“Finding the motivation to exercise daily can be a challenge. When our to-do list and other priorities accumulate, it can leave us vulnerable to neglecting our fitness routine. We tell ourselves I don’t have time…Maybe later…I’m just too tired… as we travel through our busy days.
But what if we changed our thinking? What if we approached exercise, or movement, with the mantra ‘take your vitamins.'”
Elaine Economou
Take your own movement vitamins with this 20-minute exercise routine—it’s even designed to be osteoporosis-safe. Be sure to read the full blog to learn more about the benefits of daily movement including how to:
See for yourself what Pilates can do for you from the comfort of your own home. MOVE Wellness offers a free 14 day trial of our livestream classes with over 40 to choose from weekly. We are also welcoming clients safely into our Ann Arbor, MI studio for private training sessions. Whichever path is right for you, support the activities you love to do in life by starting your personal Pilates journey today!
Elaine Economou helps people move with ease, strength, and joy. Her passion is empowering people to understand their unique bodies to build strength, and do more of what they love. As co-founder of MOVE Wellness®, Elaine leads a global movement community of clients in high-caliber, in-studio, and interactive livestream training.
Find all of Elaine’s Sixty and Me blogs on her author page.
https://www.movewellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_8238.jpg15361536ijtdevhttp://www.movewellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/MOVE-Wellness-Website-Logo.pngijtdev2021-01-07 08:00:002025-02-14 15:30:23Stay Mobile and Pain Free with this Simple Daily Routine
We’re thrilled to share that our very ownElaine Economou is now a guest blogger for the popular lifestyle website Sixty and Me. Her first blog is all about starting Pilates in your 60s. Learn how Pilates principles can help women over 60 get and stay strong. While starting a brand new exercise routine can seem daunting at any age, Pilates can help with strength, balance, and overall mobility to support the things you love to do in life. Elaine will guide you through topics such as:
See for yourself what Pilates can do for you from the comfort of your own home. MOVE Wellness offers a free 14 day trial of our livestream classes with over 40 to choose from weekly. We are also welcoming clients safely into our Ann Arbor, MI studio for private training sessions. Whichever path is right for you, support the activities you love to do in life by starting your personal Pilates journey today!
Elaine Economou helps people move with ease, strength, and joy. Her passion is empowering people to understand their unique bodies to build strength, and do more of what they love. As co-founder of MOVE Wellness®, Elaine leads a global movement community of clients in high-caliber, in-studio, and interactive livestream training.
https://www.movewellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/SJM_8364-scaled-1.jpg17092560ijtdevhttp://www.movewellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/MOVE-Wellness-Website-Logo.pngijtdev2020-11-14 20:28:052023-12-03 20:24:54Starting Pilates at 60: An Efficient and Safe Way to Exercise
Whether you’re local to Ann Arbor or across the country, you can now join our high-quality, interactive livestream classes from the comfort of your home. Livestream classes offer new content each session with the energy of a live instructor to motivate and guide you in real time. You’ll have access to our expert team to answer your personal questions—something you won’t find with pre-recorded workouts. Choose from Pilates, GYROKINESIS®, Barre, Yoga, HIIT, and more. Our weekly class schedule includes over 30 classes. All you need is a device for streaming and space to move. Find frequently asked questions about livestream classes at MOVE here.
But really, we know there’s free content all over the internet. We also know you can subscribe to some really big brands for a lot less. So what sets our program apart and why are we worth a look? Why are 30 LIVE classes better than 3000 on demand classes? Here are 7 reasons to choose MOVE livestream. But don’t just take our word for it, give us a try and see for yourself with our 14-day free trial.
Built-in accountability when you register for a live class Admit it. There’s just something special about scheduling something and putting it in your calendar that makes you more likely to follow through. It’s so easy to get caught up in our busy schedules and “forget” to make time for ourselves. But if you’ve signed up for a class with a live instructor, you’re much more likely to make the time and hold yourself accountable. The sense of commitment increases when we find a class we love and incorporate it into our weekly routine.
Motivating energy of live instruction to keep you moving We’ve done plenty of pre-recorded workouts. There’s lots of enthusiasm, but not much spontaneity. An instructor truly enjoying teaching clients in realtime and the ability to adapt the pace or content of a class based on the participants’ needs is irreplaceable. It feels like we’re all a part of one community moving together.
Convenience and comfort of working out in your own home Just rolling out of bed and feeling like taking a class in your pajamas? No problem. We’ve been there and done that, too. While our instructors love to see you moving, there’s no judgement on those days you turn your camera off and move with no one watching. Another perk of livestream classes is that there’s no commute to factor in. Join us on the fly when your 11:00 o’clock meeting gets cancelled. Don’t want to go out in the cold rain? Stay cozy in your very own living room.
