the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange. She has over six years of dance and gymnastics teaching experience in three different states. She most recently taught through LEAP! for Kids and is a member of the National Association of Women’s Gymnastics Judges. Chandler Moore inspired Kelly to bring her love of movement and teaching to Pilates and she certified through Pilates Academy International, completing their fundamental through advanced Pilates repertoire as well as training in Special Conditions. Since then she has also completed Pregnancy and Postpartum Fitness Specialization through The Center for Women’s Fitness. Kelly is looking forward to sharing her extensive teaching experience and her new found education.

Kelly is a Senior Instructor at Core Pilates on 17th and is Certified through Pilates Academy International and The Center for Women’s Fitness: Certified Pregnancy Fitness and Postpartum Rehabilitation Specialist.

When I asked Kelly what she liked most about being a Pilates Instructor, her response was. “Helping people achieve their goals, be it health or being pain free.

What has surprised you most about being a Pilates Instructor? “How much I take for granted my own body knowledge and well being.”

What is your favorite type of client or class? “I find it easier to design a workout when a client has specific goals or when clients are willing to try new things and listen to cues and directions. I also like when clients ask why an exercise is good for them.”

What is your overall contribution to the Pilates community? Besides her awesome Michigan accent. “I try to be aware of what’s going on around the studio, I like to keep an ear open for clients when they have questions and helping new instructors implement themselves to the studio culture at Core Pilates on 17th. I also feel that I am still learning as far as the Pilates world goes.”

Kelly has also been speaking with people on a social level and finds that alot of them are intimidated by Pilates and wants to encourage them to try Pilates because it can meet you wherever you are in your fitness needs.

Melinda Kausek

Pilates is a wonderful form of exercise, but where would we be without all the wonderful Instructors that have dedicated their time and energy to develop this skill so that we as practitioners may enjoy the benefits. Starting with this article I plan to feature all the instructors at Core Pilates on 17th and Sausalito as well as Instructors around the Bay area. This series kicks off with Melinda Kausek, Core Pilates on 17th Certified Instructor.

Melinda started falling in love with Pilates while she was completing her BA in English (with a self-declared minor in Argentine Tango) at Reed College. PE was requirement for graduation, so dabbling in various dance and movement classes seemed the best way to go. Things got more serious a few years later when she used Pilates to prepare for a Tango Cabaret performance. Within a month of a more disciplined practice, she noticed that her mild, but chronic low back pain disappeared and her dancing was both stronger and freer. What really sealed the deal for her, however, was the encouragement of her first teacher to pursue her certification.

It was a long, winding road, but Melinda finally received her Pilates Academy International certification in June 2009. She has continued to broaden her knowledge base by becoming a Certified Pre/Post Natal Pilates Specialist and by completing Lizz Roman’s 12-week Pilates Rehabilitation Intensive. Credentials aside, Melinda strives to share her passion for Pilates and it’s ability to increase strength and ease within the body – whether it’s through intense workout or a gentle, rehabilitative session. Her keen eye for alignment, patience, and humor help her tailor sessions to each client’s individual needs and goals. When she’s not teaching Pilates, you might find Melinda on the dance floor, playing guitar, or just exploring the city.

When asked what Melinda likes most about being a Pilates Instructor, she replied. “Helping people feel better in their bodies. Because that’s what Pilates has done for me. I feel more powerful in my upper body, and my overall alignment has changed.”

What has surprised Melinda most about becoming a Pilates Instructor, is the idea of teaching groups used to be frightening, but now she feels way more comfortable and enjoys how fun the vibe and energy of a class can be.

Who/What is your favorite type of client/class? “Injured clients as well as those clients that need a great workout, I prefer working in a “gentle” way to help people feel more comfortable in their bodies. I also feel that as my own practice strengthens the more clients I’ll be able to connect with.”

What do you feel your overall contribution is to the studio? “Over the past 2 years I learned alot from my fellow instructors, now I find that I’m in a place where I can share and give back to the newer instructors at the studio. I am able to give back to the overall knowledge of the studio, because we all learn from each other. I am also committed to always growing as an instructor because I see myself as a Pilates student.”

Cardiolates

A total body workout that is fun, fat-burning, and core strengthening, all in one.

Enjoy the cardiovascular and health benefits of rebounding combined with the core-strengthening and aligning benefits of Pilates!

Developed by Pilates on Fifth in Manhattan, CARDIOLATES® was inspired by the need for a method of cardio that reinforces Pilates’ alignment principles and optimal posture, which typical cardio often derails (think about how many people you see jogging with slumped shoulders). Because rebounding combines the forces of acceleration, deceleration and gravity, it strengthens every cell in your body. So, they thought, by rebounding with careful attention to alignment and posture, every cell of the body can be strengthened in the body’s optimal alignment! The CARDIOLATES® rebounding technique focuses on maintaining the body’s vertical axis and thus strengthens the deep postural muscles in the body’s ideal upright alignment.

