Built Core Strength With Pilates

Pilates uses the mind to control the muscles.The program focuses on the core postural muscles which help keep the body balanced and which are essential to providing support for the spine. In particular, Pilates exercises teach awareness of breath and alignment of the spine, and aim to strengthen the deep torso muscles. Pilates improves your mental and physical well-being, increases flexibility, and strengthens core muscles. People who do pilates regularly feel they have better posture, are less prone to injury, and experience better overall health. If you want to work your body to the core, try Pilates

There are two forms of Pilates. They are: Mat-based and Equipment-based. Mat-based Pilates is a series of exercises performed on the floor using gravity and your own body weight to provide the resistance. The objective is to condition the deeper, supporting muscles of the body to improve posture, balance and coordination. Equipment-based Pilates – uses specific equipment such as the “Reformer,” which looks like a rowing machine that you push and pull along the floor. These classes can be easier for beginners because the machines support you when you do the movements.

There is a lot more to Pilates than just exercise. You have to have correct breathing, which is very important. Pilates helps develop your core strength, little bit complicated. You then have to learn to isolate certain muscle groups, for instance pelvic floor and the abdominal muscle. It took me a couple of months and two private sessions a week to learn how to do most of it correctly. Once you can stabilize the hips, back and abdomen only then can you move into the 'exercises'. However once you learn the correct techniques, it always comes back to you. It remains with you. It is like skating, or riding a bike. If you do not learn all this then the actual exercises will be all for nothing. You want quality, not quantity. And it can be dangerous as well, and you can do yourself more harm than good.

I started Pilates and yoga for balance, flexibility, and core strength to help me with figure skating. I do have to say the overall result is great; including health-wise. You don’t need to spend “mega” bucks on equipments for Pilates; I do recommend the mat and the ball. The ball gets deflated for easy storage. There is plenty of information available for anyone interested, but I do advise investing in an introductory class, for proper guidance and proper form. Those are of extreme importance. It is a worthwhile investment. Once the theory is grasped, the rest is really up to you. Not much equipment is required. You actually have to use your own body weight to build muscle mass.

Pilates is designed to combine your breathing rhythm with your body movements. It relies on a variety of special body movements which strengthen, and tone the various muscle groups of the body. It is a series of controlled movements engaging your body and mind, promoting physical harmony and balance for people of all ages and physical conditions. Don’t expect to see immediate results. It will take a few weeks before you’ll see changes in your body. Combine your sessions with some heart-pumping activities and Pilates can help you achieve total body fitness – endurance, flexibility, strength, and balance. Proper breathing is important as well as posture. It is very important to do Pilates using the proper form, because if you do it wrong, it will be self defeating.

Which Coach Will It Be Kimmie

Meissner should continue her partnership with Callaghan and thank Pam Gregory for all of the help she has given her to get her to this point. “Though it was a difficult decision... , Meissner should say but she “felt it was necessary to gain fresh input and bring a new perspective to her skating. Never would she have achieved her current level of success without her, and for that she is very grateful. She’d appreciated her friendship and guidance over the past years and forever she will have a place in her heart. She is a remarkable coach, and she has a great admiration for her.” I am sure she does. I can see that they have a good rapport. It is now time to move on.

Kimmie. Meissner has dropped her longtime coach in favor of Callaghan whom she had hoped would provide a quick fix after a rough Grand prix which she had fell three times and ended last at that event in December. Then, trying to defend her national title, she fell three times and finished seventh. Since Richard Callaghan had apparently done some damage control, The obvious choice would have to be Richard Callaghan, the man who rebuilt Meissner's confidence and performance level to something resembling her former self at Worlds. However, to this day she has yet to make a decision. And her fans are waiting.

