#swanQ&A

A Swan Q&A with Brooklyn Essentials: Part 2

 

 

The ladies of Brooklyn Essentials had so much wonderful information to share about essential oils that we had to spread all that knowledge out on the blog. Here is the follow up to our original #SwanQ&A. Didn't see the first one? Take a peek here!

 

 

During Essential Oils 101 you mentioned Frankincense was the king of oils? Can you say more about what you mean and give us some examples of how it is used?

Anna: Yes! Frankincense is really an extraordinary oil and provides amazing benefits to our bodies. It is nature’s most powerful anti-inflammatory among a million other things! This blog post has lots of info about "one of the most precious essential oils"!

Frankincense can be used aromatically, topically, and internally. Here are some ways I personally use this oil:

Take one drop internally daily under the tongue for overall health and immune support.

Add one drop to my moisturizer day and night for extra anti-aging support.

Layer with lavender and peppermint oils on my neck and forehead for tension headaches.

Apply immediately and repeatedly to any cut, scrape, burn, or bruise for quick skin restoration.

Use in a “perfume” blend with doTERRA’s Citrus Bliss and Balance blends. The beautiful scent is also providing me with grounding, mood uplifting, and relaxing therapeutic properties.

I don’t go anywhere without my friend Frank!

Becca: Frank is just the best.  I always keep some on me incase anything happens.  It helps build a healthy immune system, promotes cellular health and can even repair damaged skin.  It's also anti-inflammatory, can help with mood swings, and can overall help your body to function better.  The oils adage is, "When in doubt, use frankincense!"

What are all the types of classes Brooklyn Essentials offers?

We are always expanding the classes that we offer. One of the coolest things about the essential oil community is that we are all learning and exploring together, and the learning never ends! We love to tailor a class to what the host and community are most interested in. The classes we currently offer are:

Essential Oils 101: What are EO’s? Where do they come from? What makes them safe and pure? How can they be used?

Beyond the basics: Essential oils with babies and kids

A Gentlemen’s guide to essential oils

Gym Bag Makeover Class: Essential oils for an active lifestyle

Beyond the basics: Pre-natal care with essential oils and supplements

Natural Cleaning Solutions with essential oils: a make & take class

Pregnancy, Birth, & Babies: an intro class on essential oils

Beyond the Basics: Mood & Sleep Management with essential oils

Natural beauty with essential oils: a make & take class

What are the oils that you would suggest a first time user (who is a bit trepidations about spending money on a more comprehensive set) should purchase? Can you list one primary "everyday" use for each of these oils?

Yes, of course! A great little starter kit is LEMON, LAVENDER, AND PEPPERMINT. There are actually hundreds of uses for these but I will share just a few:

LEMON: drink in your water throughout the day, 1 drop to 4 oz. of water.  It helps cleanse and detoxify the body, provides powerful anti-oxidant support, aids in digestion, and wards against free radicals.

LAVENDER: Rub a few drops on the bottom of your feet before bedtime to help relax and prepare your mind and body for a restful sleep.

PEPPERMINT: Rub 1-2 drops in your hand and cup and inhale over your nose (avoiding the eyes) for an energizing boost and to open up your airways.

Interested in a list of 101 uses of this little trio? Read here!

What are some of your favorite resources for essential oil information?

dōTERRA offers some amazing resources about there essential oils (and essential oils in general)! Check out all of their official pages for some great information!

Product Tips Blog: An excellent place to learn about product promotions, product features or product success stories.

Facebook Page: The best place to connect with dōTERRA on Facebook, get product information, and to connect with dōTERRA product fans, friends and more.

Tools Site: An “all-in-one” site with downloadable Product Information Pages, Imagery, Product Presentations and more.

doterraeveryday.com Site: A site that hosts dōTERRA IPC training, event listings, news and information.

YouTube Channel: When dōTERRA creates a new “official” video, this is often the first place it is made available to dōTERRA IPCs.

Pinterest Page: See how dōTERRA is being shared on Pinterest--get ideas on how to share dōTERRA, products, product uses and more!

