Category: Pilates

Pilates Has Heart

Keeping you on the pulse of Pilates, the 4th Annual Pilates Has Heart Event is coming up! I’m delighted for this edition of the newsletter to have Hilary Opheim as a guest author. She is a Pilates Teacher and owner of Washington Avenue Pilates (WAP). I’m grateful to Hilary for sharing the moving and beautiful story of how this event began. Please welcome Hilary…

Hilary Opheim and Terri Dome at Washington Avenue Pilates (WAP).

So this happened and started it all…


On Sunday, February 17th WAPilates is holding our 4th Annual Pilates has Heart Event. It is hard for me to believe that this summer will be 5 years since I said goodbye to a best friend and client of WAP, the reason I started this cause.


Let me tell you a little bit about why every year we hold this event with 100% of the proceeds going to Texas Heart Institute. It is all in honor of the most honest, strong, funny and courageous person I have ever met. Terri Dome. Anyone who knew Terri Dome left with a better heart. It’s ironic that her heart was too weak to support her greatness. At the young age of 13, Terri was diagnosed with non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma. After a year and a half of radiation and chemotherapy, her cancer went into remission. At 28 years old, she started fainting and discovered that the chemo and radiation had damaged her heart and lungs. After years of pacemakers, Terri underwent a heart transplant on February 14, 2009. Terri called this her Heart Birthday. As soon as her doctors gave her the thumbs up to work out, she found her way to WAPilates.


I still remember that phone call from Terri asking, “what exactly is Pilates?” Can I do this with my recovery from a heart transplant? Am I strong enough? She was afraid she would be limited in her ability. She agreed to give it a try, and my life, those of the WAP Teachers, and many, many clients were forever changed.


Terri was a bright light. No matter what was happening with her body, the pain she was having or how she felt, she made all those around her smile and laugh. She didn’t want anyone to know her as the “sick girl.” Many didn’t know about her heart transplant until she agreed to do a piece for our newsletter.


Terri was a true fixture in our studio. She had “her” chair and after her workout, she would sit in her chair, iPhone in her hand playing Words with Friends or checking out movie times so she could hit the theatre. Her Friday Pilates sessions were her favorite. My personal workout with Kim, who was also Terri’s Teacher, was right after her workout. It was noon on Friday and usually a quiet time so it would be just the 3 of us in the studio.


She would watch when we got to advanced work, looking up from her iPhone and saying with all seriousness, “Oh yeah, I do that!” as if that was no big deal. She would sprinkle all the clients’ workouts with her contagious laugh and commentary. They would leave the studio with more than a healthier physical body. They left with a more whole heart.


Terri was quiet in what she did for others. She volunteered and would visit kids dealing with cancer as she had. She would sit and talk to them about the job she had at Lucas Film. She talked with them about Star Wars and all the behind scenes, made them laugh, and she would listen as they shared their feelings and fears. She knew what they were going through and was able to share that with them. She would also give her time to the Texas Heart Institute and speak on her experience to help others.


Terri became more than a client to many of us. To me she was one of my best friends; she was a rare find in that department. If you were lucky enough to know Terri and have her in your circle, then you had a friend who would back you to the end, fight for you, and unconditionally love you. That is a gift that she had like no other.


On July 1, 2014, we lost Terri. It took a good year for the studio, clients, and instructors, to come to terms with her no longer being in our world. Her chair seemed so empty and the Friday afternoon was silent. In late 2015, as my client Carla and I were starting her session I told her, “ I want to do something to honor Terri, to continue her work and to keep her memory alive.” That is how Pilates has Heart was born.


We decided to combine her love of Pilates and WAP. Terri always said that Pilates and WAP saved her life. So, our first annual event was held on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2016, her Heart Birthday. Those who knew and loved Terri came together for a Mat class, and in a true grassroots way raised over $3,000 for the Texas Heart Institute. Her husband Steve Dome spoke for the first time about Terri, and many gave donations and helped spread the word, Pilates Anytime being one of them.


On Sunday, February 12, 2017, Pilates has Heart held it’s second annual Mat class at Silver Street Studios. We raised double with a little over $6,000 and each year we have continued to grow with Pilates Nerd donating shirts in 2017 and many wonderful raffle prizes. Our 3rd Annual Pilates has Heart moved into our studio where we feel Terri would be happiest!