Expert support you need to meet your personal goals We may be connecting on Zoom, but there’s a whole team of experts behind the screen ready to answer your questions and make sure we’re meeting your needs. We’re always happy to recommend classes, talk through your goals and set a schedule for you, or answer questions about any specific issues or modifications you may need.
Variety of fresh class content each session to stave off boredom Did you love your class today? Awesome. Do you want to do that exact same class over and over again? Maybe not. (Ok, maybe once or twice.) With livestream classes, trainers are able to progress a group and move you through a repertoire week after week. We promise to keep you on your toes!
Connection to a wellness-focused community of peers and professionals We’ve all found our way to MOVE Wellness for a reason (or reasons). Our community is a group of people who seek to improve our well-being through movement, nutrition, education, and other holistic methods. We all find joy and comfort in traveling on this journey together. MOVE often hosts special community-focused events like our MOVE Book Club, unique-topic Member Workshops, MOVE Donation Classes for social justice, and more.
Reliable access to our expert team to answer your questions Trainers are available for a quick chat before or after class as well. Something specific going on with your body? Hop into class early or jump into the chat so that your trainer can be sure to throw out custom suggestions and modifications in class. Our concierge team is always standing by to answer any bigger questions and make sure you’re on your best journey.
Your Interactive Livestream Program Starts Here
Let our expert instructors come to you—attend your choice of 30+ professional studio classes from the comfort of your home. Start your free 14-day trial of MOVE Livestream classes today.
There’s something about fall that makes us all feel ready for a fresh start. Whether it’s getting back on track with year-end goals or starting something new, fall is a natural time to focus and reconnect. For our refined fall schedule, we’re bringing more options, more flexibility, and more customization to your fitness routine.
Starting this fall, we are renewing our focus on memberships for consistency, commitment, and community. We have seen that when clients participate regularly in MOVE services that we are able to help them reach their goals most effectively. Clients can select from a movement menu of in-person or livestream options to create their own individualized experience. In addition to continuing private sessions and livestream classes, our small-group training will resume its presence on our schedule. We know that by committing to a regular movement program, we can help you stay accountable while providing the expert instruction you need to be successful.
Whether that’s in-person, online, or a mix of both, cultivating a community that wants to prioritize fitness and wellness is our goal. We know that many of you will feel most comfortable continuing with our virtual options for the time being. If you’re ready to join us for in-person training, we are ready to welcome you as safely as possible. Whatever decision you make will be the right one. Your workout—your choice.
Membership Options
Livestream Class Membership
Join our high-quality, interactive livestream classes from the comfort of your home. Livestream classes offer new content each session with the energy of a live instructor to motivate and guide you in real time. You’ll have access to our expert team to answer your personal questions—something you won’t find with those big brand recorded workouts. Choose from Pilates, GYROKINESIS®, Barre, Yoga, HIIT, and more. Our weekly class schedule includes over 12 classes. All you need is a device for streaming and space to move.
Customized to your body and your needs. One-on-one private sessions are a great way to stay accountable and consistent while getting a workout tailored to your exact needs. Our Trainers and Concierge Team will work one-on-one with you to create your custom schedule and keep you moving confidently and comfortably through your fitness journey. Private Training Members receive special rates on our livestream class membership as an added benefit.
Small-Group Training Membership
Want a more individualized class experience? Small Group Training is right for you. Classes are limited to four participants to allow for personalized instruction and group progression. All in-studio and livestream small-group classes are leveled to help start you in the right class and move through the full scope of the Pilates and GYROTONIC® or GYROKINESIS® repertoire. Small Group Training Members receive special rates on our livestream class membership as an added benefit.
You Can Start Now
Whether you choose in-studio or livestream instruction, you can continue to count on our high-quality studio experience. Fall is a great time to start anew with solidified programs and routines even as we continue to adapt to any challenges. We hope to see you moving with us soon!
Current MOVE Members
We’re ready to welcome our members back into the studio with the personal service you know you can count on from MOVE. If you haven’t heard from us yet to set your fall schedule, you can fill out this short interest form to get the process started.
New to MOVE?
We can’t wait to meet you. Fill out this quick form and we’ll be in touch or email office@movewellness.com with any questions you might have.
Data-Driven Decisions: In-Person Safety Protocols
We’re here for you—however you want to move with us. We recognize that some of you are eager to join us in-studio while others would prefer to wait for now. We invite you to choose the mix of in-studio or livestream instruction that’s right for you. When you’re ready to visit MOVE in-person, we want you to feel safe. So we’re taking important steps to make sure you’re comfortable.
