Pilates Reformer 101

Let's explore Pilates equipment starting off with the Reformer.  This is one of the most common pieces of Pilates used today.  Equipment makes you stronger at the more challenging mat exercises.  The frame resembles a twin bed with horizontal springs used for full body resistance.  Springs help to produce long lean muscle.  Utilizing less springs is actually harder to control and requires more stability.   

There are several types of Reformers which can range from wood to metal frames and leather to rope straps. The one pictured at right is a classical Peak brand. Reformer exercises can be done lying down such as in Footwork, sitting as in Hug a Tree, kneeling as in Chest Expansion or standing for Side Splits. You are also able to use props such as a box for Pulling Straps, "jump" board to get your heart pumping, or a pole for posture work in the Short Box series. The versatility of this machine is what makes it so popular with clients.

Workouts on the reformer focus on strength results for more visible tone in your arms, legs and abdominal muscles. You also work on endurance, moving with grace, stability in a variety of different positions and assisted stretching. With over 100 exercises possibilities, each session can vary to fit the individual.  Try a Reformer session today and see the difference in as little as 10 sessions!

Meet Instructor: Kristin Schley

Q: Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Colorado.  I lived in Michigan now for 13 years.

Q:What inspired you to become an instructor?

I was inspired to teach from my own desire to be healthy and strong; doing the things I love pain free.  I enjoying seeing the results in my clients and helping them better and stronger.  Also being able to set my own schedule as a mom is an added bonus!

Certifications:

• Authentic Pilates Certification
• B.S. in Kinesiology
• Masters in Exercise Physiology

Q: How long have you been instructing?

I've been teaching for 12 years.

Q: What types of classes do you teach at Core Sport?

I teach Pilates Tower and alternate weekends teaching TRX and Bosu.

Previous places of employment:

• Body Fit Northville, Michigan
• Pure Barre Northville, Michigan

Currently also teaches at:

• Lifetime Fitness Canton, Michigan

Hobbies/Interests:

In my spare time I enjoy running, swimming, a good book and spending time with my kids.

Q: What's on your "Bucket List"?

Run a marathon and travel (Norway and Vermont).  

Favorite Quote:

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

Kristin can teach you how to become stronger and stay pain free.  Schedule an appointment today!

Meet Instructor: Meghan Fidge

Q: Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Michigan.  I've lived in Northville my entire life and am an alumni of Northville High School.

Q:What inspired you to become an instructor?

I had an internship in high school at Poise Pilates where I was introduced to the world of Pilates equipment classes.  It made me better at Pom Pon and I got hooked.  Pilates is something you can do at any age and ability which is what makes it so unique.  Its very fulfilling to have a  flexible career where I'm able to teach people how to lead happy, healthy lives. 

Certifications:

• American Council on Exercise (ACE) Personal Trainer Certification
• TRX Suspension Training Certification
• Core Dynamics Pilates Certification
• Associates Degree in English Creative Writing and Specialization in Kinesiology Health Promotion (MSU) 

Q: How long have you been instructing?

I've been teaching Pilates since 2008.  In 2011, I began teaching personal training and TRX.

Q: What types of classes do you teach at Core Sport?

I teach Pilates Mat, Pilates Tower, Supermodel Slim and TRX.

My favorite class to teach is Pilates Mat (but really anything with Pilates).  There are over 500 exercises in the system and it never gets dull.  You can do the same exercise on the mat, add a prop or take it to the equipment and its completely different.  Pilates is highly detailed yet will improve your posture and take inches off your body in no time!

Previous places of employment:

• Poise Pilates Northville, Michigan
• Synergy Pilates West Bloomfield, Michigan 
• Franklin Athletic Club Southfield, Michigan
• YMCA (Lansing, Dewitt, Livonia, and Farmington Hills)

Currently also teaches at:

• Livonia Community Rec Center

Hobbies/Interests:

I love gymnastics, horseback riding, watching movies, comic books, knitting, blogging about fitness (ThePilatesHundred) and my cat Fizzle.


Q: What's on your "Bucket List"?
Write a novel, run a marathon, bungee jump, play the guitar, and travel (Hawaii, Alaska, California, Australia).

Favorite Quote:

"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly."

Meghan can help you transform your body and find your passion for fitness.  Schedule an appointment today!

Pilates for the Newbie

Article Published by Meghan Fidge on Tree.com:

Pilates for the Newbie

Thank You: Open House Success!

