Tag Archive for: osteoporosis prevention

We’d like you to meet Amy!

Amy SmileyAmy Smiley, Age 62

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOU

I spent most of my life in California, with a short stint in Sweden in the 1970s. My degrees are in Chemical Engineering and I worked in the biotech industry once I got out of graduate school. I loved working in such a new field at the time. As the family grew, I decided to quit my paid job and stay home with the children. As time went on I realized I needed a creative outlet and took up Plein air painting (with the same fantastic friend who introduced me to Teresaā€™s classes!). After my family and friends, I love the outdoors, science, gardening, and art.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN SESSIONS WITH TERESA?

I started classes with Teresa in 2012 and have continued with them ever since. Teresaā€™s Pilates classes are a priority for me because of the physical and mental benefits they provide. I have celiac disease, which causes any number of inflammatory problems and Teresaā€™s classes are essential to my ability to manage those issues. When something has to fall off my plate it wonā€™t be Teresaā€™s class!

 

WHAT MOVEMENT OR PRINCIPLE HAS HELPED YOU THE MOST?

Iā€™d like to choose just one movement or body dynamicĀ principleĀ that I learned from Teresa that has helped me but there are too many!Ā  From ribs down to soup bowl to lifting your toesā€¦I am always learning something new, even ten years later.Ā  I think, for myself, as I continue to become more body aware, I continue to learn in each class.Ā  And, as new issues develop as the years march on, I discover new fixes for them.Ā  Everything that I have learned from Teresa applies not only in class but in other activities and my daily movement.Ā  Not to mention that Teresa is so gracious with her time whenever anyone has a question about alignment or movement difficulties. Ā She always takes time to answer any questions and I learn from my questions and those of others. Ā What a fantastic tool!

 

Amy Smiley Testimonial for Aging Strong Pilates

WHAT WERE THE EFFECTS OF THE PANDEMIC ON YOUR MOVEMENT PRACTICE?

At the beginning of the pandemic, I dropped the gym and in-person classes. Ā Although we stayed active, I really missed the benefit and connection of group exercise classes. Ā I worried about how well IĀ would maintain mobility and strength without the motivation and guidance that Teresa provides. Ā When Teresa opened her remote classes I jumped right in and was so grateful! Now that someĀ degree of normalcy is returning, having the option of in-person and virtual classes is even better than before.

I absolutely love the energy and camaraderie in the in-person classes.Ā  They are a tonic for the soul. Ā I canā€™t think of a single class where I havenā€™t had a good laugh for one reason or another.Ā  I missed that tremendously until in-person became available again.Ā  But itā€™s also great to have access to the class online if I canā€™t make it in person and to have the videos afterward.

 

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Aging with Grace!

We are bombarded through media, with anti-aging approaches like botox, plastic surgery, facial creams, and expensive supplements.Ā  I personally think the concept of anti-aging is BS.Ā  We are all aging every day.Ā  If you actually stop aging, you are …dead.Ā  Ā I prefer to age, embracing every wrinkle as a testament to the privilege of still being here and with it, hopefully, some added wisdom on top.Ā  Now how we age is a choice.Ā  Everyone makes the choices that feel right for them but I want to share with you an additional approach you can add, that works from the “inside out”.

MOVEMENT HELPS

Did you know that Pilates can make you look and feel younger?Ā  This is all without expensive creams, needles, or surgery. Ā The only side effects? Improved flexibility, balance, strength, and posture! Exercise also improves your skin and complexion. By increasing blood flow, exercise helps nourish skin cells and keep them vital. We lose about 1% of our leg strength and about Ā½ a percent of our bone density yearly after we hit 50.Ā  Pilates slows down the muscle and bone loss that occurs with aging.

3 WAYS TO CONNECT and AGE STRONG

Do you prefer to be guided in your movement practice with skill and a keen eye toward the active ager?

The local Aging Strong PilatesĀ® class that I teach in Los Altos, CA,Ā  my DVD series AGING STRONG PilatesĀ® and my Zoom Virtual Classes all focus on those areas at risk of decline as we age. Those areas include the hips and legs (to keep us strong, mobile, and doing what we love), the spine (to prevent slouching/hyperkyphosis), and balance (to prevent falls).