The ability to create a fit, vital body for a lifetime, safely and efficiently, is what makes Pilates unique among movement systems. It can be hard to find words to describe something as experiential as Pilates, so we’ve put together a series of short workshops to walk you through the essentials of this unique movement system. Join MOVE Co-Founder Elaine Economou as she explains the history of Pilates and takes you to the mat to feel what the movement entails. You’ll learn how to approach your own body in creating a movement routine or system for yourself. We’ll also share what to expect in a Pilates class so you can see what it will be like. Pilates will help you optimize your body for what you love to do in life.
What is Pilates?
What is Pilates? Pilates is a unique, anatomy-based system designed by a forward-thinking visionary, Joseph Pilates. The goal of a Pilates session is to move through the repertoire of exercises at the level and pace that suits you, moving your spine in all planes of motion and challenging your body with different relationships to gravity. The original Pilates exercises focused simply on the body and breathwork. Over time, various props and specialized equipment became integrated into the movement system. Though challenging, the workout and exercises will energize and invigorate.
Pilates is not a staged Instagram photo of an actress or professional athlete training on some sort of mysterious equipment. Nor is it a painful group fitness class designed to tone your abs, but that instead leaves you with neck or low back pain. No, it’s not even “yoga for core strength.”
Let’s meet Joe: A brief history of Pilates
Before creating Pilates—or what he first called “Contrology”—Joseph Pilates was an avid student of movement. His work was developed 100 years ago from personal inquiry into his own health and physical fitness. He studied the movements of animals and statues of ancient humans with robust musculature. He was drawn to the Greek ideal of a human—a balance of mind, body, and spirit. This is the heart of Pilates: to let you build the best version of yourself. Pilates was infinitely curious about body and building strength. During World War I, he wound up in the UK in an internment camp. It is generally believed that was where he developed the movements that became his repertoire of Pilates mat exercises. Following the war, Pilates emigrated to the US where his work evolved into two things that form the foundation of the Pilates we know today.
1. A Repertoire of Exercises.
The wisdom of the original 34 Pilates mat exercises continue to reveal themselves. As our knowledge of the body evolves we can see the deep wisdom in how Pilates organized these original exercises. The exercises were to be done in a particular order and a particular way with few props to optimize the body’s movement at any age and physical ability level.
2. Equipment to Strengthen the Body.
While record-keeping from the war was spotty at best, it’s commonly believed that Pilates found the basis for his spring-based resistance equipment during the war when working with bedridden, injured soldiers by tying sheets onto the bed springs for resistance training. Regardless of his inspiration, today we benefit from his experiments by working on the Reformer, Cadillac, and Chair. This innovative equipment offers us a multitude of ways to personalize the exercises and meet individual needs.
Benefit of Pilates
We already know the benefits of Pilates are vast. There is mounting research that Pilates supports a number of pathologies, postural issues, and is an effective strengthening modality for bodies at any age and stage. Some of the physical benefits of a Pilates practice include:
Strength
Stability
Flexibility
Mobility
Balance
The principles that Joseph Pilates developed have held true. There is deep truth in how we organize and use our bodies and Pilates is a system that is efficient, effective, and safe. The principles can be applied to every human body at every age and stage of life.
Pilates can be done in its most basic form gently and simply. As ability, strength, and coordination increase, we can add complexity and more challenging exercises. Anyone who wants increased core and overall strength, fewer injuries, better coordination, and better muscle function can and should do Pilates. When you practice these exercises regularly, you can take them to other parts of your life, including your other fitness routines, hobbies you love, and the activities of life. Pilates will bring ease, strength, and balance into your body.
“If your spine is inflexibly stiff at 30 you are old. If it is completely flexible at 60 you are young.”
—Joseph Pilates
The Basics: A 4-Part Pilates Series to Get Started
As you prepare to build a Pilates movement system for yourself, it’s important to start at the beginning to build the vocabulary and understand the concepts. As you feel them in your own body you will start to connect to the organization of the movements. Advanced athletes may be able to jump into an advanced class and be able to do the movements, but without the basics their benefits will be limited by a lack of understanding. With a goal to build strength, ease, and mobility in our bodies, Elaine has laid out the foundation of the system in 4 parts: Breathing, Abdominals, Spinal Mobility, and Strength.
https://youtu.be/OIfFXox_Q-A
Pilates Basics Part 1: Breathing
Pilates is a mindful movement practice with guided breathing principles. Joseph Pilates is known for saying that “…above all, learn how to breathe correctly.” Connecting our breath with movement is foundational to organizing the musculoskeletal system and can help us improve circulation, reduce stress, improve concentration, and support a balanced nervous system. These help us move through the day with ease.