Aromatic Science: You can read the latest research on essential oils and educate yourself through the learning modules!

Is there one other piece of information you would really love to share with our Swan community?

Becca: Oils can be used for just about everything.  From cleaning to disinfectant, to bug spray to bee stings to pregnancy and labor!  It's amazing how we can use all natural products and they help us more than anything else would, plus there are no side effects!

Anna: Yes! Brooklyn Essentials would love to know you! We look forward to connecting more with the Swan community. Cheers!

Check out Brooklyn Essentials on Facebook and Instagram and keep your eyes on the blog for more great #SwanQ&As!

Alaina Mallory - Swan Instructor

We are pleased to introduce the newest addition to Swan teaching staff, Pilates instructor Alaina Mallory. Drawn to the Pilates method out of "pure curiosity", Alaina continues to share her passions for human physiology, increasing body awareness and developing and maintaining muscles you might not even know you have. Check out her #SwanQ&A and meet her in the studio on Monday evenings and Wednesday mornings!

Can you tell us a bit about your philosophy of teaching, what interests you about the body, and any influences that have shaped your practice and your teaching?

Always give your best, whatever your best is today and you will always have a reason to be proud of your effort. I enjoy the exploration of how the different parts of the body relate to one another. I am often amazed how the tweak of alignment can make so much difference in muscle recruitment.

What are you reading or watching at the moment?

So You Think You Can Dance

What is your favorite bone or muscle and why?

Sternocleidomastoid. It's fun to say!

What is your go-to prop when teaching? What is your favorite exercise to do with that prop?

Magic Circle. I love doing arms overhead. It is a deceptively challenging exercise and very effective for working shoulder stabilization.

Action movie or romance?

Depends on the weather.

Hair Party at your house! With Whitney Scott

Whitney is a long time Swan with a healthy practice both in and out of the studio. You've witnessed her work in hair color on the noggins of both Julia and Eleanor, among other Swans. She is a master with wild colors and has sent Eleanor through the rainbow (remember ?!). While being fantastic at crazy colors, she is super talented at sexy, natural color that is easy to upkeep and is very personalized (think Julia's beautiful surfy locks). We relate to how she approaches her clients. When you see Whitney for color she listens, ---really listens--- and then makes you look and feel amazing! Plus, Whitney has the most fun, chill vibe. We think you will love her :).

Lucky Swans, Whitney is making herself available to you house-call style. Got a few friends who need their color done? Have a hair party! Gather, relax and be comfortable in your own space. 

Have questions? Just ask Whitney (WhitneyBlaineScott@gmail.com). We asked her a few Q and As of our own! Read on below!

First a snippet about Whitney's hair back ground:
Whitney's passion is creating beautiful, maintainable color, connecting with people, and cultivating a healthy self image for everyone she works with. 

Her specialty is balayage, and natural looking color. Her background includes working at salons (formerly ION Studio, Woodley&Bunny, Suite Caroline, and currently Cutler), editorial work, and office and house calls for clients.

What are your three favorite things about coloring hair?
It can change the way people feel about themselves. its a craft that has been around for a very long time, and is still evolving. Its fun and mobile, so I can go anywhere and do it.

How has practicing Pilates changed your relationship to movement and your body?
Oh man, its been a tremendous help with paying attention to my alignment. I have been able to recover from minor injuries much quicker because of this, and have more confidence to train harder.

What's your favorite moment of the day?
Relaxing at the end of it!

One key to staying positive?
Stay active in challenging yourself everyday. I think rising to a challenge, no matter how big or small, and meeting that, raises confidence in what you can do if you choose to accept it.

Top three reads?
Usually something funny, something mindless, and articles.

Many people pamper themselves by getting their hair done. How do you pamper yourself?
Fitness classes are my biggest treat. That, and good food!

Is there anything else you want to share with the Swan community?
I'll be taking health coaching clients starting in October. 

