Monday, August 17, 2015

5 Reasons You Should Try Pilates

So just what is Pilates and why should I being doing it?  We’re glad you asked!  Pilates is similar to yoga, but the movements concentrate on your body’s core – abs, obliques, lower back, inner and outer thighs, and your booty.  The system of exercises was created by Joseph Pilates to improve  
strength, flexibility, muscular endurance, coordination, balance, and posture and can significantly transform the way your body looks and feels. Using your body’s own weight to perform most of the exercise, Pilates builds muscle and definition without the bulk, giving you a long, lean, toned body.  If that’s not enough to try Pilates, check out these other reasons:    

1.  It's kind to your body
Most of the exercises are performed lying down or sitting, and are low impact, making Pilates safe and gentle. 

2.  It gives you variety
Pilates offers so many different exercises and progressions, that just as you think you’ve mastered all of the moves, there’s a harder version to keep you challenged and engaged without getting bored.

3.  It develops a strong core
The “core” describes the center of your body which includes the deep ab muscles and the muscles along the spine.  A strong core enhances balance and stability which can help improve the way your entire body works. Not to mention the added benefits of flat abs!  

4.  It gives you a long, lean look
Unlike the bulky results from traditional weight-bearing exercises, the movements in Pilates improve muscle elasticity, flexibility, joint movement, and posture, which means you’ll stand taller and appear longer and leaner. 

5.  It improves your mind-body connection
Pilates requires you to focus on multiple functions at one time:  your breath, your body, and how they interact together. By concentrating on these things, you’re less likely to think about chores, work, and kids to give your mind a rest and your body a great workout.  


Of course, there are so many more benefits than these five. So come on out and try it!  You’ll be amazed at the transformation in your well-being without taking a toll on your body.  Movement works offers Pilates on Tuesday mornings at 8:30 and Friday mornings at 9:30. 

Sunday, August 2, 2015



Barre Blast Instructor Barbie Milliken Kinlaw gets up close and personal with Movement Works about the benefits of Barre class.         
                                                                                        
Barbie has spent years developing her passion for fitness and dance into a lifestyle reality. You may already be familiar with her Zumba classes where she infuses the positive power of dance with a calorie-burning, body reshaping dance fitness party. But did you know that Barbie also teaches Barre Blast, a combination of postures inspired by ballet, yoga, and Pilates. Don’t worry, you need never to
have stepped into a pair of ballet slippers to participate in Barre Blast. Here Barbie walks us through the Barre philosophy and why it’s so beneficial as an exercise routine or any age and athletic-level.

MW:  First things first… Barre Blast is NOT a dance class. Tell us what it is exactly.

Barbie: No, it’s not a dance class. I think people get scared off by the “barre” name and automatically think ballet.  It is a highly effective full body workout that fuses Pilates and ballet postures to strengthen and tone your entire body. Each class consists of a warm up, an upper body work with hand weights, a combination of high intensity sequences of thigh, seat and core exercises at the barre, mat work involving planks, push-ups and abdominal exercises. We finish each combination with a releasing stretch to lengthen the muscles and improve flexibility.

MW: How did you get interested in Barre fitness, and where did Barre Blast come from?

Barbie:  While searching for my next fitness routine, I came across a barre class and was hooked. After completing a training course I teamed up with friend and fellow instructor, Rhyne Page, to create Barre Blast Fitness. We don't follow any particular barre method, but pull from her extensive dance background and my group fitness experience. I am a licensed Zumba and certified Barre instructor. 

MW:  What are the benefits of Barre Blast?

Barbie: Barre blast has many benefits, a stronger core which results in better posture, a lifted and toned backside, more muscle definition in the arms and thighs, and the overall feeling of peace and serenity that the Pilates elements bring to the workout. I have many students tell me they feel tired, but more grounded and relaxed after class, the long stretch at the end is nice way to finish.

MW:  What age groups and skill levels does Barre benefit?

Barbie: Barre Blast is very inclusive. We have all ages and skill levels in our classes, and there is no need to have a dance background as this is a fitness class not a dance class. There is zero impact on the joints and everyone can move at their own pace. We are here to help and love what we do, all questions and concerns before, during, and after class are welcome. Don't be afraid to ask for help! 

MW:  So what can someone expect from the first class?

Barbie: I would suggest arriving about 15 minutes early for the first class so you can speak with me and I can explain how to hold your body and perform the exercises correctly. It is important to have correct form in Barre Blast for the movements to be effective and safe. You will need hand weights and mats, we have these available or you can bring your own, I also suggest grippy socks, but they are not required - barefoot is acceptable.

MW:  Any final words of wisdom you can give us?  

Barbie: I have so many people tell me they are intimated to try this class! Please be assured you will not be walking into a class full of ballerinas doing pirouettes. You will however get a great workout and meet some awesome, supportive people in a judgement-free and caring environment. Come by and see me, I can't wait to help you achieve your fitness goals! 


We hope you’ll come check out Barbie’s Barre Blast fitness classes Movement Works in Calabash on Monday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.  Let Barbie help you get over your fear of the barre and have a blast!