According to the Baltimore sun, Meissner had indicated that she would enjoy that relationship, with Callaghan. It will be interesting to see what happens. Pam Gregory, the Professional Skaters Association 2006 Coach of the Year, had been Meissner's coach since 2003.Apparently, Callaghan who has guided skaters to Olympic, world and national titles, appears as though he'd like to go to the Olympics again. His interviews imply his interests. As far as Kimmie goes I hope she goes down south and skates there. She needs the change. I definitely saw a difference in her skating at Worlds. Her confidence was back; she was definitely a new woman. The move seemed to have worked during the short program, Meissner appeared to enjoy herself and showed none of the timidity that marred earlier performances. I hope she continues to work with Callaghan and her new coaches. It seems to have helped her.

Meissner, too, was under pressure to prove that her disastrous season was behind her.
She has already gone to the self evaluation and has analyzed that her skating, based on the current scoring system needed some tweaking, she then found the person known for improving her technical skills. She found a “jump doctor.” The summers, the off, season in which the skaters train, may prove beneficial.

When someone starts skating at five or six years of age, the odds that the coach they choose will be able to see them through an entire career, let alone at the elite level, are slim to none. Undoubtedly this is a hard decision for Kimmie and the fact remains she has to leave the nest. One of the things that moving will help her do is to sell her maturity. Kimmie needs to show off her maturity, grace and professionalism. She is a great skater but she now needs to realize her skating has changed and she needs to market the change. She should not even make an attempt to compete with the kiddies. She should display her maturity, her flair, her experience. She is a seasoned skater. She is in a different class. Let the jumping bean aspire to her level. She is in a different realm.

As a figure skater myself, after years of observing what goes on in the rink, the jury is still out as to how much a coach can do for a skater. I find my own success or failure is mainly due to my own mind- set and how seriously I practice. I am not an elite skater. However a coach’s technique can either make you or break you. There is the notion of one outgrowing his/her coach. I had to part with my coach of two years. It may not seem long. However, a bond was created. In the end, the change was necessary. As for Kimmie - I don't think she has much to lose by trying a new coach. Things couldn't get much worse than they already are. While Kimmie is the one putting in the work, we can’t over look Callaghan recent handy work with Meissner however. In addition to Lipinski and Eldredge, Callaghan also guided Nicole Bobek to her 1995 U.S. title and for a time coached Shizuka Arakawa, who later earned the gold medal at the 2006 Olympics.

The Thrill Of Competition

Everyone is a winner

Competition is human nature. Even before our birth we competed along with other sperms to get first place into our mother’s ovary. So we all won a great competition even prior to our birth. Everyone is a winner. However, as we grow older, we become insecure, we lose that confidence. Competition is one of the best ways to identify the talent, innovation and growth within us. Everything is in the mind and that assumptions, biases, and fear can cloud the mind from everyone’s true potential. We get caught up in “WINNING” or beating our opponent; when in reality “we” are our most fearsome competitor .Winning means overpowering someone else. If “we” don’t win, “we” are a loser.

Competition can lead not to dangerous action. Tonya Harding can no longer participate in any event sanctioned by the USFSA after admitting that she was aware of the plot to disable skating rival Nancy Kerrigan. She has denied being part of the plot. However, her ex-husband vehemently accounted that Tonya, his ex-wife was deeply involved in the conspiracy to injure the skater. Her actions as they related to the assault on Nancy Kerrigan show a clear disregard for fairness, good sportsmanship and ethical behavior. When it was all over, the USFSA strips Tonya Harding of her 1994 national championship and bans her from the organization for life. As a result, she will never be unable to participate in any amateur, pro-am or professional events sanctioned by the USFSA. She also will never be allowed to become a sanctioned coach. Now one would ask “Was this necessary for someone as talented as Tonya to allow greed to get the better of her as to go as far as inflicting harm on someone else just for the sake of “winning?”

Most people play a sport for the thrill of having fun with others who share the same interest. The effects of competition permeate the sport and every part of life. There can be tons of pressure in sports. A lot of the time it comes from the feeling that a parent or coach or fans expect you to always win or the worst thing of all low self esteem when it comes from inside. The pressure to win can sometimes stress you to the point where you just don't know how to have fun anymore. Perhaps it could even be the reason why you haven't been yourself.

