Meridian Pilates News

New! Apprentice Classes Available!

admin — Thu, 03 May 2012 21:11:09 +0000

Apprentice Teacher Classes Available!
Starting June, 2012

We are pleased to announce that our Teacher Training program, through Balanced Body Education, is nearing its completion this year. One of our trainees, Susan Pierce, has been diligently practising her teaching on Mat and Reformer and is now ready to offer some apprentice-level classes out of the studio.

If you have been looking for another class to add to your schedule, or if any of your friends or family have been interested in giving Pilates a try, you can give us a call or an email. These classes will be offered at a lower rate than our regular classes, and will periodically be supervised to help Susan develop her skills.

The Fine Print

We ask that anyone joining these classes be relatively free from injury or serious physical conditions. Minor aches/pains and stiffness are fine; Pilates will help with exactly this! (If you are not sure whether you fit within this requirement, give us a call or email and we will help you assess.) We will also ask that anyone new to Pilates book in for one Private Intake/Evaluation session with Susan before the start of the series (see below for prices).

These classes will run as an 8-week series, beginning the week of June 4th. They will be offered at the following dates and times (all classes run 1 hour):

Thursdays:

Mat Level 1/2: 5pm

Mat Level 1 (beginner): 6pm

Fridays:

Reformer Level 1 (beginner): 4pm

Reformer Level 1/2: 5pm

Sundays:

Reformer Level 1/2: 8:50am

Reformer Level 1 (beginner): 10am

Costs

Mat and Reformer group classes (4 people max. per class): $14 + HST

Private Intake/Evaluation: $20 + HST

We hope that this will be an attractive option for some of you to get a new class in, or to help facilitate someone beginning on a new journey into Pilates!

New! Core Align is ready and rolling!

admin — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 23:04:34 +0000

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.

Classes Available Thanksgiving Monday!

admin — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 21:25:41 +0000

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 Mat Classes in our Schedule!

admin — Wed, 04 May 2011 22:34:25 +0000

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

Pre- and Post-Natal Sessions with Nikki

admin — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 07:41:24 +0000

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!

admin — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 07:19:05 +0000

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

Tibetan Bowls Meditation Running Monday eves!

admin — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:01:43 +0000

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

Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Pilates Enthusiasts (available in studio only)

admin — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 20:53:40 +0000

Over the last year or two, we have managed to build a fairly regular supply of balls, rollers and the like that are helpful for those desiring to do some basic exercises at home.

To make it simple, here is a list of the main things we tend to have in stock at the studio or within an easy order away:

Balls:

Small, Medium and Large Spiky Balls (sturdy little self-massagers for feet, backs, etc): $12 – $22, IN STOCK

Mikasa Balls (red, playground balls, good for sacral/pelvic floor release/awareness exercises and for alignment awareness): $8.50, IN STOCK

Overballs (soft, easily inflatable/deflatable for gentle mobility/stability work especially for cranium/sacrum): $15, IN STOCK

Stability Accessories:

Foam Rollers, blue, closed-cell foam (great for stability, also for fascial release and alignment work. Nicer than the harder, white open cell foam version): $50, IN STOCK (need a very large stocking for this one…)

Wobble cushion /’sitfit’ (stability cushion great to keep core lightly active during sitting or for specific stability exercises): $30, IN Stock

Magic Circle/Pilates Ring (great for hip/shoulder girdle strength work): $28, IN STOCK

Therabands (light, portable resistance band that can be tied anywhere for shoulder girdle/hip exercises): $10 – $12, IN STOCK

Miscellaneous:

Toe Sox (separated toe socks with non-skid grips on the bottom. The next best thing to bare feet, but cosier. Available toeless also): $20 IN STOCK

Note that we can also easily order in most fitness/rehab items should there be something that you are looking for and cannot easily find. Just ask us and we’ll let you know whether it is possible and a cost estimate before doing any ordering.

Introductory Feldenkrais Workshop

admin — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 20:41:30 +0000

We are pleased to offer an opportunity to learn about the Feldenkrais Method this coming January:

What it is:

The Feldenkrais Method is designed to help you move with greater comfort, ease and skill. Endorsed by our Canadian Men’s Alpine Ski Team and practiced world-wide, the Feldenkrais Method is perfect for improving athletic performance, easing discomforts and for rehabilitating injuries.

The Feldenkrais Method is expressed in two complementary forms:

Awareness Through Movement (ATM), ideal for those wanting to find more ease and grace in their lives. These group classes are very effective in helping one to overcome old injuries/limitations, as well as improving one’s walking, skiing, gardening, golfing, paddling…or any other activity which you enjoy. Participants will leave class with better posture and a renewed sense of vitality.

Functional Integration(FI) sessions are specialized, one-on-one lessons that are catered to your unique needs. This intuitive, hands-on approach promotes rapid recovery without manipulatory forces.

Feldenkrais practitioner, Hilary Fuller, came to Feldenkrais after studying a variety of movement/healing arts. He is certified by the North American Feldenkrais Guild (2007) and has been teaching full-time since his certification.

This introductory workshop is simply that: an opportunity to learn a little more about the method and how or why it may be beneficial for you.

Saturday, January 15th

2:30pm – 4:30pm

Cost: $15

(proceeds to be donated to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society)

Please call the studio to pre-register.

(604-730-4094)

Happy Fall Equinox!

admin — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 00:02:35 +0000

Fall is bringing back a sense of diligence and patience as we prepare ourselves for winter and drop back into a schedule of regularity. Fall can be a very industrious time, and we can tap into that energy for our physical benefit by setting aside time for practice for ourselves. To help you tap into this, we have some new opportunities in the studio, both in the form of new-to-us teachers (see sidebar) as well as new sessions/classes. At the end of this letter, we also have a list of classes that have availability.

Of note: Nikki Zekas is back from New York and is ready to share some of her complementary practices with us here at the studio. Sound Healing with Tibetan Bowls will be offered privately as well as in a group meditation setting on Monday nights. Nikki will also offer a Developmental Movement series. See below for details and more information on any of these offerings.

Wishing all of you a happy fall, and continued success in the quest to bring balance to body, mind and spirit.

In health and happiness,

Heather Low