Allison Moorhouse is originally a Brockville girl who moved to Toronto in 2002 to pursue studies in her fields of interest. She has a degree in journalism from Humber college, but has always had a passion for fitness, which led her to get her personal training certification through Can-Fit-Pro, with the desire to teach herself about the body, how to train it properly, and how to set up and maintain a progressive workout program. In 2005, the fitness buff combined her two diplomas and began work working for a publication you've probably heard of - Oxygen, an international women's fitness magazine. She started as the researcher/fact-checker, but moved up to Fitness Editor, creating the workout programs the magazine featured each month, or finding experts to create additional programs! In 2007 however, she left Oxygen to pursue higher education. Although she loved writing about nutrition, health and fitness, she knew that her true calling was personally teaching and helping others about those subjects... she decided to go back to school to become a Registered Holistic Nutritionist. Allison is currently taking part-time distance courses at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, and plans on completing her diploma by early 2009.
Allison became interested in the body-mind-spirit connection through mat Pilates and Yoga, and she is interested in teaching in the near future. In 2008, she completed the first part of the Mat Pilates Certification, and she is able to teach beginner and intermediate students. Once she takes the second part of the course, she will be able to teach advanced students and be fully certified.
Allison is currently training for her first fitness competition (Sports Athletic category) through Neutron Sports on March 29th! After the show, she intends on diving head-first into Pilates training once more. As a yoga enthusiast, I've often heard odds and sods about Pilates and its benefits, but had never more than scratched the surface on information about the topic. Knowing that Allison had plenty of background in natural health and fitness, I was incredibly pleased when she agreed to do an interview with me on her experiences with Pilates for The Green Daisy! Its the Daisy's first interview, and I'm happy to say that it's a fantastic and informative one! For anyone who's looking to amp up their total health, I hope you enjoy this week's post!
(Note: Allison would like to add that she only studies mat Pilates, and hasn't used Pilates equipment, such as a Reformer, etc., because she is more interested in learning and perfecting moves that can be done anywhere without the use of extras. She does note however, that there are amazing benefits to using the equipment as well.)
AND NOW, ONTO ZE PILATES INTERVIEW!
1. What is your personal definition of pilates?
To me, Pilates is much more than doing a few ab exercises. It’s about focus, breath, and truly connecting your mind with certain muscles and organs of the body. Mat Pilates is a core-focused, yet full body strength training routine, that strengthens the body from the inside out. Originally, there were 34 exercises, but a few new exercises have been created since then, and are sometimes included. The main focus of Pilates practice is on the internal muscles – the inner stabilizing muscles that are regularly forgotten in day-to-day life. These muscles can become weak, which can lead to injuries or overall muscle deterioration. By focusing on the ‘Pilates Pillar” during each exercise, you’ll develop and strengthen these muscles, along with the exterior muscles, and create that long, lean look that Pilates enthusiasts aim for.
So, what is the Pilates Pillar? It’s much more than just your abs. It’s located through the trunk of your body, and is comprised of 5 press points:
1. pubis bone and tail bone
2. point between pubis bone and navel, and through to the back. This is known as the “powerhouse”
3. from navel to the point where spine meets the pelvis
4. zyphoid process through to the same spot at the back (this point is generally at a woman’s bra strap)
5. breast bone to the spot between the shoulder blades
Any certified mat Pilates instructor should teach you about the Pilates Pillar and powerhouse the first Pilates class you take. He/she will call out the press points you should be focusing on, while executing the particular exercises. Focusing on these points allows your mind to connect with your body in ways that you probably don’t do regularly. This focus helps strengthen the muscles in and surrounding these press points and allows you to mentally envision these muscles so you can execute the move with grace and control. This mental focus also aids in stress relief, as your mind is preoccupied with that particular moment, and not on outside stresses and thoughts.
2. How did you discover/become interested in pilates?
To be honest, I became interested in Pilates because I was unhappy with my abs. I had a very weak core and knew I had to do something to strengthen it. I started doing the Windsor Pilates DVDs on my spare time, and even though I definitely didn’t have the knowledge of the entire process that I do now, I noticed results within the first couple of workouts. I stood taller, my core was tighter, and I felt like I was in more control of my body. I knew right away that I was hooked. I only wish I knew then what I know now!
3. Does pilates compare or relate to yoga or other practices/exercises?
Joseph Pilates, the man who created the Pilates method, is said to have studied yoga. In fact, in original teachings, he called the exercises “poses.” However, the Pilates exercises are specific and much different than yoga poses. You do not stay static in the exercises, like you do in yoga (actually, “Pilates Zest” is a term that describes the swiftness and continuity of the execution of exercises one is supposed to practice). Also, the breathing practice is different, as yoga focuses on inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the nose, while Pilates is inhaling through the nose, and exhaling through the mouth or the nose. I do feel, however, that practicing both disciplines can only be beneficial to the body and the mind.
