Have you ever wondered what your instructor was talking about when they told you to work from your center, or your core? This article in the Seattle Post Intelligencer offers some insight.
http://blog.seattlepi.com/gracefulaging/archives/175130.asp?from=blog_last3
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Keepin' it Real
In the most recent issue of Pilates Style Magazine, there is an interesting article on Peter Fiasca's book, "Discovering Pure Classical Pilates."(classicalpilates.net) Fiasca offers interesting insight that all instructors would do well to keep in mind. It is so easy to jump on the next fad, or even invent your own, in order to keep your "competitive advantage" over the countless other studios, especially in the current economy. We have to remember, however, that while Joseph Pilates was refining and adding to his method up until his final days, his changes were based on years of self-study and working with students, and his approach was quite scientific. Any attempt to "improve upon" a system with proven results without the same lifelong dedication to and study of the art and science of the Pilates method is foolish or arrogant, or perhaps both.
I in no way mean to discredit the few in the crowd who have that lifelong dedication and scientific approach to the Pilates method. You know who you are, and you bring tremendous benefit to the Pilates community through your efforts.
Nor am I taking a stab at the "fusion" classes that exist. I'm a dedicated yoga practitioner and I know that the two disciplines compliment each other extremely well, so well in fact that I have thrown Pilates exercises into yoga classes where I knew my students would benefit, and vice versa. That siad, it needs to be made explicit, so that our students understand the differences between Pilates, yoga, and the slew of other techniques that have been thrown in the fitness fad blender as of late.
What it comes down to is that when we advertise a class as a Pilates class, that term should have a uniform set of standards that qualify it as such, and those standards are the ones dictated by Joseph Pilates. If you are deviating from those standards, you may want to give your class a name that more accurately reflects what is being taught.
I in no way mean to discredit the few in the crowd who have that lifelong dedication and scientific approach to the Pilates method. You know who you are, and you bring tremendous benefit to the Pilates community through your efforts.
Nor am I taking a stab at the "fusion" classes that exist. I'm a dedicated yoga practitioner and I know that the two disciplines compliment each other extremely well, so well in fact that I have thrown Pilates exercises into yoga classes where I knew my students would benefit, and vice versa. That siad, it needs to be made explicit, so that our students understand the differences between Pilates, yoga, and the slew of other techniques that have been thrown in the fitness fad blender as of late.
What it comes down to is that when we advertise a class as a Pilates class, that term should have a uniform set of standards that qualify it as such, and those standards are the ones dictated by Joseph Pilates. If you are deviating from those standards, you may want to give your class a name that more accurately reflects what is being taught.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Wii the People
Alycea Ungaro (Real Pilates, NYC) made some great points about the new Wii pilates with Daisy Fuentes. http://realpilates.net/blog/2009/07/23/daisy-fuentes-teaches-pilates/
Our response: Is it far-fetched to imply that individuals could injure themselves attempting to practice Pilates at home with the guidance of a celebrity who has no training as a Pilates instructor? Not really.
Have you read the warning labels that are printed on most products these days? Some of them sound absolutely ridiculous (case in point, Hand Sanitizer - do not use in or near eyes), and yet, almost all exist as a result of some individual having done exactly what is being warned against and then suing the product maker for the resulting injury.
More importantly, however, Pilates is a system of intricate movements that require precision and attention to detail to be performed correctly. At best, individuals may get the wrong impression of Pilates when they don't receive the intended benefits of the exercises. At worst, someone could in fact injure themselves by performing a move incorrectly. I haven't viewed the Wii Pilates, but if it includes the pelvic curl, a basic Pilates move, there is the potential for significant cervical damage without proper guidance. Even a seasoned instructor wouldn't actually be in the living rooms of those millions of Americans doing Pilates on their Wii, but with years of experience teaching and observing common mistakes and misalignments, they could instruct the moves in a way that would minimize the risk of avoidable injuries.
I am excited that millions of American are being exposed to Pilates, yet disappointed that they are also being exposed to the potential risk of injury by the choice of the game maker to have an untrained celebrity "teach" the classes rather than a certified and experienced instructor.
Our response: Is it far-fetched to imply that individuals could injure themselves attempting to practice Pilates at home with the guidance of a celebrity who has no training as a Pilates instructor? Not really.
Have you read the warning labels that are printed on most products these days? Some of them sound absolutely ridiculous (case in point, Hand Sanitizer - do not use in or near eyes), and yet, almost all exist as a result of some individual having done exactly what is being warned against and then suing the product maker for the resulting injury.