 

Ready to book? Contact her at WhitneyBlaineScott@gmail.com! Tell her a Swan sent you. ;)

A Swan Q&A with Brooklyn Essentials

Since opening The Swan we have always enjoyed infusing our environment with scents we love. We loosely knew about aromatherapy applications of the essential oils that we use in our mister, but were often honestly swayed by what we liked and product descriptions. Then we hosted an Essential Oils 101 class with Brooklyn Essentials and dug a whole lot deeper! This class brought oils into our homes and onto the bottoms of our feet, had us think seriously about quality, and make different choices on what we used to diffuse, ingest and clean with (in the studio and out)! Now we are so lucky to have a two part #SwanQ&A with our teachers from that event, the very passionate Anna Street and Becca Serra. 

 

 

What are a few connections you see between Pilates (or healthy movement) and essential oils?

Anna: They are a match made in holistic lifestyle heaven! Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade essential oils are a perfect compliment to Pilates or any healthy movement. A few connections I see right away are:
- Alignment of the mind and body. The oils directly affect our emotional being, which facilitates the physical state of calm, relaxed, balanced, present, and focused.
- Deep breathing. Breath is a foundation of the pilates experience, and using essential oils aromatically can be a powerful aid in keeping the airways open to breathe deeply as you move.
- Muscular support. Essential oils can be used topically to release tension and reduce inflammation, which relieves discomfort.

CPTG Essential oils can be used internally by helping to cleanse and detox the system, helping the body function.

 

 

 

What are the top three ways using Essential Oils in daily life has changed your life?

Anna: 1. We are well on the journey to being 100% toxic-free in terms of medicine, cleaning and personal products in our home. It has been a learning process and has been implemented slowly over the past year, but we are moving forward and not looking back! I feel so good about this!

2. My 5 year-old daughter has only been to her pediatrician once in the last year and a half, and hasn’t had to take a prescribed antibiotic in 2 years. It’s not that we are against modern medicine or doctors AT ALL, but since learning about and using essential oils as the first line of defense in our home, her little body is being supported naturally and effectively, without harmful side effects. It is able to heal itself as our bodies were intended. This one makes me emotional just typing! I think of how many times I was on antibiotics as a child because that was the only option talked about. My daughter is being raised with the awareness that she can be in control of her own health and know her body well enough to know exactly what is going on and how to take care of common health issues at home. Win.

3. As a working mom since my daughter was six weeks old, I know stress and anxiety well. I would say that the essential oils have changed my approach to self-care. I have go-to oils for everyday that help me tremendously in coping with emotional and hormonal issues that have in the past been very difficult to manage. Game changer. I LOVE ESSENTIAL OILS.

Becca: There are tons of connections between Pilates or any movement and oils.  From promoting good breathing (Breathe, Eucalyptus, DiGest Zen) to promoting an uplifting mood and energy boost (Wild Orange, Balance, Elevation) and even post-workout for sore muscle relief (Frankincense, Peppermint, Deep Blue).  Oils are an essential part of my every day and my workouts and I hope more people will jump on board to a healthy, all-natural way of boosting their workouts.

Becca: 1.  I used to get sinus infections multiple times a year and they would never fully go away until summer.  I started using Digest Zen topically on my sinuses and I haven't gotten a sinus infection since!

2.  I have been someone who has suffered from Seasonal Affected Disorder and in the city it is primarily taxing.  Using Balance and Wild Orange to create an uplifting mood has been a lifesaver and I actually got through this winter without a mental break down.

3.  I have a herniated disc in my L4/L5 vertebrae.  While pilates has been the main source of help for this issue, using Frankincense, Peppermint and Deep Blue on my back when the nerve pain flares up has been completely life changing.

What's the most unexpected use for oils you have found so far and which use has most impacted your life?

Anna: I think the most unexpected use that I have come across was hair care! It surprised me that they wouldn’t make my scalp oily as I used them. Despite the word “oil,” essential oils are not really oily-feeling at all! I love rosemary and lemon in my shampoo and home-made dry shampoo (that I can’t live without.)

