Mind Body Pilates Challenge // Day 9

Hi Beauties!

While Pilates is my main thing, I also love teaching barre workouts. Barre is a great way to change things up while continuing to focus on proper form and efficient movement.

In the Beach Barre Cardio routine, you’ll not only tone and strengthen your entire body, but boost your heart health, improve circulation, and work up a sweat.

Keep your Pilates principles in mind, grab a chair for balance, and enjoy this quick & effective, 15-minute Pilates-barre workout!

Today, we’re focusing on meditation once again! Your Mindfulness Assignment for the day is to find time for meditation. It can be moving or sitting still, 5 minutes or 50 minutes….it’s completely up to you.

xo,

DIY: Make your own Pilates 2×4!

DIY: How To Make your own Pilates 2×4!

DIY: Make your own Pilates 2x4!

DIY: Make your own Pilates 2x4!The Pilates 2×4 is a wonderful small piece of Pilates apparatus. Despite its low profile and just like its friends the Foot Corrector and the Toe Corrector, the exercises on the 2×4 can give you a full body workout.

2×4 exercises can better your alignment and balance. It’s also a great place to connect the lower extremities into your center.

And the Pilates 2×4 is a snap to make with a few tools and just about 10 minutes.

Watch out! You just might find your butt.

DIY: Make your own Pilates 2x4!

materials:

  • 2″x4″ (4 cm x 9 cm) board approximately 18″ (46 cm) long (Gratz measurement) Ours measured about 2′ in length. We found it in the basement of our house so we weren’t picky!
  • a rubber yoga mat you don’t mind parting with. This will be your upholstery. The fabric must be able to wrap all around the 2×4 board with enough extra to overlap on the sides and ends. You’ll be wrapping up a special gift for your studio!

tools:

  • scissors that can cleanly cut a yoga mat
  • a staple gun
  • a small hammer

let’s get started:

1. “Measure twice, cut once.”

The width of our yoga mat was a perfect size to cover our 2×4 and leave enough overlap to cover both ends.

Measure the length by wrapping the board in the yoga mat first. You’ll want to make sure you have enough cover it entirely with not too much overlap of fabric.

DIY: Make you own Pilates 2x4!

2. Use the board and the texture of the yoga mat as a guide to cut a straight line.

Set aside the excess fabric for future 2x4s.

DIY: Make you own Pilates 2x4!

3. Place the 2×4 along the edge of the yoga mat leaving just enough selvage to overlap when it is wrapped.

1/4″ or 1 cm should be plenty.

DIY: Make you own Pilates 2x4!

4. Secure the edge of the yoga mat to the 2×4 board with a few staples.

There should not be any gaps where the mat pulls away from the board, but this edge will be under a top layer of overlap.

Place less staples on this underside to decrease bulk and leave room for more precise placement of staples on the finished side.

DIY: Make you own Pilates 2x4!

5. Pull the yoga mat tightly and firmly wrap the 2×4 board with the yoga mat and secure well with staples.

Keep the mat smooth as you wrap. Pull the yoga mat nice and tight after the first set of staples and keep it that way while stapling the second set.

DIY: Make you own Pilates 2x4!

Remember these staples will be the finished edge of your 2×4 apparatus. Use the hammer to to smash the staples in so they don’t stick out.

DIY: Make your own Pilates 2x4!

6. Gift wrap the ends of the 2×4 and secure well with staples.

Almost finished…

DIY: Make your own Pilates 2x4!

Now you must give it an inaugural voyage!

Ready, Set? Workout!

Put your new Pilates 2×4 to good use with our short video. Andrea teaches a few exercises that can be a perfect beginning or ending for your next workout.

Enjoy!

Andrea Maida

About Andrea Maida

A native of Pittsburgh, Andrea began her study of the Pilates method in 2000. She holds two comprehensive certifications from Romana’s Pilates in New York and Excel Movement Studios in Washington, DC. Andrea continues to study with numerous world-class instructors including Romana Kryzanowska, Jay Grimes, Sari Mejia-Santo, Junghee Kallander, Cynthia Lochard, and Kathryn Ross-Nash whenever possible. Andrea was privileged to be in the inaugural class of The Work at Vintage Pilates under the direction of Jay Grimes, 1st Generation Master Teacher and student of Joseph Pilates.

