Shop Talk

It is a given to say that we are living in tough times right now. Every time we turn on the news we hear of more job losses, foreclosures keep rising, businesses keep closing and the economy keeps sinking. Most of us are watching our spending, creating budgets and have given up certain luxury items in order to stay afloat. Does this mean that we give up our Pilates too? I believe not.

As a studio owner it is always important to keep those clients coming in the door no matter what. Through a series of trial and error there are ways to peak interest and gain new and potential clients for life. What a great time to use our creative juices and think outside the box.

One trend that I've noticed is that people are most interested in the group classes because they are more affordable. In order to promote mat classes I offer a coupon on the website for a free class to new clients. I also offer mat classes in a discounted 5 week series. Another option is offering a discounted initial private appointment to a first time client. Lastly, sometimes I will offer a monthly special that allows clients discounts on certain services.

Great customer service is always a plus. All clients should feel comfortable in the studio no matter what. If they don't feel comfortable, they won't come back. I like to think of my studio as my second home....because it basically is. I enjoy seeing my clients come in and engage in conversations with other clients before and after their workouts.

Does anyone else have any other ideas to share? Keep in mind that there is also a forum for discussions at Pilates for the People Networking Site

Celebrity Workouts

Do you ever catch yourself picking up that magazine in the grocery store that claims to shape or sculpt your perfect body in 5 short weeks? Did you start Pilates after Oprah had a spotlight on her program? Maybe after Madonna plugged it in her song? It always amazes me how celebrity workout regimes motivate the general public to get up off that couch and get in shape.

Today's post comes compliments of FitnessMagazine.com. Recently they posted the workouts, diets and exercise routines of 50 celebrities, including Ashlee Simpson, Demi Moore, Cameron Diaz, Halle Berry, Madonna and Niki Taylor. Further information can be found at Fitness Magazine Celebrity Workouts.

I've stressed several times before it is important to keep your workouts fresh and fun in order to avoid burnout. Variety is key! Perhaps some of these celebrity workouts will add something new or offer a different perspective to your existing routine. Isn't that why we love Pilates? Over 500 exercises in the method. In the grand scheme of things it is important to live a healthy lifestyle and live life to the fullest.

Teaser

Today let's dissect another hard to perform exercise....the fold-up teaser. Since this one falls towards the end of the matwork repetoire, we need all the mental and physical energy possible to complete it.

First start lying down on your back, legs straight out in first position (parallel is also an option) with the arms stretched over the head. The back is gently flattening down into the mat. Start by lifting the arms up to the ceiling and rolling the torso about halfway and then start to lift the legs off the mat as you continue to roll up to a seated teaser (or V sit) reaching the hands towards the toes. Hold for a second. To release to starting, slowly lift the arms up to the ceiling so that the biceps are to the ears with palms facing in. Initiate a roll back thru the spine. Once the lower part of the spine presses into the mat, the arms and feet start to fold down at the same time back to starting.

Helpful hints

Keep in mind that the legs should be strong and active the whole time. It puts a ton of strain on the back when lifting dead weight. Keep rotating your first position by wrapping the outer thighs towards the inner.

Make sure that your movements are smooth and controlled. When starting to release the fold, make sure that the arms are slowly lifting and rotating. Tossing them up in the air only throws off balance.

If lifting both legs at the same time is just a little too much, try the same exercise but only lift the right leg up while keeping the left anchored on the floor throughout the exercise. Make sure to repeat on the left leg.

Remember that there are only 3 reps total. Using the mind to control the body is key. Visualize and do!