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!

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!