Surya Bonaly is known for her backflip and is considered the only skater in the world capable of this move. Bonaly can be just defiant as she is famous. Her saucy attitude during number of competitions that did not go her way reveal the reaction of one being too caught up in the “thrill of competition.” This attitude was on display during the 1994 World Figure Skating Championships in Chiba, Japan. Nancy Kerrigan, Oksana Baiul and Lu Chen out of the competition, it was an open field for the championship. Bonaly skated a clean performance however, but the judges did not feel that way. The prize went to home country favorite Yuka Sato . They feel that she skated a better program. Bonaly felt she was robbed and defiantly stood aside the medals’ platform rather than on it.

Although she was coaxed into standing on the platform, Bonaly took off her silver medal after it was presented to her. The crowd did not appreciate her behavior, feeling that she was not showing good sportsmanship and was immediately booed. After the medal’s presentation it was obvious to reporters she was upset. According to Bonaly she was robbed of gold in 1993 as well, as she thought she should have beaten Oksana Baiul at that particular World Championship competition. Baiul narrowly won the world title. She was outjumped and outspun by Bonaly but had received higher artistic impression scores.

I was part of a platform in which anyone can put in their thoughts to questions asked, and as a result, your answers automatically earn points eventually they get voted best or the person who poses it declares which answer is best. The best answers receive a total of ten points. The platform being mentioned, I find, creates an internal contest. It was noticed answers that were answered correctly, and received votes were deleted for reasons that were not related to the cause. Upon careful perusal the conclusion was made that as points are accumulated, there is an ascending method; eventually the one with the most points ends up on a “pedestal” as the person with the most knowledge.

While some of the participants were just happy to share their knowledge, apparently, others had different objectives. By focusing on results, the objective became more with the ends–which are earning points than having fun in helping others and the sharing of knowledge.


Self esteem can play a big role on how we compete. Competition is a time in which we are testing your abilities and not our peers, and our friends’ opinions should no matter as much; however how we feel about your performance should have the greatest impact on the outcome. Competition is the core concept around which we thrive, and our securities or lack of it is built. While competition is good for self and self discipline, for adrenaline, for country, when the wrong technique is being use to achieve is when one should stop and have a self evaluation as to why “ I am really doing this” Once “we” get too caught up in competing outside of ourselves, wether it is academic or in sports that is when we will fail, for we cannot control our opponents.

NO! YOU ARE NOT TOO OLD

Get Hooked On Figure Skating

You are never too old to figure skate, however if your thinking about making it to the Olympic games there may be some concern depending with the age in question. Skating can be a relaxing and an enjoyable pastime for young and old alike. However, the sport of figure skating involves a lot of stamina, flexibility and strength. If the aim is to compete at international or world standards then really the sooner you can get onto the ice the better. Then, stop commiserating about your age. Are you back from the rink yet? Figure skating is an enjoyable way to get fit and have a lot of fun as well. It is freedom. It is exciting. Anyone at any age can enjoy figure skating.

Even if you have not started young, don't despair! With determination, the right attitude and the will to succeed, anything is possible. If you would like to give figure skating a try, enrolling in group lessons would be a smart move. It’s great to get instant feed back. The best thing is to have fun and be safe.

Basic figure skating moves can be equally easy and difficult to master. There are off days as well as good ones. With lots of practice, it is possible to become quite accomplished. If you wish to learn figure skating at a competitive level then it is important that you get a coach that you can trust, one that you can work with.

I am telling you this once and for all: There is no such thing as too old for figure skating. Ninety percent of figure skating is passion and determination which translate in how much time you spend on the ice.

If you are continuously thinking about it, or finding ways to improve yourself, reading about it, watching the competition umpteenth time on your Tvo over and over thinking, watching so much, somehow, those elements will transmit into your body. If you find yourself wanting to be at the rink at every waking moment to practice, then you are NOT TOO OLD.

You need the right combinations: perseverance, determination, and passion, you will need those especially when you are having an off day. Those days do appear at times. That is when you will go home angry, and frustrated, because you were doing fine and all of a sudden there is a glitch.
However, the next day, you lace your skates up and back for more. SO NO ONE IS EVER TOO OLD FOR ANYTHING, especially if you have determination, desire, and passion.

