CLASSES
Pilates
The goal of the Pilates method is to create a fusion of mind and body so you move with economy, grace and balance. Pilates releases tension, corrects muscular imbalances and postural alignment through core stability, flexibility and proper joint functioning.
Here are some of my preferred quotes of his:
“Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. Our interpretation of physical fitness is the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily, and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure.”
“A body free from nervous tension and fatigue is the ideal shelter provided by nature for housing a well balanced mind, fully capable of successfully meeting all the complex problems of modern living.”
B.K.S. Iyengar
The brilliance of the Iyengar approach is the ability to adapt to the needs and challenges of the individual (such as those with back pain), so that everyone can start and continue to evolve in his or her practice, safely.
Some of my preferred quotes of B.K.S. Iyengar:
“Yoga cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endows skill in the performance of one’s actions.”
“Yogasana practice helps us to understand and learn how to play this magnificent instrument (the body) that each of us has been given.”
“Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit. When one is free from physical disabilities and mental distractions, the gates of the soul open.”
CLASS DESCRIPTION
The class is structured primarily around Pilates exercises and some yoga poses. The emphasis is on integrating, being aware of, the entire body as it moves, bringing a meditative aspect to the exercises. An advanced exercise is not just the scale of physical performance, but about one’s ability to sense harmony within the uniqueness of each exercise, moment by moment, in movement and in stillness.
Attitude is everything. I try to provide an exercise environment that is non-competitive in all it’s aspects with others and with oneself. The body is not something to be dominated, but needs to be worked with and “listened” to. This, I believe, is what separates my (our) work from others. We can have a good workout, have a few laughs, and learn that within a workout, there is the bigger picture of bringing us to a calmer, more serene part of ourselves.
Finding Equilibrium
When we ride a bike we have to learn about our bodies. We learn not to grip the handlebars too much with our hands and keep our feet in contact with the pedals. As our awareness improves, we learn how to lean to the left and right to help turning. Soon riding a bike becomes easy and enjoyable as our initial tension and tightness goes away. Learning to relax on the bike allows us to be ready for the challenges and obstacles that come along. Our skill of adjusting to a finer and finer extent develops as our ability to find equilibrium and joy grows.