Thank you for making our 2011 Open House such a success!  We had a wonderful time mixing and mingling over beautiful Lululemon clothing, sampling Lunches by Lisa, trying on Stella & Dot jewelry,  learning about TraEva towels for fitness, and helping support the Haiti Orphan Rescue Program.  So far we have raised about $2,500!

Not able to attend?  There is still time to make a donation to this wonderful cause.

Don't forget about our final Pilates for a Purpose donation Mat class taught by Core Sport Owner Jamie White.  100% of funds raised will support the Haiti Orphan Rescue Program on Saturday, July 16th 2011 @3pm in the Kellogg Park of downtown Plymouth.  Register now and bring along your friends and family for a workout to support this great cause (all donations are tax deductible)!

 

New to Core? Get This Groupon Deal Now!

$49 for Personal Training and Pilates Classes ($158 Total Value)

Groupon Deal (Click Here)!

Without fitness instructors, ambitious sit-ups become reluctant crunches and eventually degenerate into gym-floor naps. Stay alert with today's Groupon: for $49, new clients get a personal training session (an $80 value), a Pilates equipment class (a $38 value), and two group classes (a $40 value) at Core Sport Pilates Fitness Studio (a $158 total value), with two locations in Plymouth. Group classes and personal training sessions are held at the Penniman Avenue location; Pilates equipment classes are held at the Main Street location.

The United States Pilates Association–qualified posture-improvers at Core Sport mold bodies with routines that bolster core strength and extend flexibility. Personal trainers meld heart-pumping cardio and strength training with balancing poses and flexibility maneuvers that are custom-formulated to each individual client. Pilates equipment classes center around devices such as the tower, which harnesses the power of spring resistance to give muscles the beauty and resilience of a fully-compressed pogo stick. A potent arsenal of Gratz apparatuses, free weights, resistance bands, and medicine balls facilitate a stretchy, bouncy fitness regimen. Seasoned Pilates instructors lead gaggles of Pilates practitioners in one-hour group classes scheduled daily, such as the floor-based Pilates mat class and a boot camp class that aims to fortify cardiovascular endurance. Core-strength Pilates training develops the body as a whole rather than a collection of parts and zones, so clients don't run the risk of an odd number of abs.

Mirrors inside Core Sport's studio reflect a playground of workout gear arranged on pale wood floors. Windows cast calming natural light onto the leg-lifts, back-bends, and face-squeezes of practicing students.

Core Sport's new client offers, such as one free week of group classes, a $35 personal training session, or one free Pilates equipment class are available even after this Groupon has been redeemed.

Open House!

Core Sport Open House June 30th!

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  Event Kick Off: "Pilates for a Purpose" @5:30-6:30pm (Penniman location)  Donation based Pilates Mat class lead by instructor Meghan Fidge.  Must pre-register.  $10 suggested donation.  All proceeds go to the Haiti Orphan Rescue Program.

  Main St location (above Compari's resturant) opens @6:30pm

  

  
  
  Featuring:

  • Trunk Show Sponsored by Lululemon (http://www.lululemon.com/)
  • FREE Food & Drink
  • FREE Fitness Demos
  • Meet & socialize with our instructors
  • Silent Auction
  • Raffle Items
  • Other local Plymouth Vendors all benefiting H.O.R.P.
  • And so much more!

  

  
  

Pilates for a Purpose

Love Pilates?  Looking to make a difference?  Join Core Sport in "Pilates for a Purpose" donation based Pilates Mat classes held throughout the summer.  

All proceeds go to the Haiti Orphan Rescue Program.  

There is a suggested tax deductable donation of $10/class.  

Call the studio to register now!  

  

• Where: Core Sport, 829 Penniman Ave, Plymouth, MI 48170
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• Dates: June 18th, 2011 @3pm/June 25 @3pm/June 30 @5:30pm (before Open House)/July 16, 2011 @ 3pm
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• *Must register to reserve space for June 18th, 25th, & 30th dates since space is limited.
• *July 16th class will be held in Kellogg Park.
• Classes taught by Jamie White and Meghan Fidge.

• *For more info on Haiti Orphan Rescue Program or to donate please visit: http://haitiorphanrescue.org/

• Register on our Website: http://www.coresportstudio.com
• Or Call: (734) 459-1547

Core & Yoga

What really is the difference between Pilates and Yoga?  Lets start by looking at this diagram for a visual of the differences:

Joseph Pilates was inspired by both Eastern and Western forms of exercise when developing his method, so there are many similarities.  As shown in the center of the diagram both improve posture, reduce stress, increase flexibility, and work on balance.  In both classes you might rest in Child's pose or Shell stretch.  Similar exercises may include: Cat/Cow, Thread the Needle, Treading in a Downward Dog, Plank, or Seated Twist.  

