Why Pilates?

Even after 15 years of teaching (and educating people about exactly what Pilates is..) I still often get the question.."Why do Pilates?" The answer I have is: It will make you feel stronger, more capable in movement and overall happier and more content with your body.

This is how it happens:

• By concentrating on the core of the body and the supporting muscles, in the pelvic floor, lower abdominals and diaphragm, the lower chakras are involved (the stability, creativity and power centers) leaving students with a sense of strength and control
• With core support all movement can originate from a strong center and tension patterns and pain in the neck and lower back are reduced as movement becomes more fluid and centered
• With the focus on breath, "veils of confusion" are lifted in the mind (see Yoga Sutras on pranayama) and students feel refreshed mentally as well as invigorated physically

The outcome is a centered, content, and strong person!

Yoga Nidra Audio CD Now Available

With help from Tijen and Clay, we recorded and edited my Yoga Nidra audio CD just before Christmas. This practice evolved from Tantric practices and is a progressive relaxation for body and mind. We produced an initial small batch, many were pre-ordered, but there are still some available for purchase @ $15.

Coming soon is a Pilates Mat Audio class for home practice/workout. I'm hoping to get that produced in January. I'd love feedback or suggestions about what else you'd like for a home practice.

Yoga for Stress Relief Returns Jan 9th

For those of you in need of rejuvenation in January, I'll be offering "Yoga for Stress Relief" again Sunday afternoon January 9th from 3-5 PM. A great way to begin your new year with new tools to combat stress and its negative consequences. The class fee is $35 and is limited to 10 participants. Sign up via phone (206.842.7570) or at spiralchristy@gmail.com to reserve your place.

A Busy Month

Well a month sure did fly by for me.."in the last episode" the studio was closing due to the snow and cold temperatures. Much has transpired since that posting: a 'mini break' overnighter with Mike to the city to hear some inspired music by The Frames. A long weekend in Salt Lake City (alone) where I took two Pilates classes; a Reformer Class and a Foam Roller Releasing class and caught up with my sister and niece. A plethora of projects; making wreaths for house and studio, bath salts for clients and lots of baking and entertaining. Last week, thanks to Tijen and Clay, I recorded "Yoga Nidra" an audio CD practice and am now finishing that project..Oh yes there was a major holiday in there, too! Entering a second week of "Winter Break", most classes will be held as usual, weather permitting. Please check the class listing on this site for details. This photo was taken along the Snake River near my family's cabin at Last Chance, Idaho. Happy New Year!

Cancellations for Snow and Cold

As beautiful as it is, the snow does wreck havoc on our schedules! There will be No Monday Evening Pilates Mat (BIMRD) tonight.

Because of the expected very low temperatures overnight for tonight and Tuesday, Studio Classes MAY BE CANCELLED:

This will affect Tuesday 1:00 Studio Group, Wednesday 12:00 Pilates Mat and 5:45 Dynamic Flow Yoga classes held in my yurt. It's nearly impossible to get beyond a 30 degree temperature difference from the outside (so if it's 35 outside, I can get it to 65, but if it's 20...well that means an indoor temp of around 50..!)Please Check back with me concerning these classes..e-mail or phone, if you don't see the update you need!

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!

November Holiday Schedule

There are a few schedule changes coming up this month:

The Following Classes are cancelled on these dates in November:

Nov 11 Thursday 1:00 Studio Group

Nov 12 Friday 9:30 Yoga & Core

Nov 25 - Nov 27 All Classes/Groups

(Thanksgiving Weekend)