The Key’s to Blend Mind, Body, Spirit in Exercise   The three elements that never change in the Pilates method all focus on the mind, how we live everyday and spirit. With all of the changes that have been made to the Pilates method because of research and “my way is the best” attitude, one thing stays the same. You must coordinate the mind, body and spirit with the movements of Pilates to melt into a total body enhancement. This philosophy is what makes Pilates stand alone in total fitness and wellness for everyone. When the mind and body work as one, mental and physical conditioning of the mind and muscles stimulate energy and awareness in movements of everyday life. Keys to the mind, body exchange should be in the participant and teacher’s thoughts at all times to receive the benefits of the Pilates method. The basis of Pilates is how these three mind Keys are put into your own body, not on what apparatus or exercise is being used.

October 2007 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.

First Key: Focus Focus on the movement pattern of the exercise. KNOW the checklist and make it happen, honor the principles and movement. The Checklist/principles: Breathing, Centering, Control, Concentration, Fluidity, and Precision, the foundation of the Pilates method. Second Key: Don't over think it Once the “feel” of the exercise happens in the body, the mind and muscle mesh from the subconscious and muscle memory will take over. Work on fine-tuning and endurance to master these movements. The mind must be clear to let the subconscious open and allow the muscle action work to it’s potential. This may take time to master and requires discipline and hard work. Third Key: Awareness Awareness will tie all of the Pilate’s Principles and the subconscious together and start the connection of mind, body and spirit. To get every muscle group to work in balance with mind and body all movements come from what the subconscious or body telling us. The Windsor based Pilates studio, K&K Body Dynamics, offers (2) complementary demonstrations to those interested in experiencing Pilates first hand. Check online and register “Intro Class” under the Total Body Program. Owned and operated by Kevin McCabe and Kimberlie Buchheister, K&K offers both private reformer and mat classes, for all experience levels. (970-674-0557) Many of today’s health problems come from lack of awareness, not listening to what your body is telling you, pain and loss of energy. We turn off the awareness of a sore back, a bad shoulder and take pills or run to someone for help and not correct the core problem. Awareness of improper posture is felt many times a day; sore feet, stiff neck a tight back are some of the body’s feedback system telling us of problems inside the mind and body. The mind and spirit let us know when it is in need of correction. This awareness can be absent in what is called a “Healthy Lifestyle” too much exercise and not getting the proper rest is a big problem. Many people feel they have a leg up on healthy living but cannot do the basic Pilates exercises. They have what Joe Pilates called “gym muscle” and lack the core foundation, which can lead to bad habits, poor performance and injury. Runners and cyclist are at the top of the list. For optimum performance you need a balance of cardio, core strength and muscle endurance that comes from a well rounded cross training process. Find the Focus, activate the Subconscious and listen to the Awareness in “Your” mind, body and spirit with your Pilates workout. Truly find proper health and wellness inside a balanced Mind, Body and Spirit today. www.kkbodydynamics.com Written by: Kevin McCabe, Owner/Instructor K&K Body Dynamics, Windsor, Colorado