More importantly, however, Pilates is a system of intricate movements that require precision and attention to detail to be performed correctly. At best, individuals may get the wrong impression of Pilates when they don't receive the intended benefits of the exercises. At worst, someone could in fact injure themselves by performing a move incorrectly. I haven't viewed the Wii Pilates, but if it includes the pelvic curl, a basic Pilates move, there is the potential for significant cervical damage without proper guidance. Even a seasoned instructor wouldn't actually be in the living rooms of those millions of Americans doing Pilates on their Wii, but with years of experience teaching and observing common mistakes and misalignments, they could instruct the moves in a way that would minimize the risk of avoidable injuries.
I am excited that millions of American are being exposed to Pilates, yet disappointed that they are also being exposed to the potential risk of injury by the choice of the game maker to have an untrained celebrity "teach" the classes rather than a certified and experienced instructor.
Friday, July 24, 2009
To Your Health
As much as we love to sing the praises of Pilates, your health depends on so much more than your Pilates workouts. From now on, every Friday we will blog on a pertinent health topic. From preventative care, to nutrition, to alternative health strategies, look no further than your friends at Bella Forma to keep you up to date.
If you've ever eaten anything that lists cottonseed oil as one of the ingredients, you may want to take note of this article. Cotton that is not certified organic is often treated with an herbicide very similar to agent orange, and this "conventionally grown" cottonseed makes its way into many products. Agent Orange has been linked to Parkinson's Disease and Heart Disease, among other maladies. http://health.msn.com/health-topics/cancer/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100242351
Do your homework, read your labels, and know what you are putting into your body. It's the only one you get!
If you've ever eaten anything that lists cottonseed oil as one of the ingredients, you may want to take note of this article. Cotton that is not certified organic is often treated with an herbicide very similar to agent orange, and this "conventionally grown" cottonseed makes its way into many products. Agent Orange has been linked to Parkinson's Disease and Heart Disease, among other maladies. http://health.msn.com/health-topics/cancer/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100242351
Do your homework, read your labels, and know what you are putting into your body. It's the only one you get!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Principles for Prevention
Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) effects so many individuals. An article in USA Today in 2006 (http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/health/2006-10-16-back-pain-usat_x.htm) stated that "Lower back pain is a condition that eight out of 10 Americans will experience at some point. And the cost is measured in more than just pain: Medical treatment of back pain is estimated to cost $25 billion annually, according to Duke University researchers. Workers compensation costs and time lost from work add another $25 billion." With so much focus on how lower health care costs and improve our health care system, perhaps we need to be focusing on prevention and non-surgical interventions.
There is no question that strengthening your core muscles can relieve CLBP and increase functionality. (http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=2684152, http://www.jospt.org/issues/articleID.1140,type.2/article_detail.asp) The key is performing the exercises correctly so that you are using the intended muscle(s) or muscle group(s). This means beginning your Pilates experience under the supervision of a certified Pilates instructor who is familiar with the cause of your LBP. Your instructor will guide you to the most beneficial exercises, steer you away from exercises that could aggravate your condition, and monitor your movements to ensure that you are not relying on larger, stronger muscles or falling into habitual movement patterns.
Your instructor is your guide, but it's up to you to do your homework too. Knowing and practicing the six principles of Pilates will help maximize your results and prevent injury. Here's a quick overview:
* Concentration - Joseph Pilates called his method "the thinking man's workout." Be present and aware of your body throughout your workout. Check in with your alignment and which muscles are working. Consciously recruit and relax muscles. This is how you "unlearn" old patterns and create new healthier movement patterns.
* Center - All motion begins in the center of the body and moves outward to the periphery. In other words, in order to move your foot, you must move your leg, and that begins in the large muscles of the "core" or "powerhouse."
The next two go hand-in-hand and are critical for injury prevention.
* Control - Each movement should be completed with intention and absolute control. Smaller, controlled movements are more effective than "flinging" or "hurling" your body to achieve a larger motion.
* Fluidity - Keep your motions smooth and flowing. Don't make "jerky" starts and stops. Don't flop down after holding a difficult position. Always return to your starting position slowly and with grace.
* Precision - Performing the exercises accurately ensures that we are working the intended muscle(s) and/or muscle group(s). For more advanced exercises, like inversions, precision is critical in injury prevention.
