Form and Alignment Through Pilates by Shawn Grow Words from Pilates devotees are a testament to the wide-reaching impact this exercise can have: “When I first started practicing Pilates at Grow-Fit Studios, I relied on a walker; after three months of practice, I was walking steadily on my own.” “I am measurably taller from doing Pilates and more conscious of how I stand and sit. My gratitude runs deep for Grow-Fit Studio.” For those unfamiliar with Pilates, founder Joseph Pilates described it best: “The complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit.” Every Pilates session at Grow-Fit Studio focuses on the entire body. By concentrating on form and alignment, we learn to work in a balanced and symmetrical way. Quality of movement (not quantity) is the emphasis of Pilates workouts. Pilates teaches us how to be in the moment. Its breathing technique
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Yoga & Spa Magazine • Spring 2015
enables us to utilize our core to center and balance ourselves. GrowFit Studio in Town & Country is an ideal place to begin or continue growing in mind/body connection through fitness. One unique element of the studio is the 45-minute interval-training classes grounded in Pilates principles. As many as four clients participate in a class, so personal attention and correction of form are possible. As our awareness broadens with Pilates movements, it carries over to our daily life. Attention to breath and mind brings calmness and fluidity to movement and reduces tension. Pilates helps to create a body that can stretch and bend to meet the daily demands and flow of life. Best of all, after a Pilates session, we don’t have to leave behind what we learned – we take it with us wherever we go. Shawn Grow is owner of Grow-Fit Pilates & Fitness Studio in Town & Country. Grow is a certified Stott Pilates instructor with eight years teaching experience. More information at grow-fit.com, by email at shawn@grow-fit.com or by calling 314-699-6024.