Menopause? What is it?

It's Personal

From the Greek translating to - monthly pause

Menopause naturally occurs for every woman around age 51 although some experience it earlier. It's the cessation of monthly menstruation for 12 months. This happens when your ovaries stop producing eggs and as a result levels of hormones Oestrogen and Progesterone fall. Menopause & Pilates are an excellent partnership.

Fours Stages of Menopause

Pre-menopause: When no menopausal symptoms are noticeable

Peri-menopause: When symptoms begin to develop due to hormone changes - you still have your periods although they are changing in nature and frequency

Menopause: You've not had a period for 12 consecutive months

Post-Menopause: The rest of your life - without a period for 12 consecutive months

With life expectancy increasing into the 80's this can mean you could be post-menopausal for a third of your life! Pilates & Menopause is the answer.

The Year of Talking About Menopause

It seems 2022 was the year of talking, writing, making TV programmes, and many other public platforms about Menopause. Every day saw more articles, books, films, etc., on the topic whereas before it was mainly a handful of female writers discussing it.

Hallelujah! it's out of the closet but if you're reading any of the posts on Facebook, or looking at any Menopause support groups it looks like the consensus is - Menopause sucks big time. Symptoms from anxiety to Paranoia appear to be common.

Everyone's experience will be different and how we cope will vary too but my experience with clients going through the stage of the M word is - exercise helps.

https://www.balance-menopause.com/dr-louise-newson/

Why Pilates for Menopause?

Pilates is a system of movement that focuses on the quality of movement according to the Principles:

• Concentration
• Breathing
• Centering
• Control
• Precision
• Flow

When working with these principles in mind a Pilates class whether it's for beginners of more experienced practitioners is a calming, focused place where time spent is beneficial when Menopausal symptoms come calling.

Benefits of Pilates for Menopause

Pilates is a full mind and body programme, there are no fast-paced exercises although a free-flowing natural rhythm is encouraged. Every exercise begins with attention to the deep abdominals that stabilise the Pelvis and Spine. As movements develop to include larger muscles and limbs attention to Breath, Control, and Precision are the objectives of the class.

The result of such deliberate concentration throughout the session either on the mat or using the Professional Pilates equipment is a session that is effective without stress, a definite bonus for women going through the stages of Menopause.

https://nualacoombspilates.com/what-can-pilates-do-for-you

In Conclusion

I hope you now have a sense of the benefits a Pilates class can bring to your concerns during all phases of your Menopause journey. Whether you attend a class specifically for women dealing with this stage of life or a general Pilate class you'll find an outlet for symptoms you're experiencing as well as a place to talk should you wish to. Taking control of your situation always feels good. You don't need to be a victim of this natural although at times challenging life event.

Should you want to discuss the possibility of taking classes at my studio (not necessarily for Pilates & Menopause) in La Garde Freinet contact me at Nuala@nualacoombspilates.com

or call +33 (0) 6 73 99 37 85

Helpful links: https://www.balance-menopause.com

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-menopause

So you've heard about Pilates, or you've seen posters, you might have passed by my studio in La Grade Freinet or other studios where you live and wondered what it's about and if the hype is true.  You wonder "What are the benefits of Pilates for you"?

I've been a student, teacher, and teacher trainer of Pilates for many years.  I can say it's a system of exercise I've never become bored with. I'm not surprised when clients or student teachers realise how great it is. 

NEW TO PILATES?

What Will It Do for You?

Whether you're new to Pilates and exercise in general or are a regular exerciser the benefits of Pilates are clear for everyone. There are 6 Pilates Principles although some schools mention 8 or 7 - Joseph Pilates, the creator of the technique didn't set down these principles but teachers who continued with his system thought a set of defining formulas would be helpful.

PILATES PRINCIPLES

Concentration:  A fundamental principle - Pilates is a mind and body programme.  When you work with concentrated effort, the effects are noticeable.

Centering:  Pilates uses the deep abdominals - and those abdominals stabilise the body, once they're active the more superficial muscles can move the body safely.

Control:  When Joseph Pilates developed his technique he called it Contrology.  The aim of the technique is to work in such a way as to reduce the risk of injury from uncontrolled, sloppy movements.  The exercises are not performed super slow, but from the inside out consistently and with quality.

Breathing:  A full breath is recommended during all Pilates exercises to keep you alert but also to help with coordination, timing, and rhythm.

Flowing Movement:  The aim of a well-organised Pilates class is to create a smooth, fluid transition between movements creating a sense of well-being and a stress-free workout.

CONSISTENCY IS KEY

Taking into account the Principles it's easy to see what Pilates can do for you - how regular Pilates classes can help to ease stress, strengthen, tone, mobilise and improve flexibility.  All these qualities will improve your sports and reduce any potential for over-use injuries.  Consider how many times you serve during a game of tennis or swing the golf club around 18 holes.

