The Movement Studio Pilates

Sixten Jernberg won 134 of the 363 races that he participated in between 1952-64. Here he is seen at the 1964 Winter Olympics

Today is a big day, the last day of the Olympics and the gold medal match between Canada and the U.S in men’s hockey. No matter the outcome, it’s been quite the experience being in this city these last two weeks. And while I’m looking forward to having things return to normal (mostly just so it’s easier to schedule clients at The Movement Studio!), everyone in Canada should be very proud of our athletes and the thankful to the rest of the world for allowing us to show off our beautiful city and host a really great competition.

If there could be one legacy of these games and the acheivements of the athletes from the world over, it would be great if they inspire people to lead healthy and fit lifestyles. Staying in shape doesn’t have to be competitive (my favorite thing in the world to do is throw a frisbee back and forth — no winners and no losers in that activity!) and it could be as simple as going for a walk in the evenings and replacing high-fat snack foods with carrots and celery.

Olympic athletes are obviously in their prime physical condition but “healthy” ranges from person to person. We are lucky to live in a city that has great selection for outdoor activity and that has studios and facilities that make a healthy lifestyle accessible to everyone. The Movement Studio is proud to play a positive role in keeping people fit and flexible.

We offer mat and apparatus classes to everyone and anyone who is willing to make Pilates a part of their fitness routine — give us a call at 604.732.9055 or email us at info (at) themovementstudio (dot) com to book your appointment today.

The women’s hockey team just won the gold medal game to finish up that competition for the next four years — congratulations to all the women from all the countries that participated who worked so hard to get here.

On a non-Olympics-related note, there was a great article in the Jamaica Observer today that looked at lower back pain and the power of Pilates to help strengthen and eventually decrease back pain. The article says:

“Lower back pain is most commonly caused by trauma. The trauma can arise from poor technique in lifting, exercising or moving, and also as a result of poor posture. It is mostly treated on and off for long extensive periods of time with rest, and medication for short-term relief, but it can go on for years.”

It goes on to say that Pilates targets the small muscles that support your spine, thereby retraining it to be able to protect itself.

“Pilates-based exercises are great resources to help you to strengthen your pelvic floor, which strengthens and stabilises your spine and your abdominals. This improves postural awareness and support for lifting and moving, which reduces the incidence of injury and re-injury to your back.”

It also lists a set of Pilates movements that have had great results in helping practitioners shape up their backs including: The Hundreds, Swan Dive and Cobra.

The Movement Studio has a number of Well Back classes that run for this very purpose — to give clients the foundation they need to heal back trauma and pain. If you’d like to find out more, give us a call at 604.732.9055 or email us at info (at) themovementstudio (dot) ca

Last night was an exciting night with our Canadian ice dancers winning another gold for us — congratulations to Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir.

I was speaking to a former Olympic athlete recently and the “Own the Podium” campaign came up. He competed in Salt Lake City during the first games that Canada was making a push for medals, and we discussed whether the campaign does more to inspire athletes to do their best or scare them with too much pressure. If anything, it’s clear that “Own the Podium” changes the dialogue of the sport to some degree.

Medals are always the ultimate showpiece for this competition but now personal bests, community building and accute physical conditioning as goals are overshadowed. Is this just the way that sport is going because athletes plus technology are taking them to new heights, or are we, as observers forgetting why people do this in the first place?

The buzz will be going on for a few more days and the conversations and debates about the positive and negative aspects of the Olympics will(hopefully) go on for a long time after. In the meantime, Canada’s men’s team is taking to the ice against Germany today — let’s hope that Luongo in net will boost their confidence after the intense and ultimately disappointing game on Sunday.

No one can say that these games have played out perfectly but one thing that’s been top-notch is the beautiful sunshine we’re getting. It gives people a chance to see how incredible this city is and how dramatic the mountain/ocean combo is. Not to mention the crocuses, daffodils and cherry blossoms we’re seeing.

Today’s a big day with Canada meeting the U.S in men’s hockey – good luck if you’re going downtown for celebrations. I can’t imagine what the finals are going to be like (and yes, we’ll get to the finals)!