Most importantly… rebounding with CARDIOLATES® is fun! Children know this instinctively and bounce whenever they have the chance. “Bouncing” is naturally stimulating – we bounce babies in our arms, toddlers on our knees, and most of us loved trampolines (or beds!) through our youth. Rebounding is a healthy and exhilarating way to feel revitalized and get fit.
At Core Pilates on 17th, CARDIOLATES® is offered as a key component of our Cardio-Chair classes and Jumpboard-Chair classes. These Group Equipment classes offer a combination of the lean muscle sculpting of the Pilates Chair and the low impact cardio of Rebounding to give you a fun and truly balanced workout. Classes are limited to 5 participants. Check the schedule for current offerings.

Want to try CARDIOLATES®, but prefer private or semi-private sessions? If you stuido has a rebounder ask your instructor to incorporate some “bounce” into your next workout.

Core Pilates Sausalito

In June of 2008 my husband and I played hooky one day to celebrate our 1 year anniversary. We took a drive around Marin to take in the beautiful day. We were driving back through Sausalito when I saw a  space begging for a Pilates studio. I immediately felt butterfly’s in my stomach, looked at my husband and said, “uh oh, here we go again.”

The next day I was telling anyone who would listen about this awesome building. One of the long time Core Pilates on 17th instructor’s (and friend of mine, Brooke Leary) ears perked right up. The next day she asked if I might be open to letting her be a partner in the venture. I stretched my arms out as wide as I could and said. “Is this open enough?”

Over the next 2 months the studio was born. Some say in record time, seeing as it only took us 2 months. Our doors opened in August of 2008. We have had a great time nestling ourselves in the Sausalito community, it’s such a zen area and we love getting to know our neighbors.

Read on to see Brooke’s bio and quote about entrepreneurship:

Brooke Leary loves to move. Born and raised in the mountains of Colorado, Brooke grew up with the understanding that a healthy lifestyle begins with physical movement. The promise of new adventures in dance and outdoor activities lead her to the University of Oregon where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Dance. There Brooke discovered Pilates and found that this practice not only enhanced her dance training, but also embodied her lifestyle. After becoming certified through Polestar Pilates, Brooke moved to the Bay Area to continue her pursuit of Pilates and dance. Since then Brooke has had the opportunity to teach Pilates at a variety of studios, before finding her home at Core Pilates on 17th. In addition to working with clients, Brooke has dedicated herself to becoming an Certifying Instructor through Pilates Academy International (PAI) in New York, NY. Through PAI, Brooke has taken her practice to a new level and continues to seek greater educational opportunities within the field. Brooke has attended the cadaver workshop at the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine and is also certified in CARDIOLATES® and The Center for Women’s Fitness program for Prenatal and Postpartum Pilates.

During her off-time Brooke enjoys spending every moment outside-from rock climbing to surfing, she takes her high energy and enthusiasm into everyday life. Brooke strives to bring this same energy, educated body awareness, and love of physical movement to each client.

A word (and a Dream) from Brooke Leary, Senior Instructor and Co-owner of Core Pilates Sausalito. I’ve always dreamed of having my own business but never knew when, where, and how it was going to happen. Core Pilates Sausalito came about after overhearing Chandler talk about creating Core Pilates part two. I thought “Hey, why shouldn’t I be involved? This could be the perfect opportunity!” I offered up my time, energy, enthusiasm, and money to partake in this adventure and Chandler willingly approved. Over the past year and a half Core Pilates Sausalito has come together so organically, it constantly surprises me. What better person to have as a mentor that Chandler. I look forward to our Sausalito endeavors and the wonders of running my own business.

Please visit us at: www.corepilates-saus.com

Joseph Pilates, the man behind the movement

I thought it might be nice to write about some of the information that is actually known about Joseph Pilates’ life. He clearly developed an “ahead of it’s time” exercise technique, but there was much more to this man than what we now know as Pilates.

All this information was gathered by Melinda Kausek, former Core Pilates on 17th’s studio administrator from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Pilates

Before he became famous for his unique exercise method, Pilates’ earned his living as a boxer and a traveling circus performer, displaying his ideal form as a Greek statue come to life.

Ever notice how the springs on the Reformer and the Cadillac both assist your movements and add resistance? Pilates began developing his equipment while he interned at a “camp” on the Isle of Man during WWII. He helped many injured and bedridden fellow interns by rigging the hospital beds with springs to facilitate their rehabilitation. Pilates equipment was first patented in 1927.

