Author Archives: Diane Smalley
Defining the Powerhouse

More than just the “six pack”. “Core training” is used a lot to describe the type of work in Pilates.  That leads many to think of only the abdominals.  Joseph Pilates described the Powerhouse as extending from the bottom of your ribs all the way to your hip line including the abdominals, low back, pelvic floor, muscles of […]

It All Starts With Breath

Breath One of the six principles of Pilates. Breath is used to calm the mind, bring warmth and awareness into the body, engage the core and drive movement.  A strong breathing diaphragm is essential to a strong core.  Most often in Pilates, the exhale is used to power the core through an exercise.  You can also […]

5 Minutes a Day Keeps the Fat Away

Busy.  All of us are just so busy.  2017 has given us renewed hope for change and for health.  But before you know it, January will be over. You forgot to start altogether. The hope for change will start to fade.   With as busy as we are, we all try to MAXIMIZE our gym time.  “I […]

The Roll-Up

  Once you’ve begun, just keep going.  It may seem at times your body is just not meant to do these things. Just keep going.  Each time you arrive on the mat, you are a little stronger than the last time.  Stronger, not only physically, but also mentally.  Understanding the intricate muscular balance within your […]

Profoundly Pilates-Beginnings

I have always found that the best way to start something is at the beginning and the best way to begin is to start.  It sounds too simple, I know.  But the more life I live, the more people I meet, the more I know this isn’t a common way to approach life.  Too often […]