Pilates for Fitness

Oov: The Unique Pilates Prop That Will Revolutionize Your Core Exercises

March 2, 2017 by JoAnna

Have you noticed the odd looking prop we’ve now got at Firehaus Pilates? Called the Oov, this device will change how you work out by supporting your body as your Pilates exercise targets specific muscle groups. Watch out core – the Oov is going to help make you stronger and more stable in no time!

Invented in Australia by Polestar Pilates instructor and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Daniel Vledeta, has created an innovative way to enhance rehabilitation and fitness. The Oov is a superior alternative to the rolled towel as a prop and helps provide instant feedback during exercise to keep your workout on target.

The Oov is made of durable foam that actually pushes back against your body as you use it. Depending on the exercise, the Oov helps to engage and isolate specific muscle groups to more effectively strengthen the body. Its unique design supports your back and neck through correct balance, while your core is working hard!

The unbalanced nature of the Oov engages the brain, too, forcing you to continually adjust your core to remain stable. The ergonomic design of this new prop keeps your spine neutral and extended while allowing for easy, diaphragm breathing. By supporting and allowing only correct movement, the Oov helps you retrain your mind and counteract poor posture habits for long-term change!

Firehaus Pilates instructors are trained to use the Oov in Pilates rehabilitation and fitness classes. A perfect complement to Polestar Pilates, the Oov integrates biomechanics and physiology for natural movement and breathing with each use. Comfortable and easy to use, clients love the difference the Oov makes! From rehab clients to fitness buffs to athletes, the Oov allows people to function better and move more confidently!

Stop by the studio or contact us to learn more about the Oov!

Social Pilates: Why Group Fitness Classes Benefit Us All

February 16, 2017 by JoAnna

Practicing Pilates offers terrific benefits. We know that it can strengthen the core, improve balance and stability, and improve mindfulness. But, did you ever stop to think about the social aspects Pilates offers? When it comes to Pilates in a group class environment, the benefits are many!

Connection Matters

Today, we could do almost everything we need to do without any human interaction. But there is something that technology can’t replace: face-to-face connection with others! Joining a group fitness class helps feed our desire to be with people. We are all social creatures and what better way to feed this need than in a Pilates class!

Friendly Environment

When you choose to connect with people and take part in doing something you love, you are generally with people who are similar to yourself. Pilates group fitness classes are filled with a wide range of people and personalities. Getting to know these new folks can expand your friendship circle and build new relationships. Working out with a friend can be fun!

Accepting Atmosphere

Are you a beginner at Pilates? Never hesitate to join a Firehaus Pilates group class. Exercise sessions are filled with a range of different skill levels. We also offer beginner classes to help ease you in! No matter your fitness or experience, Pilates group classes are welcoming and led by instructors that understand that everyone was a beginner at some point.

Skip The Planning

At Firehaus Pilates, our experienced and skilled instructors will plan a great workout that accommodates all participants. All sessions are easy to follow with personal guidance and support when it’s needed. Join a class and only prepare to have a great workout. Leave the creativity and workout planning to us – it’s one less thing you need to think about!

Motivation Matters

We know it’s sometimes tough to fit in a fitness class. At a Firehaus Pilates group fitness classes, though, you will be inspired and motivated when you join other dedicated individuals! Our instructors will keep you going strong, and you’ll feel the dedication of others that will get you through and feeling great! You may even find that you push yourself and work harder in a group setting – power to Pilates people!

Fitness That’s Fun

You may have thought that working out was a chore but, at Firehaus Pilates, you’ll find that group classes are enjoyable! A great workout in a group setting can be inspiring and fun as you work to reach your goal. You’ll also feel like the time flies! If you struggle with making time for your Pilates workout or you’re feeling in a workout rut, consider joining a Pilates class. It can make all the difference to your fitness levels, and you’ll have a good time, too!

Pilates Is Proven

Denver Pilates for Seniors If group classes offer so much benefit, what makes Pilates such a special choice for fitness? To gain the real social benefits of group fitness, you need to choose a sport that offers long-term fulfillment. Pilates has been proven over decades to improve fundamental strength and increase our mind-body connection. Not a fly-by-night fad, Pilates will provide you the fitness challenge and benefits you’re looking for, plus the social benefits you crave.