Becca: Maybe the weirdest one is Lemon oil.  I have always been someone who hates having those stickers on things I buy at the store.  I hate picking them off, it ruins my nails and there is still sticky stuff all over.  A few drops of lemon oil and those stickers come immediately off!  No residue.  I know it's silly but it makes me so happy!

Check out Brooklyn Essentials on Facebook and Instagram and keep your eyes on the blog for more great #SwanQ&A's, including part two of our interview with Anna and Becca!!!

Interview with an Inspiring Naturopath

 

 

We love the complicated and interconnected workings of the body. Our passion lies not only in being physically fit, but in the wellness of the body as a whole. Pilates embraces this philosophy with its focus on the mind body connection.

We are constantly inspired by and learning from other disciplines whose basic principles include this idea of whole body balance. Naturopathic medicine is one such discipline and we count ourselves extremely lucky to be able to share the inspiring and informative thoughts of a certified naturopathic doctor and friend! 

 

 

Can you describe naturopathic medicine and it's approach to the body? 

Naturopathic doctors are board certified, licensed health care professionals specializing in the use of natural, safe and effective therapies to treat and prevent disease. A naturopathic approach to health care combines cutting edge modern medical research along with traditional healing methods in order to provide individualized, holistic patient care. The principals of naturopathic medicine include evaluating the whole person and identifying and removing barriers to health.

"However, it is important to keep in mind that the more we are out of balance, stressed and un-nurtured, the more difficult it is to give the best of ourselves."

With each patient, my goal is to facilitate optimal health and wellness and to restore balance to the body through precise, customized care. I like to think of physical and emotional symptoms as signals or clues sent by our body to bring attention to that which is out of balance. Through a detailed patient history, clinical presentation, physical exam and diagnostic laboratory work, I aim to find the root cause of what is manifesting itself outwardly. For example, the cause of anxiety can differ for each individual. A successful treatment plan for one person may not work for another. Perhaps the etiology is a nutritional deficiency, a neurotransmitter imbalance, situational or musculoskeletal. Each of these must be evaluated in order to successfully treat the outward manifestation of an internal imbalance. 

What is the range of complications you treat? Who would you recommend seek out a Naturopath?

Naturopathic doctors treat a variety of medical conditions ranging from the common cold to chronic disease. We offer prenatal care, treat allergies, diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune conditions, obesity, hormonal imbalances, chronic pain, fibromyalgia and the list goes on! Many of our patients come to see us for vague complaints that the western medical model has been unable to treat effectively. 

Through the study of genome and epigenetics, we are also able to look at ways that we can influence our genes offering a truly preventive approach for improved health outcomes. 

What I love about naturopathic medicine is that there is always something that we can do to improve one’s quality of life. For example, we do not preform major surgeries but can help prepare the body for healing both before and after a surgical procedure. We advise our patients on the best nutritional, supplement and lifestyle plan for their unique needs. 

How does health as defined by your field relate to physical health and overall wellness?

Humans are holistic, resilient beings compromised of many different systems that are intricately connected. Overall wellness is closely linked to physical and mental health. It is difficult for the whole body to function optimally when certain parts are out of balance. This is why naturopathic physicians spend a great deal of time evaluating stress, lifestyle, nutrition, physical health, exercise, social and psychological factors with each patient in order to evaluate how each of these areas may be impacting overall health status.

"It is important that we learn the essential and unselfish art of nurturing ourselves."

How did you get in to Naturopathic Medicine?

I got into naturopathic medicine because of my passion and interest in biochemistry, nutrition and interacting with people. I wanted to help bring about change. I chose naturopathic medicine because I wanted to be a part of a medical model that had a unique approach to health, one that focused on optimal wellness and disease prevention. 

What are some main misconceptions that people new to naturopathic medicine have? 

For those that are unfamiliar with naturopathic medicine or are interested in obtaining more information, the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) has a wonderful website at naturopathic.org which includes a directory of licensed naturopathic physicians by city and state.  