* Breath - Of course the breath oxygenates the body and removes waste, but it can also assist us in all the other principles. By engaging our deepest abdominal muscles, the transversis abdominis on our exhale, we stabilize our bodies during the most challenging points of an exercise. Our inhale can be used to stretch and open the trunk and avoid over arching or rounding our spine.
There are many resources available to learn more about these principles in detail. A wonderful book that I refer to on a regular basis is Pialtes by Rael Isacowitz (Human Kinetics, 2006)
Perhaps I will cover each principle in detail for my posts next week. hmmmmmm
There is no question that strengthening your core muscles can relieve CLBP and increase functionality. (http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=2684152, http://www.jospt.org/issues/articleID.1140,type.2/article_detail.asp) The key is performing the exercises correctly so that you are using the intended muscle(s) or muscle group(s). This means beginning your Pilates experience under the supervision of a certified Pilates instructor who is familiar with the cause of your LBP. Your instructor will guide you to the most beneficial exercises, steer you away from exercises that could aggravate your condition, and monitor your movements to ensure that you are not relying on larger, stronger muscles or falling into habitual movement patterns.
Your instructor is your guide, but it's up to you to do your homework too. Knowing and practicing the six principles of Pilates will help maximize your results and prevent injury. Here's a quick overview:
* Concentration - Joseph Pilates called his method "the thinking man's workout." Be present and aware of your body throughout your workout. Check in with your alignment and which muscles are working. Consciously recruit and relax muscles. This is how you "unlearn" old patterns and create new healthier movement patterns.
* Center - All motion begins in the center of the body and moves outward to the periphery. In other words, in order to move your foot, you must move your leg, and that begins in the large muscles of the "core" or "powerhouse."
The next two go hand-in-hand and are critical for injury prevention.
* Control - Each movement should be completed with intention and absolute control. Smaller, controlled movements are more effective than "flinging" or "hurling" your body to achieve a larger motion.
* Fluidity - Keep your motions smooth and flowing. Don't make "jerky" starts and stops. Don't flop down after holding a difficult position. Always return to your starting position slowly and with grace.
* Precision - Performing the exercises accurately ensures that we are working the intended muscle(s) and/or muscle group(s). For more advanced exercises, like inversions, precision is critical in injury prevention.
* Breath - Of course the breath oxygenates the body and removes waste, but it can also assist us in all the other principles. By engaging our deepest abdominal muscles, the transversis abdominis on our exhale, we stabilize our bodies during the most challenging points of an exercise. Our inhale can be used to stretch and open the trunk and avoid over arching or rounding our spine.
There are many resources available to learn more about these principles in detail. A wonderful book that I refer to on a regular basis is Pialtes by Rael Isacowitz (Human Kinetics, 2006)
Perhaps I will cover each principle in detail for my posts next week. hmmmmmm
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Off the Mat . . .
Are you intimidated by Pilates studio equipment? I was too, once-upon-a-time, that is until I gave in and tried it out and realized the amazing benefits. My workouts became more tailored to my body's needs, and the results increased dramatically! Imbalances in my body that I had lived with for years melted away with consistent workouts on various pieces of equipment. Now that I have been practicing apparatus work for several years it will always be a part of my routine.
This article will give you a basic overview of, and introduction to the main pieces of Pilates equipment. http://pilates.about.com/od/pilatesequipment/ig/Large-Pilates-Equipment-Pics/
Okay, now that you've been introduced, what are you waiting for? Make yourself an appointment to start training on these "apparatuses"
This article will give you a basic overview of, and introduction to the main pieces of Pilates equipment. http://pilates.about.com/od/pilatesequipment/ig/Large-Pilates-Equipment-Pics/
Okay, now that you've been introduced, what are you waiting for? Make yourself an appointment to start training on these "apparatuses"
Monday, July 20, 2009
Pilates and Low Back Pain
This is an interesting article, but unfortunately includes some misinformation about Pilates and low back pain.
http://nursing.advanceweb.com/editorial/content/editorial.aspx?cc=202549&zz=0#AnchorPostComment
Below is my full comment on the article, please submit your own and weigh in on the conversation!
I would have to disagree with the statement that Pilates does not “deal with the problem at its core.” This is an ironic choice of words as core muscles are at the root of many low back injuries and pain, and core muscle strengthening is one of the most noted benefits of the Pilates method. The Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy published the results of a study showing that:
http://nursing.advanceweb.com/editorial/content/editorial.aspx?cc=202549&zz=0#AnchorPostComment
Below is my full comment on the article, please submit your own and weigh in on the conversation!
