A blog about Pilates and fitness

When describing Pilates, sooner or later people will usually use the phrase "slow and controlled" but is this really an apt way to talk about Pilates, and is it what we should be aspiring to? I teach two types of classes - Pilates and STRONG Nation. If you do both of these, you'll develop both speed and control in abundance. However, it isn't true to say that speed and control are mutually exclusive. When learning a new skill it is better to start slowly as there is a trade-off between speed and accuracy. However, as we become more accomplished and instinctive, we can start to add speed without compromising control. A slalom skier would be an excellent example of someone with both incredible control and speed! But a beginner skier needs to proceed relatively slowly until they have developed the skill to move and turn on the snow. A small amount of speed gives the skier a little help with balance, and allows them to progress from the nursery slopes onto the piste. But ...

With the new term starting, some of you may find that you get stiff, sore muscles a day or two after your new workout. Perhaps you'll find yourself walking downstairs, tentatively supporting each step with the banister rail: “Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!" This is the classic symptom of delayed onset muscle soreness, or DOMS as we call it in the trade. This article explains what DOMS is and whether it's friend or foe. Some people are motivated by DOMS - “Whoop whoop! What a workout yesterday! I can hardly move!!”; whereas it puts other people off - "Boo! What a workout yesterday! I can hardly move!!" But what does DOMS tell you about your workout? Contrary to popular belief, it isn't caused by a buildup of lactic acid that can be flushed away by water or massage, nor is it the result of failing to warm-up before or stretch after exercise. Instead, it is thought to be the result of inflammation caused by tiny tears (microtrauma) in the muscle tissue. DOMS is a sign that y...