https://youtu.be/CaSigj_dMUg
Pilates Basics Part 2: Abdominals
In Part 1, we learned how breathing connects to our movement, particularly our abdominal connection. Now we will challenge and strengthen this connection to support the trunk against the movement of the legs for a healthy back. These layers of exercise will challenge your stability and mobility and can then be applied to anything you love to do, with the goal of feeling energized in our day.
https://youtu.be/54hTvbXvicI
Pilates Basics Part 3: Spinal Mobility
Part 3 of our Pilates series will show us how we use the breath and the abdominal connection to support moving the spine in all directions. In Pilates, we connect our breathing to movement in class so out in the world our bodies feel strong and supported without a lot of formal effort. We’re practicing for the activities of daily life.
https://youtu.be/b9MH1GdxZpA
Pilates Basics Part 4: Strength
It’s time to layer the principles of Pilates as we create an embodied strength and understanding of our own unique structure and function. Pilates will build strength through the center of the body—commonly referred to as our core—and into the periphery, developing strong arms and legs. This moves your body in a way that can build real strength for you to do the work of life.
What to Expect in A Pilates Class
Now that you’ve experienced the foundation of Pilates, let’s get you ready to join us in a regular class! At MOVE, we level our classes as Gentle/Intro, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Advanced. Our movement experts and concierge service will connect you with the class that’s right for you. We generally suggest our clients start with a Gentle or Level 1 class until they feel secure in the basics and pace of movement. Even our elite athletes start with Level 1 to learn the basics! This foundation will help you feel the depth of this movement system and get the most out of our classes.
Some concepts you will generally explore in a Pilates class.
Breathing. It’s so important to connect to muscular activation of tissues. We inhale to fill the lungs completely and expand the diaphragm to help the transverse abdominis and pelvic floor muscles expand, and exhale completely for an efficient exchange of oxygen. We’re building the interoceptive sense and understanding the sensation of what’s happening in the body. Breathing optimally brings tone to the deep support structures of the trunk.
Breathing and moving. How we combine breathing and movement depends on the level of the class, age and stage of life, desired outcomes of the teacher, equipment used, and whether the class is based on the classic exercises or creative interpretation. All Pilates classes have a theme or goal that the teacher is supporting.
Mobilizing your spine in all planes of motion. Pilates will bring you through rotation or flexion, extension, and lateral flexion. We’ll bring ease and movement to all the joints of the spine in all planes of motion. Working on a mat, you’ll organize your abdominals to stabilize the pelvis against the movement of the legs. Bringing ease of movement to the pelvis will bring balance of movement into the spine. It’s all connected!
Challenging your body with all relationships to gravity. You’ll move on your back, belly, all-fours, seated, plank, standing, and using increasingly longer levers to challenge yourself. Class will flow through all of those positions. As we stabilize the pelvis against movement of the legs, our core will support us. Think of the body as a system. We will target the whole system to move optimally, not just one muscle.
Work at the level right for you. All of this work will be done within the level that’s right for your body, and your age and stage of life. Pilates offers something for everyone and every body. We will optimize your body for what you love to do in life and bring ease and balance to support you. It’s about more than being defined by just musculature—it’s thinking about fitness as resilience.
MOVE YouTube Channel: Always open to explore at your convenience, these videos are available to anyone. Exciting new content is added regularly. Choose one video or mix and match your own workout.
“In 10 sessions you’ll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you’ll see the difference, and in 30 sessions you’ll have a whole new body”.
—Joseph PIlates
You CAN start now.
Still have questions? Give us a call at 734-224-2560 or email office@movewellness.com. Let us get you started on your personal Pilates journey today!
Say you ride your bike to and from work, but sit for most of the day at work and log a couple of hours on the couch in the evening. Some researchers call this the “Active Couch Potato” and stress that even though you might be reaching your daily exercise quota, it doesn’t outweigh the “deleterious health consequences of prolonged sitting time.”
The call to MOVE more
Simply put, our bodies are not meant to be still for long periods. I know I am oversimplifying, but I think of it like this: The body is a comprehensive system which operates on the basis of circulation to stimulate the various systems and tissues to keep you healthy. Circulation is stimulated by movement. When our hearts beat faster, we increase circulation, and when we are still, circulation slows down (sort of like when your hand or foot “falls asleep”).
These are two extreme cases, but imagine your liver or kidneys slowing down from poor circulation. Now imagine that cumulative effect over months or years and it’s easier to see how our “system” for optimal health can be compromised by being sedentary.
Taking frequent movement breaks is one part of the answer. Current recommendations vary from moving once every 20 minutes to once every hour at a minimum
Genetic vs. cultural posture (A.K.A. Ouch, my back hurts!)
