Good morning, friends! I hope you all are having a great week so far. If you follow me on Instagram (@saralnova) you may have seen that I was at a fitness conference in the DC area. If you’ve been reading the blog for a while, you may remember that I was here two years ago – crazy how time flies!
My primary group exercise and Pilates certifications expire every two years, both this Fall to be exact. This is one of the only conferences that is close to Charlotte that has my Pilates certifying body (Peak Pilates), so this conference is the cheapest option to get my CECs without having to travel far. Back in 2015 when I was last here, I jam-packed my weekend with Pilates sessions while leaving little room for other types of sessions. When I calculated the CECs I’d be earning, I still needed to earn about 4-5 more CECs even after the weekend-long conference. After learning that last time, I allowed myself to take a few more non-Pilates sessions that interested me since I’d have to get more CECs another way regardless.
Since several of you reading either are active or work in fitness, I’d share with you a daily recap of the conference. Without further ado, here’s what went down on the first day.
Session 1: Peak Pilates Practical Power Circle
The Practical Power Circle session was all about – YOU GUESSED IT – the power circle. I’ve only gone through my mat training which didn’t include any props, so I learned so much that I can take away to my classes.
Connie Borho, Pilates instructor and Peak master trainer, taught us how to use the circle from everything to the Hundred, leg circles, mermaid, finding your powerhouse, etc. There was so much to remember that I am sure Connie could have talked for another two hours. There is a lot more you can use the circle for than I had thought!
You can read more about Connie here.
Session 2: IndoRow with Josh Crosby and Doris Thews
The workshop was led by the co-creator of indoor rowing himself, Josh Crosby. He is a 6-time rowing champion who teamed up with Jay Blahnik to create the rowers you see in the picture above. They are the same rowers that are found in City Row and Orangetheory. I think it’s safe to say he’s doing okay.
I took this exact workshop when I was here two years ago, and it still was one that I was most excited to attend. Josh and Doris took us through how Indo-Row was created and then dove into the Indo-Rowing technique: the 3×3.
The 3×3 is defined by the 3-part technique to rowing form as well as the pace of each stroke. Rowing is 60% legs, 20% core, and 20% arms. When rowing, the power comes from your legs, then you lean back using your core, THEN row the arms. A lot of people pull from the very beginning, which is a huge ‘no no’ and can really tweak your back. The second 3, referring to pace, means that each stroke is 3 counts. Counting 1-2-3 should take you back to the starting position.
After some learning, they then put us through a workout! The room was divided into 2 large groups of 10, each containing 2 groups of 5. We went through a warmup, some power work, recovery rows, and then a race against the other teams. I’m happy to report that my team won! I’d also like to throw out there that my team also won two years ago, sooooo step aside Josh Crosby. 😉
Session 3: Peak Pilates Teaser Time
This session was super fascinating. It was focused solely on teaser, but it had a heavy anatomy focus too. I absolutely love learning about Pilates and the anatomy and skill behind it, so I was all ears.
I learned a lot about spine and head alignment in teaser, correct Pilates stance (focus on inner thighs and ribs/not just “heels together, toes apart”), and the critical connections which are listed in the photo above. Zoey Trap, the instructor of the workshop, has been in the industry for 40 years and has a wealth of knowledge. I always sign up for her workshops when I can!
Session 4: Pilates Plyometric Power
The Pilates Plyometric Power workshop focused on jumping and leaping on the reformer; everything from proper form to reformer settings to class design. The workshop also focused on the design of an actual Pilates Plyometric class, where you do work on the reformer and then get off to do strength…almost like a circuit class.
I have experience with the megaformers but not with the reformers. It’s really cool to see my mat knowledge come to life on different pieces of Pilates equipment.
This wraps up my Day 1 recap! Be on the lookout for the Day 2 recap going live in a few days.
Questions for you-
Have you ever used a reformer? Have you ever taken Pilates?
Thoughts on rowing?
What’s your favorite way to workout these days?