The sense of achievement will give a tremendous boost to your ego. The main thing is to enjoy your moments on the ice. After all that is why you are there isn't it? I always believe that if you are doing something that you are truly enjoying then you are going to want to improve your skills to get the most out of it.

HEEEEEEEEERE IS JOHNNY...

GIVE JOHNNY HIS “PROPS”

Apparently Johnny Weir has skated a flawless short program at the World Figure Skating Championships in Gotebord, Sweden, on Friday, while the past two title winners, Stephane Lambiel of Switzerland and Brian Joubert of France, fumbled or fell. Just when his fans thought he was exploited by the new scoring system, Johnny has produced an otherwise flawless routine to win the bronze, combining with Carriere tenth place finish, giving the US three spots to next year’s world’s championships.

Weir, the three-time U.S. champion, needed to be at his best to stay among the medal contenders Friday, that he did. He is a first rate, smooth extremely talented skater. His individuality and fearlessness are an inspiration. Johnny Weir is a wonderful skater and he will continue to improve Since Zmievskaya and Petrenko would not be baby-sitting him. He has proven himself to be, mature, gracious and a skater who can challenge on a world level. Johnny Weir likes controversy. He likes drama. He's never boring. However, this season, he seems different , he is more focused and consistent. The new coaching of Galina Zmievskaya, and Petrenko seem to have work wonders for Johnny.

Weir scored big wins at the Cup of China and Cup of Russia, defeating two-time world champion Stéphane Lambiel of Switzerland both times. He was magnificent at the U.S. nationals That being said, with the men the final event at World , Weir can finally get back his respect.

Johnny was phenomenal this year. He pursued his dream and proved that he has the talent and artistry to be a winner. He certainly has it to be the champion and is wonderful to watch as well. He is very artistic. Johnny Weir is infinitely interesting to watch..

Meanwhile, despite the change, some of the “old” johnny keep making a comeback. The quote bellow reinforces this view:
"As much as I would love to say that I think it's the most important thing for the U.S. to have three spots for men, it's not the most important thing for me. Even if we have one spot, as long as it's mine, I don't care," ..."(CAM COLE, Canwest News Service March 22, 2008 )
This is a free country. Everyone is entitled to his /her opinion; however the USFSA judging from the way Johnny has been treated does not seem to allow him this unalienable right. Apparently, they feel that Johnny should walk to their own drums. They probably hope that he grows up a bit and understands that while he is certainly entitled to his opinions, it wouldn't hurt to show some conformity.

Johnny Weir has proven to be gracious in winning and in defeat. He stands head and shoulders above his critics. He is is a great skater and he should be treated with respect. He should be admired for his individuality as well as his skating talent.

I am as happy as a bug in a rug!

Figure Skating has been saved!

THANK YOU JOHNNY!

A MONUMENTAL MOMENT FOR KIMMIE

A Second Chance Well Deserved

I have become accustomed enough with the new judging system to know not to be quick on pulling out the drums and cymbals after the short program. Yet I am reading several headlines citing Kostner Leads Worlds, Meissner in Ninth, or Rochette in the running for a medal, I find this premature ovation give the athletes and the fans a false sens of security. Life seems pretty good when you are on top. However, the short program, is sometimes a question mark. Any way you slice it, the long program is more definite. Don’t get me wrong, even when it is done for Meissner, Hughes, Lysacek, or Weir I find it a bit untimely. Now with this intense competition, it does not help at all. As a matter of fact, it adds to the already charged atmosphere. A succession of small errors can result in less than perfect performances

To every rule there is an exception. I had felt a bit cocky during Nationals, thinking, in the new judging system, what goes up usually comes down. It wasn’t the case this time. With the US (2008) Championships, the code of point system I thought, would allow my favorite athlete to revamp and come back with a vengeance, she has done it so may times in the past. However it was not the case. This has help me see that any margin of a lead a skater captures in the short definitely can help to act as a bit of a security net for them in the free. Regardless of that event, I still stand by my views that this new system is more of a jumping contest, and it has caused figure skating to lose its heart and soul. Today's up and coming younger athletes are trained to be jumping beans, and figure skating isn't just jumps. It is art on ice; you have to “caress” the ice as coined by the famous Dick Button. Artistry is most of program.

