Core Strength for Teen Athletes and Dancers

Today is the first class in this new series for teens. I'm very excited to be offering this and to work with a larger number of teens, all girls in this group of 10. I've been working with teen athletes for over two years, in private and semiprivate classes using the equipment. This is the first time I've developed a mat class for them. Pilates is such a great opportunity for young women to start to 'feel their power' from the inside. The sense of a strong core and center can really enhance their confidence and their sense of self, at a time when they might need it the most. I believe that energizing the lower body and core, as we do in Pilates, is one of the reasons that students come away feeling so good; empowered and centered. The Chakra system describes energy centers in the body. Muladhara is the 1st chakra located at the pelvic floor. It connects to security and the sense of being rooted. Swadhisthana, the 2nd chakra, is located just below the navel and connects to creativity and joy and Manipura , at the solar plexus/diaphragm, connects to a sense of personal power . When you get these three chakras aligned and engaged you feel like you can take on anything!