But, don’t take our word for it – consider joining us for one of our Pilates group fitness classes! We’re sure that you’ll be glad you did.

Why You Should Use Kinesiology Tape for Pilates

November 28, 2016 by JoAnna

Pilates for rehabilitation focuses on helping improve function and reduce pain by isolating and strengthening affected muscle groups, tendons, soft tissue, and joints. In addition to targeted and guided exercise, rehabilitative taping can be used to help the natural healing process with support and stability both during and after exercise.

Kinesiology Tape for Pilates

Firehaus Pilates uses the kinesiology taping method on clients to provide support during exercise but still achieve a full range of motion.

Chiropractors and acupuncturists in Japan first used kinesiology tape to improve the effects of therapy and provide additional comfort and support after treatment. You may have seen the brightly colored kinesiology tape on athletes competing in the Olympics, but it isn’t just for competitors! Kinesiology tape can be used to help anyone alleviate the discomfort of injuries, protect during physical activity or proactively enhance performance.

At Firehaus Pilates, we use RockTape® with clients to help decrease pain, decompress aggravated tissue, and increase awareness of targeted areas being strengthened and soothed. RockTape is an organic, cotton-based kinesiology tape that is hypoallergenic, contains no latex, and won’t cause an allergic reaction or irritation of the skin.

upper_knee_1_2_1 RockTape is used for a range physical ailments including plantar fasciitis, runner’s knee, back pain, rotator cuff, hamstring and groin strains, pain associated with pregnancy, postural correction, tendonitis, swelling, and much more. Used with Pilates, RockTape can help facilitate weak muscle movement, support joint structures, and prevent injury.

Instructors at Firehaus Pilates are trained to place the tape strategically on areas of focus where the tape can stay and last for several days, providing support with no irritation. Once the area has been taped, many clients notice a marked increase in awareness of the targeted section of the body that is of focus. The tape helps facilitate and fast track the benefits of Pilates you can expect! RockTape comes in a selection of colors and patterns to match your personality and help you have fun at Firehaus!

Excited to Start Skiing or Snowboarding This Winter? 5 Reasons You Should be Doing Pilates Too

October 13, 2016 by JoAnna

As with many sports, preparation and pre-season training are keys to success. Because of the unique movements and motions required for skiing and snowboarding, focused conditioning will ensure performance, safety, and – above all – fun! There are many reasons Pilates is ideally suited to help you get in shape for winter and stay in shape all season long.

Wintersports and pilates

Power for the Powder

Whether you are a beginner or more advanced on the snow, having a strong, stable core is the beginning of a great winter season. Pilates is all about isolating and building deep abdominal muscles and strength that will create a robust and resilient body. You can expect Pilates to train you to engage your core muscles correctly, so your skiing and snowboarding movements start from an effective base. In fact, core strength power is so central to the benefits of Pilates, you’ll see it’s a common theme behind many of the reasons Pilates is perfect for snow!

Strengthen your back

The lower back is often overused (and under trained) for skiers and snowboarders. Fatigue and poor core stabilization can cause the hip, pelvis, and lower spine to be thrown out of position, which causes undue strain and muscle imbalance. Pilates will help train your body to stabilize the pelvis and keep the spine in a neutral position to cope with the dynamic, ever-changing skiing and snowboarding stances. Expect increased energy and efficient movement making for a safer, less fatigued day on the slopes.

Carve up the Snow

carving-while-skiing By strengthening your legs, back, and core, you will be able to improve your edging as you transfer power and energy to your skis or board. Pilates offers focused and targeted exercise to intensify your leg power for increased confidence to safely lean into turns and create graceful moves on the snow! If you feel at all out of control or catch an edge on ice, the strength you have developed with Pilates will allow you to safely maneuver your way back to a stable and upright position.

Recover and Avoid injury

Skiing and snowboarding are unique in the demands on moving your body from side to side as not many other sports require this repetitive motion to move forward. A poorly conditioned body or past muscular or skeletal injury can compromise these movements and put you at risk for injury.

