Taking Pilates into Your Everyday Life.   Although many folks are aware that the total body conditioning exercise philosophy know as Pilates provides a deep and balanced workout, only the initiated truly understand the benefits of a Pilates practice can be life changing and are easily taken into the everyday world.   In other words, the time, effort and sweat you invest in a Pilates workout will directly improve your standard of living! How many

STUDIO (stu·di·o) an establishment where an art is taught or studied, [Italian, from Latin studium, eagerness, application; see study.]   PILATES (Pi·la·tes) a holistic system of conditioning exercises, often performed on specialized apparatus, renowned for building core strength, improving posture, and strengthening the mind / body connection.

other forms of exercise can say that?   This is possible due to a number of important factors, the first being that the goals of Pilate’s exercises are to enhance the functional health of an individual. This means that the strength and movements one learns from Pilates are directly correlated to how we can use our bodies in daily life. (This contrasts greatly with the idea that exercise is mainly for weight loss and improved physical appearance.)   However, its is wonderful to know that many people report Pilates has been directly responsible for embodying them with a more positive self-image. And it is transformations like these that effect true beauty. In other words, as bodies move with more ease and grace, the mind can have the freedom to become inspired.   Another fantastic attribute about Pilates and its functional health aspects are, the more you experience the benefits of the workouts, the easier they are to do. A few possible examples may be improvements in walking up stairs or climbing into and out of car, decreased pain from sitting at a desk, and easier and more enjoyable sporting hobbies like tennis or golf.   Plus, noticing these changes can have a positive snowballing effect. After all, the more daily activities you can list that feel smoother and less painful, the more fun it is to think about your body and actually MOVE!   And as the mind re-connects with the body, not only does the way an individual relates to themselves improve, so does the way one feels about the outside world. Again, these transformations relate to true beauty.   Finally, because there is no limit to the depth someone can transform and evolve, Pilates can be a never-ending process of self-discovery. It is not surprising to hear someone rave that they can’t believe how good they feel, or what they just noticed about themselves with child like enthusiasm a handful of times a year.   If you’re ready to see how a truly holistic exercise modality can transform and inspire the way you move, function and relate in daily life, give Pilates a try. And don’t be surprised if it leads you down the path to discovering who you truly are.   The Windsor based Pilates studio, K&K Body Dynamics, is happy to offer complementary demonstrations to those interested in experiencing Pilates first hand. Owned and operated by Kevin McCabe and Kimberlie Buchheister, K&K offers Pilates classes, both Reformer and mat, for all experience levels. Please stop by for a class schedule or call to set up a tour or demonstration (970-674-0557). www.kkbodydynamics.com.     Dave Sheldon is a Certified Rolfing® Practitioner and freelance writer who works closely with K&K Body Dynamics. For any questions about Rolfing, visit www.davesheldon.com.   For: Northern Colorado Woman Newspaper Written by: Dave Sheldon for K&K Body Dynamics