Core Pilates on 17th teams up with MSFriends

MSFriends has a primary mission: to improve the quality of life for people with Multiple Sclerosis, for their families and friends. MS affects all ages and races. Over 1.5 million people and their families in the US are affected by MS. Many are isolated and suffering in silence.

Amelia Davis, President of MS Friends and I met in September of 2008 when she signed up for an Introductory offer at Core Pilates on 17th, which included 3 private sessions to establish postural assessment and individual fitness goals. Amelia and I had an immediate connection and a fast friendship as well as client-instructor relationship developed.

Amelia informed me at that time that she had MS, but she had been relatively symptom free for 12 years. The only issue she was having was as a side effect of the medication she was taking caused her injection sites in her abdominal and hip area to develop scar tissue where the needle inserts. One of our main goals included overall abdominal work as well as improving strength, endurance, flexibility, and coordination. Pilates enhances so much of the core with the overall exercises we have been able to help soften the scar tissue that had built up in Amelia’s midsection.

Since then Amelia has become a walking advertisement for the benefits of Pilates. “Pilates is such a great tool for people with MS to still exercise. we can not do much cardiovascular exercise, because you do not want to overheat which can cause an attack.”

“With Pilates you can target specific areas and help strengthen the areas of the body that MS affects, specifically those with pelvic floor and bladder issues.”

“I have found Pilates is good for people like myself who inject their medications. You can stimulate those areas with blood flow to help break up the scar tissue.”

“The Cadillac Table especially is a great tool for those who have limited mobility, even if you use a scooter or a wheelchair to get around, you can still do Pilates because you are using your own body as the source of resistance. So Pilates is the perfect solution.”

“Discovering Pilates has allowed me to take an active roll in my exercise regime and it has helped me feel empowered to improve my quality of life. Pilates is appropriate for any age or ability level which is helpful as MS does not discriminate who it ultimatley affects.”

Last summer Amelia and I started working on developing a program MS patients to participate in a group Pilates class. The class would meet twice per week for 8 weeks, and be limited to 8 participants. Participants would fill out a questionair and the beginning, middle and end of the 8 week series in order to chart progress. These results could then be foudations for taking this program to a national level, helping people with MS all over the country. Our efforts included putting together a list of exercises that are specifically designed to help those with MS then submitting that information with a grant proposal to receive funds in order to reach out to this population who otherwise may not be able to afford Pilates in thier budgets.

So far, we have not had any luck. Drug companies are not being as generous as they have been in the past with their donations. Stay tuned for more information as we will be submitting our next round of grants in the early part of 2010 to get this program off the ground.

To learn more, volunteer, or donate to MSFriends please visit www.msfriends.org

Pilates Instructor, Suzanne Foster

Suzanne discovered Pilates while completing her B.F.A in Dance at Arizona State University. Pilates kept her body strong and connected. After moving to New York City to pursue her dance career, Suzanne turned to Pilates to rehabilitate from a foot injury.

Suzanne was Certified through the Kane School of Core Integration in NYC where Pilates is used as a tool to explore efficient and effective movement. The Kane School is an anatomy based Certification where each client is seen as an individual, focusing on personal needs and goals.

Suzanne is always expanding her knowledge through movement. She has had the pleasure of working with great teachers in NYC, San Francisco, as well as over seas. She has worked for the ODC youth faculty and has also taught adult ballet classes around the city.

Suzanne’s goal is to teach her clients about body awareness so they are able to move with ease and comfort. She enjoys working with people from all backgrounds whether it is rehabilitation, fitness, pre/post natal, or to relieve stress and tension. Each session explores movement possibilities that are unique to your individual needs to ensure that you leave each session feeling good, looking good, and moving beautifully.

Suzanne’s favorite thing about being a Pilates Instructor is working with the body. “I enjoy understanding the mechanics and working with people who appreciate the ‘awakening’ that happens in their temple.”

“What has surprised me most about being a Pilates Instructor is working with all walks of life. You can not work the same with each person, each individual has a different, height, length, and body issues. I also did not realize how involved you become with your clients on a personal level, not just a business level. You have to be flexible to each persons’ needs.”

“My favorite thing about each type of session is, be it a group equipment , mat, or private class, each has something to offer. Private sessions are more intimate, semi-privates have to be flexible depending on their partners needs, and you have to talk constantly in group sessions. It is always obvious in a group class if my cueing is off, because my students will show it in their movements. I enjoy what each session has to offer because I like people.”

“I feel my overall contribution to the Pilates community is my love for people, and my ability to relate to each indvidual. I develop strong relationships and I can accommodate my clients with what they need from session to session. I also try to keep learning as much as possible through yoga, gyrotonic, and pilates.”