Pilates exercises designed for winter sports will help increase strength and flexibility in the large muscle groups, such as the quadriceps, but also train more subtle ligaments, fibers, and muscles in the knees and other vulnerable areas. In practicing Pilates, you will also learn focus that will help bring your body’s overall structure back into balance to avoid overstraining knees and hips or aid in helping you as you compensate your body and balance to prevent a fall. Pilates can help you create resilience against hurt or harm!

Improve your Form

As with any sport, you are looking to invest time and effort to not only stay safe but also improve your skills! Not many people take up an activity and hope to remain at the same ability level for long. Pilates can truly be a key to improving your skills because it offers comprehensive strength training coupled with improved balance, flexibility, and agility. Pilates will develop your body’s conditioning but the strength and focus gained will also build your confidence and help you to advance your skiing and snowboarding technique and coordination!

If you’re looking for a robust and safe winter snow season, contact Firehaus Pilates. We offer targeted winter sports training sessions that will build your core, hone your balance, and strengthen your body so you can enjoy and improve on the snow this year!

Studio to the Office: What Are You Wearing and Why?

May 6, 2015 by JoAnna

You know the look, you’re probably wearing it right now: leggings, sports bra,
breathable tee and quilted vest? What has been uniform to the Pilates gal and more
over, the Colorado woman, is becoming more popular nationwide. So what do we
call it? Activewear? Athleticwear? Sportswear? Does anyone else think we need a
better word for the gym-to-street sector that has suddenly become the hottest thing
to cover two legs? The latest word for this new trend in fashion is “athleisure,” a
broad category of being appropriate for either athletic or leisure pursuits, or both.

Looking at the number of companies that have since announced they are getting
into the game, with clothes that are described as “après sport” or “studio-to-the office,”
it’s fairly clear that athleisure is becoming bigger than a trend.

The U.S. active-wear market hit $35.1 billion in sales in the 12 months ending in
October 2014, an 8% increase over 2013, The NPD Group, a market-research
company, reports. Workout clothing now represents 17% of the total clothing market,
NPD said. Sales of tailored pants and jeans have declined, NPD analyst Marshal
Cohen said.

Lululemon, a public company since 2007,dominates the athleisure market with its
289 stores. The company’s net revenue increased $124.5 million, or 12%, to $1.2 million
for the first three quarters of fiscal 2014 from $1.1 million in the same time period last
year.

Gap’s active brand Athleta, another early entrant into the athleisure market, also
leads the field. In the last three quarters, the number of Athleta stores has grown by
28 to 92 while the company’s core businesses — Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic
— are stable.

Luxury versions of leisure clothes have occupied a niche of fashion for decades
(Juicy Couture’s velour tracksuits were far ahead of this curve), and, of course, a
good deal of these clothes are really no different from the Ts and sweats people
have been buying for years, now just with better tailoring and excellent marketing
behind them.

Despite the marketing appeal and catchy taglines, athleisure represents a bigger,
and likely permanent, sea change in fashion. It has even started to appear on
designer runways, including those famous couture sneakers from Chanel. The
reasons are many, but the most obvious cause stems from people who are
embracing healthier lifestyles, while also demanding more functionality from their
wardrobes. The need for everyday comfort, too, plays a role, especially for anyone
trying to work fitness into an already overtaxed schedule. Who wants to haul an
extra outfit to work?

So what is your take? Do you participate in the trend? Is athleisure here to stay?
**See more on the research and background for this post on USAToday, InStyle, and
Style.com.

Why These Hollywood Stars Practice Pilates and Why You Should Too

January 30, 2015 by JoAnna

While Pilates has been around since the 1920s and became well-known in the 1960s, it really took off in popularity closer to 2000. Almost fad-like in its popularity, Pilates garnered 8.6 million participants by 2010, and interest hasn’t waned yet. Some of its most devoted followers are A-list Hollywood celebrities, who have found the exercise a tried-and-true method for shedding pounds and maintaining bodies that have become objets d’art.

