Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training

Become a Pilates Instructor with Polestar and start a career you Love!

In 6 months (1 weekend per month) master over 130 Pilates exercises across a full spectrum of apparatuses, including Reformer, Trapeze Table, Chair, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector and props. By learning a comprehensive repertoire of movement tech­niques, you can continuously provide and refresh your clients with goal-ori­ented movement experiences.

Saturday, April 4, 2020 at 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Polestar teacher trainings are Pilates instructor programs based on a scientific foundation of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and motor control. We integrate scientific research findings in the areas of orthopedics, sports medicine and movement science. Polestar educators individually hold advanced degrees in a variety of movement modalities.

Our Pilates instructor training method is interactive, providing you with tools for critical thinking to become a Pilates instructor creating full fitness assessments and design goal-oriented programs.

For Tickets: store-us.polestarpilates.com/product?catalog=CP2020SPCA_PApp3

  • Module 1: Apr 4-5, 2020

  • Module 2: May 2-3, 2020

  • Module 3: Jun 6-7, 2020

  • Module 4: Jul 11-12, 2020

  • Module 5: Aug 8-9, 2020

  • Module 6: Sep 12-13, 2020

Hosted by: Polestar Pilates International and Pilates of Pasadena go to: info@pilatesofpasadena.com

Polestar Pilates USA: https://store-us.polestarpilates.com/catalog?pagename=Teacher-Training

Source: https://store-us.polestarpilates.com/catal...

Veterans Day

Today we pay our respects to those who have served.

We celebrate and honor all of America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

For one day, we stand united in respect for you, our veterans.

Photo by Rick Lipsett on Unsplash

This holiday started as a day to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country's service and was originally called Armistice Day. It fell on Nov. 11 because that is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. However, in 1954, the holiday was changed to "Veterans Day" in order to account for all veterans in all wars.

Join us in saluting our veterans.


Attention Instructors!

Invest in yourself and expand your knowledge

while attending our

Low Back Workshops presented

by

Karen Clippinger, MSPE.

Sign up today!

October 20, 2019 - 10am – 1pm Low Back Pain & Pilates:

Flexion Based Programs (3 PMA CECs)

Low back pain is prevalent and the same Pilates exercise can aid or aggravate different clients. This workshop will focus on understanding the common low back conditions of lumbosacral strain, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis, as well as why spinal flexion can aid and spinal extensions aggravate them. Participants will learn novel Pilates-based exercises and modifications for classical Pilates exercises designed to build necessary three dimensional core strength that emphasize flexion and neutral positions, while avoiding excessive spinal hyperextension


October 20, 2019 - 2pm – 5pm Low Back Pain & Pilates:

Extension Based Programs (3 PMA CECs)

This workshop will focus on understanding the common low back conditions of disc injury, flat back, and osteoporosis, as well as why spinal flexion can exacerbate these conditions. Participants will learn novel Pilates-based exercises and modifications for classical Pilates exercises designed to build necessary core strength to promote a healthy back that emphasize the use of extension and neutral positions, while avoiding excessive flexion.


Investment: $200 for full day (includes both topics) prior to 9/20/19; $250 after

About Karen Clippinger:

She has a masters degree in exercise science and is a professor emerita at California State University, Long Beach, where her course topics included anatomy, body placement and Pilates for dancers. Prior to her University employment, she worked clinically for 20 years with a wide range of clients in sports medicine clinics and at Loma Linda University Medical Center. Ms. Clippinger has lectured for BASI Pilates for 21 years and has given over 400 presentations for numerous prestigious organizations at various international and U.S. sites, authored a textbook titled Dance Anatomy and Kinesiology, co-authored Pilates Anatomy, and has several classes on Pilates Anytime.


To enroll Contact us at:

T: (626) 765-6500

E: info@pilatesofpasadena.com


Garbanzo Bean Health Benefits

With origins in the Middle East, garbanzo beans have become a global food – the most popular of all legumes, according to the University of Arizona.

Whether you toss them into salads, process them into hummus, or roast them as snacks, garbanzo beans (chickpeas) make a smart addition to your diet no matter what your age, They are great for kids lunches too!

For vegetarians and those trying to eat less meat, garbanzo beans supply lean protein, including the essential amino acids needed for muscle building and maintenance.

These hearty beans provide a wealth of nutrients that support good health.