WHAT CAN PILATES DO FOR YOU?

Clients of all ages tell me how well they feel after a class using both the mat work system and the professional equipment. They tell me:

• How their sleep has improved
• How previously stiff joints are more mobile
• How their balance is better
• How their game of golf or tennis no longer ends with back pain
• How their posture has improved

PILATES IS NOT THE CIRCUS!

Don't be mis-lead by those acrobatic photos you've seen in magazines or on Youtube. Pilates is for everyone whatever their fitness level.  Exercises can be changed to help with any issues. They can also be very athletic for those who want to improve their fitness level.

Pilates is not "a good stretch" it is a full-body technique to help you achieve whatever health and fitness goal you want.

So next time you pass that Pilates studio or class, pop your head in - get some more information.

As usual, if you need more information or have questions contact me at Nuala@nualacoombspilates.com

In Conclusion

What Can Pilates Do For You

The Benefits of Pilates

We've looked at the benefits of regular Pilates sessions. I hope you can start to think about trying it out - if you're not already a client.  Remember What Pilates Can Do For You

• Pilates is a mind and body exercise programme
• Pilates is performed with control
• Pilates is for everybody - beginners and experienced exercisers

https://www.nualacoombspilates.com/5 Reasons to Do Pilates

QUESTIONS?

If you have questions just visit my studio at Place de Vielle, La Garde Freinet 83680 or email: Nuala@nualacoombspilates.com or you can always phone - +33 (0)6 73 99 37 85

Why Pilates For Golfers?

Golf is a mind & body sport.  Concentration, strength, flexibility, mobility, and power are all essential components.  The stress on the spine and supporting structure are huge.  When the body is out of balance the risk of injury intensifies. Pilates for Golfers is the answer.

The Mechanics of Your Golf Swing

During your golf swing your body acts like a whip.  Power production begins at the feet, pushing against the ground, it travels up the legs to drive the hips forward.  Force is transferred through the trunk to the chest upper back and arms.  If any part of the chain is weak or stiff power is lost. Your body will have to compensate along the links of the chain, resulting not only in loss of power but increasing injury risk. Pilates for Golfers will improve any imbalance.

Proper Sequencing - Your Golf Swing:

Your golf swing demands a strong, flexible, coordinated and balanced body.  It's a physically demanding full-body sport. With specific training, injuries will be avoided and improvements made to the quality of your performance.  Even if you hire a professional golf coach to work on your technique, if your body is not capable of performing the drills because of stiffness, lack of core strength, or mobility problems progress will be slow, at worse may never happen.

To obtain proper sequencing of the Swing Action you will need:

Strong leg, thigh, and hip muscles to generate driving power:

These lower body forces must be transferred through a well-conditioned mid-section to the upper body

Strong chest, back, and shoulder muscles:

Allow for a greater acceleration of the club whilst maintaining control through effective arms and forearms

It's clear, a perfectly executed golf swing needs overall body strength, flexibility, and coordination.

Pilates for Golfers uses Pilates Principles to help achieve your Golfing goals

Concentration, the ability to focus throughout the swing improves skill and power

Centering, efficient use of core muscles to stabilise hips and shoulders improves power through the hips to increase the length of Tee and Fairway shots.

Precision, the repetitive nature of golf demands consistency, working with this Pilates Principle in mind consistent quality performance will be developed.

Flowing Movement will help you to "feel" the swing as opposed to just hitting the ball

Breath, in addition to keeping you fresh and alert throughout your game, learning to use a full breath will increase the power and endurance of a shot.  It will also help to create a smooth swing.

Routine, if you can replicate an effective swing pattern, consistency, and accuracy, the key to a great game of golf will be yours.  The Pilates system of exercise is designed to help you work with focus when performing each movement every time eventually resulting in body awareness becoming automatic.

Studio Pilates La Garde Freinet

Pilates Programming:  when you decide to add Pilates to your golf practice, here at the Studio in La Garde Freinet ( just opposite Bar du Soleil) you'll work with both the professional Pilates equipment as well as floor exercises, the combination of the two systems offer a complete workout whether you're new to exercise or a regular fitness practitioner.

https://www.nualacoombspilates.com/5 Reasons to Do Pilates

In Conclusion

Pilates for golfers

To develop your best Golf Swing sequence you need to:

• Improve your overall posture
• Develop an efficient core
• Strengthen your upper and lower body
• Work on improved mobility and flexibility
• Breathe through the sequence

Contact me should you have questions or need an appointment I am here all year.

Tel:  06 73 99 37 85  email:  Nuala@nualacoombspilates.com

Happy Golfing.......