At the practice that I work, we offer free consultations to answer questions for those that are unsure whether or not naturopathic medicine would be a good fit for them and their specific needs. In this way, we are better able to educate others on what we do and where our specialty lies. We see a broad range of patients, each at a different point on their journey to health. We often coordinate care with other specialists and health care professionals. I have patients that come in to see me that don’t want to take any nutritional supplements. I have worked with numerous people on diet alone to improve energy, blood sugar regulation, blood pressure, cholesterol, sleep and weight. In naturopathic medicine, there is not only one way or one medication to treat a specific condition. This allows us flexibility and the ability to tailor each treatment plan to fit within comfort zone of the individual. 

What are your favorite forms of physical activity? 

I love anything involving movement including dancing, hiking, jogging, interval training, leisurely walks in the park and kickboxing. 

I always tell my patients that physical activity is meant to be fun. It is important to find something you enjoy and indulge in it. Living in a fast-paced society where we often find ourselves stretched thin, it is important that we learn the essential and unselfish art of nurturing ourselves. Part of taking care of ourselves is making sure that we remain active, challenging ourselves both physically and mentally. Over time, we have increasingly become a more sedentary society. There is a growing body of research illustrating the deleterious health effects from too much sitting at too large of intervals. People that are more sedentary have a greater risk for mood dysregulation, cardiovascular problems, endocrine abnormalities and cancer.

"What I love about naturopathic medicine is that there is always something that we can do to improve one’s quality of life."

I often hear women saying that they don’t have enough time to participate in self-healing activities because they are too busy with work, being a wife, mother, and friend. However, it is important to keep in mind that the more we are out of balance, stressed and un-nurtured, the more difficult it is to give the best of ourselves. It’s not an all or nothing approach. One of the beauties of life is that small modifications to our current routine can make a big difference and set the stage for larger transformations. These changes could include standing up and taking a walk around the office every hour, taking a mindful moment to focus on your breathing, allowing a positive thought or intention. As our mind and body are connected, we cannot fully take care of one while neglecting the other.

In a recent essential oils class at The Swan Brooklyn we learned how quickly substances get absorbed into your system through your skin (for example by putting oils on the bottoms of your feet). What's your take on how we look into products we use on ourselves topically?

Topical applications can absolutely be absorbed into the blood stream via the skin. Some substances, however, are more absorbable than others depending on molecule size and structure. The skin is well supplied by my many blood vessels permitting a direct route of entry from the external environment internally. It is just as important to look at the ingredient list of the products you use on your skin as it is the ones you ingest orally. With hot, summer days among us, use caution with sunscreens as many are laden with harsh chemicals that get absorbed into your body and can cause many harmful side effects including disruption of normal hormone functioning. Look for natural sunscreens made with micronized zinc oxide that go on clear and will offer protection from the sun without the negative side effects from most commercial brands. My new favorite is Grahams Natural SunClear!

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Dr. Angela Karvounides is a licensed and board-certified Naturophatic Physician. She graduated, with honors, from The University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Angela Karvounides has received additional training in homeopathy from The New England School of Homeopathy with world-renowned homeopaths, Dr. Paul Herscu and Dr. Amy Rothenberg and craniosacral training from The Upledger Institute. She currently practices at Whole Health Associates in Avon, Connecticut.  

Mariusz Kujawski - Swan Instructor

Here to help you start your week off in Swan style, our newest Swan Instructor, Mariusz will help you organize your core and define your musculature. Movement and the body are his passion! Mariusz shares his philosophy of teaching, his favorite place to eat and more in our newest #SwanQ&A!

Come get your F.L.O.W on every Monday at 7:30pm at #BKSwan. Sign-up here!

Can you tell us a bit about your philosophy of teaching, what interests you about the body, and any influences that have shaped your practice and your teaching?