4. How long has pilates as a practice been around in its present form?
I’m going to give you this link so that I don’t end up plagerising any information accidentally. This gives the best run-down of the history, as it’s pretty lengthy and I don’t want to get anything wrong!
http://www.pilates.com/BBAPP/V/about/joseph-pilates.html
[Jennie's note: we curious folks at The Green Daisy just loooove clickables.. thanks for the handy link!]
5. Would you say that pilates is more of a mental discipline, a physical discipline, or a bit of both?
I’d say it’s definitely a bit of both, as you can’t do one without the other. Moving through each exercise without having a mental focus can not only lead to injury, but create such a lack of benefit that the moves become pointless. Additionally, having only mental focus won’t do your body much good as your muscles won’t be worked. When I took my certification, my teacher told our class that she once had her entire class only focus on their breathing and Pilates Pillar press points. They were confused, as it seemed from an outsider that they were barely moving their body. But, after 45 minutes of focus on internal muscles, the class participants were dripping in sweat, and had an incredible workout. The mind-body connection is key to Pilates practice.
6. In your opinion, what are the chief benefits that the average person can get from pilates?
There are so many benefits! Let me list a few:
- improved core strength
- improved total body strength
- improved strength in stabilizing muscles
- a mind-body connection
- a sense of empowerment achievement
- improved posture
- stress reduction
- overall well-being
7. Is there any particular equipment or clothing that I need for a pilates class?
Luckily, with mat Pilates, there is minimal equipment requirements. If you go to an actual Pilates studio, they should be equipped with Pilates mats (these are thicker than yoga mats. This is to protect your spine, since you spend a lot of time on your back). If you’re going to a gym for a Pilates class, you should call ahead to see if you need to bring a mat. If you don’t have a Pilates mat, you can double up two yoga mats. As for clothing, you should wear something similar to what you’d wear to a yoga class – comfortable! You will not be wearing shoes or socks. If you’re a woman, it’s probably best that you don’t wear a bra with a back clasp. Try and wear a sports bra without this, as it may cause discomfort in some exercises. Also, if you wear a pony tail, it’s best to take it out during practice, or push it high or low on your head to avoid discomfort while on your back.
8. Who would you recommend pilates to, and why?
I’d recommend Pilates practice to anyone, since it requires minimal equipment, and can be modified based on your skill and technique. A qualified instructor can determine what level you’re at, and what aspects you need to work on. Even the most expert Pilates enthusiasts can improve. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete, or an inactive grandmother, Pilates can be modified to your individual needs and benefit your body and mind. It’s never too late to start!
9. What should I expect from first pilates class?
You should expect a qualified instructor who fully explains the “Pilates Pillar” and the “powerhouse.” You should expect to also be repositioned by the teacher if he/she feels you’re not executing the moves properly. Do not get discouraged if the teacher points out that you’re doing something incorrectly. Everyone’s body is different, and sometimes, certain body structures just physiologically have more trouble executing certain exercises. There is no pressure in Pilates. Do not feel that you need to keep up with other participants. Work at your own pace. Your body is unique and Pilates instructors understand that. It is not about executing the exercises as fast or as hard as you can. It’s about proper, precise execution.
10. How long have you been doing pilates, and how has pilates been a positive influence in your life?
I truly appreciate a great mind-body connection in any sort of exercise I do, and try to experience it whether I’m doing cardio, weight lifting, yoga or Pilates. I think that it’s necessary to fully experience whatever activity you are doing, or you don’t achieve that activity’s full benefits. I love how Pilates promotes this connection, and have been interested in it for many years. I’ve been practicing Pilates on and off for about four years, but have become more serious about the practice this year. Not only has it made me stronger physically (my core strength has improved dramatically than what it was years ago), but it’s given me a different outlet to improve my body internally and externally. I love how I am able to practice anywhere, and how there is always something to improve upon. I experience a much calmer mind day-to-day, since I practice focusing so much more during Pilates practice. It’s truly given me a better quality of life, and overall sense of well-being.
Most mat Pilates classes are less than an hour in length, and you can expect to move through the exercises sequentially and with zest (but don’t worry, you’ll be able to keep up). You’ll always begin with the Pilates Hundred – an exercise that warms up the entire body and gets the blood circulating throughout your body. You can expect the instructor to show you the moves, or walk around throughout the class, giving you cues and tips. Most instructors will give you relaxation time at the end of your class, something similar to a yoga class.
