Pilates Goddess

Pilates and Sex

2010-03-05T10:38:00.000-05:00

With so many advertisements for products promising Natural Male Enhancement, you would think all anyone does is think about sex. In fact, there are several things one can do to improve sexual function and satisfaction in addition to taking medications or supplements.

One major issue is pelvic floor strength and function. the pelvic floor muscles actually provide the proprioception for sexual enjoyment. If those muscles are not working properly you can take all of the Natural Male Enhancement supplements you want with no long term relief.

Pilates helps to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles as well as strengthen the entire pelvic region. With so many men having back problems and prostate problems, the issue is really compounded. My suggestion is to combine therapies. Taking a proven Natural Male Enhancement supplement along with a good Pilates program to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles should put men on the path to long term functional sexual enhancement.

Traveling Pilates Teacher

2010-03-03T10:39:00.000-05:00

Hubby and I still have this dream that we will travel the open roads of the US one day with an RV or used travel trailers carrying our stuff. We will visit national parks, eat great food, and be nomads of America. Let's face it, I can travel and still teach Pilates, Fitness, and Reiki either as a guest teacher at different studios or I would carry a reiki table, a good mat, some small Pilates props, and a light Pilates chair and just teach out of the RV. Hmmm....

Running a Pilates Business - Security

2010-02-28T11:19:00.000-05:00

I used to be quite concerned about security when I had my own Pilates studios. We had cash on premises, and while the equipment is quite large it is worth money on the open market.

In one building we had wireless security systems, but without a backup generator when the power went out so did that system. After a while I just relied on locks, hiding things, and being in a great neighborhood.

Pilates Can Hurt Your Back

2010-02-28T11:16:00.000-05:00

So many people assume that Pilates in any form will help their backs, but I am a firm believer that only very well taught Pilates will help your back and poorly taught Pilates will hurt you!

I recently saw a guest here for a private who had this experience. She went to the Golden Door spa and fell in love with Pilates, and then began taking Pilates in New York City. The teacher was having her work in a posterior pelvic tilt with a flat lower back, did very little spine extension with her, and after 6 months her back went out and spasmed.

When I saw her she had done very few of the exercises I gave her (although they were all classical Pilates, including Pull Straps and T on the long box) and she felt great after the private and after several mat classes. \

Buyer beware!

Pilates on Holiday

2010-02-24T07:19:00.000-05:00

My job is centered on the fact that hotel guests want to either try new things while away or stay with their home routine. When that includes Pilates and Personal Training they are thrilled to find me at Parrot Cay. While even Disney vacation packages can include great spa and activities, finding a Pilates teacher with 21 years of experience is tough even at the best of times!

More About Weight Loss Products

2010-02-20T18:04:00.000-05:00

All I see lately are Pilates for Weight Loss products. Now, while Pilates will tone and strengthen and support any weight loss program, Pilates exercises by themselves will not have you lose weight without a good nutrition plan.

You may wonder, are there weight loss products that work? Well, every weight loss product tells you that it works best with a good diet and exercise program. So no matter what else you do, you still need good nutrition and exercise!

Martial Artist Review My Pilates Audios

2010-02-20T17:58:00.000-05:00

This is from Scott Taylor, Karate and Kickboxing Instructor as well as editor of the Uechi-ryu Journal.

I recommend this audio program to anyone looking to rid themselves from back pain and who does not wish to leave the comfort of their own home to do so. Lynda's voice is soothing and her instructions are crystal clear and so easy to follow!

Change your life like I am doing~ I have been following Lynda on my iPod for about a week now and am blown away by the difference it is making!

Simply put – Do NOT spend a dime on any books or videos to ease your back pain until you listen to Lynda's audio program!

Buy them here at Lynda Lippin Pilates

Your Pilates Business - Budgeting

2010-02-20T17:47:00.000-05:00

One thing I have always had a huge problem with is budgeting. . We have been though personal bankruptcy and spent way beyond our means due to lack of good budgeting. This is something I have really worked on over the years, to the point of even trying some personal budget software.

When you own a business your personal financial issues will impact your business, as you will need to pay yourself more and drain money from your Pilates practice to help fund your personal life.

Fit Pill

2010-02-15T12:21:00.000-05:00

Everybody is looking intently for the next great Fit Pill, the most effective weight loss pill that will also build muscle, up our metabolism, and tighten loose skin while we're at it. Can't we just stay lazy and still look and feel great?

So far the answer is, well, no. Even the best diet pills tell you in the fine print that they work best in combination with reduced food and increased activity. Basically, even if you take the pill you still need to eat less and exercise more!

Kelly Osbourne Has Discovered Pilates

2010-02-15T12:17:00.000-05:00

Image via Wikipedia

If you have seen any recent photos of Ozzy's daughter Kelly Osbourne, who we have all watched struggle with her weight and shape for years, you may have noticed that she looks amazing! Curvy, strong, and much smaller.

