Photo by Tom Murray

When you hear someone mention Pilates, what is the first thought that comes to your mind? Do you envision a well-to-do woman with a perfectly slender physique? When Pilates first emerged as a method of fitness, the equipment was very expensive to purchase. Therefore, only the wealthy possessed the funds to participate.

A recent article written by 843 Home & Lifestyle Magazine published by the Sun News, discusses a new trend in physical fitness along the Grand Strand. Judy McCracken, owner of It’s A Core Thing, has been working in the area of physical fitness for many years. She chose to complete her Pilates certification when she discovered there were no Pilates studios in the area. She aspired to provide Pilates classes to everyone, instead of only offering private sessions.

Pilates is a type of physical fitness that integrates both mind and body in order to enhance your “core,” or central abdominal muscles. The focus is not on the amount of repetitions as with common exercises; instead, the importance is placed on the type of movement focusing on breathing, accurate pelvic and spinal positioning, and total attention to physical movement. Joseph Pilates, the founder of this fitness sensation, laid the foundation for exercises that envelop (the art of Pilates today) or (modern day Pilates?).

At It’s A Core Thing, we (they) are the only local operating studio that focuses entirely on Pilates exercises. In addition to group and individual Pilates classes, boot camp classes, and bar classes, we (they) offer the TRX Suspension Training System. TRX is a major form of exercise all over the country, and it is having no difficulty becoming a huge success here in our area. Utilizing a system of suspension belts, this training enables the user to work in opposition to their own personal weight. Therefore, this type of exercise equipment can be enjoyed by everyone; regardless of age.

Due to the increased interest in Pilates, McCracken has found herself needing to relocate in order to expand her studio to fit the increased number of members. [The article discusses] Her (Our?) new studio, which is twice the size of her current, will be located at 3901 N. Kings Highway (Village Square Shopping Plaza). At her (our?) new studio, McCracken plans to provide more choices for exercising. For example, strength training, spinning classes, and step classes are among the choices McCracken hopes to make available to her (our?) clients.

Since the opening of It’s A Core Thing in 2008, McCracken takes pride in offering the most advanced and state-of-the-art equipment and training. Stott Pilates is a modern type of Pilates training that McCracken is very proud to offer her clients. In the article she discusses Stott Pilates and its similarities and differences to traditional Pilates.

“It’s a licensed brand. When I opened, I researched a wide variety of companies. This particular company brand is a contemporary approach to the original Pilates exercise method. They follow Pilates theory, except they teach holding the spine differently,” said McCracken. “Also, I chose Stott Pilates because of the training and continuing education that goes with it. Stott offers the highest education in certification in the Pilates world.” Furthermore, McCracken says, “Stott requires all its licensees to have continuing education classes to stay up to date on the latest innovations.” “Everyone I hire is trained through Stott,” McCracken said, regarding the staff employed at It’s A Core Thing.

So, what are you waiting for? Come see what everyone is talking about here at It’s A Core Thing. We promise you will not be disappointed. Stop by today and let us help you get into excellent shape and start living a healthier lifestyle.

2010 has been a year of growth for us at It’s A Core Thing. As Myrtle Beach’s premier Pilates studio, we’ve had the fortune to work with clients from all walks-of-life. Athletes, busy moms, stressed-out execs & more have discovered the benefits of a Pilates workout.

We’ve also brought the TRX Suspension Training System to the Grand Strand. This intense workout has proven successful as a great strength & stamina builder. It’s also become quite popular among those training for events like the marathon, triathlon & more.

While we’re proud of our growth & success as a business, really we’re only the messenger. The real success story here is the Pilates method itself. With each passing year comes more evidence of the benefits Pilates gives to its practitioners. Whether it’s rehabilitating injuries, building strength & stamina, or bringing balance to the bodies & minds of people worldwide, this much is clear: Pilates method has become a staple of good health & fitness everywhere.

The Past, The Future, The Self

We look back to see where we’ve been, and assess which decisions & actions helped (or hurt) us. What goals did we set for ourselves this time last year? Did we make the best effort? Did we stick to our promises? These are important questions to ask, and maybe should be asked more than once-a-year.