You can expect to leave your class feeling exhilerated, long and strong!
WOW! Is it just me, or does this interview make everyone want to jump into some comfers cozers clothing and run off at full speed to the next available pilates class in your neighbourhood??? I wanna be long and strong! Allison, I want to say thanks-a-million for blessing the 'Daisy with your knowledge and enthusiasm. Being open and giving, and sharing your passion with others can enrich and change people's lives in enormous ways!
For more about Miss Allison and her adventures in fitness, check out her blogs!!
http://ilikenaturalfood.blogspot.com
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/allisonmm/
I think Allison puts gets it dead-on when she talks about the importance of the mind-body-spirit connection. What a beautiful way to live your life! Thanks for dropping into The Green Daisy, and if you've got anything to add, please email me or leave a comment! I hope you enjoyed the post.. stay tuned for the next addition to 'Daisy, which will be a love-explosion of... "gastronomic" proportions!!! Tee hee!
1. What is your personal definition of pilates?
To me, Pilates is much more than doing a few ab exercises. It’s about focus, breath, and truly connecting your mind with certain muscles and organs of the body. Mat Pilates is a core-focused, yet full body strength training routine, that strengthens the body from the inside out. Originally, there were 34 exercises, but a few new exercises have been created since then, and are sometimes included. The main focus of Pilates practice is on the internal muscles – the inner stabilizing muscles that are regularly forgotten in day-to-day life. These muscles can become weak, which can lead to injuries or overall muscle deterioration. By focusing on the ‘Pilates Pillar” during each exercise, you’ll develop and strengthen these muscles, along with the exterior muscles, and create that long, lean look that Pilates enthusiasts aim for.
So, what is the Pilates Pillar? It’s much more than just your abs. It’s located through the trunk of your body, and is comprised of 5 press points:
1. pubis bone and tail bone
2. point between pubis bone and navel, and through to the back. This is known as the “powerhouse”
3. from navel to the point where spine meets the pelvis
4. zyphoid process through to the same spot at the back (this point is generally at a woman’s bra strap)
5. breast bone to the spot between the shoulder blades
Any certified mat Pilates instructor should teach you about the Pilates Pillar and powerhouse the first Pilates class you take. He/she will call out the press points you should be focusing on, while executing the particular exercises. Focusing on these points allows your mind to connect with your body in ways that you probably don’t do regularly. This focus helps strengthen the muscles in and surrounding these press points and allows you to mentally envision these muscles so you can execute the move with grace and control. This mental focus also aids in stress relief, as your mind is preoccupied with that particular moment, and not on outside stresses and thoughts.
2. How did you discover/become interested in pilates?
To be honest, I became interested in Pilates because I was unhappy with my abs. I had a very weak core and knew I had to do something to strengthen it. I started doing the Windsor Pilates DVDs on my spare time, and even though I definitely didn’t have the knowledge of the entire process that I do now, I noticed results within the first couple of workouts. I stood taller, my core was tighter, and I felt like I was in more control of my body. I knew right away that I was hooked. I only wish I knew then what I know now!
3. Does pilates compare or relate to yoga or other practices/exercises?
Joseph Pilates, the man who created the Pilates method, is said to have studied yoga. In fact, in original teachings, he called the exercises “poses.” However, the Pilates exercises are specific and much different than yoga poses. You do not stay static in the exercises, like you do in yoga (actually, “Pilates Zest” is a term that describes the swiftness and continuity of the execution of exercises one is supposed to practice). Also, the breathing practice is different, as yoga focuses on inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the nose, while Pilates is inhaling through the nose, and exhaling through the mouth or the nose. I do feel, however, that practicing both disciplines can only be beneficial to the body and the mind.
4. How long has pilates as a practice been around in its present form?
I’m going to give you this link so that I don’t end up plagerising any information accidentally. This gives the best run-down of the history, as it’s pretty lengthy and I don’t want to get anything wrong!
http://www.pilates.com/BBA
[Jennie's note: we curious folks at The Green Daisy just loooove clickables.. thanks for the handy link!]
5. Would you say that pilates is more of a mental discipline, a physical discipline, or a bit of both?
I’d say it’s definitely a bit of both, as you can’t do one without the other. Moving through each exercise without having a mental focus can not only lead to injury, but create such a lack of benefit that the moves become pointless. Additionally, having only mental focus won’t do your body much good as your muscles won’t be worked. When I took my certification, my teacher told our class that she once had her entire class only focus on their breathing and Pilates Pillar press points. They were confused, as it seemed from an outsider that they were barely moving their body. But, after 45 minutes of focus on internal muscles, the class participants were dripping in sweat, and had an incredible workout. The mind-body connection is key to Pilates practice.
