The Myth of Posture Props: Unraveling the Truth Behind Internet Solutions for Bad Posture

Ineffective posture products

In today's digital age, where many of us spend hours hunched over screens, the quest for better posture has given rise to a plethora of internet-sold posture props. From ergonomic chairs to back braces, these products promise a quick fix for bad posture. However, the reality is far more complex. In this blog post, we'll explore why posture props available on the internet often fall short of delivering lasting solutions to the pervasive problem of poor posture.

First of all, why is POSTURE such a hot topic now? The obvious reason is that 65% of the population is obese and another 10% overweight so better posture makes one look thinner! Decades ago women were instructed to practice being upright by walking with a heavy book on their heads. Military service was compulsory so men had very erect posture although this was often not bio-mechanically correct for the individual body.

Many of the wearable props are made for very cheap elastic that are intended to force your body into a correct posture. But your body is not made of Jello! You can't take a complicated anatomy of ligament and muscles and bones and fascia and simply mold it into the right position!

1. Superficial Solutions: Posture props, whether it's a lumbar support cushion or a posture corrector, often provide only a superficial solution to the complex issue of bad posture. They may offer temporary relief by forcing the body into a seemingly correct position, but they seldom address the underlying causes of poor posture.

2. Lack of Individualization: One size fits all – a common mantra of many internet-sold posture props. However, every individual's body is unique, and the factors contributing to poor posture can vary widely. Generic solutions fail to account for these individual differences, making it unlikely that they will effectively target the root causes of bad posture.

3. Dependency Concerns: Overreliance on posture props can lead to a dependency that may exacerbate the problem rather than solving it. Muscles, when consistently supported by external props, can become weaker over time, further contributing to postural issues. The key to improving posture lies in strengthening the muscles responsible for maintaining proper alignment, not relying on external support indefinitely.

4. Neglecting Lifestyle Factors: Posture is not solely determined by the ergonomics of your chair or the rigidity of a posture corrector. Lifestyle factors such as sedentary behavior, lack of exercise, and poor ergonomics in workspaces also play crucial roles in the development of bad posture. Internet-sold posture props often overlook the importance of addressing these broader lifestyle aspects.

5. Ignoring Mind-Body Connection: Effective posture correction involves not just physical adjustments but also a heightened awareness of one's body. Mindfulness and conscious effort are integral to developing lasting improvements in posture. Posture props, however, may create a false sense of security, diverting attention away from the necessary mental and emotional aspects of cultivating good posture.

While internet-sold posture props may offer quick fixes and temporary relief, they often fall short of providing lasting solutions to the complex issue of bad posture. True posture improvement requires a holistic approach that addresses individual needs, lifestyle factors, and the mind-body connection. Rather than relying on external supports, individuals should consider incorporating a well-rounded approach that includes targeted exercises, ergonomic adjustments, and mindfulness practices to foster lasting improvements in posture.

Posture Correction: How to Easily Correct Posture Fault

Sitting all day can harm your posture

Is Sitting the new Smoking? We hear constantly about how sitting at a screen is ruining our bodies. But is this true? In today's digital world, maintaining good posture seems to be just another issue to track, like “eating healthy” or exercising strenuously to “torch” those pesky calories, or sleeping in NREM for eight hours nightly, or meditating for 30 minutes daily, or hydrating yourself all the time. So much to track!

According to all the wellness blogs, “spending hours in front of computers ensures that it's easy to fall into habits that can lead to poor posture. Incorporating posture correction into our daily routine is essential for not only preserving our physical appearance but also for profound impacts on our overall health and well-being.” Obviously, with 65% of the U.S. population being obese and the overweight category is adding about 10%, we need to figure out what to do first.

Understanding Posture: Why It Matters

Posture refers to how we hold our bodies while standing, sitting, or lying down. Good posture correctly aligns our body parts, supported by the right amount of muscle tension against gravity. Without it, we can suffer from various issues, including back pain, spinal dysfunction, joint degeneration, rounded shoulders, and an unbalanced pelvis—the kingpin of our entire body.