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Sisterhood enrollment is NOW OPEN!

Hi Beauties!

Just a quick post to let you know that public enrollment for the Balanced Life Sisterhood is OPEN! But don’t delay…it closes again on Thursday, June 27th at 11:59 pm PT! 🎉

The Sisterhood is a monthly membership program designed to help you become the healthiest version of yourself by doing Pilates from home and embracing a balanced approach to health, both on and off the mat.

As a member, here’s what you get:

  • ​A monthly Pilates workout calendar designed specifically for busy women (5 workouts assigned per week ranging from 10-40 minutes).​
  • Access to a members-only dashboard, so all you have to do is login and press play.​ Simple, convenient, and easy to use.
  • A brand NEW full-length Pilates workout on the first of every month (+ access to a searchable online workout library with over 40 Pilates & barre workouts).​
  • A monthly mission to focus on ONE area of wellness (off the mat) per month.​ We keep it simple and I guide you through it every step of the way.
  • A gorgeous, professionally designed print that goes along with our monthly mission to remind you of your goals on a daily basis. ​
  • A monthly recipe bundle full of easy, whole-food recipes (+ access to a searchable recipe central that includes tons of recipes, meal plans, shopping lists, and more).
  • Access to a members-only Facebook group (the most inspiring, encouraging tribe of women on the internet, hands down.; you can ‘t even put a price on this).​
  • Support, encouragement, motivation, inspiration, guidance, confidence, stress reduction, increased strength, endurance, flexibility, improved circulation, energy, better posture…I could go on and on. 😊

This program is for you, if you:

  • Love the way Pilates makes you feel. ❤️
  • Need a realistic workout plan that fits with your busy schedule.
  • Want a flexible monthly routine that is easy to follow.
  • Want to build strength, improve flexibility, and tone up.
  • Want to reduce stress, sleep better, improve your posture, and improve your mind.
  • Would love me to tell you exactly which workouts to do each day to see the best results.
  • Appreciate short, but effective, Pilates workouts you can do at home or on the road.
  • Desire judgment-free encouragement and support as you work toward your goals.

Here’s what I know for sure…

Complicated workout plans and expensive gym memberships don’t work for me.

But doing Pilates at home 3-5x per week, eating whole foods, and surrounding myself with supportive women who are striving to become the healthiest versions of themselves changed my life.

And I want the same for you.

The Sisterhood is now open for enrollment, and I would love to officially welcome you to The Balanced Life family!

I can’t wait to continue working with you over in The Sisterhood!

CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED

As soon as you enroll, you’ll receive access to the members-only dashboard + a library of online Pilates workouts and so much more.

See you on your mat soon!

xo,

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Inside the Pilates Studio: Brooke Siler

Inside the Pilates Studio: Brooke Siler

El_Brooke_Inside_0180

I love Brooke’s new book The Women’s Health Big Book of Pilates, and it makes me think fondly about my first few Pilates Mat classes some 15 years ago.

As a new Pilates mat student way back when, I cherished my copy of Brooke’s first book, The Pilates Body: The Ultimate At-Home Guide to Strengthening, Lengthening and Toning Your Body- Without Machines.

An iconic Pilates book, it was my constant Pilates workout companion. How wonderful to have a book with all the same exercises in it that I was learning in my Pilates Mat classes.

What a concept!

Before the wide availability of Pilates information online, The Pilates Body arrived with a treasure trove of images, illustrations and suggestions about creating a steady practice for advancing your workout.

Inside the Pilates Studio: Brooke Siler

A few months ago, I connected with Brooke in Los Angeles for an amazing fundraising event for our beloved colleague Mari Winsor. Lessons and teaching were dripping from the walls in Mari’s Melrose studio that day, and Brooke was right in the middle of it, teaching and having a lesson herself with Moses Urbano.

Especially as Pilates teachers we can never get enough of the good stuff for ourselves and continually study and teach this amazing method of body conditioning.

Where can I find Brooke?

