By the Fall of 2006 I had developed an inflammation in my head that wreaked havoc with my balance and caused terrible dizziness when I would move from a prone position to sitting or standing. I had to give up Pilates and yoga altogether, until a couple of years ago, when I learned, through trial and error, that my inflammation was caused by eating gluten. Once I gave up the gluten, the inflammation and it’s unpleasant side effects disappeared and I am happy to say that I can now practise both Pilates and yoga whenever I like.
I have never been to a Pilates class with a live instructor. I became familiar with the moves by using a couple of different DVDs that were aimed at a beginner audience. I still use them even though I have tried others.
I love the flow of the movements. I love the way I feel after I complete a Pilates mat workout…. sleeker, longer… and I am very aware of how I carry myself for the rest of the day. My posture is much improved because I am paying attention to it.
For me, Pilates is the most enjoyable way to strengthen and tone my core, my back, my thighs, and my butt. It is a lovely compliment to running and body weight workouts. It builds stamina and endurance and aids in concentration because it makes you focus on the present... it is a wonderful sleep aid and stress reducer, too.
When Lynda Lippin offered to let me try out a couple of her Pilates routines, available in audio format, I readily agreed.
Lynda Lippin is currently a Master Pilates Specialist at Real Pilates in Tribeca and also maintains a small, exclusive, private client practice. Lynda worked overseas for several years at Parrot Cay (an exclusive, A-List, private island resort and spa), and currently recruits Pilates teachers as needed for overseas positions in A-list spas.
Lynda is the recipient of numerous awards in her field, including 2003 Best of Philly® Pilates Studio and the 2011 SpaFinder Magazine Reader's Choice Award for Best Pilates in the World. She is a Master Reiki practitioner and holds certifications in TRX as well as Kettlebells.
I tried 2 of Linda’s workouts – Pilates for Lower Back Pain, and the Basic Mat Class. And I have done each of them several times now.
Linda’s voice is very pleasant to listen to and her instructions are clear, well-timed and easy to understand. Her words are well-chosen.
She tells you exactly how to move and where to concentrate your focus, and how the movements should feel. I think this is really important. In Pilates, the movements are often small, but precise and you need to know what parts of your body should remain still while others move.
I played the audio files on my laptop computer during the workouts. They both take between 30 to 40 minutes to perform and offer a tough but refreshing workout.
You can find/purchase Linda’s audio files at http://pilatesandreiki.com/pilates-audios/
Other places on to find Lynda are:
- Blog http://pilatesandreiki.com
- Twitter @lyndalippin
- Instagram @lyndalippin
- YouTube http://youtube.com/lyndalippinpilates
Are you a Pilates fan too?
How interesting to do an audio only workout. I find myself checking my posture when I do a yoga video. Although I do like videos that have lots of little bits of information about what to concentrate on with each pose. Sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteI went to a Pilates mat class for years. Alas I've gotten away from it. I still do some things daily. like The Hundred, and rolling like a ball.
ReplyDeleteI love love love LINDA.
ReplyDelete(((sharing)))
Thanks for the great review, Elle! Carrie, most Pilates teachers do not actually do Pilates with a class or private client. We tend to watch and talk people through. So I took the most often used cues and put them in an audio class that takes you through the movements.
ReplyDeleteoh i'll have to check these out! always looking for more ways to incorporate pilates or yoga
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of an audio workout. Very cool review! thanks!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you can do what you enjoy again. My neighbor is a pilates instructor and I am going to give it a try with her, perhaps even this weekend. It does seem like the perfect complement to running!
ReplyDeleteI am a pilates fan. I used to go regularly a long time ago but haven't been able to keep it up with my schedule and the cost of sessions. I love the option of having DVDs to do at home!
ReplyDeleteI've only ever tried pilates a couple of times, but never got into it. I really need to give it another shot!
ReplyDeleteI haven't delved into the pilates world. Great review and great reasons why we should check it out.
ReplyDeleteI love pilates!
ReplyDeleteI used to LOVE pilates 15 years ago. I was a HUGE Windsor Pilates fan. ;) I need to get back into it, as I felt so strong and LONG/flexible when I did it.
ReplyDeleteI love pilates although I havent done it regularly in quite some time. It would be interesting to do an audio workout, i will have to check them out.
ReplyDeleteI do love Pilates. I wish I could have an instructor come directly to the home and instruct me.
ReplyDeleteI adore Pilates but I haven't gone in so long! I need to bite the bullet and find a new place to go to. I used to have a private instructor but she started to just do the same routine over and over and it seems as if she fell of the face of the planet - On to the next!
ReplyDeleteI used to do Pilates at the gym. Loved it! Now that I'm on a 3-day strength training split I could feasibly fit it in. Thanks for the motivation!
ReplyDeleteI love Pilates! I have a DVD that I use at home. So good for the core!
ReplyDeleteNeat! I like pilates too - I love that it's a nice low intensity strength challenge.
ReplyDeleteI have never done Pilates but have wanted to for years.. I like a live person but you made this sound tempting!
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