#yearinreview

The Year in Review -- Other commonly used hashtags on the blog

As the year comes to a close, we have been looking to the past while simultaneously preparing for the future! It has been such an amazing year, we could not help but share it with our Swan community! We have been re-posting some of our favorite blogs from days of yore and recapping the series and blog categories created throughout the year. All of this in preparation to continuing adding stellar information that furthers our understanding and practice of Pilates and it's place in our lives (and other fun and wonderful things too!).

From #yums to #friends to #moveit to #shortyswan and beyond, we have introduced, or re-introduced, you to the plethora of fun facts, helpful hints, and more that you can find right here in our little corner of the internet. There are a few other hashtag categories that we want to make sure you are aware of before we dive into the adventure of a new year. We continue to add to all of our categories even as we create new ones!

#information and #articlesofinterest in which we post about articles we have found and share any other cool info we think you might enjoy, that does not necessarily have a place in one of the series we have already created! 

#balance in which we tackle the ever elusive idea of finding balance in our lives, specifically when it comes to the health of our bodies.

#adventuretime in which we share things we have done or want to do, that involve exploration and adventure, in places both near and far!

#danceeducationdose in which we discuss dance! With our backgrounds in this physical art form, and an undying passion and fascination with all things movement and the body, we can't help but talk about it from time to time!

#studionews in which we talk about upcoming classes, special opportunities, promotions, new staff and all the other things happening in our spaces in Manhattan and Brooklyn!

#music in which we share another undying passion in the form of nostalgic #TBT posts and suggested playlists for your listening pleasure. We also throw some pretty fun music videos in there, because who doesn't love those?!

#readingrecommendations in which we introduce books that we love to further or plan of turning everyone we know into unabashed bibliophiles. But really, just to give you some options when it comes to looking for a new book or the gift of a new book (and because we love to talk about things that we love!).

#SwanQ&A in which we interview people about fascinating things, including pre-natal Pilates, hot sauce and what it means to be an instructor!

#wearetheswan in which we introduce you all to each other through a short series of questions! (want to be a part of this series? Email us and we will send you some questions to answer!!)

 

We can't wait to see you in the New Year!!

xo

Swans

The Year in Review -- Why Take Group Class?

We are so thrilled to be able to offer more mat classes, as well as group equipment classes, in our new space in BK! Many people who practice Pilates are most comfortable in a private session. We love one-on-one work with our clients, but there are some things to be said about expanding your practice through group class. With so many great new options, check out this old post on the merits of class and sign yourself up for one today! 

If you are having trouble applying what you have learned in the studio during your daily life, group class can help you develop independence and hone your strategies for application away from The Swan. Class is a good mid-point between privates and integrating new patterns into daily life.

Often times when you approach familiar Pilates exercises in a more self-directed way it clarifies questions you may have about execution, order, intent and specifics in your body. It can also help solidify, reinforce and trust what you know by providing room to follow your intuition and be your own teacher.  Class is a laboratory to explore, apply and learn new things about yourself.

We are social creatures by nature. Our interactions affect our emotional, physical and energetic body. Practicing with in a community in the studio can provide an opportunity to share your process with a larger group of people. In many ways Pilates is self care. Learn how to harness your ability for self care mindfully within a community.

Group class is an integral part of deepening your Pilates practice.  

The Year in Review -- #yums

Any blog post labeled with #yums is exactly what you think it is, a post that contains a swan-approved recipe sure to brighten up your cooking life. We have a passion for food that is both healthy and delicious, and we love to share our recipe finds with you. See a few of our favorites below and keep checking out the #yums section of the blog for all things yummy! 

Masala Vegetable Stew

This delicious, Swan tested recipe utilizes great fall veggies and was adapted from a stew found in the Nava Atlas Vegetarian Soups for All Seasons cookbook. We think it's a great way to nurture yourself with nutrition as we nestle into Fall. See the recipe here! 

 

Deviled Eggs 3 Ways from an anonymous southern expert

My life motto is "if there aren't deviled eggs, you really shouldn't call this a party." In that vein, here are three variations on a cook-out/get-together classic. Those recipes and more warm weather deliciousness here! 

 

Baked Lemon Tofu

There are two staples I count on to keep my lunch life exciting. They are soups and salads! Both can suit practically any palate, are infinitely customizable and are relatively easy to make. Soups contain a certain advantage of ease and of heartiness, but I have discovered a delectable way to prepare tofu that has significantly upped my salad-for-lunch game. See the recipe here!