Last year Brooke closed the doors of her flagship Pilates studies in New York City, Re: AB. Look for her teaching on the Upper East Side at Pilates Challenge (1226 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10028).

And for the first time, in October 2015, Brooke will be presenting at Pilates Association of Australasia while getting in some quality time with her family in Australia.

Inside the Pilates Studio: Brooke Siler1. What is your favorite Pilates exercise and why?

Brooke Siler: The Roll Up. It’s simple and versatile. It works strength, stretch, articulation and you can do it almost anywhere. It feels great on my body.

2. What exercise is your least favorite? Pick only one.

BS: Long Back Stretch. Even when I’m strong and perform it well it still feels awkward.

3. What turns you on creatively, mentally or physically about the Pilates method?

BS: Personal power. I love that this method provides the tools necessary to not only take care of ourselves, but to thrive!

4. What is your idea of earthly happiness?

BS: My kids, my friends, my family, good health and lots of laughter. (I also would not be mad at some rose champagne & dark chocolate thrown in there!)

5. What to your mind would be the greatest misfortune?

BS: To lose my children.

6. What is your favorite Pilates word?

BS: Teaser Time!

7. What is your least favorite Pilates word?

BS: Teaser Time!

8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

BS: Artist

9. If Heaven exists, and by some chance when you arrive at the pearly gates Joseph Pilates is also there, what would you like to hear him say to you?

BS: Great job. Thank you for helping.

10. What did you learn today?

BS: My daily lesson is: “I have enough, I do enough, I am enough”.

Andrea Maida

About Andrea Maida

A native of Pittsburgh, Andrea began her study of the Pilates method in 2000. She holds two comprehensive certifications from Romana’s Pilates in New York and Excel Movement Studios in Washington, DC. Andrea continues to study with numerous world-class instructors including Romana Kryzanowska, Jay Grimes, Sari Mejia-Santo, Junghee Kallander, Cynthia Lochard, and Kathryn Ross-Nash whenever possible. Andrea was privileged to be in the inaugural class of The Work at Vintage Pilates under the direction of Jay Grimes, 1st Generation Master Teacher and student of Joseph Pilates.

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Healthy Holiday Gift Guide: for Pilates lovers

Jordin Tinar, November 27, 2018November 28, 2018, Pilates, TBL Favorites, 5

Hi Beauties!

Gift guide season is HERE! Putting together gift guides is one of my favorite things to do. Throughout the year, I’m frequently asked about my favorite products, so these gift guides provide an opportunity to share them with you!

Here is what’s in store this year:

  • Gifts for Pilates Lovers
  • Gifts for the Health Enthusiast
  • Gifts for Healthy Kids
  • My Personal Holiday Wish List

Today, we’re kicking things off with gifts for Pilates lovers!

Healthy Holiday Gift Guide for Pilates Lovers // The Balanced Life

Shop my gift ideas:

Pilates Has Your Back Sweatshirt // Ecowise Pilates Mat // Gift Membership to The Balanced Life Sisterhood // Pilates Ring // Foam Roller // Lole Travel Mat // Mini Hand Weights // Mini Ball // Merrithew At-Home Reformer Bundle

Do you have your eyes on any of these Pilates gifts this year?

Tell me which one in the comments!

xo,

Want to join our online Pilates community? Sign up to be notifed when we re-open enrollment to the public!

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Last call for our Cyber Monday deal!Healthy Holiday Gift Guide: for kids

5 Comments

  1. Julie Campbell 6 months ago

    i’m eyeing up the ‘Pilates has your back sweatshirt.” !!!

    Reply

  2. Rhonda Marshall 6 months ago

    I would love the reformer!!! Could take me to the next level!!!

    Reply

  3. eleanorspence 6 months ago

    I also love the sweatshirt! I would love the reformer but not sure I can afford one right now:-(

    Reply

  4. AUDREY 6 months ago

    I would love an ecowise mat and a yearly subscription to the balanced life.

    Reply

  5. Karyn Hitchman 6 months ago

    I would love to receive the Sisterhood membership for Christmas, the hand weights would be great and the sweatshirt.
    Merry Christmas.

