Ready to sit like a pro? Forget Hamlet; in 2023, the real question is: To sit well or not to sit well? And we've got the answer: it's all about those sitz bones, baby—officially known as ischial tuberosities if you're feeling fancy.
Lean those sitz bones back and you're in an anterior pelvic tilt; tuck them forward, and you've achieved a posterior curl. Why does this matter? Because your pelvis is the structural foundation for your spine, particularly the lumbar region. Misalign it, and you risk back discomfort.
In an anterior tilt, your lumbar spine hyperextends, leading to muscles over contracting. Opt for a posterior curl, and the lumbar spine flexes, causing the muscles to overstretch. Both scenarios can result in back pain and discomfort.
Learn how to sit with proper pelvic placement with Destinie on Monday!
CLASS THEMES
Monday, October 30th @ 12pm with Destinie:
The name “sitz bones” isn’t just made up by Pilates teachers; it's the everyday name for the anatomical landmark known as the ischial tuberosity! Mastering the art of sitting starts with locating these crucial points. Sounds simple, but it's a skill set that requires keen body awareness. Once you nail it, it's a game-changer for your posture—think of it as the “riding a bike” of sitting properly!
*Prop: a chair*
Wednesday, November 1st @ 8am with Destinie:
BYOR: Bring Your Own Requests. Destinie is back in action and ready to take on your requests!
IN THE COMMUNITY
When you think of Pilates in Common, what comes to mind?
Pilates, of course. But what else? Perhaps you think of the teachers, the equipment, how the practice has positively impacted your health, or maybe you're wondering if an upper-ab curl with lumbo-pelvic stability is actually achievable (spoiler: it is).
Pilates in Common is all of those things, and these elements collectively define us as a small business. Running a small business can be filled with roses and sunshine, but it also comes with its share of thorns and sunburns. We’ve navigated through all the ups and downs and have come to appreciate that a helping hand, along with a robust network of support and community, can make all the difference.
With that in mind, we're excited to share an interview with a fellow Pilates in Common student, Kirsten Hunter. After years of working for others, Kirsten realized she had developed a knack for product strategy and decided to venture out on her own with her small business, Team Up Power Up.
We’re all about learning and gaining new perspectives at Pilates in Common. So, while this segment isn’t strictly about Pilates or movement, it showcases the principles of trying something new, taking a risk, and navigating discomfort. Kirsten's journey parallels the motor learning aspect of Pilates—she took stock of her past experiences to improve, much like how we evaluate our movement patterns in Pilates. Kirsten's experience may offer invaluable lessons for anyone contemplating significant changes, much like when you decide to take up Pilates. These are challenges we can all sometimes face on the mat and in our own bodies.
Have an experience or story that you want to share with the Pilates in Common Community? Email us!
1. Tell us about your business and give us your elevator pitch!
I've just launched my business, Team Up Power Up! My mission is to serve tech leaders in medium-sized companies struggling with product quality and customer churn. I collaborate directly with their leaders and teams, leveraging their own expertise to help them define their challenges and devise solutions.
2. What was the "a-ha!" moment that made you think, "I've got to start this business"?
Having worked in software companies with 300-400 employees, I saw recurring patterns of dysfunction that hampered success. I managed to effect change within my own teams but felt restricted elsewhere in the organization. Leaving my last corporate job left me feeling disempowered and drained. That’s when I realized I had to solve this problem for others who felt the same way.
3. If we were grabbing a latte and you had to break down the essence of product ops and strategy consulting to me, what would you say?
This is not product management, per se. I’m not dictating WHAT the product strategy should be; I'm showing leaders HOW to discover their best product strategy. This includes risk mitigation, talent optimization, and proactively addressing systemic issues.
4. How do you weave in strategic thinking when advising on product operations? Any challenges with getting companies to see the bigger picture?
Strategic thinking can be a challenge if leaders aren’t receptive to outside opinions. I focus on companies at certain growth stages where leaders are confronting new issues and are thus more open to external input. I work from the ground up, using real-world problems and data to trace issues through the organization until the core misalignment is revealed.
5. Running a business is no joke! What's been an unexpected lesson or surprise since you started your consultancy?
I'm honestly surprised at who from my network is responding to my outreach. This has been my favorite part - sending out dozens of messages a week and wondering who is going to book time on my calendar! It's not usually who I expect, which is pretty fun.
6. Did you always see yourself diving into product ops and strategy, or was it a winding journey?
I was drawn to product management early in my tech career. Although my path has been winding, managing various products and teams, I’ve consistently returned to the principle that the best products emerge when the entire organization adopts a product-oriented mindset.
7. After a long day strategizing and consulting, what's your go-to relaxation ritual?
I have a few! Health is a priority for me. To manage stress, I meditate, teach Tai Chi and Kung Fu through my nonprofit Harmonious Altruism, and practice Pilates so I can keep doing all of the things without pain. I discovered Pilates years ago after tearing my ACL, and it’s my go-to solution for any physical discomfort.
8. Who or what keeps you motivated when the entrepreneurial journey gets tough?
Knowing that I’ve found my purpose—to inspire leaders and teams to think differently—fuels my motivation. My aim is to contribute to an improved quality of life, even if only in the workplace, for as many people as possible.
9. Outside of work, any big adventures or dreams you're chasing this year?
Well, I already survived Burning Man (Raining Man? Muddy Man?) this year, so I think I'll take it easy on myself until 2024.
