Did you know that when we squat down to the floor, our muscles need eccentric control? This allows them to lengthen under tension so that when we're ready to stand up against gravity, our muscles are primed to contract concentrically (i.e., shorten to generate force).
Pilates equipment is spring-based to build the eccentric and concentric relationships that exist during movement. So, how do we emphasize both types of contractions in our mat work?
With props!
This week, Nicole will be incorporating Therabands into Monday's class. These resistance bands enhance the pull of gravity, which means our muscles must resist more tension to control our downward movements and also face added resistance in upward movements!
But resistance isn't only beneficial for training muscle contractions. Did you know that adding some resistance actually boosts our nervous system's ability to communicate and control our muscles? Resistance aids our nervous system in coordinating muscle movements and recruiting more "motor units" at a quicker pace.
In Pilates, we always love a two-for-one deal. One prop assists in strengthening both our bodies and our minds! Join us!
WEEKLY CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
Monday, July 10th @ 12 PM with Nicole:
Ever think to yourself, "Wow, I really miss the equipment springs?" Well, a trusty Theraband is a great at-home substitute because it can provide a compressive force to help muscles around a joint stabilize, give feedback as to where you are in space, and help navigate gravity more effectively. Join me for a Classical mat with extras as we explore the resistance of the Theraband. Prop: long Theraband (light to medium resistance).
Wednesday, July 12th @ 8AM with Destinie:
BYOR: Bring Your Own Requests!
SPECIAL EVENTS
For all of our MELTā“‡ Method enthusiasts! We're excited to announce a collaboration with another San Francisco Classical Pilates studio - Sanchez Street Studios. Destinie will be subbing for studio owner Carol LeMaitre for four Tuesdays - 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, and 8/1 - at 6 PM. Join her and expand your Pilates community!
Details:
*Full-length foam roller required.* As always, we highly recommend the MELTā“‡ Method roller, but any full-length roller will work
This class will also use the MELT Method Hand and Foot Kit to release stress from and rehydrate the hands and feet (it’s amazing)
As part of this collaboration, Sanchez is offering three classes for $45, which you can purchase here
Sign up for classes here
Have questions? Email Destinie!
BLOG POST
Our network of Allied Professionals is growing, with the addition of Life Coach Odelia Lao! Odelia and Destinie became good friends while attending Lowell High School. They reconnected via LinkedIn when they realized their post-college journeys were strikingly alike. Both found themselves grappling with severe corporate burnout, which had jeopardized their mental and physical health. Click the picture to learn more about how Odelia harnessed the power of change to create a new life for herself and, in the process, established a new career dedicated to empowering and supporting others.