Hollywood celebs are among the most heavily scrutinized for being in shape. Most film roles require actors to look perfect in clothes and out – a tall order that leads celebrities to depend heavily on their Pilates instructors to keep up healthy appearances.

Mari Winsor who operates several Los Angeles Pilates studios, has earned the moniker “Queen of the Pilates,” has released a number of fitness DVDs, and has trained some top stars, including Samuel L. Jackson, Minnie Driver, Melanie Griffith, and Marisa Tomei. She notes, “Celebrities come to me because it works — they know that if they have a role to do, if they’ve gotta be in a bathing suit, or less, in three weeks or four weeks before they actually get on the set, they know they can come to me and change their body very quickly” (nbcnews.com).

Nicole Stuart, who has trained the stunning Kate Hudson for more than 15 years, echoed Winsor’s sentiments during an interview with Shape magazine: “It primarily works your core, but not just the front. You’ll work the entire body—front, sides, back, your whole midsection, trunk—it pulls everything in and together. You’ll become tighter, more toned, and stronger. It makes you stand taller, makes you have more confidence, makes you more grounded. You’ll lose inches and get that leaner, longer look. After the first 10 sessions, you’ll feel different. After 20 sessions, you’ll see a difference!”

It almost goes without saying that if you’re looking to achieve a body fit enough for the spotlight, you’d do well to follow the lead of celebrity trainers and such celebrities as Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Penelope Cruz, Sandra Bullock, and Chelsea Handler—all who swear by Pilates:

150130-firehauspilates-cameron-diaz Actress, former model, and Pilates devotee, Cameron Diaz has been long known for her long, lean, and toned physique. In 2013, Diaz published The Body Book, a fitness book focusing on the benefits of exercise that go beyond the physical and address emotional and psychological health as well. For the first time, the actress performed nude on screen, looking as fit and confident as ever at the age of 42. Her daily workout regimen includes running, weightlifting, and (of course) Pilates.

Academy Award–winning actress Kate Winslet has never had qualms when discussing body image. In 2003, she lambasted GQ when the magazine photoshopped her figure to make her even thinner, and has been very outspoken in condemning Hollywood’s obsession with thinness. So when Winslet appeared in 2009 looking as svelte and fit as ever, all eyes were on her. Her secret: Eating sensibly and doing Pilates workouts for twenty minutes every day. “I’ve achieved my ultimate figure,” Winslet told Courier Mail.

Spanish actress Penelope Cruz has mystified the world with her beauty ever since she hit first hit the silver screen in 1992. At the age of 40, she was chosen to play the part of a James Bond girl. The role has always required actresses to be in peak physical condition, which previously translated into younger actresses being cast. Cruz will become the oldest Bond girl to date, a testament to her diet and fitness program. While Cruz once studied ballet, she currently relies more on Pilates to stay at the top, and was voted Hottest Celebrity of 2013 by Fitness Magazine.

A runner up for Hottest Celebrity of 2013, actress Sandra Bullock is famous for her strong, super-fit body. At age 50, she’s still a major hit at the box office, making films such as “Gravity,” which require her to be at a stellar level of fitness. Among her daily fitness routine, Bullock incorporates Pilates, which serves to sculpt her long and lean muscles.

Always in the public eye, Chelsea Handler has strived to keep up her physical appearance as a comedian, actress, author, television host producer, and civil rights activist. In recent years she decided to step up her game, not only for her audiences but for her health. Unsatisfied with the results she achieved by running and doing yoga, she switched to Pilates and hasn’t looked back. Since doing Pilates five to six days a week, Handler has taken her new body for a spin, posing for the covers of Shape magazine and Playboy.

Over such a short period of time, Pilates has become synonymous with health-boosting, fat-burning, and body-sculpting for celebrities and plebeians alike. Over the years, it’s garnered the attention and loyalty of millions searching for a workout that can be done at any age to deliver top results in a reasonable amount of time. If you’re searching for an exercise that will keep you active and make you feel amazing, maybe it’s time to join the ranks of Hollywood stars and take a Pilates class, too. Contact Firehaus Pilates in Denver to start today!

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Pilates for Fitness

Oov: The Unique Pilates Prop That Will Revolutionize Your Core Exercises