Karena Thek Lineback, author of OsteoPilates has a new book just out: Scolio-Pilates - Exercise for Scoliosis, a Proactive Guide. I'm excited to tell you about it because I know many of you with scoliosis are wondering how to work with Pilates exercises and scoliosis, as are those of you who are instructors who have clients with scoliosis - I know because I get your inquiring letters (thank you).

In Scolio-Pilates,  Lineback shares her specific methodology for working with supported Pilates exercises in an alignment corrective way. This book is a hands-on type of manual, full of photos and exercise instructions as well as theory. Read my review.

"A gentle, twisting, stretch" - am I sure? Yes. This stretch is a twist, but there is a way to do it that can feel really good to your back. You might be familiar with this exercise from other fitness settings, but read through the instructions here and learn to do it safely, in a way that won't torque just one part of your lower back.

Once you know this exercise, you can use it as a gentle warm-up or as a little bit stronger stretch after your workout.
Get Instructions for Reclined Back Twist

Have the Exercise of the Week, along with other great Pilates info, sent directly to you each week in the Free Pilates Newsletter.

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"Full body exercise for full body living." How's that for a Pilates ad? It could work. Joseph Pilates was very clear in his writings that he intended his system of exercise to help people live the fullest lives they could -- enjoying flexibility, strength, and graceful movement throughout life, not just in the studio.

Are you translating how you move in Pilates exercises into how you move in daily life? Sometimes all it takes is a nudge to start thinking in that direction and it all connects up. With that in mind, I put together a photo essay matching daily life movements up with basics we learn in Pilates so you can see the connections yourself. I hope you like it. See: Daily Life Benefits of Pilates.

Related Reading: Top Benefits of Pilates

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It's Earth Day and many of us are going to spend at least some time this weekend renewing our commitment to caring for the earth and taking practical steps toward sustainability. So I thought now would be a good time to highlight some of our green options as Pilates consumers.

First,  a shout out to Balanced Body. They are our largest Pilates company and were recognized for the second time by the 2010 Waste Reduction Awards Program (WRAP) awards. They also run on 40 percent solar energy. And they build their wood products with sustainably harvested wood, along with other green practices (like attention to packing materials, one of my pet peeves). Balanced Body's wood Studio Reformer won best reformer in our Readers' Choice Awards this year.

Another Pilates company leading the way in the greening of the industry is Root Manufacturing. Their Pilates equipment is made with sustainably harvested woods and bamboo, and they are also committed to eco friendly business practices. I toured Root mfg. last year. See my photo journal.

I hope other Pilates companies are committed to environmentally sustainable practices as well. I'm sure their eco practices will increase and become more obvious as we ask for it. Really, there is no separation between our health and the health of our planet, so we better be discriminating shoppers

Here are some easy ideas for making your Pilates practice more green:

Buy Pilates mats made from recycled and biodegradable materials. Stott Pilates and Gaiam had eco mats in my recent mat reviews.  Compare  Prices on Eco Mats

Buy workout clothes made from organic and recycled fibers: Read reviews of eco workout wear from: be present, Yoga Hyde, and Beckons

Get a reusable water bottle. Compare Prices

Walk, run, or ride your bike to Pilates class. See: Cross training with Pilates.

Happy Earth Day!!!

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