Art of Motion Pilates

Open hips are happy hips! Mary Helen is such a beautiful example of how pilates and ease of movement propels us through life enjoying feeling strong and free in our bodies instead of thinking about the next ortho appointment.
Turning the picture of her working on hip extension on the Spine Corrector is really a stride during the gait cycle. Bodies are so out of balance today with weak glutes and tight hip flexors a basic step has be a conscious effort for many. The amount of hip, knee, and foot issues presenting is alarming and notably at younger ages which a great percentage can be avoidable. A stride is an exchange of the legs to support the body distributing the weight between both legs and feet which can also be related to balance issues. The legs must be free in extension and to swing forward for propulsion with upright posture. Watch people walk - walking patterns are becoming less natural but you can change that, people are always amazed how they never realized what was happening!

Rain, sleet, sun or snow my clients always show up roaring to go, and add a fun seasonal fashion show.! ☃️❄️☔️ 🌞

Wise words! 🎯

When the wife finally gets the husband to the studio they realize even in their 80’s you don’t have to be stiff, struggle with balance and have a back talking back to you, this is why they don’t miss their pilates sessions! 😊 Jim has contributed so much to the community over the years and was just recognized with the Kiwanis Club of the Sandhills 2025 Builder’s Cup Award, an honor well deserved! 👏

He used to have all kinds of pain from shoulders to hip and lay on the floor with his legs up after golf which he plays a lot. After years of his wife telling him he needed pilates he finally figured out it might just help his flexibility, pain, and the real win it helps him drive the ball better! I love the day when they say……..I should have started this years ago. 😊🏌🏽‍♂️

They have worked out together for so many years even though they have completely different bodies and movement styles they look like synchronized swimmers. ☺️

A continuation working with Jo-an which actually parallels with many people I see with orthopedic or neuro issues that create instability. Her prothesis had to be adjusted as her positioning changed - her legs were wider apart originally and there was an angle in the fitting. This is a bonus, you can‘t adjust bones like this so it gives her more options.
The body doesn’t like instability and it sets off a whole train of reactions so you have to narrow down the point of weakness to focus on strengthening and retraining what has shut off. The progress people make always amazes me, they have just never been provided with the right tools to facilitate it. You an always get better, she is a perfect example! The comfort and security this provides to them means the world to them - it is life changing as they stop doubting every step and gain confidence With the power of Pilates!

Jo-an first came to me November last year on my birthday, what a gift she is. Very few times in your life do you meet people who are so inspiring and profoundly change your perspective in many ways. She is an incredibly busy realtor, maintains her farm - nothing slows her down despite her incredible journey of a rare soft tissue cancer for over 4 years that resulted in the loss of her leg.
She has had 5 prosthesis - this is the only one that was functional for her but still had many issues, she had been mostly in a wheelchair. The first video shows her gait and you really need to listen because that demonstrates how hard every step is striking the ground and you can imagine the impact on the prosthetic site. The second video is 30 minutes later on her first session.
Her years of being an equestrian competitor, trainer and instructor has given her incredible body awareness so she is very intuitive and receptive. Many years ago I was one of a very small group of about 160 instructors around the world to complete the Movement Strategies that Support Heroes in Motion which helped me have a better understanding of how creative you have to be with each wounded warrior. It is a collaboration as each persons injury is unique and I could not have a better partner than Jo-an to use those skills.
The third video is in May, her progress is nothing short of remarkable. As her gait changed - her leg was out to the side prior and as she corrected her gait there needed to be adjustments to the prosthetic so it can be a little of this and a little of that and then becomes a cohesive track to continually improve.
It is thrilling to know that she has gained so much comfort and stability. When your nerves and muscles have been severed and you have chemo and radiation for years every step matters.
She is one of the most positive and uplifting people I have ever met, she has earned and deserves every good fortune available - she lives life to the fullest and teaches me as well - nothing is impossible! ❤️

As they say, move it or lose it. 😊

🧠 Science shows physical movement is one of the most powerful ways to improve brain health.

While brainteasers and mental challenges are often touted as the go-to for cognitive sharpness, it’s exercise that takes the top spot in improving brain function and resilience.

Physical activity boosts blood flow, supports the growth of new neurons, and triggers a cascade of beneficial biochemical changes—many of which influence the expression of genes related to brain performance and disease resistance.

This link between movement and mental health lies at the heart of epigenetics, the science of how behavior and environment can change the way our genes work.

Exercise doesn’t alter the genetic code itself, but it can switch genes on or off in ways that protect neurons, enhance mood, and delay neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

So next time you want to sharpen your mind, consider lacing up your shoes before cracking open a puzzle book—your brain will thank you for the walk.

Perlmutter, D. (2013). Grain Brain: The Surprising Truth about Wheat, Carbs, and Sugar--Your Brain's Silent Killers. Little, Brown Spark.