3rd Annual Pilates Has Heart Mat Class ~


This year we will fill our studio with those that love Pilates and are wanting to help the community that is dealing with heart issues or will be one day. Making a difference as we all hit the mat, sweat, meet and laugh. I know that Terri will be in her chair, smiling and enjoying every moment of it. I know because every year I feel her there.


Pilates has Heart is an emotional time for all at WAP and when it is over each year our friend is missed even more. Thanks to all that come, support, give and join in the cause I know that we are making a difference not only for people like Terri but, for our community and friends.


Keri Sprung, with Texas Heart Institute, knew Terri Dome, and I think her words speak to the heart of the event: “Terri’s beautiful heart and mind continue to inspire our research and education, and we are deeply honored to be a part of this event celebrating her unwavering courage and dedication to helping others.”


About the author ~ Hilary Opheim


Hilary trained with John Gossett in Houston, Texas. She opened up WAP in January of 2005 and has continued her journey of learning and practicing Pilates as a teacher and as a student. Hilary has her own Teacher Training Program, Mentorship Program and Workshops that she presents and continues her own studies with Benjamin Degenhardt’s 360 Program and Cara Reeser Heritage Program. http://www.hilaryopheim.com

Balance in the New Year


With the start of a New Year, it is a good time to consider the topic of balance.  The word balance can have lots of different meanings from work/life balance to balancing a checkbook.  We are going to focus on physical balance.  


One of the primary concerns of clients as they age is balance.  And with good reason, a quarter of those 65 and older have a fall annually.  Even if a fall is personally avoided, it is likely that one will still be impacted by a family member or friend who has a fall.  Falls are the leading cause of injury, both fatal and non-fatal, for older Americans.*   Balance is even more of a concern for those with osteoporosis as was discussed in a previous post which you can find here.


A common question at the studio is “what muscle needs to be strong to have good balance?”.  The answer is more complex than one muscle.  It actually involves multiple systems that coordinate together.  It’s a beautiful balancing act in itself!


The three main systems involved in balance are vestibular, visual and proprioceptive.  These systems works together with the brain and nervous system for balance.  If one system is impaired, it obviously makes balance more challenging.  In addition to these systems, muscle strength (especially in the legs), good reaction time and flexibility in the joints are also important for good balance.


Of the systems relating to balance, Pilates can especially benefit the proprioceptive system.  The proprioceptive system has sensory receptors throughout the body (muscles, joints, even skin) and gives the brain the information it needs to determine where the body is in space.  For example, it’s how you can bring your finger to your nose with your eyes closed.  The sensory information from the neck and from the ankles is especially valuable in knowing where the head is turned and where the feet are placed in relation to the floor (and if the floor is uneven).**


The Pilates reformer with the sliding carriage invites all the systems into play.   The spring loaded machines stimulates the student’s brain and proprioceptive system as his or her body moves through space.  

Pilates obviously builds strength in the core and legs.  As Pilates focuses not only on strength but also flexibility, this can be helpful in maintaining mobility in the joints.  With the mind-body connection, this could potentially aid in reaction time.


Pilates stimulates the systems related to balance while it strengthens and stretches the body.  A regular Pilates practice builds not only physical strength but also develops body awareness that is valuable both inside and outside of class, especially for those with balance concerns.  As a fresh New Year begins, I hope it brings you better balance in every definition – body, mind and spirit!

*https://www.ncoa.org/healthy-aging/falls-prevention/

**https://vestibular.org/understanding-vestibular-disorder/human-balance-system#

Don’t Forget to Breathe!


“Breathing is the first act of life, and the last.  Our very life depends on it….   Above all, learn to breathe correctly.”  ~ Joseph Pilates*

With all that is going on in the world, breathing may not seem to fall into the “above all” category.  Breathing is so automatic it is sometimes taken for granted.  During the daily stresses of life, breath can be held or forgotten altogether.  Sometimes people wonder why breathing is important.  


The respiratory rate is one of the vital signs of life and without oxygen the brain would be dead in 10 minutes.  In addition to oxygenating the blood, some of the benefits of breathing are that it can help improve posture and activate core musculature.**  Breathing can also assist with mental focus, stress relief and even aid those with high blood pressure.


