Thursday, April 3, 2008

Is pilates the new yoga?


I have been a yoga enthusiast since I was 16 years old. Growing up in rural America, I watched "Lilias Yoga and You" on PBS; practiced from a book at 17; and took my first actual course in college at 21. When I was 30, a friend introduced me to Iyengar style and I was committed, for a long time, even continuing through a trial with cancer and several pregnancies and after. Pilates has been around forever, but I just watched and waited as it grew more popular and the mat classes became widely available and affordable. Until I started my private personal training on the pilates large equipment (reformer, cadillac) with MaryJo Falvey of Pilates Tutor Studio . . . and now, all I do is pilates! Maybe a little cardio, I know I need that too!


It began simply: I bid on a series of personal sessions with MaryJo at our school's fundraiser. She was also teaching the mat class at the Y, which I began taking. She said, "Susan, you have to come and take your personal sessions!" Isn't that the case . . . sometimes you just sit on these things for a year or two . . .


Well, that was a couple years ago, and while I am not her strongest, youngest, most flexible, or fearless student, I believe that I am the most committed. I'm at the intermediate level and can do some of the advanced moves, and I'm pushing 50. I believe in her commitment to the Stott method; she is professional, dedicated, and probably the most talented Stott instructor in Atlanta. If you don't believe me, you can watch as her practice has exploded and see how she is filling her classes as soon as she offers them.


She has the respect of other studios around Atlanta, too. Her work with me has resulted in the elimination of repetitive back and shoulder problems, increases in strength, even the awe of my children ("Mom, you're ripped!") Shouldn't we all get that from our teenage boys?


I certainly hope that Stott appreciates the attention that this go-getter has brought to them. There are plenty of generic pilates instructors all over the place. Stott demands intensive training, and fees for equipment, training, and certification are very high as a result. After all, STOTT PILATES™ is the only full service integrated pilates company offering equipment, education, videos, manuals, studios, licensing, and support.


You won't regret checking this out: go book your friends or your business for a private group class, or just sign up for personal training with MaryJo, Carla, or Elizabeth. She currently has a coupon for a free class. Special tip: hot yoga teacher/Invigorated Life wellness coach Kimberly Kirby is also teaching at Pilates Tutor . . .


Need I say more. Pilates is the new yoga. Or better.