Dedication to sport, hobby, or occupation can be quite consuming; perhaps even teeter toward obsession. Watch the Olympic athletes who practice sports' mastery and notice how many are participating in their third or even fourth Olympics. To maintain that pinnacle edge of performance success, for decades, is inspiring.
Friends and family, "normal folk," however also commit themselves to the practice of self-improvement and well being across the life-span. The quiet confidence professed by yogis, the conviction of nutritionists, the energy of fitness trainers, the spiritual development of religious leaders; all are participating for the long-term, not just short-term success. One of my friends knits beautiful garments, another is a skillful chef who delights in scrumptious creations and shares her gift for hospitality. Much like Olympians, this energy and zeal for life is attractive, it lights their soul and may even overwhelm the innocent bystander . I am quite certain Joe Pilates experienced this evangelical joy for the practice he called "Contrology," as he is quoted, "The whole world should be doing my exercises...they would feel better!" I think it is human nature to encourage others to try that which makes you come alive. My daughter sometimes cautions me, "You can talk about whatever you want mom...just not healthy eating and Pilates!"
Friends and family, "normal folk," however also commit themselves to the practice of self-improvement and well being across the life-span. The quiet confidence professed by yogis, the conviction of nutritionists, the energy of fitness trainers, the spiritual development of religious leaders; all are participating for the long-term, not just short-term success. One of my friends knits beautiful garments, another is a skillful chef who delights in scrumptious creations and shares her gift for hospitality. Much like Olympians, this energy and zeal for life is attractive, it lights their soul and may even overwhelm the innocent bystander . I am quite certain Joe Pilates experienced this evangelical joy for the practice he called "Contrology," as he is quoted, "The whole world should be doing my exercises...they would feel better!" I think it is human nature to encourage others to try that which makes you come alive. My daughter sometimes cautions me, "You can talk about whatever you want mom...just not healthy eating and Pilates!"
idiom: tip of the iceberg Fig. only the part of something that can be easily observed, but not the rest of it, which is hidden. (Referring to the fact that the majority of an iceberg is below the surface of the water.) My first Pilates course, more than a decade ago, Pilates for Physical Therapists in Chicago, was the tip of the iceberg so to speak in my Pilates education. My co-conspirator and colleague from Froedert's rehab department was equally surprised by the core intensity felt from consciously creating simple movement patterns like a bridge, a single leg raise, or even just breathing. We found balance between contraction and relaxation and by the course conclusion felt rejuvenated and restored. Or as one beginner client said today, "As if I had a massage!" This first course jump-started a never-ending desire to learn more about movement, function and Pilates. A decade later, progressing beneath the surface of the water, the iceberg continues to reveal itself to me through insightful instructors, clients, classes and movement experiences. Although it might appear that a Pilates practice begins on the outside and moves inward, the truth is, we build our practice from the inside-out. This is true of most mind-body practices...the movements, poses, exercises, meditations are secondary to the internal experience. Discovering the intrinsic muscles, the stabilizers, that which is deep beneath the surface can be tricky but eventually it overflows, bubbles over, onto the surface and into all of your daily life activities.
Below is a link to an excellent beginner intro slideshow on WebMD. Respected Pilates instructor Alycea Ungaro of New York City created the presentation and coincidentally authored the book used as a reference manual in my physical therapy matwork course a decade ago. The book continues to bring significance and relevance to my practice and instruction today. Check out the slide-show below if you desire beginner Pilates information and instruction.
Thank you for reading...hope to see you in class this week!
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