As a Pilates and GYROTONIC® Exercise trainer, I see the impact of prolonged sitting on the human body all the time. At my studio, one of the first questions we ask clients when they meet us for the first session is how long they sit. If we know that they’re sitting the majority of the day (or standing with bad posture), we expect to hear and see some or all of the following effects of sitting too long:
Low back pain from the compressive forces on the spine and the position of the pelvis while seated.
Shoulder or rotator cuff issues from “computer posture” pulling your shoulders forward and changing the alignment of the shoulder joint.
Neck strain from alignment issues in the spine and adjusting the eyes to see a screen or phone.
Weak muscles in the upper back from “computer posture.”
Tight and short hip flexors, which can play a role in low back pain.
Each of us has a unique skeleton, which I call our “genetic posture.” Our genetic posture plays a role in the impact of sitting on our skeletal muscles and alignment. If you combine this genetic posture with our “cultural posture” or lifestyle (i.e. what we do all day and love to do for movement) you can see that creating a movement plan unique to you requires some intentional planning and understanding of yourself.
A three-step solution to sitting too much
1. Reduce
Think honestly about how long you sit each day. Include car trips, commuting, desk time and end-of-day relaxation. See if there are natural ways to break up the time you spend sedentary, and then decide how often you will commit to getting up and moving around. Add reminders in your phone or computer.
If you’re an evening sitter, perhaps you add one small movement activity then. Here in Ann Arbor, there’s no way an evening walk appeals to me in winter, but I commit to moving around my home more. If I can, I schedule a couple of extra evening exercise classes each week until the weather warms up.
2. Strategize
Focusing on some key areas of your body with specific exercises can help you mitigate the effects of sitting on your spine, shoulders, hips and back. Below are simple stretches that are safe to repeat throughout your day to help keep your postural muscles active and your body balanced. Be sure to include a well-rounded workout routine that includes mobility, strength and cardio-training.
3. Vary
Vary your position throughout the day. If you can, stand (with good posture!) for part of your work day and shift your weight gently to keep moving. You may love to do something like running, dance, yoga or walking, so bring more of it into your life. If movement is tough because of an ache or a pain, see your doctor to get some support. Quite often, adding a regular mindful movement program like Pilates—which builds mobility, flexibility, and strength—can help you unravel your issues and keep you safe and injury-free.
Easy Activity Breaks After Sitting Too Long
We’re sharing a short video with 9 exercises perfect for maintaining movement throughout your spine. Once you are familiar with these exercises, you can effortlessly vary your routine. Use the exercises separately to insert feel-good breaks for your mind and body as needed throughout the day. Be sure that one or more of your daily breaks includes a brisk walk!
https://youtu.be/58QVNdiFfyI
Positive effects to last a lifetime
Taking time and care to move during the day will create positive effects over a lifetime and help you continue to be active in ways that you love. Ready for more? Visit our YouTube Channel for a variety of workout options or register for one of our livestream classes.
Elaine Economou is co-founder, President & CEO of MOVE Wellness Studios Fitness & Wellness, located in Ann Arbor, MI. Elaine holds certification through the Pilates Method Alliance, STOTT PILATES and the GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® Methods. She has received additional training as a Wellcoaches™ trained Wellness Coach and TRX Suspension Trainer and Total Barre Instructor.
https://www.movewellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/home-office-5190504_1920.jpg12811920ijtdevhttp://www.movewellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/MOVE-Wellness-Website-Logo.pngijtdev2020-07-23 13:00:002024-05-21 14:57:029 Exercises for People Who Sit All Day
Join MOVE’s Online Fitness Classes for at Home Pilates Workouts
Benefits of At Home Pilates
We already know the benefits of Pilates are vast. There is mounting research that Pilates supports a number of pathologies, postural issues, and is an effective strengthening modality for bodies at any age and stage. Some of the physical benefits of a Pilates practice includes increased core strength, stability, flexibility, and mobility.
In addition, Pilates is a mindful movement practice with guided breathing principles. Joseph Pilates is known for saying that “…above all, learn how to breathe correctly.” Connecting our breath with movement can help us improve circulation, reduce stress, improve concentration, and support a balanced nervous system. All of these benefits are important now more than ever to help us move through the day with ease.
During the pandemic, we saw our in-studio community successfully transition to an online community. We closed the physical doors to the studio on March 16, 2020 and started offering online fitness classes the very next day. MOVE trainers are now livestreaming over 50 classes every week. With our expanded schedule we hope that our MOVE community will spread the word about MOVE to friends and family across the country. Our lineup includes not only all levels of Pilates but also barre, yoga, GYROKINESIS®, the Franklin Method, and HIIT classes. We are fully committed to our online livestream classes and to keeping our community moving at home for the foreseeable future.
Can Pilates be done at home for core strength?
