 If you’re just getting started with pilates, you’ll soon find out that a range of exercises fall within that broader method. And if you’ve been at it for a while, you’re likely curious about how you can expand your repertoire to continue building on the strength you’ve established. In either case, you’ll want to know about CoreAlign.
CoreAlign is a device that fits seamlessly into a pilates exercise plan. The CoreAlign machine is composed of a frame with two tracks; on each track, there is a moving platform – one for the left side of your body and the other for the right. It’s commonly used in tandem with a ladder or other frame that allows you to grab on for counterbalance.
CoreAlign training is perfect for working on developing good, upright posture while also developing balance and core strength. It was developed by physical therapist Jonathan Hoffman to help those recovering from injury as well as those seeking a workout that will fine-tune their athletic abilities.
The dual capability of the CoreAlign makes it a versatile addition for clients at Studio U. Whether you’re training with a physical therapist to overcome an injury or seeking a core-strengthening exercise for better performance, it can be a great addition to your routine.
 Pilates – you’ve heard celebrities mention it a thousand times, read about the results it produces and probably have seen DVDs at the store, just waiting to be taken home and tried out. But for those who don’t know where to begin, it’s important to get to know pilates a bit better before jumping right in.
The pilates fitness method owes its name to its developer, Joseph Pilates. In the early 20th century, he developed the system to strengthen the body, and it was enthusiastically taken up by a small group, many of whom were dancers who benefitted from its emphasis on core strength, flexibility and flowing movements.
Fittingly, the “powerhouse” is at the center of the pilates ideology. This term refers to your core, the muscular center from which your pilates movements should originate, including your abs, lower back muscles, hip muscles and glutes, among others. That fundamental idea is one that runs through all pilates exercises, and it’s the first thing anyone interested in pilates should learn.
A full-fledged pilates routine involves working on a number of exercise apparatuses developed by Joseph Pilates. And since those machines cost thousands of dollars and take up quite a bit of room, it makes sense to start by going to pilates classes aimed at beginners. Not only will you have access to a complete workout that you can’t quite get at home, having a trained pilates instructor will make sure that you’re doing the exercises safely and effectively. Studio U offers private pilates classes with personal trainers and physical therapists as well as group classes.
 In the never-ending quest to find new ways to work our bodies into better condition, new exercise methods are constantly in development. But sometimes, those innovations have a long background.
Take TRX, for example. The unique suspension training system that’s been getting more attention was fully developed in the Navy Seals, but some of the ideas related to it stretch back to rope training that’s been around for centuries. However, because of the demand for finely-tuned athleticism in the SEALS, it was developed into a workout that’s ideal for building strength and agility.
So, what exactly does TRX involve? The program is based around using straps with handles to harness your body weight and use it as resistance, building your core, muscular strength and overall endurance. TRX workouts can vary quite a bit and even be specialized to maximize performance for specific sports like golf or soccer.
TRX exercises can be adapted for beginner, intermediate or advanced workouts, but to make sure that you’re not pushing yourself beyond a healthy limit and working within your body’s current abilities, it’s a good idea to work with a personal trainer. If you want to combine physical therapy and TRX, it’s important that you work with a professional who can guide you through an appropriate program. Studio U’s trainers and therapists can help get you started with TRX, or, if you’re already a fan, they can guide you through new, advanced TRX exercise that will get you into top physical form.
 We all know how important physical activity is for building and maintaining a healthy body – and mind. For many people, participating in a sport is the optimal way to stay active, because it combines an enjoyable activity and physical exertion. In other words, you’re having fun while you’re getting a workout.
When you play a sport, it’s only natural that you want to improve your game. Whether you want to keep your golf game closer to par or power up your serve on the tennis court, incremental improvement is what keeps the game fun and exciting. At the same time, it’s not uncommon for people to feel that they’ve hit a plateau, with their game leveling off and no sign of improvement. Whether you’ve reached that point, or simply want to avoid it, sports physical therapy is a good solution to keep you moving toward your goals.
Combining sports training and physical therapy can have multiple benefits. If you feel like your body is hindering you from developing your skills, a physical therapist can help you pinpoint where the problem might be, and work with you to find ways to resolve it – and keep it from coming back. For instance, using physical therapy for tennis elbow can lead to a reduction of pain and improved performance.
Whether you’re eager to try out a new sport or seeking advanced sports physical therapy for a chronic concern, working with Studio U’s expert physical therapists can be the key to not only better results, but a more enjoyable sporting experience.
Resolutions to get healthy are a dime a dozen. But if you bet money on how many of those plans were followed through, you might end up with a loss. However, that’s not to say that stating an intention to get fit is a bad idea – you just need to equip yourself with the right tools to really make it happen.
The great thing about the new year is that it’s a perfect motivator to get started. But after the initial burst of energy, there are a lot of pitfalls. If you’re bound and determined not to give up your resolution this year, consider these tips.
- Work out smart. One of the quickest ways to sideline yourself and lose sight of your goals is to get injured. Unfortunately, if you jump into a routine without any advice or research, it’s pretty easy to hurt yourself. You might use your body in the wrong way, over-do it, or choose exercises that aren’t right for your current fitness level – all of which could potentially leave you hurting for a very long time.
- Don’t go it alone. There are lots of benefits to having another person by your side as you take up a new fitness routine. That person might be a friend who helps keep you motivated to go work out (in exchange for some motivation from you), but better yet, it might be a personal trainer. To really make the most of your resolution to get fit, consulting with a professional personal trainer – who can help you establish a plan, pursue it and stay healthy throughout – could be a make-or-break element. Studio U’s one-on-one personal training can help you meet your unique goals.
- Do what’s right for you. There are always trends in exercise, as people find new workouts that prove to be effective. But not every workout is right for every person, and some people have unique motivations. If you want to get yourself in better shape to improve your golf game, you might want to look into how sports physical therapy can help you. Or, if you’re eager to try something new, explore options like pilates, aerialates or kickboxing – or consult with a personal trainer who can help you make educated decisions, based on your fitness level.
Power Plate is a buzzword that’s popping up again and again in the fitness world lately, but not everyone is familiar with just what it is. Beyond simply knowing what Power Plate is, it’s important to know how the technology can help you.
The Power Plate machine is designed to create whole-body vibrations that add extra intensity to a workout. The vibrations trigger a muscular response, causing them to contract 30 to 50 times per second. That’s the key to the impressive results that can be achieved with Power Plate vibration training – those extra contractions translate to stronger muscles.
Power Plate exercise programs can benefit just about anyone who is looking for a good, muscle-building workout. However, there are added benefits. Because a Power Plate workout is non-impact, it’s a great option for people who suffer from painful conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia and osteoporosis. The pain associated with those conditions often prevents people from working out, so Power Plate training opens up a whole new world of pain-free, impact-free workouts, whether the motivation is to shed some pounds or to simply build strength.
Working with a personal trainer can maximize any Power Plate workout, particularly if you’re new to the technology, recovering from an injury or suffering from a chronic pain condition. Not only can a trainer help guide you through using the machine effectively, they can also ensure that you’re moving your body correctly, to prevent injury and get the most out of your workout. Studio U offers 30-minute private sessions focused strictly on Power Plate exercise, or 60-minute sessions that combine Power Plate and Pilates.
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