Looking ahead is the trickier of the two. There are always so many unknowns, ifs & hows that we can’t yet determine or see. And that’s o.k. It’s not about quantifying the unknowns. It’s about working with what we’ve got, and preparing ourselves to tackle the inevitable challenges that await us in the unwritten future.

Let’s be honest. There are many more things in life over which we have little-or-no control. And this is incredibly frustrating for most of us. It creates anxiety, causing us to lose focus & feel “trapped”.

But this is a prison of our own making. The good news? We’re not only the prisoner, but also the warden & governor. And it’s in our power to pardon ourselves. It isn’t going to happen overnight, because we’ve been building this prison, brick-by-brick, for years. It’s going to take some time to tear down!

Can Pilates Give Us The Tools To Break Out?

Absolutely. At the beginning of 2010, we talked about American founding father Benjamin Franklin. A master multi-tasker, Franklin never had time to worry about what he couldn’t control. He was too busy achieving greatness in the fields of Science, Art, Politics & Commerce. This is because he put so much effort into developing himself, an act he likened to “sharpening his axe”.

What Pilates method offers is exactly that ~ an opportunity to sharpen your axe, both mentally & physically. The underlying principles of Pilates are about awareness & control. Other fitness methods tend to focus on toning & building strength. Often, the focus is exclusively on one area or muscle group. We’re bombarded by ads promising to help “flatten our tummy” or give us “buns of steel”. This narrow, overspecialized approach can be found not just in fitness, but in many other aspects of American life.

And how well has this served us? We’re becoming a nation of overweight, overworked & overstimulated basket cases. We’ve lost sight of the whole, opting instead to treat individual symptoms & problem areas. Maybe a change in method is just what we need to make the next year our best year.

Use The Force!

Remember when Luke Skywalker went to study with master Yoda? He was all about learning how to do awesome Jedi stuff, but Yoda explained that the fundamentals had to be learned first. The little green guru understood that if Luke didn’t learn control, especially mental control, he would never be able to face the challenges ahead. Because being a Jedi wasn’t about having “killer abs”. It’s about having a heightened awareness of your self & your environment. And you can’t get that by doing endless amounts of sit-ups & crunches.

Pilates method is not unlike that taught by master Yoda. Our studio is a little nicer than Degobah. And we don’t have that scary cave where your fears appear before you in grainy hallucinations (we thought about getting one, but it really slows down the plot of the movie). But we understand the underlying principle: if your mind is clouded by stress, fear & anxiety, the challenges ahead will seem impossible.

Exercise itself is proven to relieve stress, and the kind of focused training we offer can help you do just that. The world isn’t going to stop throwing obstacles your way, and that is a fact. Armed with a clear mind, strong body & a desire to develop yourself as a whole, you can be prepared to overcome any obstacle.

Stop into the studio to meet our qualified trainers. Think if them as your own personal Yoda (except taller, not so green, and much more attractive). 2011 is gonna be your year. We can just feel it!

Why does it feel like the Holidays get here sooner each year? Crazy, right? It’s easy to see how folks get wrapped up in the shopping, visiting relatives & eating (and overeating).

This year, It’s A Core Thing is offering you ways to fight holiday stress, lose those extra pounds AND give back to the community. Here’s how:

Bring in two canned goods and/or donate an old winter coat on your next visit. These much needed goods will go to the local Feed A Family organization. In return, you will receive a complimentary workout with a Certified Stott Pilates Instructor on our NEW Barrel Apparatus & Stability Chair. This alone is a $45 value, so everybody wins!

And just to show thanks to our clients, current & future, we’re offering another promotion.

Many of our clients who try Pilates come back soon & often. We know you’ll love working with our trainers, so we’re offering this incentive: complete three workouts in one week, and get 10% off your next purchased training package. This is not limited to one discount ~ for every week you complete three sessions, you are eligible for another 10% off! We’ll keep track of your sessions, notifying you each time you are eligible.

