I got a new attitude

Attitude (noun): manner, disposition, feeling, position, etc., with regard to a person or thing; tendency or orientation, esp. of the mind: anegative attitude; group attitudes.

We all have those days when our attitude can get in our way of our experience. As a teacher I have experienced the attitude of disappointment, resistance, fear, and uncomfortableness from participants when I am subbing a class. I have also been the participant of walking into a class to find that my normal instructor is not there and feeling those same attitudes in myself. When these feelings arise from either end I try to take a deep, cleansing breath and change the direction of my disposition.

After taking a deep breath, if I am the instructor I try to break the ice a bit and acknowledge that I understand how difficult it is to have a different instructor but hope that they will remain open and exploratory through the process. If I am the student I instruct myself to stay open and remember that even if I take away one new idea, movement, or connection from this instructor that the class was a success and worth it. Changing this attitude allows the experience to change. One of my instructors stated awhile back "that if you are going to a led class, then you should allow the instructor to lead and teach you and leave your preconceptions behind". You may be surprised at your experience and what you learn if you can change your disposition and remain open to what is being presented. You might even find a new teacher that you never would have taken class from and now adore.

Barefoot and Loving it

My barefoot running adventure continues. 

I have gotten over the initial hump of really sore calf muscles and feet. Now I find the foot strike pattern right away and feel great. As I am running barefoot I am becoming more aware of how great running can feel. Before when I ran in typical running shoes, my left knee would always have soreness, my outer hips and low back were tight, and my hamstrings were overworking. Running barefoot has released my low back and outer hip soreness, now I feel activation of my inner thighs (adductors) and my transverse abdominals working to support my stride. I also feel my pelvic halves moving independently, like a locomotion arm, versus as one large, clunky unit. I do not feel any soreness in left knee at all and my hamstrings are working more efficiently with the strike at the midpoint of my foot rather than the heel. I am addicted to barefoot running!

One little glitch is the blister that I have accumulated on the bottom of my second toe on each foot (more on the left than the right). From everything that I have read this is perfectly normal and it's not preventing me from continuing to run. Let me also clarify, that I am not running perfectly barefoot, but in Vibram's Five Fingers (which is a barefoot glove-like shoe). There probably is a little friction of my toes inside the shoe as I strike the surface that is causing the blistering. I find it interesting that it is more on my left foot than right as the left is where my knee and hip pain used to be. Which proves to me that the change of foot contact is a new pattern for me (more so on the left than the right) that I was not making contact with in the past.

If you have or ever want to enjoy running again, I highly recommend trying the barefoot style. The positive patterns and efficient movement definitely outweigh the initial soreness and minor blisters.

This is Part II of my Barefoot Running journey. Click here to see Part I.

Rockin' Reformer

At the 2010 PMA Conference in Long Beach, Balanced Body unveiled their prototype for a Rockin' Reformer (official name unknown). It is an accessory type piece that can be added onto the bottom of any Balanced Body Reformer that alters the stability of the entire piece of equipment and allows movement in more planes. One rocker goes on front and one on back and there are blocks that can slide under to stop the rock and bring the equipment back to stability without removing the rockers.

This piece of equipment drew a lot of attention at the booth. I had the privilege of receiving a mini-lesson on this Rockin' Reformer from Balanced Body's Elizabeth Larkham. She challenged me with exercises like Bridge and Semi-Circle adding in rotation of the reformer and spine. A cat like/knee stretch combo with rotation, a Control Front variation, and Snake.

Single Leg Circles
on Rockin' Reformer

At first mounting the equipment itself feels awkward and insecure as it is not stable. But the body becomes accustomed quickly. I was concerned, as I suffer from extreme motion sickness, that I would feel like I was on a boat in the ocean waves. However, the movement of the rocker was much more subtle and thankfully I felt no motion sickness. Instead I felt a huge amount of freedom of my spine and hips, more stabilization of my shoulders, and a smile on my face as I explored these Classical Pilates exercises with a twist (literally). It was a ton of fun, challenging, and an exploration of where Pilates can go. I truly enjoyed this new prototype and look forward to seeing it in studios in the near future. 

Note: The name of the piece, cost, and availability date are unknown as of now. I have contacted Balanced Body and as soon as I hear back with this info I will post it for you. It is not in their existing catalog or website as of yet.

Pilates Method Alliance Conference 2010

I just returned from the 10th Annual Pilates Method Alliance Conference in Long Beach, CA. I am exhausted, motivated, inspired and overwhelmed. It was 3 days of great networking, friendship building, learning, shopping, and trying out new up and coming things in the Pilates industry.

Some of my highlights were Julian Littleford's The Magic of the Mat to the Chair, Rachel Taylor Segel's Joe's "Extra Muscles" Accessing the Internal Shower Through the Equipment, and Jillian Hessel's Mat Class.

I also thoroughly enjoyed meeting up with Twitter friends for a Tweet & Meet at District Wine Bar in Long Beach. Such a fabulous community of instructors  that are knowledgeable, supportive, and have become wonderful friends.

Balanced Body's Orbit

In addition to the workshops and classes I was able to try out some really cool equipment. Balanced Body has been working hard and has some great new additions coming out. (Stay tuned for a future blog on a really cool piece of equipment from them that I just adored). Their Orbits, Core Align, and Arcs were a big hit. Their new Rocker drew quite the crowd as well (more to come on that). Balanced Body has also teamed up with The Pilates Center of Boulder (TPC) to make a specific line for them and their classical style. Their prototype is 99% done. I had the chance to view and explore a little and was not disappointed. A lot of great changes were made to suit TPC and I am sure that it is going to be a win/win relationship for both parties. ActivCore's booth was rocking demonstrating the Red Cords equipment and workouts. I bought a RedCord Mini Plus and am so excited for it to arrive so I can start playing. The ToeSox booth was jamming. Attendees couldn't get enough of these wonderful sticky, toe separating socks in colorful patterns. These were spotted all over the Convention center. Green Apple Clothing was another big hit. With their eco friendly, cute, and affordable clothing line. I would be surprised if they had any stock left at the end of the Conference.

All in all it was a great conference and I look forward to sharing with you my insights and thoughts over the next few blogs. If you attended the conference, please comment below on what some of your favorite things were.

My favorite Vegan Chili Recipe

This Vegan chili recipe came from Chef Roberto Martin and was featured on the Ellen Show. Ellen and her wife Portia decided to go Vegan a little over a year ago and were looking for Vegan recipes for a Superbowl Party.  This was intended for Nachos with a vegan cheese recipe as well. I eat it as a chili. It is super easy to make once you have all the ingredients on hand.

Ingredients:

• 1 Large Onion chopped (white or red onion)
• 1 Tablespoon Ground Cumin
• 1/2 Teaspoon Coriander
• 1 Teaspoon Dry Oregano
• 1 Teaspoon Chili Powder
• 3 Minced Garlic Cloves
• 2 Large Diced Tomatoes
• 8 oz Sliced Mushrooms
• 2 (4oz) canned green chilies
• 1 bag smart ground (Mexican seasoned)
• 1/2 cup vegetable stock
• 1 can black or pinto beans (rinsed)
• Salt as needed

*I omit green chilies and add corn kernels for a more southwest style chili.

• Chopped Green Onion (on side)
• Tofutti sour cream to top 
• Daiya or Follow Your Heart Vegan Cheese.

Mushrooms should be rough chopped. Sauté onions until light brown. Add mushrooms and cook 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and all seasonings and sauté 4 minutes more. Add remaining ingredients and stir until hot and the right consistency. Season with s and p as needed. Top with a dollop of Tofutti, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of Daiya Cheddar cheese.