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Every time I start to think I'm in the wrong business, my clients remind me how and why I got started, and why I named my business Any Body's Pilates.
We exhibited at the Boomer & Beyond Lifestyle event Saturday. One of my instructors, Hannah, invited that morning's Mat Classes to join us, and three of them did. Kathleen, a retired nurse, acted like we'd put her to work. She grabbed people as they walked by, and even sat this lady down and gave her the full Pilates pitch. She spent at least 10 minutes telling her about the core work, shoulders, alignment, weight loss, strength, healthy feeling...without any help from us.
Gail brought her sister, who was brave enough to try the High Chair. She did well with Pumping, but struggled with Going Up Front. I asked Gail if she'd like to demonstrate how it's done. She was apprehensive, but Saturday she made it look easy. She was beaming as she stepped off.
My theme for September: L-E-N-G-T-H-E-N. Focusing on it for a month has made a huge difference for most clients and many have found they're working more muscles more deeply, resulting in harder work outs, and a better understanding of how their bodies work. Last week, Jean gave me a new picture for the studio.
And that's why it's Any Body's Pilates -- because we believe in fitness for ANY body, no matter age, level or experience.
According to HealthDay News, a new CDC report published September 17 in Journal of the American Medical Association, found that in 2012 the average US woman's waistline was 38.8 inches (up from an average of 37.6 inches in 1999). For women, anything above 35 inches (for men, 40 inches) is considered abdominal obesity and an indicator of increased risk factors for heart disease and other issues. Based on that data, 54% of Americans were abdominally obese in 2012, up from 46% in 1999.
In my opinion, this is more than a weight loss or weight gain issue. In my experience, many clients focus solely on their weight, not their health, then seek a "silver bullet" solution, rather than a healthy one. Health requires awareness, attention and effort.
Nutrition is the single most important component. One cannot view food as the 'enemy' or to 'blame' for weight gain -- food is fuel for your body and your brain. No one, thin or obese, can survive without food. However, the better the quality of food, the better the quality of the results. Good nutrition requires knowledge, planning, preparation and effort.
Strength training (which includes more options than weight training) is also helpful, as it builds lean muscle mass. Strength training has the same calorie "burn" - during and after exercise - as cardio training and can be easier on the body, while building muscle and bone density (especially important for women).
Pilates is a great strength training/calorie burning option. Our clients report significant improvements in their muscle gain, substantial fat/weight loss, improved posture, major strength gains, and better self-esteem.
If you're interested in more information on nutrition, healthy weight loss, strength training programs, or Pilates, Any Body's Pilates would be happy to help. We have Pilates Instructors as well as Personal Trainers on staff to provide Nutrition Counseling and Exercise Programming. We specialize in working with those who have special needs or difficulty with exercise and our services are available to individuals or small groups. Contact us today for more information.
