Contrology | A New Way To Move

After the frothy eggnog bowl is drained and the last Christmas cookie eaten, the results of neglecting physical activity during the holidays become a reality — a cold one. The New Year brings new beginnings, clean calendars, fresh starts, and a renewed dedication to health and wellness. If you jumped on the scale after holiday splurging, it’s time to weigh your options on how to get moving and burn some calories. I can hear you groaning, but just hear me out.

The Dilemma

COVID-19 restrictions impacted fitness facilities and numerous sporting events, which forced many to return to basic outside activities such as running, walking, and riding bicycles. The weather in our area remained wonderful until the fall equinox rolled around. Daylight Savings Time is not welcomed by solar-powered people. For me this was coupled with the fact that, as a former dancer, marathon runner, and one-time Augusta Ironman finisher, I had a bunion removed after my 80,000-mile checkup and was immediately shackled in a walking boot for the remainder of 2020. Sympathy gladly accepted! My recuperation on the couch is comparable to a little kid who cannot go outside and play on a rainy day. My parole is now up and it’s time to get back in the game, with some restrictions, according to the fine print on the doctor’s orders.

Gasp! Non-weight-bearing activities — surely the doctor is mistaken. Might as well take my knee stroller, fondly referred to as my “Pooter Scooter,” down the street and race with my neighbor, Miss Bobby Anne, with her walker. She often strolls with her dog Sophie and practices what she preaches. “If you want to stay young, you have to move,” says Miss Bobby Anne. In my current recuperative state, my Pooter Scooter and I are no match for this spunky lady and her vigor for life. “You’re not out of the game yet,” said my sister Nancy. “There’s Pilates and it’s designed to rehab ballet dancers.” My feigned race with my neighbor will have to wait. I’m headed to the studio to get my groove back.

Pilates

Joseph Pilates developed a physical fitness system in the early 20th century. Using controlled movements, Pilates improves flexibility, and strength, and develops control and endurance in the entire body. The emphasis is on alignment, breathing, and developing a strong core to improve coordination and balance.

While Pilates exercises are imperative for the ballet population, make no mistake — this is no dance class. Joseph Pilates trained a multitude of dancers after he immigrated to New York and opened his Contrology Training Studio next door to the New York City Ballet. Oftentimes Martha Graham and George Balanchine would send dancers to Joseph Pilates for rehabilitation. The marriage of dance and Pilates is undeniable. Both methodologies use the whole body in their movements; both use mind, discipline, and breath to create optimal posture and long strong flexible muscles.

A Local Connection

Aiken’s Pilates, Performance & Wellness classes are a blend of Pilates and fitness. “They are a blend of Classical Pilates and Contemporary Pilates with a bit of athletic performance as well. I love to bring variety to a workout and want clients to be challenged to ensure physical improvement,” says owner Cat Koman. Her clients range from college students to seniors.

Mrs. Koman suggests that when it comes to fitness, beginners need to find out what they enjoy doing and make it a lifestyle change. “I encourage people to come try a session to see if they like it. The Pilates method is a different way to strengthen your body, a gentle way to get stronger, leaner muscles.”

If you’re older, haven’t exercised for some time, or have health problems, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program. Pilates is no exception. Similarly, women who are pregnant should check with their health care providers before starting classes or other exercise programs.

“Change happens through movement, and movement heals,” said Joseph Pilates. Pilates offers plenty of benefits to your body, no matter your fitness background. You’ll improve your posture, focus on bodily alignment, and get one heck of a core workout. You’ll be taking a class that’s either based on a mat — a tad thicker than a standard yoga mat, to cushion pressure points — or on a machine called a reformer, a sliding platform complete with stationary foot bar, springs, and pulleys that provide resistance. Ask which one you’re getting into before you commit to your workout.

Whether it’s Pilates or another form of physical fitness, find the one you enjoy and make a resolution for better health. There are no more excuses — it’s time to take action and embrace the New Year and all it has to offer. For me, my resolution is simple: bid farewell to my Pooter Scooter, find life balance, and share my gratitude for good health with others for the next 80,000 miles. Happy New Year!

Picture of Susie Ferrara

Susie Ferrara

A native of Aiken, Susie Ferrara studied under the direction of Carl Crosby and is a former member of the Aiken Civic Ballet Company. She also danced with the University of South Carolina Dance Company, under the direction Susan Anderson, and the Robert Ivey Ballet Company in Charleston, SC. She has 30 years of experience in Communications and Journalism, and currently works in the Site Training Department at the Savannah River Site.
Picture of Susie Ferrara

Susie Ferrara

A native of Aiken, Susie Ferrara studied under the direction of Carl Crosby and is a former member of the Aiken Civic Ballet Company. She also danced with the University of South Carolina Dance Company, under the direction Susan Anderson, and the Robert Ivey Ballet Company in Charleston, SC. She has 30 years of experience in Communications and Journalism, and currently works in the Site Training Department at the Savannah River Site.

In the know

Related Stories

Let Them Eat Avocado Toast | Palmetto Bella

Let Them Eat Avocado Toast

As we all know, adults ages 23 – 39 years old are the ruin of all things. Somehow the millennials are destroying the economy by not buying napkins, diamonds, sugary cereals, and luxury goods, and by not eating at chain restaurants. What villains for not purchasing these obviously key and necessary products! Then in that same paint stroke they are good-for-nothing layabouts, stuck and unable to purchase homes or build savings. According to Tim Gurner, the problem is Avocado Toast. “When I was trying to buy my first home, I wasn’t buying smashed avocado for $19 and four coffees at $4 each.” The Australian multimillionaire truly believes that $23 is

Read More »
Household Dangers for our Children | Palmetto Bella

Household Dangers for our Children

Too many children are ill, be it is from neurological issues, metabolic issues, cancer, respiratory problems, and/or psychological and social issues. Top scientists believe that environmental toxins are causing widespread brain injury and loss of function across a generation of children. As a society, we seem to be failing our children. Just look at the explosion of special education classes and clinics in schools across the nation. We do not connect poor health with the products that we are using on a daily basis because we are not experiencing the acute aspects of poisoning. We see no warnings, and most health care providers do not know about them. Neurodevelopmental disabilities,

Read More »
Changing Times: What to Expect When the Flu and Novel Coronavirus Disease COVID-19 Collide | Palmetto Bella

Changing Times: What to Expect When the Flu and Novel Coronavirus Disease COVID-19 Collide

The best thing to do as we go into this potentially deadly season is to build our immune system to shield and help us fight no matter what hits us. My, how things have changed, and changed drastically, in a few short months. The corona outbreak has everyone scrambling from the way we socialize and practice healthcare to how we live day to day and more importantly how we see our future. Scientists and physicians are trying to figure out how to manage the beast called SARS-CoV-2 that causes the COVID-19 disease as it keeps evolving and changing. The problem now is that flu season is right around the corner

Read More »
Dairy Sensitivity and Dairy Substitutes | Palmetto Bella

Dairy Sensitivity and Dairy Substitutes

When she was first at college, my daughter came home and told me a friend of hers at college was sensitive to dairy. She was interested in learning what she might have instead of milk and other dairy products. What are the potential problem components of dairy? Most people who have a dairy allergy or sensitivity are reactive to either the proteins in dairy or the milk sugar, lactose. Lactose intolerance is very common in adults and can be identified by a lab test. Dairy has a number of proteins that may cause allergies or sensitivities, the two most common being casein and whey. There is a less common protein

Read More »