    Reply

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A Pilates trend we can get into

A Pilates trend we can get into

Posted by Alisa Wyatt on July 20, 2015 in Uncategorized

Over the last few years we’ve noticed that more and more teachers are interested in going back to the roots of the method. And in response, there are loads of fantastic and welcoming events featuring traditional Pilates popping up everywhere.

Here’s a couple of examples of this trend, tell us about events you’re looking forward to or experiences you’ve had in the comments below!

August 2015 Teaching Exchange at Pilates on 66

Q: What’s a ‘Teaching Exchange’?

A: At Pilates on 66 we have been fostering a community of Pilates Professionals by hosting gatherings as networking and professional development opportunities open to teachers from all backgrounds. Creating community allows us to spend time with people who are like-minded and share our mission to take the Pilates industry to the next level.

This year’s Teaching Exchange begins with a 2 hour workshop. After each workshop we will have the chance to put what we have learned directly into play as we exchange lessons with another teacher. Teaching exchange lessons will be paired ahead of time.

We’re honored that fellow Pilatesology contributors, Michael Johnson, Sandy Shimoda and Seran Glanfield will be joining us. Our goal is to provide an opportunity for teachers to refine teaching skills and challenge their teaching ability.

IMG_0269 (1)

WHEN: 12-5pm, August 24th – 27th, 2015

WHERE: Pilates on 66; 50 E. 66th St. Std A, New York, NY 10065

COST: 4-days $450, 2-days $300 and 1-day $200. From 12pm-5pm daily, cost includes the workshop, exchange and closing remarks of the presenter.

REGISTER: Please email: Contact@Pilateson66.com

Vintage Pilates’ Teacher’s Clubhouse

On the West Coast, there’s Vintage Pilates’ ‘Teachers Clubhouse’ which is an open workout and forum in which instructors from any Pilates background can learn and share. We’ve filmed many of these for Pilatesology, here’s one to check out:

Teachers Clubhouse 8—Addressing Individual Needs on the Cadillac with Sandy Shimoda

Teachers ClubhouseEach session begins with a 45 minute workout led the way Joe Pilates ran his own studio, everyone does their own workout while a teacher goes around offering help. Afterward, the group gathers and discusses a teaching concept to practice together.

Do you have a dream workshop you’d like to attend? Share it in the comments below!

Alisa Wyatt

About Alisa Wyatt

Alisa has been teaching Pilates since 1999 when she left her high-powered publishing job to spread her passion for Pilates. Realizing there was a need to preserve Joseph Pilates’ original style of teaching, Alisa and her husband Jack Coble, created Pilatesology in 2011 and have since dedicated themselves to recording the work with instructors who remain close to the source.A Pilates purist, Alisa was trained and certified by Pilates legend, Romana Kryzanowska in New York City where she ran her own private studio for a decade before moving home to California. She’s an often-featured expert for Pilates Style Magazine and creator of a series of acclaimed Pilates videos: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Pilates Workout, and Pilates for Men, as well as a sought-after workshop presenter at fitness conferences.When she’s not traveling the globe filming classes with world-renowned instructors for Pilatesology, Alisa spends her time in Hermosa Beach, CA, where she and Jack get outside as much as possible, surfing, hiking and playing. Alisa and Jack believe that Pilates is what allows them to lead active, healthy lives.Alisa’s client list includes Olympic athletes, supermodels and real people who want to look and perform at their absolute best.
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Resolution Head Start – The Balanced Life

Hi Beauties!

I’m sure a lot of you are feeling the itch to back to your healthy routine after the holidays, so instead of waiting until the new year to get back on track, I thought I’d put together a little head start for you. 🙂

Let’s finish the year strong!

Here in this blog post, I’ve mapped out a simple 5-day plan for you to follow along with each day. Bookmark this post and come back to it each morning to find your daily workout.

This isn’t an overwhelming thing, I just want you to complete a short workout each day to help you finish the year strong and get a head start on a healthy 2019!

Resolution Head Start // The Balanced Life

These workouts are complete on their own, but if you like a little extra time to get your body ready for movement, you can start each day with a 5-minute warm up!