Like most immigrants of the early part of the 20th century, Joseph Pilates came to the US via boat. While en route to New York, he met a lovely kindergarten teacher suffering from arthritis. He promptly taught her his method and effectively healed her. Her name was Clara and not long after she became his wife and teaching partner. They opened the first Pilates studio in New York in 1926.

Joseph Pilates developed his method in part by overcoming a sickly childhood. No doubt much of his inspiration and information must have come from his parent’s. His father was a prize winning Greek gymnast and his German mother a naturopath. With its holistic combination of athleticism focused control and use of breath, Pilates’ method shows great respect for both his parents expertise and knowledge.

Most people that knew Joseph Pilates while he was alive say that he had a strong, even forceful personality. He passionately believed in his method and apparently was very protective of it too. Only two of Pilates’ students opened studios during his lifetime. Carola Trier, a fellow refugee of Germany, had Joe’s blessing. The other Bob Seed, a hockey player turned Contrology enthusiast, did not. According to rumor, Bob tried to lure Pilates’ clients by opening his studio even earlier in the morning. One of those mornings or so they say, Joe paid his former student a visit with a shot gun and told him to get out of town. Needless to say, we haven’t heard much from Bob Seed since.

Eva Gentry was one of Pilates’ most well known students and an important teacher of Pilates in her own right. She studied with Joe first as a dancer recovering from a back injury in the 1940’s and continued working with him off and on through the 1960’s. In 1956, one year after Eva went through a radical mastectomy, Joe helped her recover full range of motion in her arms using specific exercises on the Reformer. He went as far as filming their sessions so people would really understand the value of his method and how it worked. At one point, he even had an offer to develop a recovery program for patients who had undergone mastectomies, but it fell through, some say because of his lack of formal education.

Pilates for pre and post natal

Pilates for pregnancy and post partum women is a great tool to prepare and recover from the athletic event of pregnancy and child birth. At Core Pilates on 17th and Core Pilates Sausalito we offer training for these special populations through The Center for Women’s Fitness.

The Pregnancy Fitness Program will help you address the needs of your rapidly changing body; gain flexibility; strengthen your body for labor and delivery with resistance work; relieve stress through breathing, relaxation, and visualization techniques; and eliminate common pregnancy complaints like backaches. The program consists of private, duet, and group training sessions. We recommend participating in one group class per week and either a private session, duet session, or home practice.

This unique and comprehensive exercise program addresses the needs of the pregnant woman from the first trimester through labor. Using the Pilates method of exercise, our program will gently and safely prepare the body for the rigors of labor while re-aligning the body for successful birthing. We’ll remove the mysteries and myths surrounding pregnancy and exercise by providing techniques that benefit both mother and baby. In addition, the program includes extensive education regarding anatomy and the birthing process itself. You’ll gain a complete understanding of what happens to the body during pregnancy and ways to accommodate the changes that occur.

Stability balls are an integral component of the program. We ensure that women are well acquainted with them as a labor tool so that they may be used comfortably and effectively during the birthing process.

We’ll remove the mysteries and myths surrounding pregnancy and exercise by providing techniques that benefit both mother and baby. In addition, our program includes extensive education regarding anatomy and the birthing process itself. You’ll gain a complete understanding of what happens to the body during pregnancy and ways to accommodate the changes that occur.

Our holistic program works with women using safe techniques so that their bodies are prepared for a successful birthing experience.

Our Postpartum Rehabilitation Program will incorporate work on the ball, the reformer, and the mat. The sessions will concentrate on strengthening and toning key areas like the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles, safely and with minimal impact. The abdominal exercises are designed with consideration for a separation of the recti muscles, and specific exercises are intended to realign and strengthen the spine. Rebuild endurance and stamina lost during the months of pregnancy, gain flexibility and suppleness, strengthen the body with resistance work, and eliminate common postnatal complaints like backaches.

The goal of this program is to assist the post partum woman as she heals from the trauma of birth. We gently rebuild the body’s strength from the inside out, beginning just hours after delivery. The mother will be guided through a series of Pilates-based exercises designed to close the abdominals, realign the spine and rehabilitate the pelvic floor.

Problems that may occur during this time – diastasis recti, C-sections and separation of the pubic bone are also addressed and techniques are provided on how to heal each of them.

In addition, we’ll discuss the many issues facing postpartum women as they reenter the world as a new mother and how this affects their exercise routine.
 

For more information please visit: http://www.corepilateson17th.com/edu_workshops.html

Would you like to become a Pilates Instructor?

Have you ever thought that teaching Pilates might be a fun career? You may want to consider this always, moving, and changing field. At Core Pilates on 17th we offer certification in The Pilates Academy International training program.

The creators Katherine and Kimberly Corp have designed the program to equip its students with the expert knowledge and skills to produce exceptional, sought-after instructors. At The Pilates Academy International, they will not only master Pilates exercises and functional anatomy, but also develop teaching skills to attract and retain a strong client base.

