Blog

Thoughts and tips about the world of Pilates, from the experts at Pacific Northwest Pilates in Portland, Oregon

Home Tip: Glute Progressions

By Leslie Braverman | August 21, 2019

Is it difficult for you to find your gluteals? Try this great progression:   1. Heel squeeze prone with a … Read more

Home Tip: Four reasons for the Flex-Bandยฎ

By Leslie Braverman | August 21, 2019

Like salt in soup, the flexband is essential to any studio or home-based Pilates routine. It’s light, easy to pack … Read more

Raise the Barre

By Leslie Braverman | June 25, 2019

Instructors who know and love STOTT PILATESยฎ will find Total Barreยฎ to be a refreshing way to integrate functional, dynamic … Read more

Pilates for Life | Running

By Leslie Braverman | March 25, 2019

The month of March in Portlandโ€”whether sunny or soakedโ€”heralds clouds of pink-blossomed trees, flowering bulbs and budding runners. Portlanders ready … Read more

Spot the Difference | Hip Rolls

By Leslie Braverman | March 1, 2019

Hip Rolls on the Pilates Reformer is a favorite for promoting fluid, articulated movement of the spine, opening up the … Read more

What Melanie Loves: Spinal Rotation

By Leslie Braverman | February 28, 2019

Love it BUT don’t leave it. Spinal rotation in all its forms is one of Melanie’s most useful movement tools … Read more

Spot the Difference | Spine Twist Sitting

By Leslie Braverman | February 12, 2019

Spine Twist Sitting is an essential STOTT PILATES exercise. It teaches a client how to rotate well through the thoracic … Read more

Spot the Difference | Standing Thigh Stretch

By Leslie Braverman | February 5, 2019

Standing Thigh Stretch is a modification frequently used for clients to reduce pressure on the knees. This starting positionโ€”with the … Read more

What’s Pulling You Down?

By Leslie Braverman | January 24, 2019

๏ปฟ What’s pulling you down? In clients with head forward posture, Melanie identifies three key areas in the body that … Read more

Ski Conditioning on Reformer

By Leslie Braverman | January 17, 2019

Fresh powder means it’s time to hit the slopes. Melanie Byford-Young and studio guest star, Jacquelyn Dokke demonstrate a ski … Read more

Osteoporosis Strengthening of the Hip, Leg, and Foot

By Leslie Braverman | January 10, 2019

Uh-oh. Avoid tripping this year. Fall prevention is crucial for clients with osteoporosis who are more susceptible to bone injury. … Read more

Muscle Focus: Erector Spinae

By Leslie Braverman | January 3, 2019

Elongate the erector spinae and start the new year with fresh movement inspiration. Melanie’s focus today is on the erector … Read more