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