Year: 2013

Pilates Positive Impact on Aging

Pilates Positive Impact on Aging

Some of us know all too well the signs of aging. We are either experiencing them ourselves or seeing them in others. A decrease in height, and increase in weight, more fat and less lean muscle mass, rounded shoulders and upper back (kyphosis), reduced bone density (osteoperosis), loss of balance (increasing the risk of falls), and a general decrease in strength, to name a few. That’s the bad news, the good news is that there is a lot you can do to counteract this aging process. A good diet to guard against weight gain, and a program of moderate intensity exercise to help with body composition, posture, balance and strength can help immensely. Strength training on the Pilates Apparatus can increase lean muscle mass, reduce bone density loss, greatly improve posture and balance, providing a full body workout. By adding some cardio to your program, such as walking or cycling, you have all your bases covered!

Pilates addresses the “whole person”, and no one says it better than Joe did. ” Pilates (Contrology) developes the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirit.” Joseph Pilates

This lovely lady is Darlene Elliott, a twice a week visitor to Pilates of Old Town. Darlene is 84 years young and has been doing Pilates for 3 years. Darlene is shown here performing the Pilates Knee Stretch, and can hold a “Plank” position like no other 84 year old I’ve seen! She is certainly a testimony of the anti-aging benefits of Pilates, don’t you think?

SCHEDULE YOUR NEXT SESSION NOW!!! Call now! 714-731-7900

Fitness at Fifty

When I took my first Pilates lesson at age 50, I thought I was going to die.    It was so difficult, but my friend and I had paid for a 7 week series, so I persevered.  By lesson 6, I noticed that my normally painful neck was not hurting, and I had more range of motion.  At the conclusion of the 7 weeks, I re-enrolled, and Pilates has been part of my life ever since.  Combining focsed breathing with controlled movements, the goal of Pilates is to increase flexibility, strength, endurance and coordination without adding bulk.  Pilates also increases circulation, aids in sculpting the body and strengthening the “core” abdominal muscles.  Most people see their posture improve quickly,  I certainly did.  Pilates forces you to stay focused, keeping your mind alert and active. Though Pilates will always be challenging, it has become a way of life for me, I look better and I certainly feel better.

Sheryl Friedner Strich, D.P.M. Podiatrist/Foot Specialist

The Holidays Are Coming!

Happy Fall!!!

Dear Friends,

As the hustle and bustle of the holiday season quickly approaches and your “to do” list grows exponentially, we hope that your remember to make taking care of yourself a priority as well.

Eating nutrient dense food, exercising, drinking water and getting sufficient rest will help you sail through the next few months unscathed and ready to face the new year!

Please read on for some facts on aging and how Pilates can have a POSITIVE impact on HOW you age…….

SCHEDULE YOUR NEXT SESSION NOW!!! Call now! 714-731-7900

The PILATES “PET PEN”

This month our furry friends are Pookie the Multi-poo and his brother Caspurr!! Caspurr is a Tonkinese cat who loves to tease his brother, but somehow Pookie gets the upper hand!
Now you may have actually seen Pookie at the studio as he is a frequent visitor, along with his Mother, Karen Eadon.  Pookie, AKA, Mia’s boyfriend, knows exactly where the cookie are kept and even has a preferred Reformer.  Pookie has been knows to eat anything edible that belongs to Mia as well!  It”s ok, because to know Pookie is to love Pookie!  Thanks for sharing Karen!!
Contact Marie at [email protected] if you would like to have your pet featured in one of our newsletters. Just send a cute picture of your pet, a little bit about them, along with a quirky fun thing they like to do.

FITNESS AT FIFTY

When I took my first Pilates lesson at age 50, I thought I was going to die.    It was so difficult, but my friend and I had paid for a 7 week series, so I persevered.  By lesson 6, I noticed that my normally painful neck was not hurting, and I had more range of motion.  At the conclusion of the 7 weeks, I re-enrolled, and Pilates has been part of my life ever since.  Combining focsed breathing with controlled movements, the goal of Pilates is to increase flexibility, strength, endurance and coordination without adding bulk.  Pilates also increases circulation, aids in sculpting the body and strengthening the “core” abdominal muscles.  Most people see their posture improve quickly,  I certainly did.  Pilates forces you to stay focused, keeping your mind alert and active. Though Pilates will always be challenging, it has become a way of life for me, I look better and I certainly feel better.

