I see some weakness in the lower abdomen which leads to pelvic floor problems, fibromyalgia, sciatica, low back pain, sacral troubles, and osteoporosis.  Primarily, I see people lose their upright, natural, buoyant, lively way of being in life.  

People sit too much, bones and discs just dry out, calcification and tension happens.  Nutrition is a factor of course; we eat too much refined food, animal food, too much caffeine pulls calcium from the bones along with too much sugar.   Unrefined natural foods, like leafy green vegetables, whole grains and anti-oxidants feed healthy skin and a calm nervous system.

We are so conditioned to do too much in this society – and there is so little focus on “Being”. Slowing down, eating well, taking time for friends and family, noticing the beauty of nature – these are all things which feed us deeply.

 
We hear that as we get older we should absolutely include weight bearing exercise for bone health. What are your thoughts on including weight/strength training as a complement to Pilates and SI?

When we align ourselves in relationship with the gravitational field, our bodies can function more optimally.  Pilates is resistance-based movement that strengthens the relation between the bones, muscles and connective tissue/fascia.  Weight training can be a compliment for some people, but only if it is done from a full body perspective – the body doesn’t function in isolation (one muscle group at a time).

Another thing to consider is that an over-emphasis on muscular strength is imbalancing, especially as we age.  The connective tissue supports the bones more deeply and directly and requires a different, more comprehensive focus. Once again, this would be a focus of a teacher who knows the difference between the needs of the muscular system and the connective system – especially as people age and the tissues change.   Notice that in Asia, people do Tai Chi into old age and get stronger, rather than weak and mentally challenged, as can happen in this country.  

What is important to know for people considering taking up Pilates?

Find a teacher who is comprehensively trained which means a minimum of 400 to 500 hours of study. Be wary of those who attended a weekend workshop and now call themselves Pilates instructors.  At Pilates Center of Austin, our instructors complete 650-850 hours.  Teachers should be comprehensively trained in mat as well as all equipment (reformer, Cadillac, chair, barrel and small apparatus). That allows you to explore the full scope of The Pilates Method, which is very important for the client’s progress.  The teacher you work with should have a sense of how to assess your needs, how to progress you safely and effectively, and how to re-assess to stay on track with your goals.

The Pilates Method Alliance (PMA), established in 2001, is the not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to raising the caliber of Pilates teaching worldwide.  They are an excellent resource for choosing a teacher or studio.

Commitment, daily practice, and a good teacher will help you make the most of your Pilates practice. Developing a strong foundation at a good studio will require taking lessons 2-3 times a week for at least 3-6 months.  These can be done in both private and small group settings, which will help you develop a home practice – the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle.  A strong foundation is very important because that is the basis of the life skills and habits you use to do everything which creates the difference between aging with grace and falling apart.

Wendy LeBlanc Arbuckle's experience in the holistic health and related movement sciences has spanned over 3 decades.  She began as a yoga instructor in the 1970s before discovering Pilates and becoming certified in 1993.  Shortly after that, she founded the Pilates Center of Austin.   She is a teacher of teachers and has studied extensively with all the Pilates Grand Masters.  Structural Integration is a recent addition to her practice.  Wendy can be reached at 512.467.8009.

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