Marshall Eklund's San Diego Pilates Blog

Pilates Helps After 50 Years of Back Pain

"For the first time in fifty years, my back doesn't hurt."  The rest of our Pilates class turned towards Barbara as she continued, "I remember exactly, because I just celebrated my son's fiftieth birthday and my back started hurting when he was born.  We were celebrating his birthday when I noticed my back didn't hurt!"  WOW.  She attributed it to Pilates since she had tried so much else over the years.  Everyone was thrilled for her and added their own stories about the difference pilates was making in their lives.  Needless to say, as their pilates trainer, I felt fabulous!  I've always known "this stuff works" as Marshall says (okay, that not exactly what he says, but close), but it was great to know it was working for my friends.  They are my age and, quite frankly, all the years of wear and tear catches up with our bodies.  I'm right there with them--I have a little of everything going on with my old body, scoliosis, osteoarthritis, joint pain, etc.  I am so grateful for pilates--my chiropractor reminds me each monthly visit what a good thing it is for me.  He told me last week that when his younger patients whine he tells them he has a seventy-some year old patient (that's me) who can kick their butt so they need to start moving.

Important point.  We spend much our days at computers, reading, or watching TV--flexed forward, slumped or both.  Pretty tough on the old back. Or the young back for that matter.  A Brazilian friend was prescribed Pilates as a teenager for his back problems. It worked wonders.  A lot--maybe most--of the clients who come to Marshall Eklund Pilates & Fitness are here because of back, shoulder or neck issues. If they don't already have problems, they want to prevent them.  Or they want to look and feel fabulous which also happens.  Personally, I love feeling "excellent" most of the time.  It is so empowering.

On that note, and feeling particularly excellent, I leave you,

Judy

LIFT!! Marshall Eklund's Exciting New Program

Judy here.  I couldn't wait to share this experience.  I just took Marshall's exciting new Pilates-based LIFT program, designed to increase muscular strength, endurance and power.  WOW!!!  This was so much fun, different from traditional Pilates, but using the same principles to keep you safe.  Since I'm a little old lady (I can say it), I didn't think I could do a program that used weights, reps, sets, squats (I have a cranky squatter) and lunges (same cranky issues).  However, Marshall said I could do it and encouraged me to give it a try.  You know how that goes--whatever the Master says must be okay.  He was right (again--drat) and it was a blast!  I loved it and have put myself on the schedule to do it again.  I used  lighter weights than the regulars and needed a few corrections, but I did it ALL!  I was so impressed with me. Go old lady, go old lady!!!  I was pretty sure I wouldn't be able to move the next day, but I was just fine.  The trainers adjust the program to fit everyone in the group, from strong and fit clients who are looking for an intense workout to clients like me who need a little more coaching and lighter weights. It is a fabulous addition to my regular Pilates sessions.  I've been telling everyone I meet what a great program LIFT is to increase your muscle tone.  Wahoo, this stuff works.  I hope you'll all give it a try.  If I can do it at 72, it should be a cinch for you.  Yes, that is a little bit of a challenge.

Holiday Specials and Events

At this time of year, I often reflect on my own magical time as a child.   The excitement and anticipation of the Holiday season----For me it was Santa Clause, Christmas Stockings, brightly lit Christmas Trees and YES!  PRESENTS.  Lots and lots of presents!  I remember how wound up I was for weeks prior, thinking of the PRESENTS! 
 
Today I look back and remember with gratitude the abundance I had in my childhood.  Today, I'm also very aware of the many children that are not as fortunate as I was.   There are many parents and children who may go through the entire holiday season with little to eat, let alone money to buy presents.   I am committed to making a difference and hope you are interested in helping.
 
This year, Marshall Eklund Pilates Studio has partnered with La Maestra Community Health Center (www.lamaestra.org) for their annual Toy and Gift Drive.  Every December, La Maestra distributes gifts for low income families in our community.  We have chosen to help them provide Toys to children as our contribution to their effort.
 
We will be hosting several events giving you the opportunity to join us by bringing an unwrapped toy (or toys) as your donation to attend one or more of the following events.  Please call the studio (619-298-1177) to reserve your place at these events.  Feel free to bring an unwrapped toy to the Studio if you are unable to attend these special events:

1. Thanksgiving Day Workout, 11/26, 9:00 a.m - 10:00 a.m., With Marshall, Alicia and Emily!  Please bring your unwrapped toys (recommend $25 value) as your donation.  Guests are welcome (please call to reserve)
2. STOTT PILATES® CEC Education.  A Free Workshop "Intensifying Essential Reformer" on Sunday, December 6, 9:00 - 12:00 p with your donation of unwrapped toys (recommend $50 value, this is a $75 workshop). 
3. Our first ever Client/Staff Holiday Party!!!  December 10 (details to follow) with your donation of unwrapped toys (recommend $25-$50 value)

We have always been aware that we are blessed with incredible clients and certification students.  It is why we all love coming to work.  Thank you for your generosity and support throughout our decade of service.  We appreciate you.

All the best to you this Holiday Season,
 

Marshall

PILATES & Transverse Abdominis?? EH!??

What the Heck's your Tee Aaa.??
 
I can distinctly remember one day years ago sitting in the office of my first studio.  While doing paperwork I was being bombarded with the shrill voice of a new trainer, just shy of yelling at a new client.  As I tried to methodically reconcile our business checking account, all I could hear was TEE—AAA, TEE—AAA

Being the control freak that I am, I had to investigate.  Sure enough as this new client moved back and forth on the reformer, the instructor stood over this gentleman pointing at his abdominal region.  shrieking TEE—AAA, TEE—AAA.

Then I realized what the instructor was trying to accomplish.  The trainer wanted the client to turn-on or activate his Transverse Abdominis.  Like so many pilates exercises, the instructor wanted the client to stabilize his pelvis and lumbar spine by activating the Transverse Abdominis (T.A.).  The Transverse Abdominis is the little known but important muscle that is responsible for stabilizing the pelvis on the lumber spine (and holding in your gut--bonus function).

After the client had left the studio I had an opportunity to chat with the instructor.  After a few encouraging words on their training prowess, I explained that one of our roles is to teach our clients --- Meaning that most mere mortals would not have the faintness clue or any definition of the mighty TEE—AAA.

So trainers!  Please, when chirping out the cue to engage the T.A., take a moment and define the incredible benefits of the Transverse abdominis, its location and how a client should activate.
Now more importantly--- If you are ever a client at another studio and your trainer begins yelling TEE—AAA, TEE—AAA.  Stop.  Look up, smile knowingly and reply.  “You mean the Transverse Abominis, don’t you?  Smile for you now know what T.A. stands for unlike that trainer. (Of course this will not be necessary with my staff who are impeccably trained!)

10th Anniversary of Marshall Eklund Pilates in San Diego

We appreciate the many Pilates clients and certification students who have made us the #1 Pilates studio in the San Diego 92103 area (and beyond). We outgrew our Pilates studio in the Mission Hills neighborhood of 92103 after six years, and moved to our custom remodeled, spacious Pilates facility on the corner of Park and Robinson, still in San Diego’s 92103. That was four years ago!  Believe me, we appreciate your loyalty, and I know you keep coming back because we consistently deliver the highest quality, most experienced Pilates training in San Diego. (It works – you see and feel the results!). And if you’re new to the 92103 area and ready to try Pilates, the Marshall Eklund Pilates Studio is so convenient. Just call, and we’ll find a time that works for you to come in and check us out!

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