These great deals are offered thru December 31st, 2010, so act fast! What better way to help out your community, and get a jump start on that New Year’s resolution to get fit?

Too busy for an extended session? Try one of our “Express Workouts”. These 30min sessions will wipe stress & help you get your focus back! Great for busy executives, working moms or anyone else with a full schedule. Contact us today & get ready to better your body with Pilates!

Fall in Myrtle Beach means a few things. Golf, lighter traffic, vacationing golfers, opening windows & turning off the A/C, and did I mention folks playing more golf? With over 100 golf courses in Myrtle Beach, it’s easy to see the attraction.

A unique sport that draws all ages, golf is praised for its mental & physical challenges. It demands focus, strength & control. The player’s ability to concentrate & execute precise movements is crucial. So is awareness & breath control. Sound familiar? That’s because these are also all principles of the Pilates Method.

What Do The Pros Know?

If you’ve ever had a golf pro “analyze your swing”, you may know what I’m talking about. Golf pros are trained to break down a golf swing into separate motions. From starting stance to follow through, there are scores of individual movements that complete the swing. The slightest error in any of these motions can result in a poor swing.

To correct a player’s swing, a pro will address the individual motions. Player’s may be told to “open their stance”, or “square their club face”. Adjustments are made in the hips, shoulders, elbows, etc. There are plenty of tips addressing individual golf swing problems. But there’s rarely any talk about our body’s core, and what role it plays. But what does our core have to do with our score?

The Stronger Your Core, The Lower Your Score

Since Golf & Pilates share similar principles, many golfers adapt naturally to Pilates Method. So where does Pilates differ from what the golf pro teaches? The answer is: core strength. More than a buzzword, core strength is the philosophy which drives Pilates. A certified trainer works with you to develop hyper-awareness of your body. Focusing on this mental aspect of a workout has a few key benefits:

• Improved breath control = improved blood flow
• Better awareness of where your body’s weaknesses are
• Gaining the ability to ‘tune out’ distractions & focus on execution

A Pilates workout is effective because it begins with mental preparation. This is what allows us to do the exercises properly. Just as a good golf swing must begin with concentration, a good Pilates workout must begin with a determined & focused mind. The simpatico that exists between Pilates & Golf becomes more apparent as we work on exercises designed for the golfer.

To Prepare Is To Prevent

Earlier this year, we talked about how Pilates can help prevent & rehabilitate injuries. A golf swing is a series of repeated motions. Repetition isn’t a bad thing, but in some cases can lead to injury over time. Especially if the repeated motion is done incorrectly. The corrective elements of Pilates ~ on our posture, our motions & on our breathing ~ not only improves performance. They also help prevent future injury. We’re not meant to struggle against our bodies, after all! Some common injuries & ailments golfers suffer, that Pilates can help correct & prevent:

• Lower Back Pain
• Tendinitis
• Shoulder Joint & Girdle Discomfort
• Hip Instability

Why Wait?

Pilates offers the golfer so many benefits, it’s tough to count them all! Certainly, improving performance is near the top of the list. The shared principles between golf & Pilates make them a natural fit. Golfers of all ages & skill level can benefit. It’s A Core Thing, Myrtle Beach’s premier Pilates studio, is ready to show you how. Fore!

This month, It’s A Core Thing is excited to bring you the scoop on TRX Suspension Training. This workout method makes a great companion to Pilates, and has a staggering amount of applications. We’ve begun offering TRX Suspension Training to our clients, and are thrilled with the results. Let’s take a look inside the method that’s gaining exposure as one of the most effective workouts available.

NECESSITY IS THE MOTHER OF INVENTION

We’ve all heard this phrase before. Some of humankind’s best advancements have been born of the frustrations of one individual, trying to solve a single problem. The story of TRX Suspension Training is no different.

Developed by a U.S. Navy Seal (they know a thing or two about fitness), this system was designed for maximum effect, in any environment, with little space or time requirements. Certainly, space & time are both at a premium in our busy 21st century lives. This is just one reason why the TRX Suspension Training system might be just right for you.

