Posted by Marshall Eklund on Mon, Aug 31, 2009 @ 04:17 PM
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!)
Posted by Marshall Eklund on Tue, Aug 25, 2009 @ 01:48 PM
Who
would have thunk? My 25 years of training experience has really paid off.
In the past decades I have trained everything from the sedentary
overweight to the elite ski racer. My new Fit Camp training program pulls
together amazing benefits of STOTT PILATES training and magical tricks from my
“Bag-o-Training tricks.” I definitely designed Fit Camp to take the best
elements from various training protocols. It’s meant to shock the body
both mentally and physically. It’s to be a super fast-paced and
challenging workout based on the intelligence of Pilates. Not only
that—the program includes both aerobic and anaerobic training. I promoted this
program with tongue-and check humor exalting the benefits of loud music,
motivation, new movements, sweat, gasping for air, and or course jokingly
mercy-begging. After running our Marshall Eklund’s Fit Camp I am proud to
report the rave reviews we have received. Our clients GET IT! This
program was intentionally designed this as a program to contrast and compliment
our already superior traditional STOTT PILATES program. I’m so proud of
our many clients who have now added a third or even a fourth day to their
weekly training schedule. Is has been amazing to see the improvements in
our clients who have made a commitment who consistently challenge themselves.
I have been totally blown away by the improvements from added intensity
and frequency. I think what is so powerful the collective energy of the
grow, helping support one another to push themselves just a little bit further
It’s been an inspiration. It’s also great to see the improvement it their
traditional Pilates sessions---- once again we witness the benefits of cross
training. I know this program will continue to gather
attention great reviews because it truly is unique. Sure intensity is
part of the goal, – watching people push themselves beyond where they thought
they could go, all because the strength of their Pilates training lets them
push harder. Without injury (sore muscles, yeah, but that’s okay), and with
confidence in their own power. Love it! Try it – call or stop by to see if you
have what it takes!