In the past any time Kelly lost weight we all knew she was using drugs again, only to gain the weight back as soon as she entered rehab. But this time she is slimmer and sober.

What's the secret? Well, part of her plan involves Pilates.

Pilates is amazing, my posture is so much better and I’m even starting to get muscles on my tummy – it’s incredible. I’ve become totally obsessed with Pilates, everyone should try it

Hormone Balancing

2010-02-15T12:10:00.000-05:00

About a year ago I went for my annual GYN visit and expressed my frustration with my body. For over a decade I had tried over and over again to lose weight and maintain the weight loss to absolutely no avail. I exercised often and regularly, ate well, and stayed at around 190 pounds. I tried weight loss supplements (but never hgh supplements) and cleanses, and still the weight remained.

When she tested me hormone levels I was totally out of balance. After a hysterectomy in 1996 I went on Premarin, and had way too much estradiole and no progesterone, DHEA, or estriole. After almost a year on bioidentical balanced hormones I am about 25 pounds lighter and feel great!

Weight Loss with Pilates

2010-02-14T11:17:00.000-05:00

If you asked me what I truly thought was the best weight loss product in the world, I would say the human brain. Yes, you read correctly! It is our brain that controls hunger, metabolism, and ultimately weight loss.

If your mind set is one of health and fitness, where you exercise and do Pilates to stay healthy, eat good foods in small portions to stay healthy, and generally control your cravings you will lose weight and keep it off!

Pilates on the Beach - Not Today!

2010-02-14T11:14:00.000-05:00

Image by Ed Yourdon via Flickr

Every Sunday I have a scheduled Pilates on the Beach class at Parrot Cay and when the weather is nice and the water is calm (which is usual) it is a great class. Our soft white sand molds to the body, you can look at the turquoise water while rolling up, and everyone loves it.

Some days, however, the water is high and rough, it's windy, and cloudy. That was this morning. Luckily I have backups, like the Yoga Pavilion, that are still beautifully situated. It's just disappointing for guests who come from cold places to not be able to exercise on the beach.

Fat Burning and Pilates

2010-02-14T11:09:00.000-05:00

It seems like everywhere I look there are ads and people discussing the latest greatest fat burner. Whether it's a new pill, an old food (remember the grapefruit diet, the cabbage soup diet, the lemon diet, the apple cider vinegar diet...?), or an exercise routine, everyone is looking for a fat burning trick.

Pilates done regularly and in a focused way will help you build muscle, and muscle has a higher metabolic rate than fat. So really the best way to burn fat is to gain more muscle through Pilates or other types of strength building exercises.

Pilates at Work

2010-02-08T11:39:00.000-05:00

So many people avoid sneaking exercise into their day because they think that there is nothing they can do at the office. Several years ago I did a series of short morning segments for a Philadelphia morning TV show on ways to incorporate Pilates techniques at home and at the office. There are simple stretches and movements you can do on simple office furniture that can really make a difference. Try this:

Sit on the edge of your chair with your feet planted on the floor and your back straight. Take a deep breath in as you raise your arms overhead. As you exhale drop your arms forward and started to roll forward (down your spine) until you chest is on your thighs and your arms are hanging to the floor. Inhale and sit up again, stacking your vertebrae until you are up tall again. Repeat 3-6 times.

Golfers and Pilates

2010-02-08T11:34:00.000-05:00

Image by sfslim via Flickr

I was reminded this week of how great Pilates is for Golfers, whether recreational or competitive. Just through the basic exercises it is easy to see imbalances that create swing faults and then address them. If you teach Pilates and do not know much about golf, a great resource is the Pilates for Golfers manual which explains common swing faults and gives you ideas of what specific Pilates exercises will help address those issues.

Why So Much Male Enhancement?

2010-02-04T12:08:00.000-05:00

Is it just me or are there an inordinate number of "male enhancement" products and ads out there? I feel like I cannot watch late night TV without listening to at least 5 extenze commercials.

I am not sure when it became so crucial for men to be "enhanced". Do products like extenze really work? Does it really matter?

When I did some research on line I discovered that there are nearly as many male enhancement supplements as weight loss supplements, so extenze actually has a lot of company. And then you also have the prescription pills as well. Hmmm...

More Fitness Fun

2010-02-01T10:26:00.000-05:00

I have been working with a lovely couple who have four boys, ages 14 months to 11 years, and are completely busy and stressed out (in fact, they came specifically for our Stress Management package). With all the running around fitness has taken a back seat, replaced by ps3 time with the kids, and I have instead suggested some fun 15-20 minute family fitness programs they can do with the boys that incorporate cross training, yoga, and pilates.