Weighing only 2lbs, the actual equipment relies on gravity & resistance (rather than a complex series of mechanisms & weights). The exercises can all be adapted to your body-type, and modified to suit your fitness needs. Are you an athlete looking for a workout that can give you a performance edge? A golfer looking to add power to your swing? A busy mom with an unforgiving schedule? TRX Suspension Training System is perfect for each of you.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

It’s A Core Thing has invested the time & money necessary to learn the techniques you need to succeed. We’re here to help you make the ‘body breakthrough’ you’ve been craving. Remember, effective workouts are not only about pushing yourself farther. It’s also crucial to develop mindful awareness of what your body is telling you before, during & after the workout.  A personalized session with our TRX Suspension Training System pros will help you gain this awareness.

Hopefully, we’ve piqued your interest. The TRX Suspension Training System is quickly gaining popularity & use throughout the fitness community (and beyond). However, we know you’ll have questions & concerns, and our team is ready to answer any & all of them. Contact us today to find out how we can help jump-start the new you!

I’d like to talk about “Gym Face” for a moment. You know what I mean, right? That look people get when they are going for that extra rep, lap or set. That look that suggests maybe somewhere in their body, a vital organ is about to explode. Gym Face shows your neighbor that you are serious about fitness. Somewhere in America, right now, is a coach/personal trainer yelling at someone: “C’mon! You gotta get mean with it! Get ugly!” Never trust someone who encourages you to work through the pain.

These people stress me out. And keeping fit isn’t supposed to stress anyone out. It should feel natural, and relieve stress naturally. This is one way Pilates Method stands out from traditional Western fitness techniques.

Get Mean!?

Weightlifting, whether with free weights or machines, is designed to stress specific muscles. The repetitions are done with the mind/body focusing on one area. Running to stay in shape (an incredibly popular form of exercise) works just a few areas of the body. With each of these practices comes a range of potential injuries & maladies. Over time, what has served as a means of fitness can become a source of pain & frustration. Think Gym Face with every rep. Nobody needs that.

Get Nice!

Effective fitness is not about struggling against our bodies. It’s about eliminating struggle with our bodies. Pilates Method teaches this through careful, mindful control ~ of our movements, our breath, and ultimately our entire body. It is mindful, willful awareness that allows us to develop core strength. And it is core strength that will make us stronger, more focused & less stressed. Everybody needs that!

Changes & improvements tend to involve some struggle. That’s true. But not all pain is equal, and not all struggles are equally rewarding (mentally or physically). It’s A Core Thing understands this. Our trainers are dedicated to teaching you the control & awareness you need to convert struggle into reward.

Pilates is for everyone. That’s Everyone. And the benefits are quickly becoming common knowledge in & out of the fitness world. Pilates can relieve stress from our jobs, improve a runner’s stamina and help repair injuries. Keep in touch & keep checking our blog for more ways Pilates can improve your life!

It’s A Core Thing Pilates & Fitness Instructor, Kylie Smith

I specialize in Personal Training, Stott Pilates, and nutrition and wellness counseling in the Myrtle Beach area. Is your current fitness or diet plan not working? My program really works because I work with you one on one to combine nutrition and fitness to help you reach your goals.

What I Can Do For You

I am trained in Stott Pilates, specializing in training on the reformer at “It’s A Core Thing” studio in Myrtle Beach. If you want a lean toned body, with a strong core this is the workout for you. Every exercise focuses in on the use of the core muscles, which include; the back, the abdominals, the shoulders, the chest and the glutes; while also toning the arms and the legs.

STOTT PILATES® is a contemporary approach to the original exercise method pioneered by the late Joseph Pilates. Co‑founders Moira and Lindsay G. Merrithew, along with a team of physical therapists, sports medicine and fitness professionals, have spent more than two decades refining the STOTT PILATES method of exercise and equipment. This resulted in the inclusion of modern principles of exercise science and spinal rehabilitation, making it one of the safest and effective methods available. This clear and detailed approach forms the basis for STOTT PILATES training and certification programs. Its used by rehab and prenatal clients, athletes, celebrities and everyone in between.