TIPS TO FINDING A TRAINED PILATES TEACHER

If you want to find a Pilates teacher local to you, search for one that is certified through the Pilates Method AllianceĀ  (is an NCPT-Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher) and who has the skills to customize a program to your abilities. If you have certain challenges like osteopenia, osteoporosis, herniated discs, stenosis, joint replacements (the list goes on) your instructor should be aware of the movement contraindications for each diagnosis and be able to create a program that keeps you challenged yet safe.

CONSISTENCY IS KEY

Remember- 1x a week is helpful but consistency is key in the Aging Strong formula. Improvement is dose-responsive. The more classes you take, the stronger, more balanced, and agile you’ll be. If you canā€™t get to more than one class, make sure your instructor gives you an individualized home exercise program designed specifically for you. (and try my DVDs if you haven’t already)

I believe in interspersing Pilates with the other movement activities in your life that bring you joy. For example,Ā  I love dancing, hiking, and walking my dog Chip.

Please share in the comments section below, what movement activities raise your spirits and your core temperature!

 

 

 

Written by Teresa Maldonado Marchok, Licensed PT and NCPT (Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher

Creator of the BoneSmart PilatesĀ® Method and acclaimed DVD series

Pilates Studio owner since 1998 melding PT and Pilates in her Mountain View, CA private practice.

Ambassador for American Bone Health

Learn more at www.BoneSmartPilates.com

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Booking Virtual Classes 101

Have you found navigating my online booking system challenging?
I created these short video tutorials to make everything easy peasy, crystal clear!
  1. First view the “Overview for All”Ā before clicking the video for the category of class that interests you.
  2. Bookmark my scheduling home page BoneSmartPilates.as.me for easy access
  3. If you prefer using mobile devices, download the free app “Acuity Scheduling Client” from the App store. My sisters find it easy to navigate.
  4. Always Log In whenever you’re on the site. IfĀ  you haven’t created an account you can Create an Account Here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Ottoman Pilates

Have you ever contemplated getting studio Pilates equipment for your home workouts?

What if I told you that you may already own something that lends itself wonderfully to Pilates work? This month Iā€™ll share with you a Pilates workout that I designed to be performed onā€¦an Ottoman!

Perhaps you donā€™t have the money or inclination to purchase big Pilates equipment for home use. Well Iā€™ve discovered to my delight that my padded ottoman is the perfect surface for so many Pilates exercises. Hereā€™s a way to do some Aging Strong PilatesĀ® in the comfort of your home and notch up the level.

The video below is my personal quick and dirty ~15 min workout that I do in my bedroom before or after a shower about 2-3x a week. I do it in my underwear for maximum skin to leather traction so I have good grip and donā€™t slide. Some of the exercises are extremely challenging so proceed with caution. They are safe but difficult, so listen to your body and proceed at a level and pace that matches where you are today.

At the end of this blog post Iā€™ve included a full written list of the exercises so you can print it and repeat on your own with your choice of music.

Note: Your ottoman should not be on wheels or have a base that swivels.

My ottoman has a slope to it. Depending on the direction your lying on it, the slope can make a particular exercise easier or harder. If your ottoman is sloped, try and drape yourself on it in the same angle I do in the video. I demonstrate the exercises at the angle that facilitates each movement.

For example, for the beginning chest lift core series Iā€™m positioned on my back with my buttocks on the low edge and the lower tips of my shoulder blades at the top of the slope. This is the easier orientation but youā€™ll see quickly that it is by no means ā€œeasyā€. If your ottoman is level, thatā€™s fine as long as it has nice padded edges so it doesnā€™t dig into you. If you choose not to do it in your underwear then add a shelf liner to the surface so you donā€™t slide.

This workout includes all ranges of motion, Flexion (just from Extension (back bending) to Neutral (straight line) so itā€™s safe for conditions where flexion is contraindicated) Rotation, Side Bending, and Extension. I incorporate wonderful stretches after working the muscles in all these planes of motion.