Try P/oP’s favorite recipe below for

Garbanzo Bean ‘Tuna Salad’ style

Photo by Deryn Macey on Unsplash

Vegan Garbanzo Bean Salad, Tuna Salad style

What you’ll need:

Garbanzo beans, 1 -24oz can or 2 -14oz cans, rinsed and drained

2 Celery stalks, diced

3 Persian Cucumbers, diced

2 Green Onions, chopped

2 Cups Cherry Tomatoes, sliced in half

1tsp Dill weed, dried or fresh, add more to taste as needed

4  Tbsp Vegan Mayo or regular mayo

3 Tbsp Mustard, regular, Dijon or Brown (your choice or mix & match)

2 tsp Rice Vinegar

In a large bowl add the drained garbanzo beans and mash with a fork leaving the mixture slightly chunky to resemble tuna chunks.  Add all the remaining ingredients and stir well to incorporate ingredients.

Add salt & pepper to taste as needed. Serve with Pita bread, sandwich style or scoop over a bed of chopped kale or mixed greens.  We love adding avocado chunks too.

ENJOY!

VOTE P/oP for Best Pilates Studio 2019!

Please take the time to vote for you favorite Pilates Studio.  ( hint.. hint..)

Don’t forget to also vote for your favorite coffee houses, restaurants, etc.. Any businesses you support would appreciate your vote of confidence.

You can vote online at https://www.pasadenaweekly.com

Or if you prefer you can cast your vote at our studio, we have printed forms for your convenience.

If you missed our blog on Friday with Abby Hanson and her upcoming class with the Yamuna Balls please go on the website and check out further information. Abby is now available for private Yamuna sessions. Look for group classes coming in September.

August and September tend to be the hottest months here in Southern California just a  reminder to stay HYDRATED and use lots of sunscreen if you will be outdoors.


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It’s time to rediscover the undeniable benefits of mat work!

It’s time to rediscover the undeniable benefits of mat work!

Are you new to Pilates and want to compare equipment classes and mat classes?

Do you love equipment classes but wonder if you are neglecting your mat classes?

Are you an experienced Pilates student – and ready for a new challenge?

While the equipment is unique to Pilates, don't knock the mat! Just about every benefit the Pilates method has to offer can be achieved through mat work.

Such benefits include an improvement in:

  • Abdominal and glute strength

  • Upper body strength, flexibility and shoulder stability

  • Body symmetry and muscle tone

  • Spine mobility and bone strength

  • Posture

All mat exercises teach skills that translate and relate directly to the equipment exercises. While the principles of Pilates apply to both equipment and mat (core control, spine mobility, neutral spine, shoulder and pelvic stability etc.), learning these basics on the mat makes equipment work safer and more efficient.

Mat classes are Challenging. On the equipment, we use different spring tensions to provide both assistance or resistance, hence increasing or decreasing workout intensity. On the mat, your resistance comes solely from gravity and your own body weight. While modifications are available to lessen the intensity or accommodate injuries and conditions, the Mat challenges your strength and alignment and can speed up your progress.

Mat classes offer Variety to your Pilates practice. Many clients - who previously only worked out on the equipment - commented on how different a Mat workout is and how much it complemented their equipment practice.

Join us for P/oP Mat Classes on:

Sunday August 11, 2019 - 9:00 AM (Stay after for a special Nutrition Q & A with Mirko!)

Sunday September 1, 2019 - 9:00 AM

RSVP above or to info@pilatesofpasadena.com


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Get a better waistline...

Add the Mermaid to your workout!


The obliques aid in compressing the abdomen and in forward-bending. They are also the hard workers that help us in side-bending and twisting our torso.

Here is where the mermaid comes in…

pilates-widsor.blogspot

The big reason to include oblique work in your workouts is to make sure you have tone and good function in any muscle group—you want the full benefits that muscle group has to offer.

In this case, it's the side bending and twisting ability along with abdominal compression and forward bending. But let's be honest, many people want to make extra sure they get their oblique workouts in because toned obliques make for a nice waistline.

Keep in mind that the obliques work in concert with your other abdominal muscles and really all the muscles of your Pilates powerhouse—abs, back, hips, pelvic floor. It is not recommended to focus just on obliques, but rather obliques in the context of a full-body workout. We want form and function along with a waistline. Making bending and twisting exercises effective and safe to get that oblique workout.

One of the best ways to get your oblique workouts is in a balanced Pilates workout which will always feature twisting and bending exercises.

Schedule a Pilates session with our experienced instructors to help you balance your workout here and at home.