Sheryl Friedner Strich, D.P.M. Podiatrist/Foot Specialist

 

Pilates Of Old Town values YOU and values your business. Feel free to give us a call at 714-731-7900

Pilates, Podiary & Plantar Fasciitis

PILATES, PODIARY AND PLANTAR FASCIITIS
Dr. Sheryl Strich

 

We have been hearing about all kinds of athletes who are sidelined due to Plantar Fasciitis.  How do you know if you have it?  Your heel hurts!! The heel pain is the worst when you take the first step in the morning and then subsides after you walk around for a few minutes.  However, a dull ache usually returns later in the day after sitting or standing for a long time.  The pain can be very limiting.  The plantar fascia is a strong ligament that is attached to your heel bone and extends to the base of your toe joints, and plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia.  Causes of plantar fasciitis include strenuous sports, high arches or flat feet, walking on hard surfaces for a long time, and unsupportive shoes.  HINT: DON’T WEAR FLIP FLOPS TO DISNEYLAND  – DEFINITELY A SET UP FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS!  Interestingly enough, plantar fasciitis is the one foot problem where high heels are not the evil doer.

When a patient comes in to my podiatry office, there are various treatments available; anti-inflammatory meds, strapping the foot in a neutral position, orthotics and shockwave therapy.  At home, patients are instructed to ice in order to take down some of the inflammation.

As a Pilates Instructor, here are two of my favorite exercises to help prevent and/or rehab for plantar fasciitis.  Since the heel bone is connected to the leg bone, the Achilles tendon must be included in the exercise regimen.

 

     1.  Using the Reformer:  The balls of both feet are placed on the bar as though you were
          wearing stiletto heels.  Maintain the stiletto heel position as you press the carriage
          away.  When your legs are fully extended, drop your heels.  Hold it.  Then go back to
          the stiletto heel position as you bring the carriage back in.  Repeat 8 x.

 

     2.  Inchworm:  With your mat against the wall, place legs in tabletop with the soles of
          your feet against the wall.  Your knees are directly over your hips.  Begin by “doming”
          your feet, allowing your heels and toes only, to touch the wall.  You will flex and extend
          your toes as they drag your domed feet up the wall and then back down the wall.
          Repeating for one minute.

 

Dr. Sheryl Strich
Podiatrist – Foot Specialist
Certified Pilates Instructor

Fall 2013 News & Specials

NEW CLASSES ADDED FOR FALL!!!


Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. PILATES MAT CLASS with Jancy

Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. BARSCULPT with Ale

Classes begin Wednesday Sept 4th and Thursday Sept 5th

Please call the Studio at 714-731-7900 or email for more information


RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!!! Call now! 714-731-7900

INTRODUCING:
The PILATES “PET PEN”
Meet FIONA and RICKY, our first “Pilates Pets of the Month,” lounging on the chase. Fiona is the smiley happy Corgi in the front, and Ricky, her serious older brother is looking a little skeptical in the background.  Ricky and Fiona are 4 months apart and Ricky just turned 7!
Ricky is a fawn Corgi and Fiona is a tricolor.  Ricky is the little sports star, while Fiona spends her time herding him!!!  They both love swimming, singing and eating.  Maybe we can get them to sing us a tune one day!  Thank you Patricia Susoeff for sharing your lovely pets with us!!!
Contact Marie at [email protected] if you would like to have your pet featured in one of our newsletters.  Just send a cute picture of your pet, a little bit about them, along with a quirky fun thing they like to do.
As summer draws to a close, we hope it has left you with some happy memories.  We are ready for fall, back to school, back from vacations, and READY TO HELP YOU MEET YOUR FITNESS GOALS!!!


Pilates Of Old Town values YOU and values your business. Feel free to give us a call at 714-731-7900


August 2013 News & Specials

Meet our newest teacher, Ale!!!


Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Ale has a strong background in fitness and dance.  She studied Ballet and Rythmic Gymnastics in Argentina, as well as Ballroom and Latin Dance.  Ale is a certified Pilates Instructor and Fitness Specialist, experienced in Pilates Mat, Pilates Apparatus and is licensed to teach BarSculpt as well.

 

Also, you are welcome to join us Thursday evenings at 6:30 for BARSCULPT with Ale!! Call 714-731-7900 now to reserve your spot!

 

It’s Time to Straighten Up!!!

Just a reminder that our new class “STRAIGHTEN UP” is starting on WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7TH at 6:00. This is a 4 week package and we are requiring an advance sign up for these sessions. The cost is $50 for the classes and payment is due on the August 7th. You still have time to sign up, but remember, space IS limited. Please call the studio for reservations or email [email protected].

This new class is designed to teach you to use proper body mechanics in your daily life and will help to alleviate some of those aches and pains that occur from doing things incorrectly.

Don’t miss your chance to ‘STRAIGHTEN UP”!

THANK YOU again to all of our wonderful clients for referring your friends! You are our best advertisement!! We appreciate you and are so grateful to your for entrusting us with your fitness needs. We are here for YOU! 714-731-7900

Sincerely,

Marie, Karen, Jancy, Sheryl, Pam and Ale
Pilates of Old Town