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A Pilates Lifestyle

Written by Gina Jackson

Sunday, 08 October 2006

The Sept/Oct 2006 issue of PilatesStyle Magazine features an interview with Bob Liekens, the Senior Director of Teacher Training at Power Pilates, the studio and training facility I call home.

The article is well worth a read for all you Pilates enthusiasts, as Bob, an international name in Pilates Training, is crisp and clean in his thought and in his style of teaching. He works really hard to honor the integrity, precision and quality of teaching the Pilates Method. While I have had the pleasure of occassionally working out in and near him while he is training others (we share a smile, a laugh or a wink and an occasional correction during an exericse) I am still (after a year) trying to book a semi-private session with him - the man moves around a lot!

Back to the article and the reason for bringing up his name is the resonance I felt with his comment in the last half of the printed interview when asked, what a Pilates lifestyle meant to him," Bob replied,

"Being aware of living in a body and enjoying the physicality of the life experience.

"Being aware of living in a body and enjoying the physicality of the life experience. It means being aware of the responsiblity you have toward your body. Don't say "I have back trouble" or " I have knee trouble" and then just take medications or leave the responsiblity to a doctor.

Take care of your body and do what you can to prevent these issues. If you move (and I add when you move) you just feel better, which helps you deal with your mental and emotional balance. So just get out there and please enjoy life. The problem is too many people take their bodies for granted and then can do nothing but complain when something goes wrong. Be aware of what you're eating and how you're breathing, be aware of the steps you take, and choose quality over quantity."

He goes on, "Unfortunately, in America, it's quantity over quality. Of course, on the other hand, don't be a gym nut. That's not healthy either. After all, Joe Pilates liked his cigars and whiskey too."

It felt good to read my own thoughts and mantra coming from him. Many of my clients have heard me utter the same words to them for my training advice is to live life fully - it is too short not to - and to work fully and consciously thru your training so that the living feels alive. When you do, you can feel good about the glass of wine, the piece of apple pie and an occassional shot of whiskey. At the end of it all, you have earned the right to experience it!

Please enjoy the article, the magazine and remember the mantra the next time you are working out!