CLICK HERE for the 5-Minute Pilates Warm Up

Are you ready to get started with your Resolution Head Start?

Each workout is listed below for you – just click play!

DAY 1: Pilates for Posture

DAY 2: Pilates Resistance Band Workout

DAY 3: Pilates for Balance

DAY 4: Pilates-Inspired HIIT Workout

DAY 5: Pilates for Pelvic Floor

Bookmark this blog post and come back each day to end the year feeling healthy and strong. And get ready….2019 is going to be full of exciting new things here at The Balanced Life! Can’t wait to share more soon!

xo,

PS – For more workouts like this, be sure to visit my YouTube channel. Looking for something longer? The Balanced Life Sisterhood is where you want to be!

Want to join our online Pilates community? Sign up to be notifed when we re-open enrollment to the public!

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DIY Swedish Bars | Pilatesology

DIY Swedish Bars

Posted by Alisa Wyatt on August 25, 2015 in Uncategorized

Swedish BarsLauren Hammerle’s husband Dave is back at it with another awesome DIY Pilates Apparatus Project! He made Lauren a High Mat that folds for storage as a surprise Christmas gift. This time it’s Swedish Bars…

With a few supplies from your local hardware store you can affordably expand your Pilates Studio in one weekend. DIY Swedish Bars are a simple and easy project. Start your project today and you can be hanging like a Bat tomorrow!

by Dave & Lauren Hammerle, Precision Pilates Studio, NJ

Swedish Bars have, so far, been an elusive piece of apparatus in my studio. I always felt my studio was too small to accommodate the unit, until I realized the possibility of having a set custom built. I mentioned this to my husband Dave, a carpenter, and he built one in about 2 hours. It took him more time to stain the Bars than to actually build it! The whole project cost just under $200, and it fits perfectly in my studio after all!

Finished size: 7’h x 37 1/2”w

  • 13 – 3’ x 1 1/4” Oak dowels
  • 3 – 2 x 6 x 8 Kiln Dried Douglas Fir
  • 2 – 1ft pieces of 2 x 6 x 8 Kiln-Dried Douglas Fir (for pull up bar)
  • 1 – Irwin Speedbor 1 1/4” Woodboring Spade Drill Bit
  • 2 – L-brackets 4.5” x 4.5”
  • 2 – Straight brackets with holes 9”
  • 1 – box of 2 1/2” wood screws for holding dowels
  • 1 – bag of bracket screws for mounting L-brackets and backing plate
  • 1/8” Wood drill bit for pre-drilling holes 1 size smaller than screws
  • 1 – 2×6 Kiln Dried Douglas Fir for the backing board
  • 8 – 3/8”x4” lags (used for mounting unit to wall)
  1. Cut two 2x6s to height dimension. The leftovers are then used for the pull-up bar (approximately 1’).
  2. Laying out where the holes will go, start 10” off the bottom and 2 3/4” setback from front edge. This will be your center line. Then measure every 6” from that point. Keep the 2 3/4” setback. You are using 12 dowels. Do this for both 2×6 boards.
  3. Drill holes 1” deep at these 12 points marked on each board. At this point, attach the 1 foot 2x6s front boards for the pull up bar using the L bracket and straight bracket, making sure to keep both top of boards flush.
  4. Center brackets on the edges of the 2x6s.
  5. In the most outer corner, mark a centerline 2” down and 2” in from the outside of the 2×6 on both boards. This becomes the center of your pull up bar. Drill that 1” deep also.Step 6
  6. Laying one section flat on a table with the holes pre-drilled facing up, insert 13 dowels using a block and hammer to make sure they are snug. Lay the top board over the dowels and line up the holes using the block and hammer, tap the top board down until secure. Lay the whole unit down on its back.Step6 (2)
  7. Remeasure 2 3/4” off the front edge, 10” up and then every 6” where the center of dowels are, pre-drill 1/8” hole into center of dowel and screw together with 2 1/2” course thread wood screw. This is being done on the outside of the frame to secure the dowels.
  8. Flip the unit over so the pull up bar is facing down (back side is up), measure across the back edge from outside of 2×6 to outside of 2×6 and cut out of remaining 2×6 two pieces that equal that dimension. You are making the part that attaches the unit to the wall.
  9. Measure up from bottom edge, 25” and 64” on both 2x6s, place bottom edge of 2×6 that you cut flush to the outside edge of the back at the 25” mark. Pre-drill with the 1/8” bit, three holes on each side. Attach with 2 1/2” course thread screws.
  10. Repeat for the 64” mark.Step 9
  11. Sand everything down.
  12. Stain the unit to color of choice. Let dry for 24 hours.
  13. Apply three coats of polyurethane following directions on can.
  14. Once dry, hang unit from the mounting boards on back of unit. Find studs in the wall (usually 16 on center), pre-drill mounting boards one size smaller than a 3/8” x 4” lag. Mount to wall.

