Unique and creative ways to utilize multiple pieces of equipment without a lot of changing equipment if you have a reformer / tower combo unit!  We discussed how to cue older clients to transition from lying to sitting as well as some details of the Down Stretch on the Tower and Table Top on the Reformer exercises from class #11.  We also went over a historical poster of Joe Pilates' that shows the matwork using the foot strap and wooden dowels that are attached to the mat frame and why / how to use them.

Great Pilates business questions tonight - discussion on independent contractors versus employees as well as how to best advertise your business.  We also talked about exercise induced headaches, magnesium deficiencies, muscle cramps and sacroiliac joint pain.  Keep the great questions coming!

How to best work with chiropractors and physical therapists when you share clients.  Also, multiple questions answered about working with sacroiliac joint pain/issues (SI joint) and how to unravel the mysteries of that area.  Bonus quick question about fire baton on the short box and how to cue round back on the short box.

All about the SHOULDER!  Tonight we delved into the anatomy and mechanics of the shoulder and then had some great case studies to work on application of the information.  There were also a few quick questions at the end about using the term "certified" and online CEC options.

Tonight we dove deeply into the VMO (vastus medialis) and how to strengthen knees through Pilates.  We also talked about incisional hernias and how transverse abdominus work could play a part in the healing process.  We wrapped up with some thoughts on nightshade vegetables and fruits and how they can affect the body especially in cases of inflamation like arthritis.

We had two case studies, one that dealt with giving clients homework for trips and one that dealt with progressions through injuries.  I also discussed how to handle client's criticism, how the lesson plans help develop your teaching and how the P3 program fosters critical thinking skills not regurgitation of facts.

Tons of questions tonight including:

how to study for the Balanced Body test outthe benefit of Romana based classes - classical versus contemporaryhealing from Diastasis Recti surgeryworking with elderly client with hip bursitisusing short yellow instead of long yellow springsworking with golfer that dislocates their shoulderwhat classes to take at Pilates On Tour Chicagoworking with skinny females that prefer mat using MindBody software for one instructor

Wow, 100 episodes and still more great questions coming!  Tonight we covered topics such as:

Valsalva manuever versus Pilates breathingHyper extending knees and how to work with themWeight lifting belts and the coreFinding personal muscle imbalancesFunctional footprints versus rotational discs

Great questions tonight including:

prolotherapy versus cortisone injectionshow to change the resting length of musclesproper gait and jumping mechanicshow to lengthen the Achillesusing the hamstrings on the Short box series (for hip flexion)accurate cueing of anatomyhow the breathing impacts the core muscleshow Pilates creates flexibilitywhy you should use a rib cage breath while doing core work

Tonight we had several questions emailed in as well as a live discussion about Pilates on Tour Phoenix recap - one participant's experience and thoughts.  Other questions included topics such as identifying Pilates email scams, dealing with a PT's recomendation to avoid Pilates, working with clients that are out of touch with what their body feels, identifying the muscle imbalance in sciatica (follow up from previous episodes), dealing with bowed tibais and more!