Sunday, October 12, 2014

A Penchant for Pilates

I discovered Pilates in the Fall of 2001 and practised it faithfully 2 or 3 times per week during the Winter months. Even though I had room on the sailboat to perform the Pilates mat exercises, I didn't feel inclined to do them during the Summer when we were sailing and hiking every day.

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.

Elle Childs Pose


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:

Are you a Pilates fan too?





19 comments:

  1. 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.

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  2. I 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.

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  3. I love love love LINDA.
    (((sharing)))

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  4. 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.

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  5. oh i'll have to check these out! always looking for more ways to incorporate pilates or yoga

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  6. I like the idea of an audio workout. Very cool review! thanks!

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  7. I'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!

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  8. I 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!

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  9. I've only ever tried pilates a couple of times, but never got into it. I really need to give it another shot!

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  10. I haven't delved into the pilates world. Great review and great reasons why we should check it out.

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  11. I 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.

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  12. I 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.

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  13. I do love Pilates. I wish I could have an instructor come directly to the home and instruct me.

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  14. I 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!

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  15. I 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!

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  16. I love Pilates! I have a DVD that I use at home. So good for the core!

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  17. Neat! I like pilates too - I love that it's a nice low intensity strength challenge.

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  18. I 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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