Six Keys Pilates of Manayunk and Philadelphia

Staying Healthy with Pilates

Jennifer Cybulski — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:58:43 +0000

Pilates is a form of exercise that can become a way of life. Being healthy IS a way of life.
Joseph Pilates claims he “never took an aspirin a day in his life.” I have to admit, I have been doing Pilates since ’98 and I don’t take anything either. There are humans around me who have many ailments and take numerous “pills” to alleviate and “cure” their aches and pains. Let’s not get it twisted, I am over 30, have old gymnast knees and wrists, fell off of a trapeze onto my face and am a modern dancer. So I definitely have physical issues but Pilates has been the ONLY thing that has allowed me to keep moving. (I plan to be able to hang upside down at 100). Clearly for me, Pilates is my way of life.
One has to be willing to explore new movement opportunities to gain a mind/body connection, which can enhance your current workout regime. Pilates constantly is counter massaging your internal organs and muscles. It offers a natural progression of the excersises so as to avoid any jarring, intense impact or pain during the movement. Pilates challenges the muscles, body and mind which keeps the brain alive!
Those humans I referred to earlier usually poo-poo Pilates claiming it’s like yoga or say they don’t get anything out of it. They have a fear of commitment and fear of learning something new. I think it’s because they are afraid of falling in love and never looking back Pilates is a learned behavior which offers an infinite amount of benefits depending on the individual.

For example:

Yoga is a system invented thousands of years ago, Pilates about a hundred. Yoga has poses, pilates has exercises. Yoga is performed solely on a mat, Pilates uses various types of apparatus and mats.

If you happen to be someone who hasn’t moved in a while, Pilates is the perfect way to start moving again.
My point is that Pilates is healthy, gentle and anyone can do it! Stop being scared and invest in the only thing you know you wake up to everyday… Yourself!

Summer at 6 Keys

Jennifer Cybulski — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 21:34:29 +0000

It’s been awhile since I have put up a post. So here is what has been happening…
6 Keys has officially moved to 200 Krams Ave!! This new space boasts large windows, gleaming hardwood floors, our own powder room and a/c. Come see us and join Pilates!
By August we will have a new software program to make everyone’s life easier! With this new program you will be able to schedule and payonline.
I attended continuing education at True Pilates New York in June with Sari. (That’s Romana’s daughter) I was royally Pilates’d and reminded how we are constantly learning. At the end we used Joseph Pilates’ invention the “Breath-A-sizer” which is small piece of equipment that measures your exhalation. I was able to roll through my whole spine (rolling from standing to down to my ankles) and exhale for 9 counts. Most can get to 6.
Every week, in addition to my own workout, I take a private lesson with another teacher to maintain my knowledge, body and mind. As I believe it is important for others to practice Pilates, I practice what I preach!
Lastly, 6 Keys Pilates is in the running again for Best Pilates Studio of Philly, click here to make us #1! http://ctvr.us/6keyspilates

One Year Anniversary Happy Hour

Jennifer Cybulski — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 22:50:37 +0000

Hello All,
I hope all of you are enjoying and reaping your benefits from 6 Keys Pilates. We are growing everyday and thank each and every-one of you for your support and continued business!

AT THE STUDIO
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!
HAPPY HOUR!

WHEN: Friday March 18, 2011
TIME: 5-8pm
WHERE: The home of 6 Keys 123 Leverington Ave M-20 Phildelphia Pa 19127
WHY: Because you like to drink and eat after work

We are happy to say we have been in business for 1 year! A lot has happened for us and we wouldn’t be able to reach our goals without Loyal, Respectful and Dedicated clients! Over the course of the year I have met each and every-one of you and helped you reach your goals! I look forward to helping you perfect that “Teaser”.

We will also have merchandise! Check us out, you won’t wanna miss it!

COMMUNITY
6 Keys will be at Lyceum Wellness this Friday and Saturday for “March into Wellness”
There will be many practitioners available for you to meet and greet.
www.roxboroughwellness.com – event website

Just a little tid bit… occasionally I send out emails from “Mail Chimp”. Please check your spam as I wouldn’t like you to miss any digestable information!

