Those of you in the studio regularly may have noticed two new additions to the studio equipment. On our east wall, we now have 2 Core Aligns installed. The Core Align is a relatively new tool in use for upright, functional strengthening. Developed by a Physio from Israel, Jonathan Hoffman, the equipment was developed specifically to improve the functioning of our upright, vertical standing posture by providing an unstable base and feedback through the hands and the feet. It demands that the whole body tap into its own innate intelligence to sort through alignment and strength challenges. It is amazingly accessible and useful work and most newcomers feel able to get a bit of a workout going – safely – within a very short time of using it. We have several teachers now who have done the basic training and can offer sessions using this. Private lessons or duets are the way to go with this (we only have 2!), and if you are interested, please contact us to set up a lesson time.
On Monday, October 10th, 2011, we will be open during the afternoon/evening for some select classes to help you balance the overindulgences of the weekends’ festivities! Join Nikki for the following classes (space limited, so booking is necessary), or ask for Private lesson availability:
2pm: Mixed Levels class (need own program)
4pm: Ref Level 1
6pm: Mat Level 2
7pm: Mat/Equipment Combo
8:15pm: Nikki’s Tibetan Bowls meditation
Those who are regular participants in these classes will have priority for maintaining their spot; all other spots are available for booking through the studio. email: info@meridianpilates.ca or call 604-730-4094
New Intro/Beginner level Mat Classes: we have several new (and some existing!) options available to you starting next week (May 9th).
8am Monday mornings with Cinzia, 6pm Tuesday evenings with Kobi, 7am Wednesday mornings with Nikki, 5:30pm Wednesday evenings with Heather Marck, 6:30pm Thursday evenings.
Come and review the basics of Pilates, move your body and build some stability, flexibility and strength. Call us for more information… 604-730-4094
Pregnancy and the early days, weeks and months of new motherhood are incredible times of change – so much so that it often feels like we have an entirely new body. While we know that we eventually settle into a ‘new normal’, it is useful and downright sanity-saving sometimes to have a little help transitioning into this new body by increasing your ability to access your core support, strengthen weak muscles and generally maintain your mobility.
Nikki Zekas has been teaching Pilates for over 8 years and specializes in working with women during and after pregnancy. Her love for this special time in a woman’s life is evident in her gentle, yet challenging sessions that help women maintain and develop deeper pathways of core strength and greater awareness of movement to help them stay injury-free.
I love Nikki! She helped me so much during and after my pregnancy. I felt strong and had an easy pregnancy. My back didn’t hurt as much as I hear other moms’ did. After the birth, during my first month’s check up, the doctor was impressed as I did not need perineal exercises (kegel). Four months later I went back to Pilates and found out that my core wasn’t as bad as I was afraid it was going to be. Six months after giving birth I am training with a personal trainer who is impressed by my core strength. I continue Pilates with Nikki who is such a caring and giving instructor: she even manages to teach me while the baby is sleeping, babbling or eating in the stroller or on a mat copying mommy’s Pilates moves. Vanessa Avila
Doing Pilates while I was pregnant helped me stay strong for the birth, helped me avoid injury, and helped relieve back and hip discomfort associated with my pregnancy. After giving birth Pilates helped me to realign my body and find my abs again! I was hiking in the woods with my baby starting one week after she was born. I never would have had the core strength to do that without Pilates. Abby Remick
During my pregnancy, I was anxious to keep my body strong, to minimize common physical complaints such as backaches, sore feet, and joint pain through regular attendance to Pilates classes. I believe that Nikki’s gentle guidance is the reason why I had such a pleasant experience for the duration of my pregnancy. I have never felt as physically strong as I did while under Nikki’s care. Nikki’s passion for supporting expectant mothers is demonstrated by her enthusiasm for the topic of child development as well as her inexhaustible supply of prenatal exercises tailored to meet the special needs of her clients. I might also add that after I gave birth to my daughter, my body returned to its pre-pregnancy form much faster than I expected; I believe this is a result of the Pilates training that I received from Nikki. I would highly recommend pre-natal Pilates at Meridian under the capable guidance of Nikki. Natasha McCartney
Private sessions are available, and progression into small, individualized groups can be achieved after a suitable number of sessions have been taken (this number varies depending on individual situations; call us for more information) Private lessons begin at $77 per lesson and small group (max 4 participants) sessions range between $30 and $40 per lesson.
