Cramping during exercise, especially during Pilates seems very common. It’s a shame because a cramp can really disrupt a great workout. Cramps most often occur in the calves and feet. They are an involuntary contraction of a muscle that does not relax. They hurt like a bugger, but there is quite a bit you can do to try and prevent them and alleviate them.

Think About When You Get Cramps

If you only get cramps when you do Pilates solving the problem might be different then if you are prone to cramps all the time. Do you wake up with cramps in the night? Do you tend to get a cramp even when you don’t exercise?

If you are prone to getting cramps the first thing to consider is your diet. Do you have a well balanced diet and do you get enough potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc? All this minerals, especially the first two, are beneficial when trying to reduce cramping.

Also, you may be somewhat dehydrated. Do you drink a lot of coffee or caffeinated tea? If so dehydration can bring on your cramps. Try reducing your intake of caffeinated beverages or counter balance caffeine with water. Try drinking water as […]

You should have an open dialogue with any instructor or personal trainer. It’s important that you feel comfortable asking questions or saying that something doesn’t feel right while doing a particular exercise.

It’s important for you so that you learn how to do the exercises properly without getting injured, but also important for your instructor so that he or she can give you proper cues to help you engage the right muscles or remind you of the area you need to work.

Asking questions is very important. It’s true that if you’re not certain about something, there are probably others with the same question. As instructors we may not always have the answer right away, but we can find out after class. Then instructors and clients can learn together.

As with any relationship, communication is key.

As promised, today’s blog will provide a number of fun ways to think about balancing your body in daily life. Consider all the things you do every day that might cause you to be lopsided: holding a baby on a particular side; brushing your teeth with one hand; controlling the gas and brake of a car with the same foot; opening a jar with the same hand; stepping into your pants with the same leg; sleeping on the same side every night; crossing one leg over the other; combing your hair; shaving your legs or face; opening a door; carrying a bag, briefcase or purse; reading labels in the grocery store using the same hand to hold the item.

You probably don’t even notice the hundreds of little things you do every day that work opposing muscles at different levels. Over time these variances can create muscle imbalances. Since muscles pull on your bones, the imbalances can pull you out of alignment. So for one day try thinking about doing everything backwards. I don’t recommend driving with the other foot because that can actually put you in danger, but if you went to […]

The weather is supposed to be beautiful this weekend and there are lots of ways to enjoy exercise (although you don’t have to call it that) when the weather is nice. So, after completing the exercise of the week, of course, why don’t you consider one of these activities that you can do in the great Nutmeg state:

1) Go for a Hike–Devil’s Hopyard is a great location with waterfalls and pretty easy hikes to get you started for the season.
2) Kayak–If you don’t have one, there are places you can rent them. Seeing areas you are familiar with from the water gives you a varied vantage and a whole new perspective on the same old same old. Collinsville Canoe and Kayak in Farmington is one place to get started.
3) Stroll Town Greens–Is there a town you’ve never investigated in Connecticut? If you’re like me there are probably a ton. Go investigate, but walk around the town to discover it’s intricacies. Stroll Main Street or the town green. Old Wethersfield and Ledyard are two towns that offer wonderful locales for walking
4) Rock Climb–For the more adventurous of heart, you […]

It’s corny but it’s true. It can also be hard to live by even though it’s true. Pilates trains you how to engage muscles you may never have thought about. That means that while you may think you can’t do a sit up or a roll over, it’s more likely (assuming you don’t have any injuries) that your muscles have just never learned how. You need to train them by practicing.

I have seen clients, after sometimes months of struggle, show me that they have practiced an exercise and now they can do it. It is thrilling to watch someone learn how to use their body. Sometimes they have conquered obstacles that seem small, like breast stroke prep, but are really very difficult. Other times they have worked on exercises everyone struggles with like teaser, roll over, or plank.

When you practice an exercise and you finally reach your goal and complete the task, it is worth every ounce of energy you put forth. You won’t be disappointed. I know people can do anything if they really put their mind to it–literally. You have to train […]