I have to admit this is one of my favorite routines. Itā€™s a Bad A_ _ Core workout that energizes me and makes we feel worked in a short amount of time!

The planks are extremely challenging but if you have stiff feet or bunions that make it difficult to curl your toes under for planks on the floor, having your feet elevated makes that part actually easier since you donā€™t have to tuck your toes under. Remember, the more leg you have on the ottoman, the easier it will be, so position yourself wisely.

 

The two sections that I do face down (opposite arm and leg reach, swimming and swan) are great for strengthening the muscles that strengthen the hips and support good posture. Firing those upper back muscles has the added benefit of stimulating bone growth in the spine.

 

Hereā€™s a full list of the exercises so you can repeat them on your own with your favorite music. Note that as you see in the video – you donā€™t have to do a lot of repetitions to make it count. If you want to get feedback from me on your technique, purchase a 30 minute online Skype session and I’ll ensure you’re moving safely and effectively!

Go slowly. Be Precise. Breathe. Have fun!

Ottoman Pilates Exercise List

On your Back (face up)

  • Big X Stretch
  • Chest Lift Series
    • Center
    • Oblique twisting toward the lifted tabletop leg
    • Advanced: knees lift, lift, lower, lower, alternating lead leg
  • Finish with Big X Stretch to lengthen the abdominals

On Your Belly

  • Opposite Arm leg reach (ottoman under pelvis and belly)
  • Swimming
  • Final extension hands interlaced reaching toward feet-rotating head as you breathe w/ease
  • Childā€™s pose/Rest position (knees open wide if you have osteoporosis or herniated discs)

Side Lying

  • Leg lifts (bottom foot on floor, top leg lifts and lowers) Waist positioned at middle of ottoman
  • Side Kick top leg, keep hips stacked vertically.Ā  Ā  Shift body so hips at middle of ottoman
  • Hover body parallel to floor and hold (head in line with spine)
  • Top leg lifts and lowers
  • Side-Lying Stretch (shift yourself so it’s comfortable for you, grab top wrist with bottom hand)

Repeat above on the other side

Face Down

  • Planks (first with lower thigh and shin on ottoman) Hold position
  • Add pushups if desired
  • Walk further out so less leg on the ottoman-increased challenge
  • Side Plank (one on each side-move slowly and hold/breathe)

Face Down

  • Swan (begin with breasts/chest hanging over the front edge, hands on the floor, feet on floor against base of the wall) Activate core and legs then Inhale asĀ  you rise, Exhale as you lower
  • Child pose/rest position

 

 

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Dance for All

Imagine a studio in 2004 at the El Camino YMCA filled with tiny dancers wiggling joyously as their hair bounces wildly to the beat of the music. With smiles beaming on their six-year-old faces, they giggle while holding hands and twirling in circles. To the side is another beautiful, highly active child. This child is different. She has yet to learn how to talk, loud sounds make her prone to outbursts, and rather than controlled little arms, they often flail, accidentally hitting some of the other children. Integrating this precious child is a challenge, for in the eyes of the others, she is not like them. But as the weeks progress, the children begin to see her as one of their own, one to protect and love. The childā€™s mom looked on and wished all children like hers could have an experience like thisā€”an experience where they feel cared for, accepted, and free. Oh, the beauty of childhood innocence when looking beyond the visual and embracing not just the person, but the soul.

Today there is a space where young and old alike gather to experience the same joy of movement to music with no judgment, no criticism, and no fear. All levels learn at their own pace and are given the freedom to express themselves with no preconceived idea for perfection. This all-inclusive setting has parents dancing with their child with special needs alongside those labeled ā€œnormal.ā€ All feel welcomed, included, and safe. This is pure magicā€”this is Dance for All.

In 2014, Teresa Maldonado Marchok and Mercy Forde, both fitness instructors, teamed up to create this delightful program. As fitness enthusiasts, they know firsthand how important physical activity is for everybody, no matter what age. As mothers to special needs children, they found it difficult to find classes for their children that were not separate from the community because of their challenges. Their children, just like all children, brimming with equal capability. All they needed was an opportunity to participate. And so, Dance for All was born.