Shopping

2010-01-29T11:41:00.000-05:00

Shopping on the web for anything, but especially for men's, womens, and children's clothing can be frustrating and overwhelming. Most shopping search engines only use paid links, so it is hard to get a decent list of what is really available.

Luckily there are some great shopping sites such as shopwiki where you can find both sponsored and non-sponsored links for all your shopping needs, including pilates and fitness clothing, equipment, and even high quality backpacks in many styles. It is truly a one stop shopping site.

o whether you are looking for shoes, jewelry, hats, bags, or other accessories check out this one website that will give you all the information and prices that you need to buy what you want. It is truly a one stop shopping portal!

Pilates, MS, Neck Pain

2010-01-29T11:34:00.000-05:00

Hi Lynda,

I am 46 y.o. woman with kyphosis and scoliosis for many years. Never have really done something about it. Recently I have been diagnosed with MS, mitral valve prolapse, carpal tunnel syndrome. I must also add that I have anemia since childhood and I am in menopause since 38 y.o. I had a pregnancy at my 35 and my daughter has been born when I was 36. The indication to send me to the doctor's were strong vertigo that completely threw me down. I do Pilates (BASI) for 6 months now and have seen a lot of improvement. However, sometimes during workout (when I try to maintain my position in abdominals and/or roll ups and leg stretch), I feel like my head is going to explode. What can I change to avoid that? It makes me stop the exercise and really don't want to start over.

Thanks in advance,

Sophia

Dear Sophia,

Your story is so inspiring! Congratulations on finding Pilates and following an exercise path which will help you tremendously going forward.

Regarding your neck/head tension, it doesn't surprise me at all that head up positions hurt you with your history of kyphosis and MS. I suggest avoiding the position all together, using pillows or towels when needed, and work instead on stretching your chest and shoulders in extension.

Let me know if you have more questions.

Regards,

Lynda

My Fish Oil Story

2010-01-29T11:27:00.000-05:00

The minute I hit menopause and my hormone levels shifted my cholesterol levels went up. I tried the standard medications first, Crestor and such, but had negative side effects including muscle aches. That's when my physician first suggested that I add more Omega 3 fatty acids to my diet.

While I try to eat as much fish as possible it is not always my favorite food, so I started to add fish oil capsules to my supplement regimen. I started taking 1000mg a day of high quality oil.

It turns out that one of the fish oil benefits is lowered cholesterol levels, especially when combined with Niacin. So now I take 100mg a day of fish oil and 500mg per day of Niacin and my cholesterol levels are dropping!

Sales

2010-01-29T11:07:00.000-05:00

One thing you don't see a lot of in the Caribbean is point of purchase displays, including those for fitness, yoga, and pilates products. I can recall even seeing a huge Pilates section at Borders and Whole Foods with magic circles, bands, balls, mats, dvds, books, and other goodies. Here for some reason the retail experience is not seen as something to improve or nurture.

Dentists & Pilates

2010-01-29T10:58:00.000-05:00

Some of my longest term most regular Pilates clients have been dentists, periodontists, and oral surgeons. There is something about being bent over people all ay doing small work with small sharp objects that leads to crazy neck, shoulder, and back pain that only Pilates and well-rounded fitness can fix. Whether you do dental implants Plano or are the only dentists on providenciales, I recommend trying Pilates for your back and neck pain.

Pilates Integration

2010-01-29T10:54:00.000-05:00

One of my former Pilates students, Jacqueline Au-Wallick, is now a successful Pilates teacher and just wrote a very interesting article, Are We Human or Are We Dancers? - On the Subject of Integration.

One of my third-grader’s favourite pop songs is a great summary to this article. The chorus is “Are we human, or are we dancers?” I believe within the context of this song, human refers to our capacity to make intelligent choices, to live and work purposefully and with integrity; dancers here is a metaphor for living a choreographed life. I offer fellow instructors to occasionally reflect upon this: Are we working to the ideal of Joe’s legacy that we entrust ourselves upon, helping our students work towards the repertoire at their readiness, or have we strayed so far with modifications that we have indeed lost sight of the original work? Hopefully, you have answered the former. We are human, and we are here to help the person in front of us make intelligent choices in their lessons to experience the joys of the work. And like our students, we are also work in progress, evolving to become ever more compassionate and demanding as teachers.

Drinking Water

2010-01-22T13:13:00.000-05:00

I encourage all of our guests at Parrot Cay to drink plenty of water, as dehydration is the most comment ailment of those visiting the Caribbean. Suddenly guests will come in to my Pilates classes complaining about muscle cramps, general tiredness, and nausea. In addition to having our own water desalinization and water filter systems on island, we also keep a supply of rehydration electrolyte packets to help.