 

 

The Year in Review -- #moveit

As Swans we love to see you in the studio! It is so inspiring to see our clients growing their practice week to week. As much as we wish that we could see each and every one of you three times a week, every week of the year, life just does not always allow for that kind of consistency. Giving you the tools in the studio to take home with you is just as important to us. This year we created one of our favorite sections of the blog to help encourage and shape your at home practice. #moveit posts usually come at the end of one of our monthly series. Incorporating the information presented in a series into a specific set of exercise allows you to embody what you have just read on your computer screen. These #moveit posts can be used to enhance your at home practice or give you some new ideas and reminders about what we do at The Swan. These series are great to practice while away on vacation (if you already do this, bravo!). From your feet to your core to your wings, we have an exercise for you. Can't find an exercise series for a certain body part you are interested in learning more about? Let us know! Take a look at this photo gallery and #moveit today!

 


The Year in Review -- Six Limbs

One of our very first blog posts! We reference the idea of six limbs often in class and during our sessions. Check this post out and let us know if you have any questions when you see us in the studio next!

We wanted to share the idea of six limbs. Dancers use this approach to the body often, and it can help add length and stability to the way you work in and out of the studio. 

You have probably reasoned that four of those six limbs are your arms and legs. True. The fifth and sixth are your head and tail. When we address head here we are speaking of the crown of the head rather than chin, neck or focus. So, truly the top of your torso. Inversely your tail limb is the truly the bottom of your torso. We are again thinking center rather than where you would actually have a tail if it grew from the back of your pelvis. If you were to drop a plumb line from the crown of your head or head limb through the center of torso you would reach your tail limb. *See below for a helpful image to investigate finding this limb further. It's as though you are approaching your whole body like a six limbed starfish.

How do these limbs work in Pilates? Many ways! You can stand or direct weight through all six of your limbs, head and tail included. Often times directing length and energy through limbs can organize your musculature to work in concert. Stuck in your laundry list of corrections? Try directing through or standing in your limbs instead.  

Here are some examples found in common Pilates Exercises:

In a handstand you are standing on your arms, reaching your legs to the ceiling.  If you have tried this, you will know that it is necessary to reach strongly through both ends of your torso--head and tail!

In Leg Circles you lengthen equally through your head and tail limbs to create stability while you articulate your legs through space. 

In Cat on the push through bar you stand through your arms and legs while moving and directing through your head and tail limbs.  

In Roll up Roll down on the Cadillac you use all six limbs. You need to actively lengthen through your head and tail while moving them, stand in your feet/legs and direct through your arms.

These relationships and intentions are dynamic and alive. They change as your orientation to the springs, gravity and the surface you are working on shifts.

*Joseph Pilates does Starfish on the reformer. A clear utilization of all six limbs!

*Joseph Pilates does Starfish on the reformer. A clear utilization of all six limbs!

**Here is a strong and clear image for tail limb from Cara Resser of Pilates Aligned: Think of a bundle of balloons and how the strings all collect to one point. Now imagine that you have such a string from your tail bone, each sitting bone and your pubic symphysis. These drop straight down to the floor and pull equally into one point- your tail limb. 

The Year in Review -- Shorty Swan Explains our Series!

There is a never ending supply of things to talk about when it comes to our bodies and how to use and take care of them. In our efforts to share our knowledge and passion of the magically complicated thing that is the human body, and to help shape these discussions on the blog, we have begun to create a series of series, if you will! Focusing on specific areas of the body, fundamental concepts of Pilates, bones, muscles, and anything else we can think of, these series are created to give you a chance to expand your knowledge, one topic at a time! Our series include at home exercise tips and anatomy lessons from yours truly. We also love to shed light on the beauty of the body, with quotes and images inspired by our topics.

Although new series are introduced generally every month, there are always new things to explore within the topics. We will continue to add to our current series even as we create new ones! Take a look at past topics you might have missed and let us know what you are interested in learning about next!!

 

 

#yearinreview in which we introduce or re-introduce all of the wonderful content we have been adding to the blog this year. With so much to look through, and a better organization system forthcoming but not here yet, we hope this series sheds some light on everything the blog has to offer!

 

 

#breath in which we talk about the ever important and constant function of breathing. It is a  universal and anchoring act that is so important to develop in your practice. This series focuses on the physical act of breathing, how to notice your breath and its affect on the body and the mind, body, spirit connection of this life giving force!

 

 

#expand in which we focus on your "wings", how to open up your chest and strengthen the upper back. Understand the difference between flexion and extension and begin the process of learning about the gazillion interconnected parts of the shoulder girdle and upper back!

#corevalues in which we focus on that oh so important power house known as the core. With information on the core functions, all those ab muscles, the pelvis and more, this series covers a lot of ground and includes an amazing video to utilize in your at-home practice!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#monthofthefoot in which we talk about where it all begins. Stability, alignment and support all start here. This series focuses on the bones of the foot and ways to strengthen and articulate these constantly used and oft neglected body parts. It even includes information on the best shoes to wear for your foot needs!   

 

Keep your eyes peeled for more great info in 2015!!

Gift Ideas for Your Holiday Season! (mostly from our #friends)

We believe in community. It is something that we strive to recognize and pay homage to on our blog. From posts like #wearetheswan to #SwanQ&A to #friends, it's pretty obvious how amazing our Swan community is! In this holiday season we are fortunate to be able to shine a light on some of this community, and help you complete that holiday shopping list in the process!

