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!

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!