I believe Pilates is a way to live, not just a set of stagnant exercises. The exercises I teach are meant to be used as tools for everyday actions and should feel good in everyone’s bodies. My major influences are Amy Beversdorf and Joan Karlen, who are professors at the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point, and the incredible Lesley Powell, a master teacher in New York City. They have helped me understand that with consistent practice I can change old habits and create new spaces in my body. Developing muscle memory often takes time; I aim to create space in my classes for people to take their time to investigate and integrate new ideas into their bodies. In my classes, you will focus on discovering efficiency in your alignment, have room to breath, and get your sweat on.    

What’s your favorite piece of equipment and why?

The reformer. It helped me with redirecting my hyper mobile body. It was not until I jumped onto the reformer that I figured out what my core really is. Just footwork by itself does wonders!

What is your favorite city to travel to?

My favorite city to travel to is with no doubt Rimini, Italy. I have the best memories there with my mother at the beaches and flee markets.

Go out or stay in?

Go out.

If you had to eat at the same restaurant every night for a month, where would you choose?

My mom’s kitchen. Clearly, I’m a mama’s boy.

If you could ask Joe and Clara anything, what would it be?

I’m very curious about what they might think about the state of Pilates today and all their potential opinions about how Pilates has developed between then and now.

Anything else you want to share with The Swan community?

Cannot wait to see you in the studio!

Kathryn Meany - Swan Instructor

#BKSwan instructor Kathryn Meany stumbled onto Pilates in 2000 and never looked back. She has a deep and personal love for mat class.

Considering pre or post natal Pilates? Kathryn is your gal! This has become a corner stone of her teaching over the past few years as many of her clients, and Kathryn herself, have continued their practice during and after pregnancy!  See what she has to say about family dining in NYC, her Swan studio love and her focus as a teacher. You can also read her bio and sign up for a class!

Can you tell us a bit about your philosophy of teaching, what interests you about the body, and any influences that have shaped your practice and your teaching?

My teaching style has certainly evolved over my 12 years of instructing, but some things have always stayed with me. Classic choreography has never been more important than the movement needs of each client. The mobility and stability goals I set are based on the individual versus the standards set by traditional Pilates exercises. This often leads to progressive variations that have been key to helping students advance.

What is one of your favorite places to explore?

I love to explore on day trips outside of the city like the Planting Fields in Long Island.

What is your favorite restaurant in NYC right now?

If you asked me this 19 months ago before I became a mom I would probably say Peasant for its delicious ricotta and romantic setting but I haven't been in NoHo in years! These days Graziellas in Ft. Greene is a family favorite for us. They are so kid friendly and make great red sauce and other Italian standards. The staff is so lovely and patient and they always understand if you have to get your main course to go because someone is having an unexpected melt down (not me). Oh and I have to also mention this amazing place on Staten Island, Inoteca Maria. The kitchen is run by 5 different Italian Grandma's so the menu rotates depending on which nonna is cooking. Delicious and fun destination!

What are some of the best kids books you have discovered since you had your son?

That's a great question. Right now Don't let the Pigeon Drive the Bus cracks me up but Nevin needs a year or so more before he gets it. (Side note: reading some classics I grew up with have been eye opening. Good Night Moon is actually super creepy to me now.)

Spring or Fall?

This year I would have to say SPRING!!

Anything else you want to share with The Swan community?

I really love the studio space at Swan BK. Of all the places I have had the pleasure of working, it is certainly best looking but most importantly has a wonderful vibe and a highly tuned in and creative staff. I feel very lucky to be part of it.

Becca Serra - Swan Instructor

Mat instructor extraordinaire Becca is here to help you better understand your body, particularly those stabilizing muscles that will help prevent injury. Being a triathlete herself, Becca is passionate about all things physical. Her Tuesday morning mat class is not to be missed!

Curious about our instructors above and beyond their lovely bios? Get to know them with our #SwanQ&A and get yourself to the studio for some face-to-face time! You won't be disappointed!

Can you tell us a bit about your philosophy of teaching, what interests you about the body, and any influences that have shaped your practice and your teaching?