The dance class is run similar to other fitness classes, with Teresa and Mercy demonstrating and instructing a variety of movements and techniques that develop and improve core strength, flexibility, and balance. Students not only learn current dance moves in rhythm with the latest music, but thereā€™s also Pilates mat work, and a closing meditation that allows all to center themselves before leaving the studio. Participants are not only welcome but encouraged to interpret the moves as the music flows. Though they might not all be synchronized, they are all united in spirit and fun.

The programā€™s mission is ā€œConnecting the Community through Movement,ā€ and this inclusive class allows the unique twofold beauty of the program to shine. First, Dance for All gives the special needs participant the tools to conduct themselves in a movement class, thus enabling integration into other classes as well as a sense of belonging to society as a whole. Second, the class creates a fun environment for the typical fitness participant to learn more about and interact with this precious sub-set. Despite initial perceived differences in thought process and language, the typical student begins to see that each member of the class has dreams and desires, just like anyone.

Dance for All is celebrating its fifth anniversary. What started as a dream has morphed into a beautiful weekly event and a studio packed with participants. Whether dancers come alone or with their children, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

Margie Pfister, who attends class with her adult daughter Ellen, summed up their experience, which many can relate to.Ā  Ā ā€œAmidst the ups and downs of our days, Dance for All has been a positive welcoming spot from the moment we entered the class and are greeted by name.

Through the warm-ups, dance, and cool-down, my daughter and I are inspired to be our best as we encourage others to do as well. With the positive music, and Teresaā€™s and Mercyā€™s kind encouragement, we not only feel a sense of belonging, but our posture has improved in our daily activities. By the end of class, we feel a sense of accomplishment, have met new friends, and this world feels like a better place, and we feel better in it.ā€


As for that bright-eyed child in that dance class so long ago, she is Teresaā€™s twenty-year-old daughter, Katelyn, and I was privileged to be her dance teacher. Today, she takes all kinds of classes at the YMCA and is a joy to watch as her face still beams while dancing. How fortunate is our community to embrace such a program where students come together as equals and friends. Just as Margie said, this experience makes the world feel like a better place, and all feel better in it.

Ā 

If you want to participate in a joyful experience, come check out Dance for All every Saturday from 1:00-2:00 pm at the El Camino YMCA/ 2400 Grant Road, Mt. View. Ages 8-88 gather in the multipurpose room and unite to elevate awareness, promote community acceptance and just have fun.

 

 

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Written by Jackie Madden Haugh

Critically acclaimed published author, former columnist for The Los Altos Town Crier,Ā  realtor, dance instructor, devoted mom and grandmaā€¦and a dear friend.

 

 

 

 

 

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Written by Jackie Madden Haugh

 

Critically acclaimed published author, former columnist for

The Los Altos Town Crier, realtor, dance instructor, devoted mom and grandmaā€¦and a dear friend.

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Confessions of a rib flarer!

We all have our postural faults, especially if we lose focus. Mine is rib flaring, that tendency to jut the bottom ribs forward in a faulty attempt to open the chest or lengthen the body. This often results in excess back tension and pain.

With mindfulness and an awareness of this tendency, I can better control this common error and so can you!

The secret is, no surprise, “connection”. Ā I like to use the image of 2 vertical bungee cords connecting my front bottom ribs with my pelvis.Ā  Watch the video to test if you’re a rib flarer and learn 2 exercises to help fix it.
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Island Hip Kitchen Counter Workout

Cultivate your strength and balance in under 3 minutes with this new fun and challenging standing kitchen counter series. Ā Try it first without the resistance band, and when comfortable, add the resistance loop for greater challenge. Ā Safe for those with back issues and osteoporosis. If you don’t have a loop, tie a resistance band around your thighs.