Let’s hear it for Lauren’s husband Dave! For more projects like this one, check out our DIY Studio Apparatus section. And don’t forget to send us pics if you attempt a DIY project! How about a Pedi-Pole? Sunni Almond, is Scott up for the challenge?!

Alisa Wyatt

About Alisa Wyatt

Alisa has been teaching Pilates since 1999 when she left her high-powered publishing job to spread her passion for Pilates. Realizing there was a need to preserve Joseph Pilates’ original style of teaching, Alisa and her husband Jack Coble, created Pilatesology in 2011 and have since dedicated themselves to recording the work with instructors who remain close to the source.A Pilates purist, Alisa was trained and certified by Pilates legend, Romana Kryzanowska in New York City where she ran her own private studio for a decade before moving home to California. She’s an often-featured expert for Pilates Style Magazine and creator of a series of acclaimed Pilates videos: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Pilates Workout, and Pilates for Men, as well as a sought-after workshop presenter at fitness conferences.When she’s not traveling the globe filming classes with world-renowned instructors for Pilatesology, Alisa spends her time in Hermosa Beach, CA, where she and Jack get outside as much as possible, surfing, hiking and playing. Alisa and Jack believe that Pilates is what allows them to lead active, healthy lives.Alisa’s client list includes Olympic athletes, supermodels and real people who want to look and perform at their absolute best.
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Postpartum Pilates Workout – The Balanced Life

Hi Beauties!

I have a new YouTube workout for you today!

Pilates has carried me through three pregnancies (one with twins!), one miscarriage, and three recoveries. Pilates has been my go-to form of exercise for the prenatal and postpartum seasons and I’m so thankful for the way it’s helped me to both maintain and rebuild my strength.

As an instructor, one thing that drives me crazy is seeing women jump back in to high impact workouts without taking the time to rebuild their core. Yes, it’s good to get moving again, but if you don’t give your body adequate time to recover and take the time to rebuild deep core strength and pelvic floor function, you’re setting yourself up for problems down the road (diastasis recti, bladder control issues, and pelvic floor dysfunction to name a few).

To help those of you who are ready to get back in to your exercise routine after having a baby, I created a short postpartum Pilates workout that you can do from home.

CLICK HERE to watch the workout directly on YouTube.

Use this workout as often as you can and be patient with yourself as you rebuild your strength. I encourage you to honor your body and don’t rush the process. You’ll be better for it down the road!

xo,

PS – if you’re pregnant and looking for prenatal-friendly workouts, check out my Prenatal Pilates Program. It includes workouts that are safe for all three trimesters!

Want to join our online Pilates community? Sign up to be notifed when we re-open enrollment to the public!

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Inside the Pilates Studio: Jay Grimes

Inside the Pilates Studio: Jay Grimes

Inside the Pilates Studio: Jay Grimes

Inside the Pilates Studio: Jay Grimes

Jay Grimes has been my go-to Pilates education crush for over a decade now. Succinct, no-nonsense and funny (always a plus), a workshop or class with Jay is replete with a Pilates gem or two (or eight).

I was a green instructor when I first met Jay – at that point I knew who Romana was, but that was about it. I worked at a studio that hosted several workshops with Jay and the instructors all took private lessons with him. A few first impressions stand out vividly even now.