We all love the fancy machines we have in the studio, but you don’t need expensive equipment to practice Pilates at home. When Joseph Pilates created Pilates in the early 1920s he was focused simply on the body and breathwork. The Pilates equipment came years after the Pilates matwork.
Matwork provides the strength and foundation for all of the movements done on the Pilates Reformer, Cadillac, and Chair. Every March, the Pilates community goes back to Joseph’s roots and celebrates the original 34 mat exercises with March MATness. Although MOVE’s March MATness challenge was paused this year, many of us had really gotten into a groove of working on matwork in-studio. We’ve transitioned this practice to home and we know our clients are feeling it!
“The livestream classes have been amazing, and a great way to feel productive and in control at a time where little else seems that way! As a member who has moved out of the area, I’ve also really enjoyed re-connecting with the MOVE instructors and community.”
—Rena H.
Setting Up Your Pilates at Home Studio
Basics for Your Home Studio Setup
To set up a home Pilates studio, you’ll need a few basic pieces of equipment and a dedicated space. Here are some tips to get you started:
Invest in a good-quality yoga mat that provides grip and cushioning.
Find a quiet and peaceful space with plenty of natural light.
Set up a mirror to help you check your form and alignment.
Use a Pilates reformer or sliders to add variety to your workouts.
Wear comfortable and breathable clothing that allows for a full range of motion.
Keep a water bottle and towel nearby to stay hydrated and comfortable during your workouts.
Remember, the key to a successful home Pilates studio is to create a space that is comfortable, convenient, and free from distractions. With the right equipment and mindset, you can enjoy Pilates in the comfort of your own home.
Creating a dedicated space for your Pilates routine will help you stay consistent and motivated, making it easier to integrate Pilates exercises into your daily life.
Pilates workouts you can do at home
MOVE Co-Founder Elaine Economou suggests we think about movement with the mantra “take your vitamins”. A great place to start moving at home is with a movement vitamin in the form of gentle warm ups and simple exercises. Consistent practice is key to feeling changes in your body.
These essential exercises are a strong foundation to a home Pilates practice. With any form of exercise, it’s important to know your limits and practice within your personal abilities. When you’re ready to build on these basics, we offer several options for movement.
Our YouTube Channel offers video workouts ranging from 10 to 30 minutes with a variety of Pilates, barre, cardio, and stretching options. Check them out and subscribe to our channel if you haven’t already. We’re constantly working on adding new content.
Virtual Private sessions are a great option where you can practice with one of our excellent trainers. MOVE trainers can help you deepen your Pilates practice by safely layering in harder or more complex exercises or helping guide you through modifications suitable for your specific body.
Livestream Group Fitness is a great way to bring variety and fun into your workouts. We have more than 10 weekly class options on the schedule with unlimited monthly memberships available.
What do I need for Pilates at home?
The short answer? A tech device to stream your class on and a Zoom link. All livestream Pilates classes can be done with just a yoga or Pilates mat and a bath towel. While the basic workout doesn’t require extra tools, other Pilates workouts might incorporate items like resistance bands or specific props to enhance the exercises and ensure proper alignment. For more information, including fun props to layer in or household prop-swaps, read our article Livestream at MOVE: What Do I Need for Class?
Pilates can be adapted to home practice with ease. Think about where in your home you can really connect to your body free of noise and distractions, if possible. Choose a space where you have room to place a mat and extend your body at different angles. When you’re in class, don’t forget to listen to your body. If an exercise doesn’t feel right for you, skip it. If you know a modification, try that instead. You can always skip the current exercise and do your favorite stretch, grab a drink, or simply tune into your breathing as you wait for the next exercise.
Who can take online fitness classes?
Anybody… and everybody! At any fitness level, Pilates is an effective and safe way to increase your flexibility, develop your core, and release tension. The exercises are designed to layer and build on each other as the student learns the foundational principles.
In any session or class your trainer will aim to move you through all possible planes of movement of the spine. Trainers will include exercises that move the spine forward and back, sideways, and rotating into a spiral. You will also be taught to stabilize your spine and pelvis using your core. It’s all about building a well-rounded movement routine that supports strength and muscle balance.
At MOVE, we’ve organized classes into six levels: Gentle, Intro, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Advanced. If you’re brand new to the studio, feel free to drop us an email so we can help you find your best fit.
Register for an online fitness class today!
Ready to join us online? We have both monthly memberships and single class pricing. We’re committed to keeping our community connected and moving together and we hope you’ll join us.
Make sure that you have a device that can connect to the internet: smartphone (Android, iPhone), computer (Laptop, desktop), or other devices (tablet, iPad).
You will get an email or calendar invite from MOVE inviting you to a Zoom meeting.