The Pilates Academy International believes a great Pilates instructor must have three essential skills: a solid understanding of anatomy, biomechanics and postural issues; a strong command of the exercise repertoire, including modifications for all fitness levels; and the ability to inspire and motivate clients. Any one or two skills alone fail to provide the client with the best instruction they could receive and will prevent the client from reaping all the benefits Pilates has to offer.

Pilates Academy International’s goal is the PROCESS of attaining a more balanced, optimally functioning body, not an obsession with a result. While emphasizing the proper execution of the Pilates repertoire, we teach our students to focus on the unique needs of each individual client. As each client has a different life history, movement, habits and limitations, he or she may not ever be able to achieve the “proper execution” of an exercise. The program not only teaches students to analyze and assess a variety of conditions quickly-from the simple to the complex-but also instills students with a wide range of modifications to traditional Pilates exercises. Modifications preserve the intended goal of the exercises, making them accessible to all ages, body types and fitness levels. As clients embark on their journeys to discover healthier movement patterns and find more freedom in their unique fitness goals.

All courses at the Pilates Academy International will focus on the following:

Fundamental execution of each exercise
Anatomy and biomechanics of each exercise
Exercise modification
Cueing and correction
Workout design
Transition
Progression
Teaching group classes
Teaching a variety of fitness levels
How to vary a workout
Client retention

To learn more please visit: http://www.corepilateson17th.com/edu_PAI.html
 

 

Pilates for all ages and fitness levels

One of my long time clients at the studio recently told me that she has tried many times to get friends and acquaintances to join her in a Pilates class. She would invite them to join her for a group class and they would say. “Oh, I can’t do that, I have to get in shape first.” My own husband has uttered the words as well. “Babe, I need to get in better shape before I can start Pilates.”

I think there is a common misconception that you have to be an elite athlete to try Pilates. This is simply not the case. Pilates lends itself to a variety of individual needs such as general fitness, injury rehabilitation, pregnancy fitness, post partum rehabilitation, the list goes on and on.

Do you spend too much of your day at a computer or in the car? Do you need to revive your fitness routine? Pilates is suited for all ages and can help you realign your posture and find strength, mobility, and energy that you’ve never had before.

Are you active and want to be stronger at your sport? Our clients at Core Pilates on 17th run faster marathons, become more adept at rock climbing, and improve their golf swings. Pilates will help you reconnect with neglected muscle groups to facilitate optimal performance. Or, have you hit a plateau in your workout? Pilates can complement your fitness routine, and it will help you continue to be active and healthy for many years to come.

Are you dealing with an injury, or a degenerative condition such as MS or osteoporosis? Pilates offers a wide range of specialized solutions to optimize your health, strength, and mobility. Wherever you are in your fitness journey most experienced instructors have developed their own array of specializations and teaching styles, and they will create an individualized practice for you that will help achieve your goals. Whatever the circumstances Pilates is a helpful tool in living a better quality of life.

Pilates Certification Styles

You may have noticed that Pilates has many different styles. From the classical method to the contemporary approach. Generally speaking the classical method still uses the original exercises that were developed by Joseph Pilates, other followers over the years have taken his unique approach and put their own twist on the original foundation. Not only have exercises been expanded but the different Pilates equipment manufacturers have perfected the machines.

With anatomy information applied to the exercises, many long time developers of the Pilates technique have broken the exercises down into steps to achieve the full exercises. This allows the movement to be more approachable for different populations. From general fitness, injury and cancer rehabilitation, pregnancy fitness, postpartum rehabilitation, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s, and Multiple Sclerosis, the list goes on and on of people who can benefit from this diverse approach to exercise.

The important thing to recognize when choosing a Pilates Instructor or studio is the amount of time and training your Instructor has taken to become a certified instructor. Some programs are only a weekend workshop, which is mostly an introduction to the technique not a fully developed program. At Core Pilates on 17th we offer 3 different tiers of instructor packages. Apprentice Instructors are students who have taking Pilates training, but have not yet taken the test to become “certified”. Certified Instructors have taken the training and the exam to become certified. Senior Instructors have usually been in the Pilates industry of multiple years and have an arsenal of continuing education under their belt ranging from specialized populations and props like the stability ball, foam roller, and BOSU¥ ball.

The rates for the different levels of instructors varies as well and is classified to the amount of training and experience the instructor has in the industry. Basically you are going to pay more per session for their level of expertise. This is an important consideration when choosing an instructor, because as tempting as it is to work with someone at a cheaper rate, it may not be beneficial if you are recovering from and injury. However if you are interested in the general fitness qualities that Pilates has to offer, but are working with under a budget, the Apprentice route may be right for you.