My Background and Certifications

• Previous Gymnastic Instructor
• Certified IFTA Personal Trainer for over 5 years
• Fitness and Spinning Instructor at “American Athletic Club” in Myrtle Beach for over 5 years.
• Certified AFPA Nutrition and Wellness Counselor.
• Stott Pilates trained Instructor specializing in reformer training working at It’s a Core Thing in Myrtle Beach.
• Personal Trainer at American Athletic Club Surfside and Myrtle Beach locations.

We’ve spent the past six months showing you how Pilates is a health & fitness solution for anyone & everyone. Certainly, its inclusive, holistic design is a huge part of what makes Pilates Method so attractive to so many people. Adaptability to body types, age & physical condition gives Pilates a personal touch that appeals to folks who may be intimidated by the “gym culture”. Pilates Method is also incredibly compatible with other workout routines. Many find that it doesn’t “replace”, but “augments” other fitness methods. This can (and does) improve the overall results from your normal exercise regimen.

But what about the (soon-to-be) Moms out there? What benefits can Pilates provide to the constantly changing bodies & minds of pregnant women?

Pilates is about developing self-awareness ~ of your body as well as your mind. The human body is a pretty incredible thing. It’s designed to give itself constant feedback. All day long, while we’re caught up in our busy lives, our brains are receiving information. Tension in the lower back from too much slouching at a desk. Sore knees from standing on our feet all day. That tingling sensation in our wrists, all-too-familiar to those of us who work at computers for hours on end. Each of these “messages” gives us the necessary heads-up on what is going on with our bodies. How we choose to use this information is up to us.

For an expecting mother, there are a whole host of other “messages” being sent. Not just from her own body, but from the tiny one growing inside. This is why developing stronger physical & mental self-awareness is so crucial to women at this time. Pilates can help prepare an expecting mom for childbirth in several unique ways. It is also effective in helping her regain her figure afterwards.

We’ve all heard the expression, “She’s eating for two” to describe the often oddly comical dietary cravings of a pregnant woman. But what about “Exercising for two”? We’re not suggesting that you double your workouts, and strongly advise consultation before even beginning any new fitness routine. But we do encourage re-evaluating your current routine to include a Pilates regimen. Here are just a few of the benefits:

• Developing Core Strength builds childbearing muscle groups ~ Abdominal, Back & Pelvic Floor/Kegel
• Can be constantly adapted for changes occurring in each trimester
• Pilates improves balance ~ important, as your center-of-gravity is in flux
• Works with other exercises for a quicker recovery

Even if you’ve done Pilates before, we do highly recommend consulting with a trainer who understands the unique (and changing) needs of Moms-to-be. It’s A Core Thing can help design a workout that meets these needs head-on. We offer (and encourage) private sessions that can help you gain this physical & mental focus. The more heightened our senses become, the greater we are able to asses any complications. This can, in some cases, prevent what may seem like small issues from developing into long-term problems. Contact us today to find out how we can help make you the fittest Mom on the block!

Myrtle Beach has attractions, shopping, dining, golfing, a myriad of live entertainment & more. But there’s still one feature of the Grand Strand that is largely responsible for drawing the millions who visit us each year: The Beach. Over 60mi of sand & surf make up the Grand Strand, and that’s a lot of real estate for beach goers to walk, bike, surf or sail.

Just about everyone has a pre-beach season ritual. This usually involves hitting the gym, doing our best to “tone-up” those parts we’d covered up in the winter: legs, tummy, arms, butt, etc. Whether you begin in late Winter, early Spring, or are rushing to get the perfect beach body just weeks before Summer officially begins, Pilates can offer so much to help you meet (& surpass) your goal. Here are three ways Pilates can get you in “beach-body-shape” this Summer:

Core Strength = Stability = Better Posture

The advent of mass communication technology means more people working (and playing) on mobile devices. While this might help us stay organized, accomplish more & communicate with more people, it has a few downsides. Typing on computer keyboards all day is terrible for our posture. Even a toned body looks “sloppy” if it’s constantly slouching. A huge part of looking fit is simply how we carry ourselves. How we sit, walk, run, dance, etc. Pilates’ focus on developing better core stability helps correct this. The benefit is two-fold: better posture reduces back & neck pain, and “shows off” newly toned muscles.

