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!

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!

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!

People talk about building “the home of their dreams”. It’s a huge goal, one that is planted firmly in the psyche early on. We want that dream house so badly, we’re even willing to borrow & finance beyond our means to do so. And while it’s always tempting to take (what we think is) the shortcut, the consequences often outweigh the benefits. So, is it wrong to dream of the better life? Absolutely not.

The problem isn’t the size of the dream. It’s (often) how we go about pursuing it. The world is full of stories of people who “made it big”. Who achieved greatness. And doesn’t it often seem like they “made it” overnight? Maybe this is part of the appeal of looking for the quick fix. The easy money. The buns of steel in two weeks! So how can we overcome our self-imposed handicap of “want now (work later)”? We believe the answer is through the Pilates Method ~ a proven way of cultivating strong mental & physical self-awareness, focus and core strength.

A favorite quote of mine, by founding father Ben Franklin, goes something like this: “If I have three hours to cut down a tree, I spend two hours sharpening my axe, and one hour cutting down the tree.” This was a man who clearly understood the concept of developing the right tools to succeed. Franklin was a post-modern multi-tasker before it was cool. Achieving the many things he did in his life took, above all, an ability to focus on the task at hand. Fair enough. But how can Pilates, a strength-training method improve mental focus?

As we’ve talked about before, Pilates is personal. We help you develop focus & balance by beginning your training on a one-to-one basis. No noise. No distractions. No room full of TVs locked on the 24-hr news cycle. Just you and a certified trainer, building the mental & physical foundation you’ll need to succeed in 2010 (and beyond). Here are three ways Pilates will help you make this your best year ever.

Focus Your Mind

Everyone who begins to learn the Pilates Method begins with breathing. By first focusing on the basics of proper breathing, you are preparing yourself mentally to engage in physical activity. Trainers of all disciplines will tell you that initiating a proper breathing technique is crucial to good performance. However, you will also learn to foster a renewed mental clarity. Though this technique is being applied to prepare you for physical training, our clients regularly tell us that they find themselves using the breathing exercises to “feel sharper” during everyday tasks. We say, “Great! Ben Franklin would be proud!”

Focus Your Body

With the mind clear of the day’s distractions, we focus next on core awareness. This means developing greater mental & physical balance. Combining the proper breathing technique with subtle adjustments of your posture, your Pilates instructor will help you develop a better awareness of your body. Which muscle groups are strong? Which are weak & neglected? Which have been injured in the past? This is ultimately how Pilates succeeds where other methods so often fail. By training your mind & body together, the axe of self-improvement is more finely sharpened.

Western conditioning & training tends to focus on the muscle groups most often used by the practitioner. While this makes kind of sense ~ if I’m a cyclist, I should develop lower-body strength, etc ~ targeting specific muscles & training hard on them can have a debilitating effect. The Pilates Method is like building a house. The land is prepared, the foundation is built, the frame is set and then the specifics are worked on. It’s A Core Thing trainers are essentially the architects of what should be our first “dream home”. Our bodies.

Focus Your Life

Don’t be fooled by what might appear to be “Zen-trend language”. Pilates is a very grounded, very physical workout. Building core strength means engaging often-neglected muscle groups. You will sweat. You will be sore (at first). But you will (re)gain control, focus and physical & mental clarity. Whether you want to augment your current exercise regimen, improve your performance on the court, field or golf course, or are just tired of the quick-fixes that fix nothing, Pilates is your answer. Our certified Pilates professionals are ready to help give you the edge in 2010. It’s A Core Thing has made our New Year’s resolution: to give Myrtle Beach residents the sharpest axe in the forest!

For many, the joy of running comes from combining the physical challenge with the experience of exploring our surroundings. The idea of pushing oneself to go a little farther next time. Unbound by the walls of a gym or the lines on a court, the runner can say at the end of a workout that they’d been somewhere. Those who train regularly for distance events tend to augment their running regiment with, well, more running. Makes sense, right? If I want to run farther, I need to run farther! Other than rudimentary stretching exercises, most runners stick to what they know works.

The Problem

Dedicated runners can be spotted by their well-developed thighs & calves, typically thin frames and forward-leaning gaits. And while running is an effective cardiovascular exercise, it focuses exclusively on movement in the sagittal plane. The result: tightness in the hips, lower back & knee problems, and difficulty with overall balance & posture. You’ll notice–especially in distance runners–the tendency to slouch towards the end of a long run. The effect of this is quite debilitating ~ how many serious runners do you know over the age of 50? 60? Competitive or not, everyone who runs, runs the risk of injury.

The Solution

If Pilates has a buzzword, it’s core. Intent on developing strength from our body’s foundation, Pilates workouts are all-inclusive. The aerobic demands of distance running are addressed by Pilates’ focus on breathing & air-flow. More oxygen enters the blood, fueling the muscle groups you’ve worked so hard to train. Pilates also addresses the horizontal & frontal planes of movement. Strengthening the associated core areas, normally overlooked in the runners usual workout, a Pilates practitioner becomes better balanced. Most runners who add Pilates to their routine see considerable improvements in posture, decrease in back pain & improved stamina.

Pilates Is Personal

We start all clients on a personal, one-on-one program. The foundation of a successful Pilates workout begins with learning the fundamentals. Results tend to happen quickly for committed practitioners. Toning new muscle groups, your trainer will guide you to developing the kind of core strength that will keep you in the race for decades ahead. Considering participating in the Bi-Lo Myrtle Beach Marathon next February? Consider the benefits of working with a Pilates professional:

• Improved Balance
• Better Breathing & Airflow
• Improved Posture ~ Rehabilitates Lower Back
• More Stamina ~ Stay In The Game Longer
• Reduces The Risks Of Injury

Pilates is here to help you develop the foundation for health & well-being. It’s A Core Thing brings you this essential method through professional, private sessions. Contact us to find how how we can help you develop the body you need to succeed.