Teresa's Blog

New Beginners Pilates Course in Dulwich

2009-03-31T09:32:54-07:00

Come and join me for this new beginners Pilates course. The course will start on Wednesday 22nd April 2009 from 2.00-3.00pm at:

St Barnabas Parish Hall.

Dulwich Village,

London SE21 7BT

The course will run for 5 weeks and will cover the very basics of Pilates - great if you're looking to strengthen your back, tone up and flatten your tummy ready for the summer!

Please wear loose comfortable clothing and bring a mat. You're also welcome to bring your baby along too!

If you would like to book, the cost is £45 for the 5 week course, payable in advance. Please call or email me on tcmalins@hotmail.com Please dont use the email link from this website as I wont receive the emails.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Nottingham to London

2008-10-07T09:59:56-07:00

I've just seen the date of my last post...12th March!!!

My goodness, where does the time go?

Since my last post I have relocated from Nottingham to London and in the past 2 weeks have had more inquiries from Nottingham regarding Pilates one to one sessions than I probably had in the 2 years I was living there!

So just to clarify to all of those who have called or emailed and I have not responded to, I am no longer teaching in Nottingham. If you would still like to continue with your practice, please email me and I can pass you onto a reputable instructor in your area.

In the meantime, I am currently teaching Pilates in Clapham, Wansdworth and Wimbledon. If you are interested in classes or one to one sessions, please give me a call or drop me an email.

Until next time!

Hyper Lordosis and Pilates

2008-03-12T13:20:11-07:00

What is Lordosis?

Lordosis is what we refer to as the curve that is naturally present in the lumbar spine( as in the picture on the left, given below).

Hyper- Lordosis (pictured above and right) is when an anterior pelvic tilt is present. That is, when the ASIS(or hip bones to you and me) are being pulled further forwards than the pubic bone, resulting in an excessive inward curvature of the lumbar spine.

The reason for having a hyper- Lordotic spine may be due to a skeletal issue, such as spondylolysthesis (where one vertebra slips forward) or a postural issue, which may be influenced by many factors including: work( your type of job),fashion (high heels?), injuries, hobbies and sports, hereditary factors and environment (chairs, beds, work stations etc).

Whatever the reason, if you have a hyper-lordotic spine, you will undoubtedly have muscular imbalances such as those given below:

The Rectus Abdominus, External Obliques and Gluteals will be weak and long.
The Hamstrings will be tight.
The Hip Flexors will be tight.
Lower Back erectors will be strong.
Adductors will be tight.

With a personalised Pilates program, these muscular imbalances can be corrected and minimised, resulting in a more balanced posture and pain free lifestyle.

By stretching those muscles that are tight and strong and strengthening those that are weak and long, results are achieved quickly. Although the skeletal set up of your body will not change, the tension of the muscles that pull on the bones will, which will help to alleviate pain and create a more upright posture.

Suggested Pilates sequence to help with Hyper- Lordosis

Hundred
Shoulder Bridge
Roll Up (with pad under back if needed)
Rolling Like a Ball
Single Leg Stretch
Side Kick
Swan Dive (Prep)
Swimming Prep, Prone, Hip extension only.
Side Kick - other side
The Saw

If you have a postural problem and you think that the Pilates method could help, please contact me for more information on one to one sessions.