Click the link to join
If you have not previously downloaded Zoom, you will see this screen. Click on download & run Zoom.
Click on the downloaded zoom.pkg
You do not need to allow Zoom to access Files in the download folder
Follow the instructions to complete the installation
Open Zoom when it’s download is complete and allow it to use the camera and microphone
This is the screen when Zoom has been opened.
If you already have Zoom you should be able to click the meeting link and open Zoom immediately. Enter in the name you wish to be viewed during the meeting. Please start the meeting with no video or audio. This will allow for a better connection to the video and audio being streamed from Move.
You will see the screen below if you enter the meeting before the trainer starts the class. Once the trainer has entered the meeting, the audio and video will begin.
If you think you are going to need help setting up Zoom or will have any questions, please call in and we can help you walk through the process. You are also welcome to peruse Zoom’s FAQs page.
Still have questions? Email office@movewellness.com for support. We can even set up a practice session if needed before your class.
All live stream content is property of MOVE Wellness and should not be recorded. Clients can subscribe to MOVE’s YouTube page to be alerted as we post free online content.
https://www.movewellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_5411-scaled-1.jpg25602560ijtdevhttp://www.movewellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/MOVE-Wellness-Website-Logo.pngijtdev2020-03-21 21:02:192023-12-03 20:24:51Zooming into Livestream Fitness: Getting Started
Visit our Getting Started with Zoom page for a full tutorial.
When should I join class?
Click the Zoom meeting link and join the class about 5 minutes before class to troubleshoot any technical difficulties.
What do I do if I get stuck in the “waiting room”?
Wait a few seconds to give time for being admitted into the meeting, and if not resolved then email the office (office@movewellness.com) or call us at (734) 224-2560.
What do I do if I get kicked out of a meeting?
Click on the Zoom link again and our tech support will let you back in.
What do I need for class?
All classes can be done with just a yoga or pilates mat and a bath towel. MOVE has prop kits containing a blue toning ball and theraband available upon request.
Instructors will remind you of what props you might want at the beginning of class. Instructors can always provide modifications or suggest substitutions if you don’t have these props available.
This is for technical reasons because Zoom shows the person making the loudest noise on the main screen. This way the instructor will stay on the main screen and any client background noise (kids, animals, phone alerts) will not disturb other clients.
You can request to be unmuted if you have a question and the trainer will get an alert.
You can do this by hitting the chat icon or by “raising your hand” function.
For private training sessions, the trainer can leave you unmuted the whole time since there are only two of you.
How do I “raise my hand” to get the instructor’s attention?
Once you are in the meeting, click on the participants icon (either on the bottom or the top of the screen). Another panel will open displaying everyone. At the bottom, you can click “raise hand.” This will put up a blue hand icon. You can also lower your hand.
Do I have to turn the video on for class?
If you do not wish to have other clients able to see you via video during class that is totally fine. You can join a Zoom meeting with audio only. Just keep in mind the instructor will not be able to see you to offer modifications.
What else should I be mindful of?
If you are using your camera, consider if you stay in frame whether standing or lying down and if you prefer to be front or side-facing to the camera.
Be aware of surroundings:
Carpet or rugs could become a tripping hazard (especially if wearing shoes);
Props should be nearby but not hindering movement
Chairs or tables may slide
If using a chair or table to get up from the ground, be careful not to use it to pull yourself up. Instead think of pressing down rather than away/toward you.
Listen to your body. If an exercise doesn’t feel right for you today, please skip it. If you know a modification, please do it instead. You can always skip the current exercise and do your favorite stretch, grab a drink, or simply catch your breath as you wait for the next exercise.
Gyms have come a long way in the last couple decades. Big, beautiful facilities with pretty reasonable fees and equipped with all the bells and whistles: pool, steam room, hot tub, indoor tracks, child care, snack bars, and cardio equipment for miles, complete with a tiny personal tv for your viewing pleasure. So then, why do so many people seem to be turning to local boutique fitness studios for their personal health and wellness needs? It may come down to that one simple word: personal.
It was a big, lovely facility serving somewhere around 2,500 members and had every amenity and piece of gym equipment you could possibly desire. The warm, cushy seating area with fireplace, coupled with the snack bar and daycare, gave me a place to safely park my young boys for an hour while I taught class. The gym staff and management were personable and caring toward all of the members and I loved how often I ran into friends and fellow community members there.
For many people, the affordability of the membership and convenience of the full-service facility were a perfect solution for exercise classes and personal fitness options. And yet, there were two primary things that kept nagging at me as I observed the hundreds of members moving through their daily routines there over the years: 1) They were all being handed a one-size-fits-all fitness solution and 2) None of them seemed meaningfully connected to their own bodies and wellness while there.