So take a typical body carrying 50 pounds extra. Immediately, we see the positives. First, it is almost impossible to sit with one leg crossed over the other, which is the worst position for the body. Wherever you are – sitting on a subway or in an office or theatre or watching TV – LOOK at the number of people sitting with one leg crossed over the other! We all know about the importance of the CORE which can't align properly if the pelvis is unbalanced. Well, if you sit in this cross position, you are messing up your body. If you are obese, this is not a position you will find comfortable. Finally, one reason that obesity is not all bad! But seriously, this is our default position because it makes one look slimmer. It is ok if you sit this way for five minutes and then uncross and put feet flat on the floor for five and then cross again but the OTHER leg. No one does this even though it works.

Recognizing Poor Posture

Because no one wants to make anyone feel bad and all the celebrities on TV sit with legs crossed, this is NOT in a typical list of how to recognize bad posture. All you read is: slouched shoulders, a forward head position, arched lower back, and bent knees when standing or walking. That’s It Folks!

Again, the starting place is seated posture. There are many props to undo this bad leg crossed habit. But the best is SmartSEAT®.

Strategies for Better Posture

1. Mindful Sitting: When sitting, keep your feet flat on the floor, with your knees at a 90-degree angle. Lengthen your back until it is too tiring (probably in five minutes). Then change position by doing a pelvic tuck which is part of the Cat Cow sequence from YOGA that everyone knows. At some point, twist your upper torso to the right on an INHALATION and then back to the CENTER. Then do the other side. Raise your heels and then lower them. Fidget. Shake. Just do silly movements so you don’t get stuck. And then stand up too!!

2. Standing Tall: While standing, distribute your weight evenly on both feet. Avoid locking your knees and keep your feet about shoulder-width apart. Tuck your stomach in, and keep your head level. Then change it all by bending knees and twisting and lift up on the toes and anything you can do to make standing ACTIVE.

3. Intelligent Exercise: Strengthening and Connecting the Core with Pilates exercises can help you feel better and taller. Many good exercises can be done seated too. If you have a “Wearable” Reformer—the brilliant apparatus patented by Joe Pilates—you can use the bungees to assist in so many core exercises.

4. Posture at Work: If you work at a desk, maybe an ergonomic chair or a standing desk will be beneficial, but still, you need to sit and stand and not choose only one. If you work in a factory or on an assembly line, the best idea is to think of your body feeling weightless and upright, and then it will sense itself and be better. AWARENESS is the best body tool.

The Benefits of Good Posture:

Everyone knows that dancers and actors are consciously projecting their better selves with a focus on posture. Fifty years ago, all models were trained to walk with a book on their head. They needed to walk gracefully. Today, many people practice with a different prop: the 40-inch long Parasetter® which challenges balance and alignment. Obviously, better posture reduces lower back pain, improves breathing, increases energy levels, and enhances appearance. Good posture also positively impacts your mood and self-esteem, projecting confidence and assertiveness.

Professional Help: Look to Alexander Technique®, Feldenkrais® and Pilates Teachers. Using the phone to video the before to give you a visual of the BEFORE will help you get to a better AFTER. Improving your posture happens daily. It requires mindfulness, some physical effort, and a lot of brain activity. The latter is also the best way to “torch” calories, so it is a great two-for-one! Enjoy!

Posture Props: Helpful Tools or Harmful Crutches?

The pathetic debate on the effectiveness of posture props is a topic of interest in the “wellness” community. As with anything that is designated wellness, the me, myself, and I principle obtains. Most of the props sold are only copycat versions of obvious helpers, but now people screaming on IG of how these are the best thing in the world, so this makes for money! One question in blogs is “Are these tools valuable aids in achieving better posture, or do they end up being crutches that hinder long-term postural health?” Has anyone looked at bodies today? Everything sold on Amazon such as lumbar rolls, ergonomic chairs, standing desks, posture corrector braces, and even wearables benefits various bodies.