I would have to disagree with the statement that Pilates does not “deal with the problem at its core.” This is an ironic choice of words as core muscles are at the root of many low back injuries and pain, and core muscle strengthening is one of the most noted benefits of the Pilates method. The Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy published the results of a study showing that:
The results of the study support the hypothesis that an exercise therapy approach based on the Pilates method and directed at neuromuscular control mechanisms was efficacious in the treatment of a group of individuals with nonspecific chronic LBP. A 4-week treatment intervention was more efficacious than usual care in reducing average pain intensity and functional disability levels, changes were maintained over a 12-month period.
(Download the article here: http://www.jospt.org/issues/articleID.1140,type.2/article_detail.asp )
When you perform Pilates exercises correctly, you stabilize your pelvis using your own core muscles, rather than an external mechanism as the author recommends, doubling the results and benefits. Your body learns how to perform that stabilization on its own so that you are able to recruit and engage the muscles responsible for pelvic-lumbar stabilization throughout all of your daily movements. A skilled instructor guides their students to find pelvic stabilization, recognize what it feels like in the body, and learn to consciously recruit the appropriate muscles. This is why it is so important to receive instruction from a certified Pilates trainer, rather than working on your own with a DVD or book.
M. Tamsin Thoren, HHP
Friday, July 17, 2009
Perform like an Olympian!
Olympic Athletes like Natalie Coughlin (Swimming) consider Pilates their "secret weapon" in keeping an edge on the competition. Coughlin states that "Pilates helps improve my stroke efficiency. It also cures me of bad habits, like slouching." Fellow olympian Lindsay Davenport (Tennis) also includes Pilates in her recipe for success.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Can you say that in English?
Do you ever feel like your Pilates instructor is speaking a foreign language? In addition to completing rigorous training in Pilates, we study human anatomy in great depth in order to become certified instructors. Sometimes we forget that terms that are familiar to us are not in everyone's vocabulary. Don't be afraid to ask if you don't understand a term! This link provides a great basic glossary.
http://thinkpilates.com/pilates-words-terms-and-glossary/
http://thinkpilates.com/pilates-words-terms-and-glossary/
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Pilates for Scoliosis
Check out this fascinating article on Scoliosis and Pilates. The article is geared towards instructors, but we can all empower ourselves to know our own body and be our own best healer, so read on even if you don't teach Pilates!
http://www.pilates-pro.com/pilates-pro/2009/4/3/pilates-for-scoliosis.html
http://www.pilates-pro.com/pilates-pro/2009/4/3/pilates-for-scoliosis.html
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Pilates for Children
Check out this great article on Pilates for children. "As a teacher, I recognize and appreciate the effect it has on them, promoting calm and concentration." Perhaps we should prescribe Pilates instead of Ritalin.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/fea/healthyliving/family/stories/DN-nh_kidfit_0714gd.ART.State.Edition1.4bc82a8.html
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/fea/healthyliving/family/stories/DN-nh_kidfit_0714gd.ART.State.Edition1.4bc82a8.html
Classic Joseph Pilates Videos
Check out these videos to see Joseph Pilates in action.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUeDhtVtCrE&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_tRgTiABBE&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xo4tJrlw91s&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUeDhtVtCrE&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_tRgTiABBE&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xo4tJrlw91s&feature=channel
Monday, July 13, 2009
Close up on "Rowing" (from Pilates Style Magazine)
"Rowing," like all Pilates exercises, requires great attention to detail and concentration throughout. If you're not already practicing this exercise, ask your instructor if it would be a good fit for you. If you are, here's more information to help you get the most out of this complicated move.
http://www.pilatesstyle.com/rowing_march_2009.pdfSaturday, July 11, 2009
BASI Certification at Bella Forma
Have you considered becoming a certified Pilates Instructor? Bella Forma Pilates is hosting Body Arts and Sciences International's (BASI) comprehensive Pilates teacher training course beginning in September. This in-depth program provides both an academic and practical depth of knowledge. Rigorous training on the full range of Pilates apparatus is followed by an extensive apprenticeship program. Last year's instructors included Lisa Clayton Hubbard (one of the models in Rael Isacowitz's book) and Krysti Cooper White (Oprah's Pilates instructor).
