Notes From Alycea: The Dis-Integration Issue
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 Dear (Contact First Name)
dis·in·te·grate /disˈintəˌgrāt/ - Verb 1. Break up into parts
Spring break is upon us. As we disperse to various locales and depart our regular routines it's normal to feel that your goals and wellness staples are somehow dis-
integrating. As March is our "Integration" month I wondered how these weeks of spring break could do anything other than break down routine, resolve and even results.
This past week we had a workshop with former teacher and self-admitted Pilates geek Benjamin Degenhardt, that involved just that. Breaking down a beloved familiar exercise. The Hundred. The process was illuminating for me (I attended as a student) insomuch as I got to look and feel many different moments all decidedly broken down but each of which acquired a whole new purpose in the process.
Pilates is such a perfect blend of integrated movements of sweeping choreography and seamless transitions but is also chock full of opportunities to isolate and pull apart particular moments in movement and thereby discover new things. Here are a few ideas gleaned from this weeks workshop plus a few activities to incorporate this month whether you are on a "break" or practicing your own Hundred. Get Hands On - Assume your Hundred position (see instructions below) then use your hands to track the tension in your abdominals. Start at the top and work your way down to the pelvis holding your legs at one fixed height. Repeat with the legs a bit lower and then one more time even lower maintaining a deep Ab contraction. Note any areas that the tension reduces or breaks down. Focus on that zone. Now try the full 100.
Nutrition-ally Speaking Spring Break definitely brings a disintegrating resolve to the table come vacation meals. Here's my best tip. Look ahead at the menus where you'll be dining and make your choices then, ideally on a full stomach. At dinner time - don't even look at the menu. You've already chosen wisely ahead of time. As for dessert, order one to share.
Legacy - Real Pilates is always looking back in order to move forward. We take our inspiration from so many sources but always give a nod to our roots. When I was a young apprentice I learned to teach exercises to the level of the student. Maybe they can't perform the whole movement but they can do a portion of it. Test yourself this month. Take an exercise you find challenging and just do one part of it. Over and over. Let me know how it's going so I help give you advice on our Facebook page.
More exciting stuff you can't wait to read about including a SpringTone® Teacher Training announcement, a Free Guide to building The Hundred, and a special ice cream recipe below!
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SpringTone® Teacher Training!
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For the very first time in history, SpringTone® Teacher Training is open to territories outside of Manhattan. Join us April 26 - 28, 2013. Be the first to bring SpringTone® to your 'hood.
Email info@realpilatesnyc.com to be placed on the Registration wait list. Limited to 10 Instructors with pre-existing comprehensive certification.
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Avocadoh-so-delicious!
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We normally don't advocate eating ice cream, but this Avocado Ice Cream recipe from Amy Shapiro...we just couldn't pass up! Try it and let us know how it comes out.
Post the outcome on our Facebook page.
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