Fitness studios built for you
Any physical movement should be enjoyable. Even if you’re challenging yourself and focusing on weight loss or strength training, you still need to enjoy what you’re doing and want to keep doing it in order to accomplish your goals.
Most days, when I would walk through the cardio and equipment areas at my gym, I’d see person after person looking somewhat pained and even unhappy as they went about their treadmill routine or circuit training all in the name of personal well-being and health. I’d also see lots of little things that I could easily help them adjust or correct in order to keep them safe, help them maximize their workouts, and understand how their bodies were supposed to feel while doing that work correctly. But the rhythm and environment of those larger gym spaces aren’t really set up for that kind of one-on-one support and guidance.
As someone who grew up dancing and learned to love moving my body at an early age, I decided that I could offer people something better. While we teach specific movement practices like Pilates, yoga, GYROKINESIS® and GYROTONIC® at our studio, the goal is to use those forms to empower people of any age and fitness level to be strong, healthy and capable of moving in ways that make them happy—walking, running, gardening, crafting, dancing, morel mushroom foraging, or whatever it may be.
Further, I wanted to create a space for people who wanted to be empowered in that way. A smaller fitness studio is designed for people who want to know why certain things are hurting or affecting their lives in the ways that they are, and get expert help in unraveling those issues and developing a better understanding of what safe, strong, effective activity and exercise should feel like.
In that spirit, here are a few key things to consider when deciding if a large gym or boutique fitness studio is right for you:
Fitness memberships: Cost vs. value
The affordability of a traditional gym membership is of course one of the primary reasons that many people choose larger centers. However, the only reason those centers are able to offer those reasonable membership fees is because their business model relies on as many as 50% of their members never actually coming to the gym. Yes, you’re going to pay a little more for a membership at a smaller fitness studio. But, as is the case with so many other things that really matter in life (like your health), you get what you pay for.
When you choose a boutique studio, you’re paying for personalized service and a depth of expertise that you simply won’t get at a big gym. Smaller studios typically hire stronger caliber instructors and trainers, many of whom have the advanced training and education to address the needs of people recovering from injuries and surgeries or with conditions like osteoporosis. Many small studios like ours also spend time cultivating close relationships with fellow healthcare providers and local experts to offer you a more comprehensive network of wellness support.
Small group training vs. large fitness class size
Yes, when you just want to go move your body, have some fun and not really worry about what you’re doing and why, a room full of people with loud music can be a lot of fun. And those kind of fitness classes have their place. But when it comes to technique, proper form, personal goals and safe movement principles, smaller class sizes with six to eight people are where you want to be.
Movement systems like Pilates and GYROKINESIS®, and even yoga, are only effective if instructors have the time and space to connect with you individually and clearly communicate the fundamentals of those exercises. Smaller class sizes are efficient. They help get you moving correctly and feeling stronger more quickly. In a nutshell: They help you move and work smarter, not harder.
A fitness plan with structure and accountability
Despite good intentions and the best efforts, larger gyms are not equipped to offer personal accountability for their members. To really offer that personalized support and connection that most of us need, trainers need time to listen to you and to get to know your individual body, needs, and lifestyle. While a large gym may offer variety and convenience, including personal training, they are not designed to help you create a customized fitness routine and wellness plan and support you as you progress toward individual goals or adjust accordingly as your needs change.
Small wellness studios create meaningful community
For the last several years, countless scientific studies have confirmed that longevity and social interaction are connected. Loneliness and lack of community are now considered major risk factors for our long term health and wellness. And while larger fitness clubs and gyms can and do offer plenty of opportunities to see and be around other people, those interactions aren’t always as deep and meaningful as they could be.
In some cases, a larger fitness center catering to hundreds of people of all ages and types can feel like more of a quantity versus quality type experience. Whereas smaller boutique studios often shape their business models and services around creating meaningful interaction between trainers and clients and rich community among those clients.
Doing what’s right for you and your body
You know yourself better than anybody. And you deserve fitness and wellness solutions that work for you. And the reality is that what may work for you today, may not be what worked for you five or 10 years ago, or what will work for you five or 10 years from now.
Take the time to assess what you have going on, what your needs are, what your goals are, what your lifestyle is like right now. Take the time to research the options available to you. Swing by and visit the gyms and studios near you, talk to the people who work there, the people who are members there, and see which fit is right for you.
Ready to get your own personal fitness plan rolling?
https://www.movewellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/89F1079D-8026-49F1-8573-5966E79E595F-scaled-1.jpg19202560ijtdevhttp://www.movewellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/MOVE-Wellness-Website-Logo.pngijtdev2019-11-27 00:58:292023-12-03 20:24:50Boutique fitness studio or gym?
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