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Classical Pilates for Modern Life

(A Harmonious Pilates, Inc. Original Publication)

by Joanna Telacka

Classical Pilates Teacher

 Business Owner

Triathlete

June 8th, 2024

Shining light on Pilates truths, honoring Joseph Pilates,

and supporting you in your Pilates journey. 

FAQ: I don't have access to Pilates equipment. Can I still practice? 

YES:)
Simply put, the Pilates apparatus that gets so much attention these days is not the “meat and potatoes” of the method. The Mat is.
The Pilates method began with 34 exercises that Joe developed to be performed while on the mat. Hence the name “Mat exercises”.
If coming to a studio is not an option for you at all or is temporarily impossible, there is no reason to dismiss Pilates altogether. Learn and practice the Mat instead. you will still benefit from the "Pilates promise". You will improve your strength, flexibility, joint mobility, and stability, breathing, posture, balance.
All by JUST doing Mat exercises:)

Even though I have at my disposal all the Pilates apparatus, I always introduce some Mat exercises at the beginning of the first lesson. Even if the second part of the session includes the apparatus, starting it with this approach accomplishes the following:
Lays out the “rules of healthy movement" for the novice
Gives me, as a teacher, an opportunity to evaluate their body’s strength, flexibility, and body/mind connection.
It serves as a foundation for how the rest of this first lesson will flow.
It provides basic tools for the client to use to help them develop the skills they need to perform whatever exercises come next with correct spine alignment and proper breathing.
Opens the possibility of independent practice at home.
It commences a long-term journey of getting to know one’s body and training it to move better with the assistance of the mind.

 

Helpful video:

Whether you are a beginner Pilates enthusiast or well-versed in the method, knowing the Mat routine like the back of your hand is priceless. It makes you independent. It empowers you to be in charge of your well-being. It equips you with tools useful when traveling, dealing with an injury, or ...a shutdown caused by a pandemic :) Practice here with me by clicking on the picture to the right. 

FAQ: How do I begin?

The best way is for you to start by learning, understanding, and practicing the mini-exercises, but that is a topic of my next newsletter.

If you need a copy of the previous newsletters to browse though or if you are new to our community and want to catch up here is a link to the Newsletter Library. 

https://www.harmoniouspilates.com/Newsletter.html

 Start your Pilates journey today!

Look inside my Facebook group: "Classical Pilates for Modern Life" and on the Instagram page "Pilates Knowhow" where I explain and demonstrate one Pilates exercise at a time.

___________________ 

Please reach out if you need more guidance or encouragement!

Let's share our Pilates journey together 😊

If you know someone who can benefit from the content of my newsletter, please share it with them. My goal is to reach as many people as I can to help them have a better quality of life. Thank you! 

Sincerely,

Joanna 😊