Client Spotlight-Jean

JEAN PIERRET

Jean reminds me in many ways of Joseph Pilates, who had a devilish spirit and an amazingly fit body well into his 80's. Not one to be restricted by societal pressures he longs to "be free and to do what I want to do".  One of his long time passions includes woodworking and handcrafting classical Spanish guitars.

In his younger years he served as a parachutist in the Belgian Military. He also worked as a scuba diver collecting specimens. Jean has been taking Pilates with me regularly since 2008. He's works extremely hard and always has a ready smile and wry wit. When asked how Pilates has helped him, he says "I got my body back, the whole feeling helps with my woodworking".  He enjoys stretching and the variety of moves that Pilates provides.  "After every session I feel ready to take on the day, I feel ready to pounce"!  
I fully expect that Jean will surpass Joseph Pilates both in longevity and vitality.

How Pilates Benefits My Everyday Life

Reaching up

Though flat abs and a leaner look can be a byproduct of Pilates work, my emphasis and that of Joseph Pilates, is to be able to move with ease and vitality in your daily life, not just in the studio.

One of my goals in working with you, is to bring awareness to habitual movement patterns that don't serve you, and to train your neuromuscular system to learn new beneficial patterns. What the heck does that mean?

Here's an typical everyday example: Reaching for an item on a high shelf. 

   Faulty reaching pattern                                 Integrated pattern                          

Do you lift your shoulder blade excessively? Are you tipping to one side? Do the muscles in your neck tighten up? (photo on the left) In Pilates we start with fundamental shoulder isolations like telescope arms and ribcage arms to help you stabilize the torso as you differentiate the arms. We move on to strengthening exercises like theraband or cord work, armwork on the Reformer, Cadillac or Avalon Arm Chair and plank work to further strengthen and stabilize the arms, scapula and core. 

Eventually you gain awareness and strength to be able to reach up with your shoulder girdle still integrated with your body and your core supporting a stable balanced torso. (photo on the right) This awareness, powered by Pilates, is one of the most effective tools you can bring to your everyday life.  

New Pilates for Bone Building Class starting Jan 16, 2013

Are your bones as strong as they could be? Are you worried you'll fall and break a bone?
Start the year right by joining the new Pilates for Bone Building class in Los Altos Hills.

Enjoy the benefits of improved strength, balance, alignment and bone density and come prepared to laugh. Class taught by Teresa Maldonado Marchok, a licensed physical therapist, certified Pilates instructor and American Bone Health representative.

Date: 1/16/13-3/6/13
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 12:30-1:30
Location: Los Altos Hills town Hall Council Chambers
Fee: $103

Foam rollers $25, miniballs $10 and bands $6 will be available for purchase on the first day of class or you may bring your own. Please bring your own mat.  

Call 650-947-2518 to register

New Mat Class starting JAN 8, 2013

New Pilates Mat session "Heart of Pilates" beginning in Los Altos Hills taught by Teresa Maldonado Marchok, MPT

Date: 1/8/13-3/5/13
Day: Tuesdays
Time: 8:40-9:40am
Location: Los Altos Hills Town Hall Council Chambers
Fee: $150 Residents
        $164 Non Residents

Register Here

Healthy Bones-Movement and More

Empower yourself to be in the unaffected 50%

Date: Wednesdays 5/9/12-5/30/12 

Time: 1:00-2:00PM

Price: $120 (STAP/EA funds YES) 

Location: 

Stanford University

CSSR-Center for Clinical Sciences Research

Room 4105

"Half of all women over 50 will experience an osteoporosis related fracture in their lifetime" 

~ National Osteoporosis Foundation

In this 4 session class, we'll explore the science behind osteoporosis including understanding risk factors and methods of diagnosis. You'll learn how to use the FORE Fracture Risk Calculator and we'll discuss lifestyle and nutritional recommendations to help prevent or

lessen the effects of osteoporosis.

We'll cover fall prevention and safe execution of activities of daily living as well as learn how to avoid movements that increase your risk of fracture.

Acquire the knowledge to incorporate into your life, the movements that build bone density of the spine, hip and wrist, and improve posture, balance and flexibility.

To Register:

Call 650.723.9649 

or go to

https://healthimprovement.stanford.edu/classes/register/hipClasses.asp

Seated Desk Pilates "Swan" Extension

A wonderful remedy for your back after prolonged sitting. It helps reverse the effects that gravity has of pulling us into a forward bent "C curve" position. This is great for strengthening the back muscles and improving posture. Make sure you slide your shoulder blades down away from your ears as you begin to rise, inhaling and lifting your breastbone to the sun. Exhale as you release back down to the desk.