However, each mind/body practice has their own sequence and flow of exercises.  This promotes a different pace with each class.  One big overall difference is the breathing.  In Pilates you pull in your stomach rather than allow it to fill with your breath.  Pilates is also continuous movement instead of holding postures as in Yoga.  Another difference is that Pilates can use equipment with springs for resistance for quicker results when looking to tone up.  In summary, both are safe and effective forms of mind/body workouts.  Choose your favorite or do both to compliment one another.

New for summer, Core Sport now offers a Core Yoga class taught by Donna Collins (Pilates and yoga certified) on Tuesdays @7:30pm.  Check out the Schedule to register now!  

Fitness for Pre/Post Pregnancy

Summer is in the air bringing with it new mommies and moms to be. How do you stay fit or get your pre-kid body back into shape?  A mix of Pilates and yoga is an excellent start!


In these forms of fitness, movements can be modified as your body changes over time.  Pilates and yoga are also both low impact and use your body for resistance which is safer than cardio or weight training.  Most importantly, stability workouts such as Pilates are important as your center of gravity and core muscles change.

*Important: Make sure your doctor has given you the green light to exercise.

During pregnancy the abdominal muscles will stretch to over 50% of their original length and create a diastasis after about 20 weeks.  This means your core has separated (can be several inches) and it will take patience before you will have the strength prior to pregnancy.  

Abdominals before and after pregnancy

Take privates or a pre/postnatal classes to ensure you are moving safely.  Basic warm ups will feel different since your body has changed rapidly in the past few months.  In time you will begin to feel more connected in your core and confident.

A great resource to check out is Pilates for Mommies. This goes into greater detail of how the female body changes over time as well as helpful Pilates exercises.

Looking for a class to connect with other moms?  Core Sport studio is now offering a Pre/Postnatal Pilates Workshop starting Saturday June 18th, 2011 @9-10am taught by a mom herself, Brenda Freeman.  You must pre-register since space is limited!  Visit our Workshop page or Scheduler for more info.

Dynamic vs. Static Stretching

How do you warm up and cool down before a big game or race?  Do you march in place to get your blood pumping (dynamic) or take a forward bend to touch your toes (static)?  You may be surprised, but the type of stretching you  do can effect your overall performance.


Dynamic warm ups are a great way to prepare the whole body for activity!  This is an "active" form of stretching.  Dynamic stretching works to elevate your heart rate, increase core temperature, and prepare the body/mind with functional movements.  Remember, this does not include bouncy or "jerky" movements (otherwise known as ballistic stretching).  Dynamic warm ups help to decrease injury, prepare you to become mentally focused,  increase speed/force, reduce muscle stiffness, and increase fluid to lubricate the joints.  

Static stretching is best used when the body is already warm such as at the end of your cool down.  The main focus is to increase range of motion (ROM).  Make sure you hold static stretches for at least 30 seconds to reap the benefits.

Want to learn more about proper warm up and cool down methods to enhance your performance?


This Summer in both June/July of 2011, Core Sport is hosting Speed & Agility classes @ Canton High School on Tuesdays 7am and Thursdays 9am.  We will teach dynamic warm ups to improve flexibility and mobility.  These workshops are beneficial for any sport or endurance training.  Be sure to visit our Workshops page or Scheduler to sign up you and your kids today!

Pilates is the Ticket to Trimming Down Quick

Weddings, Graduations & More!  Trim off those unwanted inches quickly.  Take it from Pippa Middleton who claims weekly Pilates sessions helped her look stunning in the recent Royal Wedding:

Add a mix of Pilates equipment classes into your schedule will make you stronger during your mat session.  A supported Teaser on the Towers translates to an effortless Classical Teaser on the mat.  Another benefit to spring based resistance found in equipment classes is that it will increase long, lean muscles instead of allowing bulking like with weight training.  You too can look amazing in time for your summer wedding, graduation party, high school or family reunion...Pilates is the ticket!  

Want to enhance your summer sport games?  Pilates can help with that too!  Athletes such as offensive lineman Ruben Brown, golfer Tiger Woods, basketball star Jason Kiss, pitcher Curt Schilling, and even David Beckham attend weekly sessions. 

Let Core Sport help you reach your fitness goal with our Summer Special Pilates 6 Pack: (includes 3 mat & 3 Tower classes) only $126!