For more information and a schedule of classes visit http://www.basipilates.com
Friday, July 10, 2009
Pilates for Pink
Bella Forma Pilates will be participating in Shape Magazine's Pilates for Pink again this year. Look for classes throughout October with the P4P label. All proceeds for designated classes are donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Do you need any better reason to come workout?http://www.shapeonline.com/pfp/
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Put Your Best Foot Forward!
Think globally, shop locally! Do you hate working out barefoot? Bella Forma now offers ToeSox to keep your tootsies warm and clean while you workout. They have non-slip grip on the sole to keep your feet firmly planted on the reformer. ToeSox is a Carlsbad based company, so you're supporting the local economy too!
http://tinyurl.com/ToeSox
http://tinyurl.com/ToeSox
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Pilates is Here to Stay.
Pilates is here to stay. (as if we didn't already know that!) The latest ACSM poll of fitness professionals ranked "balance training" (which includes pilates) in the top 10 fitness trends worldwide. If this tells you anything, just two years ago, it didn't even make the top 20. (That's shocking to me from my Southern California bubble!)
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE55S1NY20090629?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0&sp=true
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE55S1NY20090629?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0&sp=true
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Mayo Clinic Recommends Pilates
While not the most in-depth coverage, the Mayo Clinic, in their June Women's HealthSource Newsletter, has recommended Pilates as "A Low-Impact Way to Build Core Strength, Endurance and Flexibility" (last article on the page) How long do we have to wait until health insurance covers Pilates as preventative care? Now there's health care reform!
http://sev.prnewswire.com/health-care-hospitals/20090707/DC4308507072009-1.html
http://sev.prnewswire.com/health-care-hospitals/20090707/DC4308507072009-1.html
Monday, July 6, 2009
Triathletes use Pilates to stay in peak form
Are you racing in the Solana Beach Triathlon? Perhaps you're just a hobby triathlete at the moment. Do you want to take it to the next level? Top triathletes like Emma Snowsill, Matt Reed, Chris Legh, Craig Alexander and Amanda Lovato use Pilates to stay in peak form. Integrate Pilates as a part of your workout schedule and you'll be ready for next year's Superfrog Long Distance Triathlon!
http://balmoraltriclub.org.au/triathlon-news/09-06-15/Pilates_for_Triathletes_-_By_Nobo_Pilates.aspx
http://balmoraltriclub.org.au/triathlon-news/09-06-15/Pilates_for_Triathletes_-_By_Nobo_Pilates.aspx
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Pilates for Teens
Fostering mind/body connectino in teens through Pilates . . .
http://www.pilates-pro.com/pilates-pro/2009/6/26/pilates-for-teens-a-new-trend.html
http://www.pilates-pro.com/pilates-pro/2009/6/26/pilates-for-teens-a-new-trend.html
Pilates = better posture = better golf swing!
Do you want to improve your golf swing? Start by improving your posture, and look no further than Pilates!
http://www.pilatesdigest.com/pilates-for-a-better-golf-swing/
http://www.pilatesdigest.com/pilates-for-a-better-golf-swing/
Friday, July 3, 2009
Pilates for Injuries
Here are some good things to keep in mind if you are coming to your Pilates practice with an injury. Always talk to your instructor about your injury. They can help you find the best exercises and modifications to maximize your workout and quite possibly hasten your recovery.
http://www.examiner.com/x-15567-Nashville-Pilates-Examiner~y2009m7d3-Pilates-for-Injuries
http://www.examiner.com/x-15567-Nashville-Pilates-Examiner~y2009m7d3-Pilates-for-Injuries
Thursday, July 2, 2009
How do Cirque -du-Soleil acrobats keep strong and limber? Pilates of course!http://www.newschief.com/article/20090702/NEWS/907025019/1011/LIVING?Title
Keeping Cirque healthy is tough
By JOHN FLEMING
St. Petersburg Times
Published: Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 4:01 a.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 11:59 p.m.
When physical therapist Vanessa Gurie assesses the condition of her clients, she often looks way up into the rafters of an arena to see them fly and flip and tumble in astonishing displays of daredevil acrobatics.
Click to enlarge
Opening-night performance of Cirque du Soleil's "Saltimblanco" at the Lakeland Center.
"They're amazing. A very, very talented bunch of people,'' Gurie said one recent afternoon, watching 16 men and women climb and leap and swing among four tall poles - taller than telephone poles - with uncanny power, speed and precision.