Of course, no one even mentions the best prop which everyone already owns. What is this? A full-length mirror! In our NYC office, we have mirrors on two of the four walls. One wall is all windows which give us sunlight and views that help anyone sitting for hours at a computer screen. So if your mirror in the office is only in the bathroom, think about getting a desk version so you can glance at your body and see how you are slumping or twisting or, the worst: SITTING WITH LEGS CROSSED. No matter what prop you buy as a seat, if it doesn’t prevent the crossed leg posture, then you are nowhere. Zero. One such invention is SmartSEAT®, which is so named because it deals with this common sitting posture which totally unbalances the pelvis. It’s scary when you see Pilates and yoga teachers constantly talking about alignment and then they sit with one leg crossed over the other. As we all know, people always cross one leg and never even switch, so until this problem is fixed—and it’s very hard to do because your body adapts to this mode. So #1: pay attention to your legs. Try to put both feet on the floor. For good posture, seated is as important as standing.

The Case for Posture Props is Obvious:

1. Immediate Support: Posture props provide immediate support and relief, especially for individuals suffering from back pain or those recovering from injuries. They help maintain an ergonomically correct position, reducing strain on the body.

2. Enhanced Awareness: Using these tools can increase awareness of one's posture. Wearables that vibrate to remind you to sit up straight, for example, can develop mindfulness about posture throughout the day. Wearables like TYE4X™ can give you support and then the inclination to move while seated or standing because all four limbs are connected.

But remember: there is Not a One-Size-Fits-All Prop. What works for one individual may not work for another, leading to potential discomfort or even worsening of posture issues. Props can offer a quick fix, but many fail to address the root causes of poor posture, such as muscle weakness, imbalances, or mental issues. The key to effectively using posture props lies in balance and mindfulness. They should be used as part of a broader approach to improving posture, which includes exercises to strengthen core muscles, stretches to increase flexibility, and positivity such as taking regular breaks from just sitting.

Why is POSTURE such a big subject today? Well, let’s go back to the '50s when it was common to tell women to walk with a book on their head, and, of course, most books can weigh a pound or more. This was not the advice for Men because military service was compulsory, and they were instructed in military posture reasons. The reason to walk with the book on your head was so that you would look graceful with your head high. Today that’s not what people talk about as far as posture. They’re mostly concentrating on the roundedness in the upper back and the protruding belly and other obvious postural issues which make one look fatter. So today people talk about posture because they think it’s an easy way to look slim, and, of course, if you stand up straight—and that doesn’t mean with your shoulders squeezed back—you will look better. But really one needs to find connections, and that is what is learned in Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais® Moves which are really good on the Parasetter®. And Pilates because it goes beyond alignment and develops strength and flexibility. You may not know this, but almost all professional actors study AT and many also do Pilates.

Classical Pilates is an Insult to Joe's Genius

Originally published November 8th to the PhysicalMind Institute Newsletter

The recent demise of TV personality Suzanne Somers made me reflect on the success of the Thigh Master.  In the 90s, Somers sold millions of these gadgets saying "You just put it between your knees and squeeze."  I remember the TV infomercial and exclaiming, “It’s just a copy of Joe’s Magic Circle!”  
 
When in 1991 we started the Institute for the Pilates Method, we began with Teacher Training as our primary focus. But soon I recognized that without publicity there would be no one for the newly Certified Teachers to train!! Fortunately Ron Fletcher’s LA studio had trained most of Hollywood. The print magazines were thrilled to name these Stars so very soon hundreds of articles were published. I tried when interviewed to make  these stories highlight Joe’s genius embodied in his patented inventions/apparatus. The articles showed photos of the Reformer and Cadillac, but described them as Medieval TORTURE Machines!!

Of course Joe’s brilliant inventions had been ignored when the exercise biz started in the 60s because the focus was “calorie burning.” Few could see these inventions were unique including Kathy Grant who was  certified by Joe. In 1992 Grant Santa Fe to give the very first Wunda Chair workshop. Attendees including Rael Iscowitz (see photo) and other studio owners who also didn’t seem to understand the apparatus. None commented on the design flaws of the Wunda Chair.