I'm really interested in the body and how we use it and how Pilates can help us to be more functional in our every day lives and protect ourselves from injury. I have been an athlete my entire life and have had many injuries over the years and Pilates has been my saving grace in terms of teaching my body and muscles how to function optimally and strengthening my stabilizing muscles to protect myself from injury. 

Do you have a secret hobby or interest (other than Pilates obvi)?

I not so secretly love triathlons. Anything that gets me moving and sweating is wonderful.

What are you reading or watching at the moment?

I just finished reading Game of Thrones and am siting on the edge of my seat waiting for book 6! (Yes, I'm totally a secret nerd and love reading fantasy!)

What are you favorite and least favorite Pilates moves, both to do and to teach?

Favorite Pilates move is leg springs in the air. I love teaching it as well... It's one of those moves that you just can't cheat on and it makes me work hard and use my back line which I hate to do!
Least favorite isn't really a thing... I love everything Pilates!

What is your favorite bone or muscle and why?

I don't think I could pick a favorite muscle or bone... I do love all the stabilizing muscles though, the TVA and the Psoas. Just love any muscle that protects the low back!

Action movies or Romance?

Action AND Romance! Give me a Grosse Point Blank any day of the week!

Anything else you want to share with The Swan community?

I love teaching and I love practicing and I think Pilates is the best cross training for any athlete in any sport. DO IT!!!

Katie Vason - Swan Instructor

Spotlighting another one of our awesome instructors with a new #SwanQ&A! Katie is a southern transplant after our own hearts. Teaching at both our Brooklyn and Manhattan locations, Katie brings an ease and happiness into each of her sessions. Check out her bio on our teacher page and sign up for a private!


Can you tell us a bit about your philosophy of teaching, what interests you about the body, and any influences that have shaped your practice and your teaching? 

I like to meet the client where they are, and get a feel for their holding patterns and habits. Through releasing, aligning and strengthening we address certain issues while also looking at the body as a whole. I come from a dance background and after experiencing dance related injuries early on, I found Pilates to assist in rehabilitation, and rely on it as a grounding force, where I can check in when my body feels 'off'. Right now I am really interested in the understudied yet growing information on fascia and the role it plays in holding patterns, both locally and when looking at the body as an entire unit. As a mover I value longevity more and more and want to help people move pain free for the long haul. 

What is your favorite at-home Pilates move?

An exercise that I often do myself is one that I learned from Kuan Hui Chew at the Kane School, where I received my certification, that works the psoas incorporating breath. Place a squishy ball or block under the pelvis and float both legs in towards the chest past 90 degrees, heels dropped, pelvis in neutral. Extend one leg up towards the ceiling and slowly lower that leg on the exhale, pausing on the inhale. Keep the psoas engaged throughout. You can add in tiny circles once the leg is at hip height or lower the leg all the way to ground and take the opposite knee out to the side for a deep front of hip/psoas stretch. I feel it every time! I'm also a sucker for release work with the small ball and working the deep rotators through side leg work. 

Where do you go in the city to feel like you are not in the city?

Prospect park, any season. I'm lucky to live close by and try to spend time there when I can. Green space is so necessary on so many levels. 

If you could pick one musical artists or group to create the playlist of your life, who would you pick?

Oh man. Tough question. I feel like I alternate between several genres especially when considering different periods of my life. I have a soft spot for hip hop from the early 2000's, Nina Simone, Michael Wall for reflective textured soundscapes, James Blake, and who doesn't love Beethoven when you need a good dramatic march? This list could get long.

What is your favorite bone or muscle and why?

This might be a generic Pilates teacher response but I think the psoas is pretty cool; how it bridges the back body to the front, and the effects a tight or loose psoas can have on posture is profound. 

Fiction or nonfiction?

Non fiction. Currently need some recommendations so let me know if you have any! 

Anything else you want to share with The Swan community?

I am originally from Atlanta, Georgia and love peaches (when in season). I might get in trouble for this but here is a tip for when summer rolls around: peaches from South Carolina are better then Georgia peaches!

Alexis Zaccarello - Swan Instructor

Swan instructor Alexis is here to help you connect with your breath and organize your body. Another southern transplant and lover of movement, Alexis infuses the studio with her passion and excitement.

