Pilates for Paddlers

As promised some pilates tips for paddlers. Whether you kayak or canoe, good posture, core strength and flexible muscles are important. I know that my pilates training allows me to enjoy my time in the kayak. Maintaining good posture is key to proper paddling technique. While you're paddling does your back feel tight, or does shoulder's ache.
Some basic pilates exercises done correctly will make your future paddling trips more enjoyable.
Are you experiencing lower back soreness while paddling?
Try stacking your hips, shoulders, and head as if you were sitting against a wall by doing so allows your torso to spine to rotate freely, your torso and shoulders have more range of motion and your lung can expand fully. Core strength will help you maintain this upright posture which will reduce upper body fatigue,and alleviate pressure on your lower back. Good posture while paddling is key but to maintain this posture requires core strength and flexibility. Additional flexibility helps the torso with better rotation and reduces strain on the shoulders and neck which is a common complaint.
Also be sure your kayak is fitted properly. If the deck is too low and does not allow your knees to bend or raise can also cause lower back or leg pain.
Practicing pilates exercises will help you gain strength, stamina to maintain good posture and proper paddling technique.
The beauty of pilates is that you can stretch one part of your body while strengthening the other. It's important to stretch the over worked paddling muscles but you also need to strengthen the non paddling muscles. Keep in mind it takes strong core muscles to keep you balanced in your kayak or canoe.
If you would like more specific pilates exercises that will benefit your needs you can schedule an appointment. Or you can join any beginner pilates class at MidCoast Pilates 373 0872,
This week I will be getting ready for my trip to Alaska. George and I will be staying with my son and his family who are stationed in Sitka, Alaska. George and I are planning on spending as much time on the water as possible. I will keep you up to date as we travel. Oh I forgot, we will staying overnight in Seattle. My first time in Seattle, George is taking me to the Space Needle for dinner and then up the observation deck, can't wait.
More later, good night. Happy healthy paddling. Maurine

Kayaking in Harpswell

My boyfriend and I will be traveling to Alaska in a few weeks and we plan on kayaking so we thought it wise to brush the dust off the kayaks and go paddling.
Saturday we decided to drive toward Basin Point and put in at the Dolphin Marina. Sun was shining a bit cool but nice and we start paddling over to Whale Boat for a picnic. Last year we did this same trip and had a wonderful time. Not so this weekend, just as we were rounding the point it looks like the fog is rolling in. We decide to paddle toward some other little islands which are closer and it looks like there are a few nice beaches to choose from to have our picnic. George is thinking that even if the fog does come in we could make it back to the marina safely. I am little nervous about this but decide to go along so as not to rock the boat. (no pun intended)While we paddle towards the islands I take some video clips that I think my grandson might enjoy. I spot a seal sunning on a rock but as we get closer he slides into the water. We keep paddling toward the smaller island but as we get close I notice these small islands are inhabited by a large variety of birds,and lots of them. Really kind of creepy, reminded me of Alfred Hitchcock movie "The Birds". We see some seagulls trying to steal little baby duckling's from the mother. Very distressing. I look back towards the shore and see threatening black clouds rolling in and the fog is rolling in the other way. We decided at this time it was time to paddle back and fast.
We were a bit disappointed that we did not make it to Whale Boat this trip but summer has just begun. We decide not to give up on having a picnic rain or shine.
So after loading the kayaks on the car we drove to Stover's Point. We enjoyed our picnic looking across the water to Bailey Island and the Cribb Stone Bridge and reflected on just how beautiful it is on the Coast of Maine and how lucky we are to live here.
My next post I will write about how pilates can benefit paddlers.
Till next time, enjoy the view.

MidCoast Pilates June update

Hi,
I am excited to post my first blog. My friend and client Emily convinced me that this would be fun and necessary for any successful business owner. So here I go.

About my pilates studio, MidCoast Pilates, is located in downtown Brunswick, Maine; A really cute typical New England main street. So far, the location has worked out well. I hope to attract people who work or live in the downtown area and would like to get a workout in during, before, or after work. Save on gas!

Pilates has been compared to yoga. It has a few similarities but is very different. Pilates focuses on core strength and developing muscles that create balance. Practicing pilates on a consistent basis is the best program there is to make long lasting changes to your posture, muscle tone, increases flexibility, and your attitude!

This Saturday June 21st we will start a new beginner class. This is a chance to enhance the rest of your life. May it be long and healthy!

More later.

Maurine