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The Magic of Trekking Poles

Having a husband and son who are hard core hikers, Ā I’veĀ  had to figure out how to keep up. With much encouragement Ā (and trepidation on my part)Ā I made it up Yosemite National Park’s iconic Half Dome for the first time just 4 years ago. Ā Since that extremely challenging hike which literally wiped me out, Iā€™ve discovered the magic of trekking poles and itā€™s made subsequent hikes so much easier!

What are some of the advantages of trekking poles?
  • Stability and balance-youā€™ve just added 2 more points of contact on the ground in addition to your 2 feet.
  • Power-as you pull yourself forward with your upper body, it creates more power and force to propel you
  • Integrated workout– you find youā€™ll use your upper body, core and hips in an integrated full body work out as you propel yourself forward in space.
  • Strengthening myofascial connections-For those interested in fascia, the connections of the posterior oblique fascial sling are magnified as you engage your latissimus dorsi on one side simultaneously with the gluteal muscle on the opposite side of your body. As the right arm extends back-you fire that right latissimus muscle, at the same time you are extending your opposite hip (left) gluteal muscle. They work in tandem in a powerful way to propel you forward.
  • Aesthetics-you look sporty!
When I ascend a steep hill, Iā€™m working both my upper body and my hips and legs. The extra support from the poles and recruitment of my upper body almost feels like someone is offering me a boost from behind. Itā€™s a tremendous help.
When I descend, the poles take some of the weight off my joints helping relieve possible overuse and stress to my knees.
Since incorporating trekking poles into my hikes, I feel more powerful, have better endurance andĀ feel more stability with the enhanced balanced provided by additional points of contact with the poles to the ground. Ā I’m more sure of my footing as Iā€™m able to test the terrain with my forward pole.
The mechanics of walking with the poles is simple but requires awareness and practice.Ā  As you step forward with your right heelĀ simultaneously the left pole touches done in front and vice versa.

Try this now with me.Ā  As you step forward with the right heel, yourĀ upper body is rotated toward the front (right) leg-left pole on the ground in front.Ā  ThenĀ your left lats fire as you pull back w/your left arm, rotatingĀ your upper body to the leftĀ as you shift your weight onto your rt leg and your left leg swings forward.

The kinetic chain continues with firing of the opposite right gluteal muscle in a diagonal pattern. Ā This is the myofascial posterior oblique line of connective tissue in action, firing in a coordinated fashion to promote healthy gait.

Recently my husband and son hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back upĀ in 1 day.Ā  Though I had no desire to put myself through that, I joined my daughter and the rest of our friends for some challenging hikes offering breathtaking vistas and with every facilitated step I was grateful to have the poles ease impact on my jointsĀ during the descent and have theĀ poles assist me to power my ascent.

The collapsible poles that I own provide absorption of forces, increased power to propel myself, and more stability and balance to reduce the risk of falls.Ā  Poles come at set heights and adjustable heights.Ā  If you’re buying ones at aĀ set height- make sure your forearm is parallel with the ground when youā€™re holding them (elbow at a 90 degree angle).Ā  If you want to share your poles, itā€™s better to buy adjustable poles where you can vary the height.

For me, the features most important were collapsibility (to 24 inches) and weight. I wanted to be able to tuck them in a backpack or hang them from a carabiner on my fanny pack and wanted them to be very lightweight. Ā I have no ties with any trekking pole company. I just wanted to share my experience in the hopes that it might inspire others to get moving more and enjoy the amazing beauty we have at our fingertips.

Stay tuned for my next blog post and video where I’ll share helpful stretches and warmups for hiking using the trekking poles.
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You can get a great workout in your kitchen!

You wouldn’t believe how many times I hear – I just don’t have time to get to a fitness class as often as I want to. Ā  Ā  Here’s a quick workout that you can do in your kitchen. Ā  It’s a short, time efficient standing workout you can do in your kitchen between latte’s! This workout targets hip and leg strength, core, flexibility and balance – great for when you’re tight on time and want a quick fix! Ā  Let me know how you like it!

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Watch My Mom demonstrate…..

If you, your mom or dad would like to weave in some hip and leg strengthening while getting in and out of a chair, watch a short video below of my mom as I cue her in this process.
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