Thanks and Peace to ALL of you!

Hope to see you at “Happy Hour” on the 18th!

Winter Weather and Pilates

Jennifer Cybulski — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 18:07:11 +0000

I could definitely find any reason for you to practice Pilates and winter weather is a perfect example to use!
Between shoveling all types of snow, chipping away at ice , slipping and falling, winter weather has its way with us.
Shoveling requires the use of your back, arms and legs, areas of the body that are overused. So by the next day your muscles ache, maybe your back hurts and you may feel terrible. If you’re someone who suffers with rotator cuff pain, back pain or arthritis, shoveling can exacerbate these issues. Now you really dislike the snow and the clean up.
Slipping and falling can put you out of commission for days, weeks even months. Most people, after falling, seek care, get a prescription, wait until it goes away and then proceed to live their lives. Not understanding that the injury can hibernate and rear it’s ugly head when you are doing something your normally do like making the bed.

How can Pilates benefit these situations?
* Pilates is low impact and allows one to work at their own level so there is no risk for injury.
* Your recovery time will be quicker.
* The whole body is strengthened, not just your site of injury.
* Pilates is a gentle, progressive style of movement so it will never jar or tear muscles.
* Pilates teaches a mind/body connection so while your body heals, your mind heals as well.

****Always research the studio and instructor before investing in yourself and Pilates. A certified instructor should have a complete certification in mat and the apparatus from an accredited institution. There are different programs and styles of Pilates; not all are created equal!

Gift Certificates

Jennifer Cybulski — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 16:42:56 +0000

This Holiday Season give the gift of Pilates. It is gentle, easy on the joints and ANYONE can start pilates at any age! All Gift Certificates are 20% off until December 31 and are valid for 6 months. Get yours today by calling, emailing or purchasing online with Paypal!http://manayunkpilates.com/class-rates/
Happy Holidays!!

December Continuing Ed

Jennifer Cybulski — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 16:45:47 +0000

This past Saturday I was in the presence of Sari and other instructors from around the world… literally. I am always moved by how much enthusiasm we, including Sari, all have for this awesome form of movement.
We started the seminar with Advanced Mat and afterwards picked every exercise apart going over the in’s and out’s. Sari really talke about the “science” of Pilates and how other programs or teachers are losing the quality of the work.
I have seen first hand how other instructors and clients get “bored” with the original work and attempt to do harder exercises. Not a good idea. Pilates, or Contrology, is about what the client needs, what their body is asking for. Not doing random exercises because they are bored with the regular routine.
Back to the seminar… After the Advanced Mat we moved to the reformer. There we each had a chance to practice, teach and observe. The one thing I learned from the reformer this time was the swakate. I have done this before and studied it but this time I was able to perform the exercise. This is a super advanced exercise which really engages the triceps, powerhouse and shoulders. *Not easy*
Next it was the Cadillac. I learned a new trick for the “Sari”, to help out those clients who are a bit height challenged. Like the Reformer, we practiced, disected and observed.
Last we went over the chairs; the Wunda and High chair.
The coolest part is that I am able to utilize pieces of the apparatus that Joe Pilates hisself has used and was in the original 8th ave studio. Can your Pilates Instructor say that???
Overall the seminar was envigorating and challenging. More than ususal I jumped at the chance to show the exercise and teach which puts you up for criticism but that is how you grow as a teacher!

Pole yourself together

Jennifer Cybulski — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 18:25:15 +0000

Once again I have had the opportunity to enjoy an anatomy workshop with Lori Coleman-Brown, focusing on the “top of the flag pole”, the head, neck and shoulder girdle.
This area can be delicate for some and assessing their range of motion is a must; from the top of the head to the shoulders.
We reviewed the anatomy and studied exercises which utilize most of the 6 key principles. Control of the shoulder girdle by concentrating and maintaining the centering of the body. The exercises also aided in open the lungs to increase the air capacity all the while working the precision.
Watch out for some of the exercises and cue’s from your instructor!!
After the anatomy part of the workshop we had a class in “Poling yourself together”. We practiced all the principles of Pilates with the use of long poles for stabilization and strength. Their was even head wrestling going on!! Yes, Joseph Pilates practiced head wresting!!
The next day I had my lesson. My strength and control are always tested and I always enjoy feedback. The cue I have taken away this time is: “superwoman”- you will have to take a lesson to have an explanation for this one
Peace and Prosperity to all!!