Pilates Instructor: Tara Geear Clark

Tara earned her Bachelors degree from the University of Oregon in Psychology and Philosophy. After graduation she joined the dot-com world and moved to California, where she was introduced to Pilates in 2003. Pilates brought some much needed balance to her day life as a computer geek and she was inspired to obtain her Pilates Certification through Pilates Academy International. As a Pilates instructor, she focuses on bringing body awareness to those who, like her, spend so much time improving their intellectual awareness. She is also certified through The Center for Women’s Fitness in Prenatal and Postpartum Pilates. Tara is looking forward to working with you to meet your fitness goals.

What is your favorite thing about being a Pilates Instructor? “I love seeing clients transform from pilates. It is the best when someone new to working out signs up for a monthly membership and I get to see them several times a week. I watch as their body shape tones and changes visit to visit. It’s like watching clay be molded into a statue.”

What has surprised you the most about being a Pilates instructor? “How much of a transition it takes from being able to do a move to teach it. Understanding and knowing it in your own body is so much easier than learning to articulate, cue, and get someone else to perform it correctly.”

What is your favorite session to teach? Private, mat class, group equipment? “Having spent so much time taking mat classes before becoming an instructor, I feel very nostalgic when I teach the matwork. I remember moves that I struggled with and the sense of pride when it finally happened. When I see clients work to get a move to perfection and are finally able to achieve it I get the same sense of pride.”

What do you feel is your overall contribution to the Pilates community? “Now with twitter I’m able to collaborate with Pilates Instructors all over the world. We’ll discuss everything from our favorite move or prop, to tips that help clients improve. I love getting to talk with other instructors with a lifetime of experience to someone just getting started. Everyone has so much valuable information to share and are willing to do so freely.”

“Coming from a technology background it’s always great to hear how many “techies” know about Pilates and talk about how they use it to improve their core strength, reduce back pain at work, and to prevent shoulder/mouse strain. It’s even more exciting to see pilates branch out into video games

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Pilates Instructor: Kristen Philipkoski

Kristen’s love affair with fitness began with Jane Fonda, legwarmers and all, in the 80s. She has jumped on many bandwagons: aerobics, step aerobics, kickboxing, yoga, spinning and even hip hop dancing. But when she tried Pilates, she knew she had found The One. As a journalist she spends hours sitting in chairs and staring at computers, which led to neck and back pain. The precise and balanced movements of Pilates helped ease the discomfort and increased her overall strength. That’s when she knew she wanted to share her Pilates experience and teach others to reap the same rewards. Kristen completed the Balanced Body mat training in Paris in 2008 and will participate in the Pilates Academy International Reformer training at Core Pilates on 17th this summer. She looks forward to seeing you in a Mat class soon!

“My favorite thing about being a Pilates Instructor is working directly with people. I come from a writing background, and have been sitting behind and desk at a computer for the last decade, so it is nice to be with people. I enjoy interacting and the personal contact, as well as the movement aspects of Pilates. I love being apart of the studio and around instructors who are in their bodies and have such great advice.”

“What has surprised my the most about being a Pilates Instructor is how quickly I got over my stage fright. At first I was afraid that I would be limited by my nervousness at speaking in front of people, but the knowledge I have gained through the training program has given me confidence.”

“My favorite type of session is working with people one on one because the ’stage fright’ is not as much of a factor, but I love to ‘roll up my sleeves’ with an individual over time.”

“I feel my overall contribution to the Pilates community actually comes from my background at sitting at a desk. I am able to spread the gospel first hand to those who spend all day in a seated position about the positives that Pilates can give back to them.”

“I am very enthusiastic about Pilates and I am learning so many new things that I want to share with my clients.”

Kristen is an Apprentice Instructor at Core Pilates on 17th and has trained through Balanced Body and The Pilates Academy International Reformer and Cadillac Table training programs.

Pilates Instructor: Laura Bradley

Laura Bradley is a dancer and choreographer who began studying Pilates in 1998 with her aunt in Los Angeles. She continued her training while getting her B.F.A. in Modern Dance at the University of Utah. After graduating, she moved to New York and became certified through Body Arts and Sciences International. While training to become a Pilates instructor, she was a Senior Patient Coordinator at The Weill Cornell Medical; assisting Physical Therapy patients who had undergone mastectomies. She is certified to teach Prenatal and Postpartum Pilates through The Center for Women’s Fitness, and has done continuing education workshops with Rebekah Rotstein for teaching Pilates to those with Osteoporosis. She has experience giving challenging Pilates sessions to athletes, as well as working with those that are recovering from major injuries.

In her free time, she enjoys hiking, yoga, exploring, and cooking. Laura is so grateful to have found Pilates, and loves to share the strength and benefits of its’ practice with her students.

“My favorite thing about being a Pilates Instructor is working one on one with my long time clients. I love seeing them suddenly figure things out. I also love working with new clients and introducing new concepts as well as helping people get stronger and how that affects their daily lives. Even if it’s just feeling their transverse abdominis getting out of bed in the morning.”

