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The Tip of the Iceberg

2/18/2014

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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!"
 
Pictureidiom: 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.

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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.
http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/ss/slideshow-15-pilates-moves?ecd=wnl_art_021814&ctr=wnl-art-021814_ld-stry&mb=O7V8t9E5S8e%40yXBXfeBEVeHnVev1imbC4KrHk%40NSAf0%3d
Thank you for reading...hope to see you in class this week!
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Tiffany Larson, Power Pilates instructor, occupational therapist, and personal trainer provides small group and personal training within her home studio in West Bend, Wisconsin.
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Photo from sigsegv