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Firehaus Pilates Studio

Pilates Fitness Studio in the Denver Highlands Neighboorhood

Pilates for Seniors

MindBody

Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training in Denver

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Are you looking to become a comprehensively trained Pilates Teacher recognized around the world? Sign up today for the Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training in Denver this spring.

This course is ideal for Pilates practitioners, physical therapists, fitness enthusiasts and other movement specialists. The series consists six, two day modules that will teach you the practical skills needed to become proficient with Pilates exercises, assessment techniques, movement sequences and the application of the Polestar principals. Completion of the program qualifies you to sit for the PMA certification exam.

The course will be held at Firehaus Pilates (https://firehauspilates.com/) in the Highlands neighborhood of Denver, Colorado .

Call (305) 666-0037 to register. See complete information and training dates here:

Denver Comprehensive 2016 Flyer

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MindBody

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

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athleisure-01

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.

MindBody

4 Common Pilates Form Mistakes to Avoid

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Firehaus Pilates Denver StudioAs proper form is essential in all sports and physical fitness, it’s even more crucial within Pilates.  Having incorrect form will not only train your body incorrectly (leaving you sore and bent out of shape), but can also increase the chance of injury. Having solid form in your Pilates practice allows for a low risk full body workout that will leave your body in perfect balance. Keep an eye out for these four common mistakes in your Pilates practice and build your strength and resolve in Pilates once again:

1. Hanging Your Head

Pilates is all about being conscious of your every movement and every muscle, but interestingly, many people forget about one of the simplest movements in Pilates: keeping your head in line with your body. To prevent putting stress on your neck and shoulder muscles, remember to keep your head aligned with your body, especially during ‘simple’ exercises like a plank or push-up. Instead of looking to your toes in plank and for a pushup look to a spot on the ground right in front of you.

2. Tight Shoulders & Back

You know that tight, hunched over feeling you may get after a long day at work and at the computer? This also occurs when you keep your shoulders tight and shrugged up during your Pilates practice. Always remember to keep your shoulders back and relaxed during Pilates, which will help you avoid back injuries while keeping your muscles relaxed and ready.

The important thing is to keep your spine flat against the ground especially when you are doing exercises on your back. A great way to test your form is to lay on the ground and make a diamond with your hands. Place your thumbs by your belly button and it should be even with your pelvic bone.

Firehaus Pilates Studio in North Denver3. Forgetting to Keep Your Abs In

By consciously engaging your abdomen in the exercise routine, you’ll see much quicker results whether your Pilates practice is for fitness, weight loss, or injury rehab. Staying conscious of keeping your abdominal muscles contracted during each Pilates exercise will help to improve the full body workout Pilates is known for.

4. Quantity over Quality

The goal of Pilates is not to “out exercise” your mat neighbor, rack up your number of reps per exercise, or rush through to the finish of the Pilates class. Pilates is about self control and stability, so you’re mentally present and aware of all your muscles during each exercise. To avoid injuries in Pilates such as muscle tears or sprains, it’s important to not just go through the motions, but to understand that each motion in Pilates is strengthening an intricate web of connective tissue and muscle within your body to help you grow stronger, become more flexible, and feel more energized throughout the day.

 

MindBody

Is Pilates Safe for Seniors?

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What all seniors should know about Pilates
By Rachel Algra, Polestar© Certified Pilates Practitioner

Seniors Pilates Classes
Pilates client working on the low impact cardio jumpboard

There are many benefits for seniors when it comes to Pilates, but often their image of what they think Pilates is going to be, intimidates them enough that they don’t ever try it.  Firehaus Pilates strives to create a sense of security, and offers positive reinforcement so the client feels completely confident in their ability to challenge themselves.  This ends in a positive experience for the client, helping them regain their sense of control and independence. Our top three goals for seniors Pilates classes are improving balance, improving posture, and increasing joint stability!

Most of our senior programs keep clients in a “neutral position” which is a safe position for those with Osteoporosis and is the least stressful position for the spine.  Neutral position simply means the spine remains straight (ex. lying on your back, lying on your side or standing).  The best way to increase or decrease the intensity of a neutral-spine exercise is with the use of small props.  Small therapy balls, foam wedges and arcs add that extra challenge to a basic exercise, whether you’re on the reformer or on the mat.  With props, you can make the exercise new and different each time.  We also use small props to offer assistance or guidance to make an exercise successful for a client who has injuries or restrictions.

When working on balance, we often have clients hold onto a wooden dowel or a foam roller.  Many of our seniors have a great fear of falling or have actually fallen and injured themselves.  This fear is also common in those with hip or knee replacements and can be disabling for some.  Having a small prop is often a simple way to teach the body the movement in a “safe” environment until the client is ready for the next challenge!

So don’t hesitate!  Pilates is a low impact, fun way to get your body back in shape, and a great way to return to the activities you love after an injury or surgery. Learn more about our Seniors Pilates Classes at www.FirehausPilates.com