6. In your opinion, what are the chief benefits that the average person can get from pilates?
There are so many benefits! Let me list a few:
- improved core strength
- improved total body strength
- improved strength in stabilizing muscles
- a mind-body connection
- a sense of empowerment achievement
- improved posture
- stress reduction
- overall well-being
7. Is there any particular equipment or clothing that I need for a pilates class?
Luckily, with mat Pilates, there is minimal equipment requirements. If you go to an actual Pilates studio, they should be equipped with Pilates mats (these are thicker than yoga mats. This is to protect your spine, since you spend a lot of time on your back). If you’re going to a gym for a Pilates class, you should call ahead to see if you need to bring a mat. If you don’t have a Pilates mat, you can double up two yoga mats. As for clothing, you should wear something similar to what you’d wear to a yoga class – comfortable! You will not be wearing shoes or socks. If you’re a woman, it’s probably best that you don’t wear a bra with a back clasp. Try and wear a sports bra without this, as it may cause discomfort in some exercises. Also, if you wear a pony tail, it’s best to take it out during practice, or push it high or low on your head to avoid discomfort while on your back.
8. Who would you recommend pilates to, and why?
I’d recommend Pilates practice to anyone, since it requires minimal equipment, and can be modified based on your skill and technique. A qualified instructor can determine what level you’re at, and what aspects you need to work on. Even the most expert Pilates enthusiasts can improve. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete, or an inactive grandmother, Pilates can be modified to your individual needs and benefit your body and mind. It’s never too late to start!
9. What should I expect from first pilates class?
You should expect a qualified instructor who fully explains the “Pilates Pillar” and the “powerhouse.” You should expect to also be repositioned by the teacher if he/she feels you’re not executing the moves properly. Do not get discouraged if the teacher points out that you’re doing something incorrectly. Everyone’s body is different, and sometimes, certain body structures just physiologically have more trouble executing certain exercises. There is no pressure in Pilates. Do not feel that you need to keep up with other participants. Work at your own pace. Your body is unique and Pilates instructors understand that. It is not about executing the exercises as fast or as hard as you can. It’s about proper, precise execution.
10. How long have you been doing pilates, and how has pilates been a positive influence in your life?
I truly appreciate a great mind-body connection in any sort of exercise I do, and try to experience it whether I’m doing cardio, weight lifting, yoga or Pilates. I think that it’s necessary to fully experience whatever activity you are doing, or you don’t achieve that activity’s full benefits. I love how Pilates promotes this connection, and have been interested in it for many years. I’ve been practicing Pilates on and off for about four years, but have become more serious about the practice this year. Not only has it made me stronger physically (my core strength has improved dramatically than what it was years ago), but it’s given me a different outlet to improve my body internally and externally. I love how I am able to practice anywhere, and how there is always something to improve upon. I experience a much calmer mind day-to-day, since I practice focusing so much more during Pilates practice. It’s truly given me a better quality of life, and overall sense of well-being.
Most mat Pilates classes are less than an hour in length, and you can expect to move through the exercises sequentially and with zest (but don’t worry, you’ll be able to keep up). You’ll always begin with the Pilates Hundred – an exercise that warms up the entire body and gets the blood circulating throughout your body. You can expect the instructor to show you the moves, or walk around throughout the class, giving you cues and tips. Most instructors will give you relaxation time at the end of your class, something similar to a yoga class.
You can expect to leave your class feeling exhilerated, long and strong!
WOW! Is it just me, or does this interview make everyone want to jump into some comfers cozers clothing and run off at full speed to the next available pilates class in your neighbourhood??? I wanna be long and strong! Allison, I want to say thanks-a-million for blessing the 'Daisy with your knowledge and enthusiasm. Being open and giving, and sharing your passion with others can enrich and change people's lives in enormous ways!
For more about Miss Allison and her adventures in fitness, check out her blogs!!
http://ilikenaturalfood.bl
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/allisonmm/
I think Allison puts gets it dead-on when she talks about the importance of the mind-body-spirit connection. What a beautiful way to live your life! Thanks for dropping into The Green Daisy, and if you've got anything to add, please email me or leave a comment! I hope you enjoyed the post.. stay tuned for the next addition to 'Daisy, which will be a love-explosion of... "gastronomic" proportions!!! Tee hee!
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