Month: August 2013

Pilates For Figure Skaters

August 7, 2013

Figure skating is a demanding, aesthetic sport that requires concentration, agility, power, core strength, flexibility, and balance.   Each of these attributes are the essence of the Pilates method of exercise.

Core strength stabilizes, coördinates, and balances the entire body during figure skating.

Upright Pilates exercises performed while standing on an unstable surface, mimics the skaters position, and experience while on ice.

Off ice creative use of core strengthening equipment during standing Pilates, simulates the skating experience in the rink.

Gliders, sliders and even towels replicate the ice, while developing the skater’s core muscles, challenging their balance, and improving flexibility.

Dynamic power begins with the the core.  The outer muscles may be strong, but those smaller muscles that support the spine and pelvis come into play during skating.  Balancing on one foot, Jumps, spins, spirals require supreme strength in the core.

Copyright 2013 Irene Pastore and Blue Moon Personal Training

Pilates For Climbers

August 4, 2013

Pilates is an exercise method created by Joseph Pilates during the 1920s.  Pilates taught his students to develop strength in the center of the body.  He called this center, the powerhouse.

Once the powerhouse is strong, muscles are balanced, movement becomes efficient, our postures improve, aches and pains disappear.

Climbing is an exhilarating sport where flexibility helps you reach further, while muscular strength gives you the ability to manoeuver through tough spots.

The margin for error is narrow.  Taking a fall may cause injury, or loss of life. No one wants either.  Strengthening your core with Pilates makes you a dynamo of balanced power.

If you’re thinking about taking up climbing, or are already involved, why not be sure your body is fully prepared for the challenges ahead.

Pilates gives you the upper edge on becoming a successful climber, rather than a quitter or someone who is frequently injured.

The skills you need for climbing are inherent in Pilates: concentration, breathing, focus, control,  precision, flow and stamina.

Designed to create mobility and strength, the Pilates method of exercise, teaches mind over muscles, to be as supple as a cat, not to sacrifice knowledge to speed, breathing through all movement, and concentrating on correct form.

Copyright 2013 Irene Pastore and Blue Moon Personal Training

Pilates For Kayakers

August 2, 2013
Criss Cross

MOVE FROM THE TORSO In order to execute movement from the torso, and not the arms, kayakers, and people who engage in rowing sports, need a strong core. Fatigue in the back, shoulders, and neck occur, when core muscles are weak. Unless the core is strengthened, injuries are likely to occur in the shoulders. PILATES MAT TORSO EXERCISES FOR KAYAKERS  Upper torso exercises that strengthen the oblique abdominal muscles. 

  • Obliques Roll Back  
  • Criss Cross Obliques
  • Saw
  • Spine Turn

Upper torso exercises that strengthen the abdominal muscles, and oblique abdominals.

  • The Hundred
  • Roll Up
  • Teaser

Upper torso exercises that strengthen the back, hamstrings, and gluteals.

  • Swimming
  • Double Leg Kick

Copyright 2013 Irene Pastore and Blue Moon Personal Training

Blind Horses

August 1, 2013

Through the kindness of  people who run rescue farms and ranches, visually impaired horses are given a second chance.  

Many of the animal rescues were abandoned, abused, underfed, and suffering from diseases related to malnutrition and neglect.

Resources follow for anyone interested in caring, volunteering, adopting, or donating to organizations that help blind horses, and donkeys.

BLIND HORSE RESOURCES

BlindHorses.org.  Operates Rolling Dog Farm, that cares for disabled dogs and horses.  Provides information for owners of blind horses: how to care for a blind horse, eye diseases, myths, and what to do if your horse is losing its vision. Accepts donations.  Located in Lancaster, NH.

FlurrysHope. com.  Second chances for blind horses. Rescue, how to care for blind horses, information about equine eye disorders, adoptions.  The only rescue in the nation that rides blind horses.  Accepts donations. Located in Madison, NC.

HartSong Ranch Animal Sanctuary.  Rescue and sanctuary for blind and disabled horses, and other farm animals. Advocacy and education.  Accepts donations.  Located in Greenwood, CA

Lost Acres Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation.  Safe haven for abused, neglected, severely disabled, blind horses and donkeys.  Accepts donations. Located in Chillicothe, OH

Horse Net Horse Rescue.  Non-profit, volunteer organization that operates on donations.  Specializes in seniors and blind horses.  Rehabilitation and rehoming of homeless horses.  Located in Mount Airy, Maryland.

Copyright 2013 Irene Pastore and Blue Moon Personal Training