Tighter, Toned Legs & Thighs (Without Sacrificing The Knees!)

The maxim holds true: to develop stronger legs, you gotta use ‘em! For most, this means running, jogging, biking or weightlifting. While effective, many find that running can have a debilitating effect on the knees. Some of this is due to the simple effect of gravity ~ the heels come down hard on the pavement. After enough repetition, this can cause some serious damage. Toned legs & thighs just don’t look as good when you’re hobbling across the sand, am I right?

Pilates method takes this into account when working on those important muscle groups. Exercises are done with an ‘evenness’ that helps develop the body in greater harmony with itself. There’s really no need to sacrifice the knees & lower back (as with running, biking, etc) to get those perfect beach legs & thighs. Learning these methods also has the benefit of improving performances in related beach activities (e.g. volleyball, surfing & swimming).

The Ever-Important Beach Belly

Did you just look down at your own gut after reading that heading? I did. No matter the beachwear you choose to sport this Summer, there’s no way around hiding the tummy! Fortunately, Pilates method begins in this area, “The Core”. You’ll hear us talk at great length about this concept, as it is central to the philosophy behind Pilates, and what makes it work so well.

Beginners are made aware of their core through initial breathing techniques. These methods are crucial to a successful Pilates session, and your expert trainer at It’s A Core Thing will continuously work with you to improve your control over your breath & movement. The result? A tighter, stronger tummy is often the first improvement for Pilates newbies, and this is a good thing! As we strengthen our core, the combination of better posture & a toned tummy gives us more confidence as we walk the beaches. After all, self-improvement through Pilates is a physical and mental process. Feel better, and feel better about yourself.

These are just a few of the many benefits of Pilates. The professional & certified trainers at It’s A Core Thing specialize in creating a workout that fits your body, and can help you set (and realize) your goals. Contact us today to find out how we can help give you the best beach body you’ve ever had!

How building core strength through Pilates can mean more cash flow for service industry workers.

Myrtle Beach has long been a mecca for Middle-Americans. Every Summer, we see the flood of cars with plates from Ohio, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and just about everywhere else. The resulting growth has stimulated, almost above all else, the hospitality industry.

Interestingly, where Horry County saw decreases in almost all industry over the last year, those working in Accommodation & Foodservices saw an increase in earnings. It’s worth noting that this is in part due to the change in work shifts. While there have still been lay-offs & closings, those who remain find themselves working longer shifts (and more of them). Overall earnings have increased because fewer workers are working more hours. And the result can often be a tired (and out-of-shape) workforce.

Foodservice is both physically & mentally challenging. Any server working in a busy establishment will tell you they work 8-14hr days regularly during the Summer months. They keep irregular hours, eat late (often unhealthily) & almost never exercise. Each year, the cumulative effects of these long hours on their feet make it tougher to pick up those extra shifts, earning the money that will sustain them during the off-season.

Pilates is a perfect solution for our friends who so readily serve us our meals, drinks & more. Developing core strength is a great way to guard against injuries that could keep you out of work. It’s also an effective way to build the strength you’ll need to pick up those extra shifts when the time comes. Making more money in the hospitality industry requires stamina, and Pilates method can boost that stamina significantly. Here are just a few of the areas Pilates can improve, and how they relate to F&B employees:

• Improved Balance: carry food & drinks more confidently; less spills/waste
• Stronger Lower Back: fight fatigue; long hours on feet more tolerable
• Better Mental Focus: time-managing during busy shifts; better customer care

Contact us today to find out how we can get you in the best shape possible. It’s A Core Thing can help you find a Pilates solution that can give you the stamina to give great service each day. And that can mean more $ in your pocket!