New! a Pilates Clothing Gallery
Pilates and yoga clothes are the same. That's why I had a great time at the 2009 Yoga Journal conference in Colorado, where I live, taking of photos of the fashionable and functional workout clothing at the vendors booths. I've put my photo collection of workout clothing together in a gallery so you can get started on your gift lists, or go ahead and just buy yourself something you want or need. There were many of our favorites there, like Lucy, Lululemon and be

Pilates Training Programs Dropping "Certification"
The Pilates Method Alliance, (PMA) has issued a report from the Pilates Teacher Training Summit they held in Dallas TX in the beginning of November. The PMA is a non-profit organization that promotes professionalism in the Pilates industry. It has a world-wide membership that includes many prominent Pilates instructors and companies. The purpose of the summit was to explore self-regulation of the Pilates industry. Within that agenda, the

Pilates Exercise of the Week: Angel Arms
Angel arms is a Pilates fundamental exercise. It's a little like making snow angels or flapping your arms like a bird. But we do it to build awareness of moving the arms to the sides without hunching our shoulders up to our ears, or popping our ribcage out to the front. That brings in some shoulder and core stabilizer muscles. Co-ordinate angel arms with the breath at it gets even better.

Perils of Over Tucking the Pelvis
Sometimes in Pilates we do exercises where we intentionally tuck our pelvis under. We do exercises that bend us back, roll us over, and twist us - just to be sure our spines are as flexible as possible. And sometimes a lengthening of the spine along the mat will create a slight tilt of the pelvis that we want in some exercises. But we do need be clear about pelvic alignment, and when the pelvis might be over tucked, because over tucking the pelvis is a big problem. In general, tucking promotes bad posture, creates inefficient movement patterns, and increases the risk of back pain and injury. OVER tucking the pelvis makes us work a whole bunch of muscles in ways

Pilates Still a Top 10 Fitness Trend
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has released its predictions for the top fitness trends of 2010. As with last year and the year before, Pilates is in the top 10. Well, yeah, the benefits are amazing! Here is the ACSM top trend list, in order: Educated and Experienced Fitness Professionals, Strength Training, Children and Obesity, Personal Training, Core Training, Special Fitness Programs for Older Adults, Functional Fitness, Sport-Specifi