                    Secrets to incorporating Pilates into your everyday life!

Flexibility & Balance Series for Home/Work/Travel

Video TRX/Pilates fusion

Offsite Group Classes by Teresa

Pilates with Teresa Mat Classes in Los Altos Hills

This "Heart of Pilates" class, taught by Teresa Maldonado Marchok MPT, begins with a short movement section to increase core temperature and prepare the body for the mat work that follows. Integration of a miniball and resistance band strengthens the core while protecting the spine. Acquire the skills to make immediate postural changes in the way you sit, stand and move. Expect increased tone, flexibility and beneficial crossover to sports like skiing, tennis and golf. Please bring a mat, ball and band. 9” miniballs and bands available for purchase at class for $10ea. 

To register go to:   http://www.losaltoshills.ca.gov/parks-and-recreation/activity-guide. 

You can also call: (650) 947-2518 or email sgualtieri@losaltoshills.ca.gov for more information. 

When: Tuesdays 8:40 am – 9:40 am   Begins 9/18/12 with FREE Trial Class on 9/11/12 8:40am
Where: Los Altos Hills Town Hall Council Chambers

Teresa at Stanford

Teresa is founder of the Pilates program at Stanford and has been teaching lecture and movement classes through Stanford University's School of Medicine Health Improvement Program (HIP) since 1999. 

Descriptions of current Stanford classes and links to register appear below.

Teresa's Stanford University Pilates Exercise classes

Heart of Pilates
Class begins with several invigorating dances ranging from Hip Hop, Caribbean and Bollywood to get your heart pumping while simultaneously challenging your coordination and balance. We'll follow with Pilates mat work integrating resistance bands and miniballs.  Expect increased core strength, flexibility and balance with crossover benefits to other areas of your life.
When: Mondays 5:00-5:50pm beginning 9/24/12-12/10/12
Where: Roble Studio at Stanford University Rm 42
Register: http://hip.stanford.edu/ (and click on link for "Group Fitness Classes" to find my class)

Pilates for Bone Building
With 1 of 2 women over 50y/o diagnosed with either osteopenia or osteoporosis, this Pilates mat class will address the unique needs of this growing population by modifying traditional Pilates exercises to keep you safe. Benefits include increased tone, flexibility, balance, core strength and postural awareness. Experience bone building exercises and understand how to decrease your fracture risk while navigating through life. This class is also beneficial for men and women with back disorders such as herniated discs or general back pain. 
When: Mondays 6:00-6:50pm 9/24/12-12/10/12
Where: Roble Studio at Stanford University Room 42
Register: http://hip.stanford.edu/ (and click on link for "Group Fitness Classes" to find my class)


Teresa's Stanford University Lecture Lab Classes 
Anatomy of Flexibility (3 classes at 1hr each)
Did you know a tight Piriformis is sometimes implicated in sciatica? Can you identify the origin of your hamstrings on your body? This 3-class series will cover the basics of anatomy, how it relates to flexibility and highlight how tight muscles can deleteriously impact posture. This will be your opportunity to ask the questions about your body that you think you should know already but don't, in a supportive environment. There are no dumb questions. You'll learn the principles of how to lengthen your muscles while maintaining ideal alignment to help achieve a balanced body. We'll also review the latest research. Handouts and practical tips that you can implement immediately will be shared to make a difference in your life!
http://hip.stanford.edu/ (and click on link for "Healthy Living Classes" to find my class)
When: Tuesdays Oct 4, Oct 11, (skip 18th) and Oct 25th   12:00-1pm Li Ka Shing Learning Center 
Room 205-206  SORRY THIS CLASS IS FULL
Register:  visit http://hip.stanford.edu/ (and click on link for "Healthy Living Classes" to find my class)


Desk Pilates (new class) (3 classes at 1hr each)
Understand the perils of prolonged sitting and learn simple techniques that you can implement immediately to combat the effects of a sedentary work environment. Cubicle inertia has a negative impact on many systems in our body. We'll review anatomy of the spine, understand resultant dysfunctions from faulty posture and acquire the knowledge to change faulty movement patterns. 
When:  November. Nov 8, 15 and 22nd  12:00-1:00pm
Where: Li Ka Shing Center at Stanford University Room 205-206 SORRY THIS CLASS IS FULL
Register:  visit http://hip.stanford.edu/ (and click on link for "Healthy Living Classes" to find my class)