Pilates core strength exercise

May Five Exercises

About the May Five: Each month we work specifically on five exercises to improve your strength, balance, flexibility, and mobility. I include these in my classes and training sessions, and my hope is that you will go through these on your own at home. Some moves, like this month’s baby bear, you could do every day. In fact, you could baby bear in bed!

  • Baby Bear
  • Criss Cross
  • Roll Up
  • Deadlift
  • Tricep Extension

Our first exercise is everyone’s favorite, Baby Bear! This is a capital “L” LAZY move. Not always easy to do (to be lazy that is). My goal is to reclaim this word, so that we view being lazy as a positive thing. Really do try to release any tension in your back, neck, and hips, and let yourself roll side to side as if you were a baby being rocked to sleep.

My second favorite move this month, is Deadlift. If you have ever watched an older relative struggle to get out of a chair and thought “well I’d like to avoid that if possible”, this is hip hinge exercise is a good move to master. This is the basis for our squats (aka going from seated to standing). 

I do have a couple clients I meet with in person, but as of May 2021 most of my classes and training sessions are on zoom. This pandemic experience has been so interesting, as I notice the differences in how I train my clients virtually.

Deadlift has been the most challenging exercise to cue on Zoom. While this is a very simple move, it ain’t always easy. Watch this video above of yours truly talking you through this move, and as always, if you’d like specific one on one guidance, give me a call (503) 705-4762.

If you’d like to do these moves with a lovely group of friendly faces, come to class! We would love to have you!

Please use your best judgment as to how suitable these are for you right now.

Baby Bear

 

Criss Cross

 

Rollup

 

Deadlift

 

Tricep Extension

These photos are meant to remind you of work we have done together. Please see your medical professional prior to beginning a new exercise program.

If you’d like more detailed information on these exercises, click one of the links below:

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Create An Amazing Experience for Your Students!

“Improve Your Online Teaching Skills” Workshop Sunday May 24th

Who: Dance teachers (This class is geared towards movement teachers, but the skills you learn will translate to any online instruction.)
What: 90 minute workshop that will immediately improve your teaching skills!
When: Sunday May 24th at 1:30 pm PDT
Where: From your home, or wherever you are teaching your online classes.
Why: To improve your skills, your students experience, and your bottom line.
How much: Donate the amount you like – from $5 to $25.
How: Join us on Zoom by clicking this link. And here is the meeting id and password:

Meeting ID: 868 0722 7398
Password: 469319

If you feel this class is beneficial, you may pop some dough into my paypal “tip jar”.

The video classes have been great, you’re doing an excellent job showing the moves from different angles and all, I haven’t had any trouble following along. I’m really grateful you’re able to do these, it’s been a lifesaver. 

Testimonial from S.H., Portland, Oregon

Goals of this workshop:

Improve your online teaching techniques to improve your client’s experience! To do this you need to learn new skills. This is not just a switch to video; this is a whole new way of teaching. You are responsible for creating an oasis for your people – a safe, loving, warm, learning environment where your clients get a break from their stressful day – and create relationships with others in class. When you do this, your students are excited about your classes, they tell their friends, and they can’t wait to come back! You fill your classes and make more money!

The number one thing I have learned from zooming, is the importance of clear verbal cueing. In fact I recently had a client have a technology issue and we did an entire session over the phone! What do you do when your client can’t see you very well, say they are tuning in on their phone or iPad?

It is your responsibility to be able to teach them using your words. We will be using breakout rooms, so you can practice your verbal cuing (including the “positive sandwich”) with each other.

Who do you know who teaches dance classes? Have you (or a family member) taken a dance class from a studio, either here in Portland, or elsewhere? I have developed a brand new program that I am excited to share with the dance community, and I need your help.

Would you be willing to introduce me to a dance instructor?

This could be any type of dance, from ballet, ballroom, bachata, salsa, swing, Jazzercise, or Zumba (to name a few). Teaching classes virtually is a whole different animal than teaching in a studio. I want to share my tips for success with other instructors.

You can help me in two ways:

1. Forward this post to your instructor.
2. Share this post on social media.