There are so many ups and downs in figure skating, Meissner knows about all of them. On and off the ice. After two lackluster performances at the Grand Prix Finals and the US Nationals in which she finished 6th and seventh respectively, Kimmie has gone from rising star to skating flop. She switched coaches, leaving longtime coach Pam Gregory to join Richard Callahan. Suddenly, Meissner was a force again.

At the US Championships, Meissner was overtaken by nerves, fell three times on three of her jumps, and was seventh place after the free program. After the Grand Prix Finals and the US Nationals, she was given such a hard time by the media, tonight she came back strong.

Kimmie is a gracious winner and she embraces losing graciously as well. She turns every lost, every mistakes into a learning experience and that has gone a long way. She had finished last in the Grand Prix Final in December. It was not but six weeks ago, the 18-year-old Bel Air finished a disappointing seventh at the U.S. Nationals. Her task was not be easy Kimmie had to make-up a lot of ground at the World Figure Skating Championships tonight. And the hard work and determination pays off. I am quite sure Kimmie has gained a lot from this experience, good or bad. “Yeah you’re hot”

The women's free skate is not the last event of the world championships the men’s event will follow.

SOUR GRAPES

...OR DOWN RIGHT CHEATING

The purpose of the new judging system was to eliminate cheating especially after that debacle at the Olympics concerning Peltier and Salle; however since the US dance team suffered a fall at World, and according to some reporters, the team was not penalized harshly enough. And now, the Canadian pair team who won the bronze feels something went awry with their score, resulting in some Canadian newspapers screaming foul play.

According to thestar.com/Sports/article/347632,(The Toronto Star march 2008) The judges merely Skillful, subtle handled the situation by giving the couple a mandatory deduction and yet granted them enough points to at least keep them in the hunt. And no one is the wiser. This is a grave accusation, Mr. Ciquanta. According to the paper in question, they (Belbin&Agosto) were not “whacked” enough, despite the almost unthinkable fluke in their routine. While their Canadian team mate Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir feel sympathetic that the Americans didn't have their best skate, The Toronto Star is alluding that the reformed scoring system that was supposed to stop that kind of fraudulent, illegal, deceitful act failed.

However, the accusations did not stop there. After the pairs’ free skate in which the Canadians have earned the bronze medal, the same tabloid is screaming foul play once again. According to Rosie Dimanno, the sport columnist for the Toronto Star, Dube&Davidson were the best performers on the ice, they had the cleanest, nearly flawless skate, they had the loudest applause.

But despite all of this phenomenal performance, the gold, according to Dimanno went to the “rattled, sloppy and disgracefully German tandem of Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy.” Ms Dimanno feels that the pair’s“side-by-side falls on triple Salchow, a blooped opening combination and a death spiral on its deathbed.” They did not merit the honor of the Gold medal. Canada deserved it far more. According to her, their performance was flawless.

Apparently, Ms Dimanno has the upper hand. She their witnessing all of this, and I am confined to the electronic prints that my PC has granted me until I get to see for my self the real thing on the big tube. Until then, I have to rely to sour grapes, to second hand reporting.

However if it is true, there were cheating involved, it will only prove that most of us have been right all along; that is, there was nothing wrong with the old system. It can only be hope that the problem if there is any is fixed; or better yet, it can be used as a catalyst to bring back a more refined version of the 6.0 which will eliminate the cookie cutter programs brought by the Code Of Point system. Bring back art in figure skating; and leave the jumping (contest)jacks for the play yard.

I will go as far as saying this reporter has some sour grapes. Apparently, she is the only one with a grievance. I will draw my own conclusion once I watch it on TV. I am almost sure if there were shenanigans at the Championships, the media, including the fans will call foul!