Call or email us for more information: info@meridianpilates.ca or 604-730-4094
Feldenkrais Thursdays!
At Meridian Pilates, we believe there are a myriad number of fabulous techniques that enable healthful changes through awareness of movement. Feldenkrais is a wonderful alternative practice and we encourage anyone interested in a new, safe and gentle movement experience to give it a try.
A Feldenkrais group class with Hilary Fuller (‘Awareness through Movement’), will start up this coming Thursday, April 28th from 12pm to 1pm. Hilary verbally guides you in the exploration of fun, gentle, progressive movements. Using safe and easy-to-follow directions, these classes reduces aches and pains while dramatically increasing ease of movement. The class will run every Thursday and we encourage you to drop on by for the experience!
Cost: Each session is $12+HST
Hilary is also available for Individual Treatments:
These specialized sessions are catered to your unique needs. This effective, hands-on approach promotes rapid recovery without manipulatory forces and is unrivaled for those wanting more ease and grace in their lives. Clients often report feeling more agile, capable and vibrant after working with Hilary.
Cost: $80+HST (Introductory offer of 3 sessions for $200+HST)
Hilary Fuller is a Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner. He brings an athletic background and a down-to-earth approach to his practice. He is exceptional at evaluating movement patterns and perceptive at seeing where and how you can move fluently, more efficiently and most importantly: with more pleasure and less pain. He is confident working with people who have endured automobile accidents, the elderly, CNS disorders, as well as athletes and folks wanting more ease and grace in their life.
For more information, you can contact Hilary directly: Hilary@FullerFunctions.com or: 778-828-4025
What is the Feldenkrais Method?
Perfect for those wanting to alleviate their aches and pains, recovering from injuries or those seeking to improve their athletic performance. Focus will be placed on refining your quality of movement, mobility, balance and coordination. All participants can expect to discover more elegance and delight in their walking, gardening, skiing, paddling… or any other activity they may enjoy.
“It made my body giggle with delight.” Ira S. railworker/outdoorsman
“His directions are clear, precise and very non-threatening. The atmosphere is fun and no one is made to feel uncomfortable or wrong.” Sheila M. retired
“I felt like I could move like a panther.” Brian L. teacher
“My skiing and golf-game have improved immensely.” Andrew W. lawyer/avid golfer
Nikki is back! This means we have our 8:15pm Meditation with Tibetan Bowls running once more. Join us on an ongoing basis ($64 for 4 sessions – incl HST) or drop in when it suits you ($20 drop-in, incl HST)
Get centred, focus inward, quiet your mind and enjoy an hour to yourself. Contact us for more details: 604-730-4094 or info@meridianpilates.ca
Happy Fall Equinox!
Sound Healing Group Meditation
Sound stops the illusion and mindless chatter of our busy minds, putting us directly back into alignment with the universal flow of perfection that is our true nature. The Tibetan bowls are a vibrational tool used in ancient healing traditions by Buddhist monks. The sound vibration affects the alpha and theta brain waves, evoking a trance-like state and a deep feeling of relaxation where healing can take place. They are an effective vehicle to alter our consciousness from everyday stress to a peaceful and expansive meditative state. One can experience shifts in perception of space, sense of peace, tranquility and balance, chakra balancing, energy synchronization, accentuated clarity of mind and body as well as enhanced creativity.
Developmental Movement Series is CANCELLED. Please let us know if you are interested and we will work on running this is the New Year!