We like to let our instructors speak for themselves. See what Alexis has to say about Pilates, travel, mammals and more! Check out all of our Swan Q&A's here!

Can you tell us a bit about your philosophy of teaching, what interests you about the body, and any influences that have shaped your practice and your teaching?

I'm interested in how people live inside/outside themselves and how that manifests into more physical ways of carriage and movement. I'm interested in initiation of movement and follow through. I like to help folks build different relationships to physical pain, strengthen and lengthen and explore efficient paths of Movement. There is some kind of shift that happens when we find midline and for me I see it extend beyond our physicality. It's different for each person. That's cool!

What is your favorite city to travel to?

I really love how beautiful and accessible Amsterdam is (all the streets and buildings are so people-sized!). The summer is just gorgeous. Those people know how to enjoy a moment or two.

How do you feel that being a Pilates instructor is informed and informs other parts of your life?

For me Pilates, and teaching, is like this great lens that I'm so grateful to have in my life. I spend a lot of my life in movement so Pilates lends me the eye to see motion very directly. So much that we do in daily life (as well as more physically rigorous activities) are lopsided OR overly strengthen, stretch, or neglect certain muscles which can facilitate less direct ways of moving.  I'm pro efficiency and ease. Pilates also lives within my dance work. In movement realms I'm so fascinated by how MUCH is in the body right now. We aren't just talking about abdominals but also what about the digestive system in there? And fascia. And fluid. Sometimes people get so obsessed about looking thin and tight in the midsection, and I'm all for looking super sexy(!!), but I'm into knowing all the other things at play in there.  

If you could only eat one thing for a week, what would it be?

It's winter, so: Soup! But I wish it were summer so I could say WATERMELON!

What is your favorite bone or muscle and why?

I have favorites for the different people I work with. For myself, it's the diaphragm right now. Sculpturally the sphenoid bone is just absolutely stunning! (The 2d images just don't do it justice)

Elephant or whale?

If it means I get to swim in water all day- whale whale whale

Anything else you want to share with The Swan community?

I'm really excited about my JSR class on Wednesdays . Don't be intimidated- we're gonna jump the right way and I'll prep you well. 

Emma Fitzsimmons - Swan Instructor

All you hyper-mobile movers out there will find a kindred spirit in one of our new Swan instructors, Emma. Her thoughtful approach to Pilates and her calm, warm composure make her a kindred spirit for just about anyone! A recent transplant to NYC from Saint Paul, Minnesota, Emma holds a B.A. in Dance from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Sign up for a private for some stellar one-on-one work and take her Pre-Brunch Mat Class on Sundays! See you in the studio.

 

Can you tell us a bit about your philosophy of teaching, what interests you about the body, and any influences that have shaped your practice and your teaching?

It’s important to me how a person lives in their body in their daily life and how Pilates can create new possibilities for that individual. The years I worked with Amy Beversdorf and Joan Karlen in congruency with my dance training has shaped my style of teaching and practice. Pilates continues to be an integral part of my dance training and is keystone for my understanding of movement and efficiency in the body. Pilates also provides a technical vessel through which I hone my craft as a movement artist. I continue to be impassioned by the indefinite somatic discoveries that Pilates offers and I am constantly sharing new information with my clients. As a teacher, I lead my clients towards creating a deep awareness of their body and organization of the core, and guide clients to new heights through larger movement exercises.

What is your favorite discovery you have made about New York City so far?

I really enjoy being in a dense urban area and then being able to make a short trip to the beach. I love playing in the waves!

What is your favorite color to wear while teaching?

Dark colors or just black.

What are you reading or listening to right now?

I am reading Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage by Haruki Murakami

What is your favorite bone or muscle and why?

I can’t just pick one! It’s the way all the muscles work together that make them cool! I have an endless fascination with all parts of the body. Although sternocleidomastoid does have a nice ring to it…

Soup or Salad?

I love a good homemade soup!