While Kathy was telling everyone, "Don’t muscle your way through…" I was watching as the Wunda Chair springs would fall off. Or the foot bar would torque given the spring attachments at three different points. Of course, the foot bar was not long enough for most shoulder widths. The  square footprint meant the apparatus was only stable because of its weight – a wider base makes this unnecessary. The closed frame limited the execution of many exercises. During the Workshop I was “redesigning” the Chair in my mind; it took a decade before I could get a workable prototype  and apply for a patent. But the other part was watching the learning process of those who would become Master Teachers and dominate Certification from 2000 until now. I saw how they spent the entire two days perfecting their own technique. No one made any attempt to understand that these exercises were the exact same ones as on the Reformer and Mat. The participants were unable to figure out the spring attachments or why one spring would be on heavy and another one in the middle for a specific exercise. The workshop was show and tell. Meanwhile, I was analyzing why Joe specified certain spring combos – remember there were only two springs – but three levels of attachment.

Those new to Pilates probably don’t know that back then everyone adhered to the original exercises and  ONLY changed the choreography to accommodate a client who couldn’t perform. We called this a Modification and showed six specific changes. We also came up with the concept of Variations – the  Original exercise made more difficult! Today when every exercise is sliced and diced for variety and do-ability because Reformer classes dominate the industry, few remember when this was heresy. Even “Classical” studios now have Reformer classes. In 1994, I choreographed the very first one and had Maya Ward in Santa Fe cue it; she stood in the “circle” of the four Reformers whose foot bars touched in a sunburst configuration so she could change the springs!!
 
So now why this title? It took me decades to become an inventor. I have nine patents. The process is almost a form of self-torture. It taught me that while inventors see the forest, they are usually surrounded by people  who are in the trees. If those we now call Elders had critiqued the Wunda Chair design, it would never have been manufactured. They would have told Joe about its flaws. Joe was so exhausted by the process – just to get some physical object made that never existed except in his head – is beyond description. So why did he do it?? Because he couldn’t stop. If he had stopped at the Universal Reformer, then he might have  succeeded in his lifetime. But then we would all be poorer without the Ped a Pull or Cadillac or Barrels or Toe Corrector and all the other inventions. Joe died broke and angry. We are the beneficiaries of his relentless drive. Memorizers actually believe that if Joe were here today he would not continue to invent more products or change his original designs.Wrong! Joe would not use his own Wunda Chair today!

Few know that Classical Pilates was created on October 20, 2000. On October 19 2000 Judge Cedarbaum  ruled that the Pilates trademark — the coveted Official REGISTRATION ® – was invalid. The new Classical name adopted by the LOSERS was appealing, but at the time the WINNERS never thought it would  galvanize so many since we underestimated how big Pilates would become.

Today “classical” types buy very expensive Gratz equipment with very strong springs. Don’t they know the limitations of 4 spring Reformers for today’s bodies? They may also follow the exact repertoire. If so they are teaching exactly how Joe did in the 50s. They prefer a Model T to a Tesla. As for the choreography, Joe cherry picked from Yoga and Martial Arts and calisthenics to design many exercises that showcased his inventions!! Yes he chose what worked on the apparatus he invented!!

Appreciating the Man is not to copy what he did 75 years ago. It’s not what an INVENTOR would expect from his devotees. The 497 words that follow resulted from my question to ChatGPT: Supply a definition of Classical Pilates. Nothing is wrong, but it still misses the point!

Classical Pilates According to ChatGPT  

Classical Pilates, often simply referred to as "Pilates," is a popular and well-established exercise method that focuses on strengthening the core muscles, improving flexibility, and enhancing overall physical fitness. Created by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, this approach to exercise has stood the test of time and continues to be practiced by individuals of all ages and fitness levels around the world.

Joseph Pilates, a German physical trainer, originally called his method "Contrology." He developed it during World War I as a way to help injured soldiers rehabilitate and regain strength. His innovative approach combined elements of yoga, martial arts, gymnastics, and his own research into human anatomy and movement. Classical Pilates is the purest form of the Pilates method, following the principles and exercises as Joseph Pilates originally designed them.

Key elements of Classical Pilates include:

1. Core Strengthening: Classical Pilates emphasizes the development of a strong and stable core by engaging muscles like the transverse abdominis, obliques, and pelvic floor. A strong core is the foundation for all movements in Pilates and is believed to contribute to better posture and reduced risk of injury.

2. Breath Control: Proper breathing is central to Classical Pilates. Joseph Pilates believed in using deep, controlled breathing to oxygenate the body and facilitate the flow of energy throughout the exercises.