Go to: info@pilatesofpasadena.com or log on to Acuity Scheduling

Is Your Workout Working

July marks the mid-year point that causes us to pause and reevaluate our workout commitments.

Are you where you want to be?

Here are some tips  to help you stay motivated to rethink and  make it through your workouts.

  • Think back on why you started in the first place and the results you wanted

  • Ask yourself if you really want to start all over again because you slacked off on your workouts.

  • Ask yourself if you’ll regret in any way not working out. Feeling good about what you do is important.

  • Try a variety of workouts to achieve results and avoid boredom.

  • Take Group fitness classes to keep motivated. Look forward to seeing the other participants and instructor. The energy of the group can keep you going in the moments that you want to quit.

Photo by Geert Pieters on Unsplash

Tell us how do you stay motivated to exercise and how do you  make it through tough workouts?

 

Diamond Down

Pilates Exercise Tips for Strong and Healthy Shoulders

  • Have you ever injured your arms and shoulders?

  • Do carry stress and tension in your neck, upper back?

  • Do you ever notice your shoulders hiked up around your ears?


    It’s not surprising that so many people these days experience one, or all of these shoulder issues.  To maintain our erect human posture we have two options – good core support, or overuse of our arms and shoulders to try and hold us up!

Think of it this way…  You are either like a coat on a hook (shoulders up), or a circus tent with a tall pole up the center and the edges sloping down (core support & shoulders down).  Being like a coat on a hook means lots of neck and shoulder tension.  You might experience more headaches, or be prone to shoulder injuries and rotator cuff problems.  The good news, things can change quickly with the right body awareness, exercises, and improving your posture.

So the first important tip for strong healthy shoulders is to strengthen your core.

  •  The stronger your abs and back are to help keep you sitting and standing with tall posture (like a circus tent) the more your shoulders can relax.

  • But just relaxing your shoulders may not be enough.  Some active work to pull them down away from your ears may be necessary.  One of my favorite cues for strengthening the lower trapezius muscles (the muscles that help to pull the shoulders down) is “Diamond Down.”

The Trapezius

muscle is a broad diamond shaped muscle that has fibers running in three different directions. The upper fibers elevate the shoulders. Middle fibers assist in pulling the shoulder blades together, and the lower fibers draw the shoulder blades down.

Generally speaking, the weakest and most important action for shoulder support and stability is the downward action of the Trapezius, thus my cue of “Diamond Down” when preparing to do any exercise that involves using the shoulders and arms.

Benefits of Strengthening the Lower Trapezius Muscle with “Diamond Down”

  • It places the shoulder joint in a more optimal place for movement of the shoulder and arm during exercise.  Better movement improves strength and flexibility and reduces risk of injury.

  • It provides the counter-leverage  necessary to lengthen and open joint space for the upper thoracic spine, neck and head, which means improved posture and upper spine mobility.

Tips for Practicing “Diamond Down”

  1. Start Standing with good posture and core support.  The upper spine should be slightly curved in its natural position so that the shoulder blades can lay flat on the back.  Just let the arms hang by your sides.

  2. Inhale breathing into the back to lift the ribcage and lengthen the spine, Exhale and from the bottom tips of the shoulder blades and draw the “Diamond Down” gently pulling the shoulder blades down towards the back of your waist.

  3. Repeat this three times,  lifting the spine higher, and deepening the “Diamond Down” contraction. Then release.  Repeat your “Diamond Down” exercise 3-5 times as a warm-up exercise before any other Pilates or gym exercises.  Or do it as a stand-alone exercise a couple of times throughout your day to remind you to keep your shoulders away from your ears!

What to Watch For

  • Be sure as the shoulder blades only pull down, that they don’t pinch together, but stay flat on the ribcage.

  • Watch your posture, allow the blades to move, and keep the rest of the body still.

  • Make sure the lower abdominals are lifting for core support and remain lifted while you draw your “Diamond” down.

Get More Core

Good Pilates exercise techniques makes a healthy body.  If you have a weak core, chances are your shoulders like to be hiked up around your ears.  With a strong center it’s much easier to improve shoulder mechanics, reduce joint pain, and maximize your Pilates workouts.  Doing the right exercises to strengthen your abdominals and back, along with practicing your “Diamond” down shoulder blade cue and you’ll be off to a great start for developing strong and healthy arms and shoulders with any and all of the exercises you do.

 

 © MMVIII-MMXIII, Aliesa George and Centerworks©. Used by Permission. Originally posted on Centerworks.com.

 

Source: http://www.centerworks.com/pilates-exercis...