I’m obsessed with Pilates.
When I pass by stores that sell housewares and I see the word “Plates” – I always think it says Pilates. Seriously, no joke.

My obsession has a structure. Each year, I focus my attention on a new element of Pilates. Something I hadn’t necessarily explored before in my almost 30 years of studying the method.

This year it’s the Springs!
I’ve become completely consumed with the primary tool of Pilates – the metal springs.
The use of Springs, and therefore resistance, defines Pilates.

And since Resistance training is scientifically proven to change your muscle constitution, create lean muscle and rev up your metabolism, then the Pilates Springs may be the magic potion we’ve all been looking for.

For the first time in my Pilates career – I have created a signature class called SpringTONE. It’s completely devoted to the use of the Springs and the resistance and tone they create.

Allow me to answer a few questions that folks have been asking!

Why did you create this class?

I created it to combat the trouble spots and the tone-resistant areas on my own body. After two kids and a few more decades, working out solely on the Mat was no longer enough. I wasn’t satisfied with group classes that were repetitive, or too loud or too crowded. And I wanted something new, and most importantly fun. The Springs are fun!

Why the focus on the Springs?

I’m losing 1 percent of my muscle mass every single year simply by virtue of being a woman of a certain age. Yes, this is a universal law. Just maintaining your muscle (which in turn keeps you burning calories) requires you to exercise with a certain degree of weight bearing and resistance. Before 30 – bodyweight exercises like yoga and barre methods were enough for me. But after, not so much. Now we need bodyweight PLUS! Not little elastic bands, but real weights, real equipment or in the case of Pilates, real Springs!

But what about Cardio

Ah, the age old question everyone wants the answer to. Of course I say yes – you must! Women die of heart attacks all the time. You need cardio to be heart healthy. And you can even get a nice calorie burn while you’re on the path, the stepper, the treadmill or the bike. BUT, the second you are off the bike, you’re done. You stop burning calories. Quite the opposite, the second you are done with your Resistance workout – you START burning calories! It’s that simple. Don’t get me wrong, I believe all exercise is good for you, but proven results require certain strategies. Studies show resistance training trumps cardio each and every time.

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The only downside to this new class is now every time I see the word RingTone – I think they are advertising my new class!

~Alycea