1. His calm and warm demeanor.

He had sweet little names for the exercises with which I was clearly killing myself. While sweating bullets doing the Teaser on the Wunda Chair: “It’s just rock-a-bye baby…” he cooed, making a gentle teeter-totter gesture with his hands.

2. An arresting moment. Feeling fabulous in the midst of a long teaching day.

I’d had a lesson with Jay a few hours earlier and my back felt so fricking fabulous it was distracting. My back never felt bad, but this was different. I tried to remember what had gone on in my lesson to achieve such Pilates nirvana…what did he say?

He really didn’t say much. Every once in a while he would insist on 1 or 2 things, and poke, but that was kind of it.

“Hmmm…”

3. Every workshop when Jay tells you not to talk so much.

Jay counsels us to shut up when teaching the Footwork. Oh, he was speaking directly to me, there is no question. He knows.

I need to keep coming to these workshops until I learn how to keep quiet (she says, still attending workshops…).

4. A knitting connection

You may know me as a Pilates nerd extraordinaire, but I should also confess that I am a huge knitting nerd as well. Shocker!

During the lunch break of Jay’s workshop I was wearing a small knitted purse I had made. It was multi-colored and fancy, a project from a knitting class about knitted braids and color patterns…whoa, there I go…

“Did you get your bag in Peru?” Oh how I wish I could have said yes to that one…Jay was clearly envisioning the fantasy version of my life.

“Actually I made it.”

“Oh,” he said, “you knit.”

These words were like Cupid’s arrow through my heart!

He knows it’s knitting. He didn’t call it crochet. Or worse, sewing.

A guy I know is a big deal in the knitting world…I remembered at that moment that he had mentioned Pilates a few years before. Ron told me that Pilates was great stuff and he had a friend that was a big deal in the Pilates world and “maybe I had heard of him?”

(crickets)

“Jay Grimes?”

Inside the Pilates Studio: Jay Grimes1. What is your favorite Pilates exercise and why?

Jay Grimes: I don’t know the official name, if it has one, but it is the exercise on the Tower that is sort of like standing semi-circles or the rolling in and out on the Cadillac.

2. What exercise is your least favorite? Pick only one.

JG: I really like them all, and can’t say any particular one is my least favorite.

3. What turns you on creatively, mentally or physically about the Pilates method?

JG: Seeing not only peoples bodies change, but their entire lives. It’s extraordinary how many people live with stress, tension, and actual pain, not realizing that they can change it. The challenge of making them understand, and then helping them to make the changes is definitely a turn-on. Joe was right when he said “return to life”.

4. What is your idea of earthly happiness?

JG: Good health, good friends, good wine and good weather.

Inside the Pilates Studio: Jay Grimes5. What to your mind would be the greatest misfortune?

JG: To be physically incapacitated.

6. What is your favorite Pilates word?

JG: MOVE!

7. What is your least favorite Pilates word?

JG: There are so many – can I have more than one? With the certification programs came a whole new language, and I hate most of it: powerhouse, scoop, ugh! But if I have to choose just one word I think it would be “Pilates stance.”

8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

JG: I’ve been very lucky to have had a long career as a dancer, which was wonderful, and to now have Pilates as a career. At my age it’s hard to imagine starting a new profession – but I’ve always enjoyed gardening.

9. If Heaven exists, and by some chance when you arrive at the pearly gates Joseph Pilates is also there, what would you like to hear him say to you?

JG: You did a good job.

10. What did you learn today?

JG: That I actually can get things done early in the morning! (But it’s not easy.)

Thank you Jay, for your wonderful support and guidance on the endless and fabulous journey that is the Pilates Method.

Andrea Maida

About Andrea Maida

A native of Pittsburgh, Andrea began her study of the Pilates method in 2000. She holds two comprehensive certifications from Romana’s Pilates in New York and Excel Movement Studios in Washington, DC. Andrea continues to study with numerous world-class instructors including Romana Kryzanowska, Jay Grimes, Sari Mejia-Santo, Junghee Kallander, Cynthia Lochard, and Kathryn Ross-Nash whenever possible. Andrea was privileged to be in the inaugural class of The Work at Vintage Pilates under the direction of Jay Grimes, 1st Generation Master Teacher and student of Joseph Pilates.

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