Gurie, 29, is health-services supervisor with "Saltimbanco," the touring Cirque du Soleil arena show. She was watching a number called Chinese Poles as the company went through its training routine. A few hours later, the acrobats would don outlandish, colorful costumes for the opening performance of a five-day run in Lakeland.
"We see a lot of repetitive strain injuries,'' Gurie was saying. "We tape a lot of wrists and ankles. But we also design exercise programs to prevent pain or we modify routines if somebody has an injury."
If you've ever seen a Cirque show, you've probably wondered how the performers' bodies hold up under the strain of these incredible performances - often two a day. The answer: They're as vulnerable as any athlete, so Cirque employs people like Gurie to head off show-stopping injuries.
While obviously geared toward the highest-level athletes, the Montreal-based company's training practices, emphasizing strength, nutrition and the body-balancing approach of Pilates, hold lessons for many who'll get no closer to a Cirque show than the front row.
A South African who has a master's degree in sports medicine, Gurie worked as a physical therapist for cricket and Australian-rules football teams as well as an Asian tour of "Cats" before joining "Saltimbanco" in 2007. She finds many similarities between the performers in professional sports and Cirque. Now, though, she has to be concerned not only with the health and fitness of her charges, but also with the safety of their working environment.
"My main duty is to ensure that their health and safety is taken care of at all times,'' she said.
Unlike Cirque shows staged under its trademark blue-and-gold big top, "Saltimbanco," the company's second production to play arenas, has to adapt to different venues. "Because we travel from week to week, we try to maintain exactly the same conditions,'' Gurie said. "For instance, we keep the temperature always at 72 degrees, so artists won't get cold when they come off after doing a number.''
They also pay careful attention to food, with Cirque employees preparing and serving all the performers' meals. Menus often are inspired by local foods. "Florida seafood would be high on the list of things we would have on this part of the tour,'' said Gurie, who figures that the company includes 10 to 15 vegetarians.
The acrobats often wear safety harnesses when they practice their high-flying tricks, but during the show they perform without them. In the act of sister trapeze artists, one dangles by her calf hooked over the other's foot, high above the arena floor, without a net.
Not surprisingly, it's tough to come down from that kind of excitement. That's why many of the performers do their major workouts after the show is over for the night.
Backstage at "Saltimbanco" is the training mat, a communal area where the performers do their workouts, tailored for each of them by Gurie, another physical therapist and head coach Michael Ocampo, a certified Pilates and yoga instructor.
"Most of these artists come from an extremely high level of sport,'' Ocampo said. "They were on national gymnastic teams and competed at national championships, world championships, some of them in the Olympics. So they pretty much know what they need to do to keep themselves in shape and stay healthy. If they do need assistance, that's what the two physios and myself are there for.''
Arranged around the large mat are exercise bikes, an elliptical trainer, free weights, weight machines, training poles and climbing ropes, a chin-up bar and Pilates equipment. Gurie and Ocampo are big proponents of Pilates.
"We're learning how much Pilates is beneficial for someone like an acrobat who tends to overuse certain joints, overuse one side of their body more than the other,'' Ocampo said. "With the Pilates approach, we try to almost re-center people, because otherwise acrobats can quickly become unbalanced from side to side, from front to back, because almost everything that we do is one sided or unidirectional.''
Ocampo, in his mid-30s, a Cirque performer in "Alegria" and "Saltimbanco" for 10 years before becoming a coach, explained that acrobats nearly always twist one way - to their right or left - when doing things like a salto (a flip) or cartwheel.
"Pilates tries to address the imbalances that are going to start to form in your body because you're only twisting one way,'' he said.
However, Pilates, with its focus on breathing and disciplined movement, can be a challenge for high-energy young athletes. The 50 or so performers in "Saltimbanco" range from 18 to 47, but most are on the young side.
"When you say to them, 'OK, let's slow down, let's take it on the mat and do these small, slow exercises,' it's a hard thing for a lot of acrobats to grasp, because they like to move fast,'' Gurie said. "But when they see it work for them, how injuries become less and less when Pilates is incorporated into their training regimen, then it becomes attractive, then everybody wants to do it.''
By JOHN FLEMING
St. Petersburg Times
Published: Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 4:01 a.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 11:59 p.m.
When physical therapist Vanessa Gurie assesses the condition of her clients, she often looks way up into the rafters of an arena to see them fly and flip and tumble in astonishing displays of daredevil acrobatics.