“What has surprised me most about being a Pilates Instructor is that it’s so much more than just exercises. I have seen the movement affect my client mental outlook, after having a stressful day my clients come to their appointments with so much tension that it reads on their face. When we are finished the relaxation is apparent over their whole body. I will meet my clients wherever they are daily, sometimes I have to change my entire program for a session due to what my clients are going through emotionally that day.”

“My favorite thing about teaching privates and group sessions is the ‘AH HA” moment that a person or class has when something ‘clicks’. I love that energy!”

“I feel my overall contribution to the Pilates community is the sense of empowerment I give to my clients. I approach Pilates as a ‘big picture’ Sometimes taking a step back to look at the overall objective and not every single little detail, but the overall feeling that a movement is translating into the body. I also take the most positive feedback approach possible.”

“I also try to take class frequently so I do not loose the ’student’ mindset. Curiosity and excitement about Pilates is what I try to bring to my private and group class sessions to help my client

Pilates Instructor: Laura Blakely

After graduating from Bowdoin College and dancing in Vermont, New York, Boston and Providence, Laura Blakely traveled to Salt Lake City to pursue her MFA in Modern Dance from the University of Utah. Her graduate studies led her to Pilates. Certified in Polestar Pilates since 2006, Laura’s approach to movement combines her background in dance and somatics. She uses imagery and gentle breathing and cueing techniques in her classes and solos. As an active dancer and outdoor enthusiast, Laura believes in the continual process of embodiment and enjoys seeing clients of all backgrounds come more fully into themselves through movement. She has completed continuing education courses in Advanced Spine, Feldenkrais, and Body Mind Centering, and enjoys learning about and incorporating different modalities into her practice. She seeks any opportunity to learn and grow more and finds that using her body and studying the body provide endless opportunities.

Laura Blakely is a Senior Instructor at Core Pilates on 17th. Her favorite thing about being a Pilates Instructor is helping people come more fully into their bodies and to see them enjoy movement. She also finds it exciting when her clients can move painfree.

I asked Laura what has surprised her the most in her Pilates career? “It makes sense to learn about anatomy in a practical way, yes we all can learn the names of muscles, but how muscles move our bodies biomechanically is what amazes me as I continue to learn.”

I asked Laura what/who is her favorite type of session to teach? “People who are interested in the subtlety that Pilates offers and the ‘deepening’ into ones’ body, as well as the overall experience of understanding movement.”

“I have always been a mover but, it has always been challenging, so when I am teaching I can relate to what is happening and also the possibilities that my clients realize are rewarding.”

“Movement is not about being perfect or doing something perfectly. It takes courage to move in front of people, it is humbling for me when people are wiling to be vulnerable and put themselves out  there. The body holds emotion and I’m being trusted with that responsibility, I feel really good in my body and want to share that with others.”

Pilates Instructor, Julia Abel

Julia Lauren Abel is an ITT certified Pilates instructor. In May 2009 she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance from San Francisco State University where she co-directed the University Dance Company. She began studying dance at a young age and continued to dance throughout College. Her dance training includes ballet, jazz, contemporary, as well as modern in the Limon and Horton techniques.

Julia was introduced to Pilates as a means to emphasize proper body mechanics and strengthen her own muscular endurance. She found that it helped to stabilize and strengthen her deep core muscles while adding grace and stamina. Julia brings an energetic and motivational quality to her sessions. She helps her clients to understand and realize their bodies’ full capabilities and enjoys watching them improve their Pilates skills. She believes physical movement is the means to a healthy and fulfilling life, and to achieve this, she stresses the importance of proper body alignment.

In her free time Julia enjoys hiking, running, swimming and bicycling. She believes that being outdoors is beneficial for her overall wellbeing. Julia also loves to entertain. She takes pleasure in creating healthful meals to share with friends.

Julia is Certified Instructor at Core Pilates on 17th and was trained through Integrated Teacher Training Program. What she likes most about being a Pilates Instructor is to see the progress in her clients bodies as they master certain skills, and to guide her clients development in understanding their bodies.

I asked Julia what surprised her most about being a Pilates Instructor? “It’s hard but rewarding, more so than I thought when I entered into my training program. You get so involved with your clients body mechanics.”

Julia’s favorite type of session to teach is a group class. She feels that her personality and the performer in her is able to shine more as she has a captive audience. Julia also enjoys privates sessions as she is able to help her clients on a more personal level.

Julia feels her overall contribution to the Pilates community is her thoughtful approach to teaching  clients but also enthusiasm for learning from other instructors in the field. She enjoys the exchange of information to better infuse her teaching style.

I also asked Julia if she had anything to add and she said, “I think when people first meet me they think I’m really nice, but then they start working with me and realize I can be quite brutal.” She said this with a smirk and a wink.

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.