Check back here for updates and insights, and don’t forget: things at The Movement Studio are going on as usual, there are classes and private sessions available from our experienced and dedicated instructors. AND there has been major progress on our renovations with beautiful new flooring and a new washroom and changeroom in the works. Call us at 604.732.9055 or email us at info (at) themovementstudio (dot) ca

Canada is celebrating its third gold medal today — congratulations to speed skater Christine Nesbitt for takin first place in the 1, 000 m race today at the Richmond Oval.

The Richmond Oval will be one of the guaranteed positive legacies of these games. Designed by Bob Johnston and built on budget (178 million) and opening on time (in December, 2008), the building has received high accolades for being environmentally sensitive (LEED silver certification) and multi-functional. The complex will hopefully have a long life and inspire and be a great training hub for many young athletes.

In other news, hockey is back on tonight. And while everyone is excited for the game against Switzerland, we all know that the Canada vs. U.S game on Sunday is going to be the one to watch. And there are so many venues to take in the events — at home, at a pub, your computer with CTV’s high quality stream, free screens downtown, one of the pavillions, through the windows at the Bay! The city is buzzing, to say the least.

Hope you’re staying safe and having fun!

Men’s hockey is on as I blog — I predict a win for the Canadians that are up 4 — 0 at the beginning of the third period.

It’s been an exciting few days in the city with the torch finally getting to its destination and the Games officially starting. The city’s been loud and busy but as Canadians start bringing in the medals, you can feel the pride in the air. Of course, we wish the best for all the athletes that are here and in Whistler competing for medals or for personal bests — it’s all very exciting to watch.

The Movement Studio is still running classes and is busy as ever during these next couple of weeks — whether you’re training for a competition or working on personal goals, Pilates is a great place to start. You’ll be impressed and feel a growing confidence as you watch your body get stronger, leaner and who knows? Maybe even Olympic-ready one day!

Give us a call at 604.732.9055 or email info (at) themovementstudio (dot) ca and Go Canada Go!

Check out our video of the Olympic Torch passing by our Pilates studio!

On February 11th the 2010 Olympic Torch passed by Pilates at The Movement Studio.  It was relayed to torch bearer #253 who did a little jig with the previous bearer before carrying on the torch down 4th Avenue.  We even spotted one of our clients on a float.  It’s the last day of the relay before the 2010 Winter Olympic games get under way! 

The torch is making it’s way through Vancouver today and tomorrow when it finally reaches its destination at the official opening ceremonies of the 2010 Olympic Games. Like ‘em or lump ‘em, the past few years of planning and building, training and perfecting culminate in these coming weeks.

The torch is as iconic as the rings themselves and it rallies up sopport and excitement from across the country. It travels 45, 000 km over the course of 106 days until it comes right under the windows of The Movement Studio tonight! Interestingly, running and Pilates are also intricately tied. Many runners use Pilates to build strength and endurance, prevent injury and increase flexibility and The Movement Studio offers classes specifically for those who enjoy a good jog.

Here’s a map of where the torch is heading as it goes through Kitsilano.

And here’s our information if you’d like to make an appointment for classes: 604.732.9055 or info (at) themovementstudio (dot) ca

.

.

.

With the Olympics starting this week (!) and the torch finally coming through Vancouver, there is cause for concern that people won’t be able to make it to their Pilates classes at The Movement Studio or find parking when they do.

There is ample parking around the studio, even if 4th Ave is closed to street parking. You can park for free (for an hour — just the length of a Pilates class!) underneath Capers right beside us. Then take the elevator up, you hardly even have to go outside.

There is also free parking on the residential streets surrounding us – from 8th Ave down to 1st Ave, as well as on the north-south running streets like Yew, Vine and Arbutus.

In order to avoid the Olympic torch, here’s a map of where it will be going on Thursday, Feb 11. And here’s a handy interactive map to track where the torch (and crowds) are at all times.

And besides athletic events, the city is going to be hosting lots of activities that won’t break the bank. Here’s a great website that tells you how to enjoy the Olympics on a budget.

The Movement Studio will be running regular classes throughout February and March so give us a call to sign up for Private lessons or group apparatus classes: 604.32.9055 or email us at info (at) themovementstudio (dot) com