Pialtes for Breast Cancer Survivors

Lymphedema can be a painful and uncomfortable side effect of breast cancer surgery.  It is also detrimental to one's health.  When lymph fluid becomes stuck in the areas where lymph nodes have been removed immune cells can't travel to the areas where they are needed and waste material that has been removed from cells can't make it back to the circulatory system to be removed from the body.

The good news is that Pilates can help!  http://www.bit.ly/1jCLEY

Muscular contraction is the driving force of our lymphatic system. As you move through your Pilates workout, the slow, fluid movements gently squeeze your lymphatic vessels, pushing lymph back towards your blood vessels!  This is great for everyone, not just breast cancer survivors, but the nature of the movements in Pilates and the restorative and invigorating effects of this type of exercise are particularly helpful to those who have had lymph nodes removed.

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.pdf

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

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

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