Copa Soaps: All natural soaps made from wonderfully soothing ingredients! You can buy these soaps online or head to the holiday market at Union Square to scoop up one for everybody on your list. With so many scents to choose from, Copa Soaps are the perfect stocking stuffer or thoughtful and useful gift for co-workers, neighbors and extended family!

 

Dallas Clayton: We really cannot get enough of Mr. Clayton's witty, off-kilter, thoughtful musings and art, in both his books and on his blog. We take pretty much any opportunity we have to share his special wisdom with the rest of our friends. You can find his books in most places that books are sold. His website features t-shirts, totes and prints that make excellent gifts for kids and adults!

Free Range Wines: Heading to a holiday party after your Pilates session at out BK location? Hop across the street and pick up a bottle of wine at Free Range Wines. With a wonderful selection and knowledgable staff, we highly recommend going here for all of you holiday spirit needs. Their selection of local whiskeys is not to be beat!

Jill Lindsey: We have adored this store ever since our first visit in July! You can really get into the holiday spirit by heading to Jill Lindsey this Saturday the 13th for their Holiday Bazaar. The stressful task of gift finding is made significantly more pleasant with complimentary prosecco, ornament making and Santa Claus! 

Kiley Durham: A fellow southern transplant, Kiley makes stunning jewelry that we adore. Lovely things abound on her website, from her seed pearl necklace to her stunning black druzy quartz earrings, to her blog. Find that perfect special gift and keep her in mind for any custom designed wedding needs.  

Lady Grey: The Brooklyn based jewelry design duo of Lady Grey creates bold and beautiful jewelry. We are big fans of pretty much everything, but specifically their stunning rings...every single one of them!

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Nova Perfumes: With a focus on collaboration, Nova is know for creating custom formulas tailored to a person's taste and skin/chemistry. You can also purchase their signature scent, Chakra, or check out a few of the other collaborations for sale on the site or at one of these stores! You can also check out Nova's wonderful Tumblr to get a peak into the custom fragrance making process!

The Primary Essentials: Another Bk Swan neighbor, this store carries a plethora of jewelry, books and home goods. It is a wonderfully curated collection of objects by independent artisans and designers. Go here to find a gift for that one impossible person on your list! 

 

 

Red Clay Hot Sauce: If you read our SwanQ&A with chef Geoff Rhyne, then you are already familiar with his passion for food. He recently launched his Red Clay Hot Sauce. It is a hot-sauce-lovers hot sauce that tastes great on just about anything. Perfect for anyone who enjoys a little kick to their palette!   

Sad Boys Club: Got a hip young gentleman on your present list with no idea what to get him? Hard to go wrong with a hat, t-shirt or sweatshirt from the Sad Boys Club.

Upstate: Our friends at Upstate are busy this season! Tomorrow night (Dec. 9) you can find them selling one-of-a-kind items from their collection at Drift Studios from 6 to 9. They will also be at NY Pop Up Flea Dec. 12-14. And do not miss out on our limited edition, custom-dyed Swan leggings, available now at the studio!  

The Wild Unknown: Kim Krans is a talented artist whose work you can check out first hand at our Manhattan location. You can find her collection of beautiful zodiac illustration prints, kids books, tarot cards and shirts on her website. The tarot deck is to die for and her blog is lovely as well! 

 

Other Swan Suggestions: If you missed our most recent #readingrecommendations post, check it out to get ideas for the kids on your list and the inner kid in the adults on your list. No one can deny the comfort and style that is our new swan merch!! No matter what the holiday, you can always give the gift of practice! A 10 pack of private sessions is on sale all week!

The Swan Pilates -- A Year in Review

Dear Swan Community,

We have had an unbelievable year and have seen incredible growth, change, and endless heart from all of you. We are so happy to get to share a new studio, located in Boerum Hill (Brooklyn), with our clients. It is truly a magical space and we can't wait for you to come by, take a class or private, or just stick your head in. We have expanded our Swan teaching community with some brilliant minds and lovely people. We continue to marvel at and love our Manhattan space and its ongoing growth. Clients ask "Is that a new plant?" No! It's just incredibly happy to be bathed in all of this light! We want to thank you for all of your hard work, your support, your presence in our lives, hours together in the studio and just for being awesome clients!

This December, in the spirit of celebrating and reflecting, we are reposting some of our favorite blogs! Many of you are new to our blog. It can be a bit hard to navigate (something we are working to remedy) and we would hate for you to have missed any of our series or other great content! This month we will be explaining each series and hashtag we have created this year. We continue to add to these categories and this month we help you to get to know them. We hope you use the resources of our blog to deepen your Pilates practice, both at home and in the studio! If you have a question or topic you are interested in getting a Swan perspective on in future- reach out! 

Lots of love,

Julia and Eleanor