Hi folks, It is critical to condition your core, and one of many exercises I like for this is the Pilates hundred. Here is a short video where Tara is instructing me in this technique. You can see that my wrists are too loose, indicating that I am not 'reaching down' enough through my fingers. This aspect of the exercise is essential, as it keeps your shoulder blades down, protecting your neck. ... Read more
You Don’t Have To Walk Like An Old Person However Old You Are
Hi folks, I was just reviewing an interesting book handed to me by my Feldenkrais instructor, Karen. The book is about rolling on a ball, and more specifically, 'The Ultimate Body Rolling Workout.' I think Karen gave me the book because of my recent interest in the use of rollers to fix tight muscles and, in my case, cure my plantar fasciitis. This book contains elements of Feldenkrais ... Read more
I Wonder If René Descartes Enjoyed Dancing
Hi folks, There are two famous quotes by Frenchmen about the nature of life, "Je pense donc je suis" (I think, therefore I am [Cogito ergo sum] - René Descartes, philosopher) and "Rien n'est vrai comme ce qu'on sent" (Nothing is as true as what one feels - Jean-Pierre Claris de Florian, poet). One says he exists because he thinks and the other states that it's really all about feelings. Two halves of ... Read more
Video Clip Demonstrates Use Of Balance Ball To Improve Posture and Reduce Bodily Tension Whilst Working On Your Computer
Hi folks, I spend a lot of time writing, and thus typing on my computer. If I become too involved, and work without a break for an hour or so, my upper body tightens up and I develop serious tension in my neck, rotator cuffs and forearms. I also tend to slump into poor posture, which leads to a tight lower back. None of this is good for my sport, so today Tara, my Pilates, Gyrokinesis and Gyrotonic ... Read more
FitOldDog Core Exercise Video Two And Thoughts On Our Center(s) Of Gravity
Hi folks, Core strength and flexibility are critical for your training, performance, posture, dance, general mobility, and many other activities. What exactly the core is has to be experienced, and I am still in the discovery stage. There are several definitions out there, one of which is "your body minus your legs and arms." This implies that your head is part of your core. Is it, I wonder? Another ... Read more
Shoulder Blade Movement And Meet My Coach
Hi folks, Every time I turn around someone is telling me to loosen up my shoulder blades, which are pretty stiff. I must admit that they were essentially 'stuck to my back.' Several years of massage, Gyrotonic, Pilates, Feldenkrais, and recently Continuum, have improved them a great deal. I now include thoughts about my shoulder blade motion into my training and dancing, to good effect. I made a short movie today, ... Read more
A Continuum Dance Lesson Video For FitOldDog By Rebecca
Hi folks, As a component of my approach to exercise for better health and Ironman training, I have incorporated dance lessons using Continuum. Today I enjoyed my lesson so much that I wanted to share it with you in the form of a video prepared by my teacher, Rebecca, of Evolving Therapies, Chapel Hill, NC. This approach is fascinating, much more difficult than it looks and it takes a strong core, ... Read more
FitOldDog Exercise Video #3: Two Simple Core Exercises
Hi folks, There is much more to effective core training than sit-ups or crunches. The best approach, in my opinion, is thorough training in Pilates. I have attached a video that shows two exercises I like for their simplicity. My Pilates instructor, Tara House, helped me to make this video at the Spira Pilates Studio, whilst Deb operated the iPad 2. You can find a lot more information about core training on ... Read more
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