The Need For A Break

Posted on January 31, 2012 by PHITGIRL

It’s not unusual to reach a point in your workout routine where you just need something new. We can call this a plateau or exercise burnout, or even a mental burnout. I call it break time! Take a break. It’s so important not only for your mental health but for your physical health as well. Break time can consist of one day off or ten. It could simply be a long weekend. Only you know for sure what you and your body needs. Are you struggling with nagging injuries like shin splints or a sore knee? You may need more than a few days off, you may need expert help. Let’s just say that you are healthy but feeling fatigue and a disinterest in working out. What’s the culprit? You may be spending too much time working out. It becomes a chore rather than something we enjoy. If this is the case, taking a break is just what you need. Give yourself permission to step back and re-examine the reasons why you work out in the first place. And we all have different reasons: weight control, heart health, social engagement, habit or endorphin rush are just a few common ones. Take a look at your reasons for having a regular workout routine and try to remember what got you started. Then take a few days to really miss your exercise. Remember how good it makes your body feel. Remember how you can really enjoy that dessert when you burn those extra calories. Remember how getting outside to walk with a friend makes you feel connected. Exercise is something to yearn for, to desire in your life. Like rekindling a long term romance, rekindling your workouts may be just the remedy for success.

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Pilates Sees Its Tipping Point?

Posted on June 12, 2011 by PHITGIRL

There are some, and I am not one, who believe that Pilates exercise has seen its heyday and is dipping in its popularity. I could point to the fact that there are now thousands of certified instructors nationwide and thousands more worldwide and more coming every day. I can tell you that Pilates classes are still as crowded as ever and that gyms in every state have Pilates classes on their roster. I can tell you that eight out of ten Physical Therapists in the USA have had some training in Pilates because they think it enhances the quality of their service. I can write here all the reasons why I think Pilates is still hot, but more important might be to simply revisit the benefit of a Pilates practice.

First the physical evidence: Improved strength, better balance, increased flexibility, increased upper and lower body strength and increased core strength.
Second is the mental benefits: Increased breath control, increased body-awareness, better proprioception, better mental focus, and an overall feeling of well-being.

Pilates enhances all workouts and can stand on its own or bump up your present program. It can be portable and equipment-free or performed on fascinating and highly original equipment. It’s fun and serious all at the same time. Everyone can do it from seniors to athletes to the sister of a duchess (see: Pippa’s bottom). Remember, Pilates has been around for decades and it is not going anywhere anytime soon. Perhaps it is simply becoming more mainstream and we, as the fit and healthy public, are just becoming used to seeing it on schedules or hearing of friends who take lessons. Pilates and its host of benefits is not lacking in popularity, it has quietly become just a part of the family.

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