It’s worth the Investment

Jennifer Cybulski — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 13:55:37 +0000

Lately I have been hearing how people want to try pilates, but they don’t have the funds. Or, I am too old to start a new exercise program, I am not flexible enough. To me these are all excuses.

Lets look at the first excuse… I don’t have the money to invest in my own body, is what that translates to me. Humans, more than ever, are looking for that magical pill or the quickest and easiest way to get their body into shape. The truth of the matter is, it takes work to feel good on the inside. It takes work to have your body look the way you want it to and it takes work to maintain your endurance and flexibility.

You have to want to work at it and save the funds needed. Maybe you don’t need the magazine, Starbucks and gum. Purchasing that everyday for a week, adds up to the cost of 1 private lesson per week. Imagine what your body would feel like after just one lesson per week?!

Then we have the, “I’m too old”. That flat out says “I am too lazy and I can not change”. The best part is that you can change and you can become less sedentary. Pilates is one of the only forms of exercise you can do until you are 105! The apparatus will allow you to move even if you have no limbs, at that point. It is a fact that the less flexible a person is the higher the risk for heart attack and blood clotting! Who wants that?? It would be great if everyone was on some kind of exercise regime, whether it be Pilates or not. Joe Pilates can be quoted saying, ” Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.” wouldn’t you agree?

Another fact is that exercise reduces depression, stress and lethargy.
Unfortunately, depression affects 19 million Americans some of which do not seek medical attention. Now, I am not saying Pilates can cure this illness but I am saying pilates can benefit these individuals. Why? First and foremost exercise of any kind releases endorphins and creates an overall sense of “well-being”. That short walk in the morning can be a big deal to someone suffering from depression. I have taught individuals like this and they ALL can say since they have started Pilates, they do not feel as “sad” as before.
Stress is a word we all use and sometimes too much. Seems like anything can stress people out these days. The feeling of being “stressed out” usually occurs in our heads as we try to filter all of our thoughts and file them somewhere so to deal with them later. Stress also affects our bodies, like stomach ulcers, rounded shoulders, back pain, stress induced eating… I could go on but I am sure you get the point. Practicing Pilates is stress free and reduces the stress if you suffer from it. Because Pilates requires Concentration, one does not have time to be worrying about whatever else is going on. During your lesson is your time to shine, work your body focus on you and let the stress melt away.
The feeling of being lethargic is another one most humans use as an excuse. An interesting fact about that one is that Pilates increases your energy level and puts a kick in your step! I dare anyone to take the PIlates challenge and test if all I say is true!
“In 10 lessons you will feel better, in 20 you will look better and in 30 you will have a new body.” – Joe Pilates (This statement is true if you are practicing 3-4 times/week with private lessons)

Mat Class Bundle

Jennifer Cybulski — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 18:57:07 +0000

Our mat class bundles include 10 mat classes, and are good for all of the mat classes offered at Six Keys Pilates. Packages are good for 6 months after purchase date.

At Six Keys Pilates, a mat class has no more than 5 students at a time. Maintaining a small class allows the instructor to keep a watchful eye, which ensures you to get the most out of the workout. When practicing the mat work, you are on a mat (we provide mats at the studio) and some classes make use of the Magic Circle. The Magic Circle is added to make the workout a little more advanced, and your instructor will show you the proper ways to incorporate the circle into the mat work. The mat work is also known as the “heart and soul of Pilates”.

Private Lesson Bundle

Jennifer Cybulski — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 18:53:34 +0000

At Six Keys Pilates in Philadelphia, a private lesson is one-on-one. During a private lesson we use the Reformer, Cadillac and Ladder Barrel. The equipment will aid in learning how to resist your own body, build strength for the mat work and teach you how to create length.

Designed to help you save time and money, our private lesson bundle includes 10 private lessons. Our packages are good for 6 months from the date of issue.