It is true that breathing is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, so it does “automatically” regulate itself without any conscious thought.  Oxygenating the blood is the primary purpose of respiration.  The body beautifully calibrates itself all the time to adapt the breath to the needs of the body.  All of this happens at a level with the organs and like other processes, such as digestion, occurs all on its own.


The interesting thing about the breath is that while it does operate under involuntary control, it is one of the systems of the body that can consciously be controlled.  You won’t be able to mentally send a message to the stomach to digest dinner a little faster, but you do have some mind over matter when it comes to breathing.  


A number of skeletal muscles are involved in respiration.  The lungs do not inflate on their own.  They rely on the muscles to make the movement of respiration happen.  It’s as muscles contract (like the diaphragm) that a vacuum is created as the rib cage expands and air is sucked into the lungs.


Many of the muscles involved in respiration have a role in posture as well.  The breath supports the posture and is also a wonderful tool in accessing the core.  For example, the abdominals can be consciously engaged when exhaling.  This activates the core and results in a deeper exhalation cleansing out the lungs more than if the breath were passive.


Breathing is not only a vital life function but also has other roles in emotion, expression, speaking and singing.  Breathing is the bridge between the mind and body.  Because the breath can consciously be controlled, the breath can be utilized to help with mental focus. While bringing us back to a more centered state, physically and mentally, breathing can help minimize some of the negative impact stress has on the body.  


Breathing is a natural way to handle high blood pressure.  Slow breathing sends the message that the body can come out of “fight or flight” mode.  As that happens, the blood vessels widen causing things to flow more easily.  


Through the hustle and bustle of the Holiday season, please take care of yourself.  Consciously, set aside some time to relax.  Don’t let the season pass you by and don’t forget to breathe! 🙂

*Pilates, Joseph H. and William John Miller. Return to Life Through Contrology. Pilates’ Primer: The Millennium Edition. Presentation Dynamics, republished 1998, p 12 &13.


**Fletcher Pilates Program Training Manual

Pilates: The Man and The Method

December 9th is Joseph Pilates Birthday! In honor of his day, this edition is dedicated to his memory.

Behind the movements and machines of the popular exercise system is the man who developed it, Joseph H. Pilates.  He did not name the technique after himself.  Mr. Pilates actually called his method “Contrology” which he defined as “the complete coordination of body, mind and spirit.”  It’s only later that the method would became synonymous with the creator.  In fact, the use of the term Pilates has become so common that in 2000 a Federal Manhattan judge ruled that Pilates is a generic term like yoga or karate.

Mr. Pilates, the man, was born in Germany in 1880 and came to the United States in the late 1920s.  On the journey, he met Clara who would become his life partner and common law wife.  They settled in New York City and opened a studio.

The Pilates method is tied to the life of the man.  As a child, Mr. Pilates was sickly.  He began his own wellness journey in his youth, studying anatomy, Greek and Roman regimens, eastern and western philosophies.  As an adult, Mr. Pilates had transformed through his practice into a strong, young man and began sharing his work with others.

Like Mr. Pilates own life journey, the method he developed can assist those recovering from illness or challenge the most advanced athlete. The system beautifully incorporates movement and equipment to appropriately meet the student where he is at and help him progress to the next level.

Mr. Pilates used to say that his work was 50 years ahead of its time. That proved to be true.  During Mr. Pilates life, his New York studio had a loyal following of celebrities, dancers, athletes and regular folks but was more of an insider’s secret.  Though Mr. Pilates did not want his work to be exclusive and thought everyone would be better off if they practiced his exercises, it wasn’t until the late 1990’s and early 2000’s that the method reached a tipping point. Pilates became a household name 50 years later as he predicted.

Those that studied with Joseph Pilates and carried on his work are known as first generation teachers.  Many of the first generation such as Eve Gentry, Kathleen Stanford Grant, Romana Krysanoska and Ron Fletcher have passed on, but some remain such as Lolita San Miguel, Mary Bowen and Jay Grimes.  Second generation teachers are still able to learn from the first and continue Mr. Pilates work.  The first generation teachers all enjoy a longevity, vitality and youthfulness that they attribute to a regular Pilates practice.

Mr. Pilates himself remained quite a specimen and a character even in his later years.  He passed away in 1967.  Though Mr. Pilates work was not well known in his lifetime, millions of people are benefiting from his method today.  The man and the method have become synonymous, leaving a legacy larger than Mr. Pilates could have imagined.