Pilates Technique Certification is proud to present:  Rethinking Nutrition. A workshop with Lily Nichols, Registered Dietitian and Certified Pilates Instructor.

 At Pilates Technique Certification, we stress the health of the whole body. In our field, we see every fad diet that comes in fashion, from the cabbage soup diet to Atkins to the Hollywood cleanse.

 Finally, here is a no nonsense, fun, and real-world explanation of nutrition. This workshop is great for everyone, especially those who are in the health field. We all have clients who look to us for guidance; this workshop will give you the nutrition arsenal that you need to combat all the diet fads that clients ask about.

 Rethinking Nutrition: Fat-free is out and common sense is in. Learn how to approach food in a new light - no counting required. Get your metabolism back on track without feeling deprived. Lily Nichols, RD will explain what to look for on nutrition labels and what we can learn from traditional diets based on real food, not diet shakes. There will be a Q and A section to answer all of your nutrition queries.

Where:   Ocean Pilates, 1727 Ocean Park, Santa Monica, CA 90405
When:    January 23rd, 2011
Time:     10:00am-12:00pm
Cost:      $125

Registration: Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 818-989-7815 Space is limited, so register soon.

 

After 8 weeks of Chemotherapy, 37 treatments of Radiation, Dee was finally ready for the recovery phase of her journey. As we said in our previous article, Dee's left shoulder, neck, chest and arm muscles were greatly atrophied due to the radiation treatments from her battle with Breast Cancer.
    Our first goal for Dee was to build back strength in her left side. Our second goal was to continue to rid her body of the toxic build up from the Chemo and Radiation. Her homeopathic MD put her on a Liver cleanse for two weeks which helped the process (by the way, the Liver cleanse consisted of Lemon Juice, Garlic, Olive oil and Water).
    In Dee's Pilates sessions......

Dee was prescribed a regimen of ACT Chemotherapy.  Adriamycin, Cytoxan and Taxol.  Some of the possible side effects of this type of chemo are a decrease of red and white blood cells and well as platelets, mouth sores, nail changes, decreased appetite, taste changes, hair loss or thinning, numbness and/or tingling to fingers and toes.  Dee experienced hair loss, decreased appetite and numbness to the fingers and toes.

Dee purchased a Gratz Reformer, Magic Cirlce and a Foot Corrector so we could work out in her home.  She borrowed a Wunda Chair, High Barrel and Mat.  We kept her sessions varied because she wasn't just a woman going through chemo.  She still wanted a great workout!

I have been known to be a Pilates snob. I admit it. Sometimes I am better at hiding it than others. But I have a reason for it. Other forms of exercise just do not measure up. Well, yes, I do adore aerial arts, but that is a form of expression; my inner dancer being revived. And, true, I love running but that is different, it's cardio. When it comes to strength and flexibility training I have found few forms, both new and old, to provide the results and satisfaction that a good Pilates session does. Now I only speak for myself and do not disparage anyone else's love of yoga or kettle ball workouts. I have always said, "find the exercises you love and do them, that is what matters most." Even it if it not Pilates. There are constantly new forms of exercise popping up, with some star raving about how it keeps her/him in shape. And I do not try them all. I often hear from some of you about something you have tried and I take your word for it. But I have been on a little "trying" spree lately.

What better way to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness month, then by sharing Dee's amazing breast cancer success story.

Dee's mom was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 50 and later passed away from the disease. Since the age of  30, Dee had been getting regular mammograms. At the age of 57, Dee was a longtime Pilates client as well as a body for her friend, Susan (60), who was enrolled in the Pilates Technique Certification program. During the Level 3 test, Dee said she had had a mammogram and the results were "not good".  This was on Friday. She went in to surgery the next week to have a Lumpectomy. Her Dr. told her, "Well, it's the same kind your mom had. It wasn't a matter of IF you were going to get it, it was just a matter of WHEN".  The surgery went well......

 

In our first article, Dee was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, the same cancer that her mother died of. We saw how Pilates truly helped Dee to keep the full range of her shoulder mobility, especially after the Lumpectomy Surgery. Our second article covers Dee's journey through Chemotherapy and how her Pilates sessions helped her mind and body to deal with the harsh chemicals of Chemotherapy.

Next, Dee was prescribed radiation treatments, 5 days a week for 6 and a half weeks, a total of 37 radiation treatments. The Radiation was targeted to a couple spots all around the Left shoulder. She felt like radiation was a "cake walk" compared to chemotherapy. She had little burning of the skin as most people do, she applied pure Aloe Vera to her skin before treatments, then shea butter after wards. The main problem with radiation was the swelling and atrophy it caused in her left shoulder.  The shoulder pain started after the 1st week of treatments. I remember feeling Dee's shoulder and couldn't believe how....

Autumn is upon us, although it might be hard to tell with 90 degree weather in Los Angeles. Still the hours of daylight are on a downward slope and colder weather looms in the future. The two combined, plus the madness of holiday schedules, result in dips in energy and motivation--impacting both you and your clients. In order to keep you as a teacher and as a devotee to Pilates fresh and dynamic through the winter months I have put together a few suggestions...