Click to enlarge
Opening-night performance of Cirque du Soleil's "Saltimblanco" at the Lakeland Center.
"They're amazing. A very, very talented bunch of people,'' Gurie said one recent afternoon, watching 16 men and women climb and leap and swing among four tall poles - taller than telephone poles - with uncanny power, speed and precision.
Gurie, 29, is health-services supervisor with "Saltimbanco," the touring Cirque du Soleil arena show. She was watching a number called Chinese Poles as the company went through its training routine. A few hours later, the acrobats would don outlandish, colorful costumes for the opening performance of a five-day run in Lakeland.
"We see a lot of repetitive strain injuries,'' Gurie was saying. "We tape a lot of wrists and ankles. But we also design exercise programs to prevent pain or we modify routines if somebody has an injury."
If you've ever seen a Cirque show, you've probably wondered how the performers' bodies hold up under the strain of these incredible performances - often two a day. The answer: They're as vulnerable as any athlete, so Cirque employs people like Gurie to head off show-stopping injuries.
While obviously geared toward the highest-level athletes, the Montreal-based company's training practices, emphasizing strength, nutrition and the body-balancing approach of Pilates, hold lessons for many who'll get no closer to a Cirque show than the front row.
A South African who has a master's degree in sports medicine, Gurie worked as a physical therapist for cricket and Australian-rules football teams as well as an Asian tour of "Cats" before joining "Saltimbanco" in 2007. She finds many similarities between the performers in professional sports and Cirque. Now, though, she has to be concerned not only with the health and fitness of her charges, but also with the safety of their working environment.
"My main duty is to ensure that their health and safety is taken care of at all times,'' she said.
Unlike Cirque shows staged under its trademark blue-and-gold big top, "Saltimbanco," the company's second production to play arenas, has to adapt to different venues. "Because we travel from week to week, we try to maintain exactly the same conditions,'' Gurie said. "For instance, we keep the temperature always at 72 degrees, so artists won't get cold when they come off after doing a number.''
They also pay careful attention to food, with Cirque employees preparing and serving all the performers' meals. Menus often are inspired by local foods. "Florida seafood would be high on the list of things we would have on this part of the tour,'' said Gurie, who figures that the company includes 10 to 15 vegetarians.
The acrobats often wear safety harnesses when they practice their high-flying tricks, but during the show they perform without them. In the act of sister trapeze artists, one dangles by her calf hooked over the other's foot, high above the arena floor, without a net.
Not surprisingly, it's tough to come down from that kind of excitement. That's why many of the performers do their major workouts after the show is over for the night.
Backstage at "Saltimbanco" is the training mat, a communal area where the performers do their workouts, tailored for each of them by Gurie, another physical therapist and head coach Michael Ocampo, a certified Pilates and yoga instructor.
"Most of these artists come from an extremely high level of sport,'' Ocampo said. "They were on national gymnastic teams and competed at national championships, world championships, some of them in the Olympics. So they pretty much know what they need to do to keep themselves in shape and stay healthy. If they do need assistance, that's what the two physios and myself are there for.''
Arranged around the large mat are exercise bikes, an elliptical trainer, free weights, weight machines, training poles and climbing ropes, a chin-up bar and Pilates equipment. Gurie and Ocampo are big proponents of Pilates.
"We're learning how much Pilates is beneficial for someone like an acrobat who tends to overuse certain joints, overuse one side of their body more than the other,'' Ocampo said. "With the Pilates approach, we try to almost re-center people, because otherwise acrobats can quickly become unbalanced from side to side, from front to back, because almost everything that we do is one sided or unidirectional.''
Ocampo, in his mid-30s, a Cirque performer in "Alegria" and "Saltimbanco" for 10 years before becoming a coach, explained that acrobats nearly always twist one way - to their right or left - when doing things like a salto (a flip) or cartwheel.
"Pilates tries to address the imbalances that are going to start to form in your body because you're only twisting one way,'' he said.
However, Pilates, with its focus on breathing and disciplined movement, can be a challenge for high-energy young athletes. The 50 or so performers in "Saltimbanco" range from 18 to 47, but most are on the young side.
"When you say to them, 'OK, let's slow down, let's take it on the mat and do these small, slow exercises,' it's a hard thing for a lot of acrobats to grasp, because they like to move fast,'' Gurie said. "But when they see it work for them, how injuries become less and less when Pilates is incorporated into their training regimen, then it becomes attractive, then everybody wants to do it.''
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