3. Precision and Control: Classical Pilates exercises are performed with great precision, focusing on form and control rather than speed or repetition. This attention to detail is said to be essential for achieving the full benefits of the method.

4. Whole-Body Integration: Pilates is designed to work the entire body, not just isolated muscles. It targets multiple muscle groups simultaneously, leading to improved balance, coordination, and overall body awareness.

5. Equipment and Matwork: Classical Pilates utilizes specialized equipment like the reformer, Cadillac, and Wunda chair, in addition to mat exercises. These apparatuses offer resistance and support to enhance the effectiveness of the exercises.

6. Progression: Classical Pilates is taught in a structured and progressive manner, with exercises becoming more challenging as the practitioner gains strength and flexibility. The goal is continuous improvement.

7. Mind-Body Connection: Classical Pilates promotes a strong mind-body connection. Practitioners are encouraged to be fully present during their workouts, focusing on the quality of movements and the sensation of muscles engaging.

Today, many studios and fitness centers offer Classical Pilates classes, led by certified instructors. These classes cater to a wide range of participants, from individuals looking for a low-impact workout to athletes and dancers seeking to improve their performance. Classical Pilates is valued for its ability to help with posture correction, back pain relief, injury prevention, and overall body conditioning.

In conclusion, Classical Pilates is a timeless exercise method that focuses on core strength, flexibility, and holistic well-being. By adhering to the principles and exercises developed by Joseph Pilates himself, practitioners can experience the many benefits that this practice offers, leading to improved physical fitness, mental clarity, and an enhanced sense of overall well-being.

Pilates and Golf

Pilates teachers understand the remarkable benefits golfers can gain from engaging in twice-weekly private Pilates sessions. In 1998, the first Golf & Pilates Workshop was initiated with the expertise of Mike Wright and Alex Garcia, distinguished Pilates instructors and proficient golfers.

2005 marked the publication of "Golf & Pilates," a guide for Pilates instructors to effectively assist golfers, regardless of their own experience with the sport. Pilates instructors, with their commendable physical prowess, often surprise professionals with their innate golfing talent, even as beginners.

Now, in 2023, we are thrilled to introduce a revolutionary Golf Program, with an initial focus on Thoracic Rotation. The necessity for this focus arises from the fundamental requirement of a minimum 46-degree thoracic rotation to execute a proper golf swing. The modern lifestyle, dominated by screen time, has unfortunately hindered lateral bending and rotation, consequently affecting the golf swing. While technology assists in daily tasks, it offers no aid in enhancing the backswing.

Our approach involves a meticulous Tye4® sequence, designed to augment thoracic rotation. Pro golfers have tested this sequence, showcasing an impressive increase from high 50s to 60s in their rotation range post a five-minute Tye4® session.

We recognize that attracting golf enthusiasts to Pilates is a challenge, given their singular focus on the game. Yet, we believe the key to garnering their interest lies in the effective improvement of their Thoracic Rotation, a critical aspect in golf. Our specially recommended app for assessing thoracic rotation has proven to be an immediate hit among golfers.

Stay tuned for the unveiling of our Assessment and Tye4® program, crafted to help Pilates and fitness instructors draw golf aficionados to their studios. We are excited to offer this program through our New York office and online via Zoom. Get ready to revolutionize golf training with enhanced thoracic mobility and a transformative Tye4® sequence.

Perfect Posture

MINIs in use by Ballet Dancers

Perfect Posture Starts with your Feet

We simply cannot discuss perfect posture without addressing standing. Let's start at the bottom, with the feet.

We have a product called "The MINIs." They are dual rollers, measuring 5 and 2 1/2 inches respectively. These rollers are incredibly light, versatile, and attached for ease of use. The MINIs allow for various stretches, strengthening exercises, and balance activities. They are so convenient that you could be seated watching television or working at your computer, and still benefit from using them. Standing with The MINIs offers numerous additional benefits such as improved posture, better balance, and relief from tightness in the Achilles and calf muscles. Using The MINIs can also help lift and strengthen your arches, which is vital for those with fallen arches, a common problem often due to excess weight.

These foot products are unusually comfortable compared to others on the market, some of which are hard, difficult, and frustrating to use. I recall giving a set of a different brand to my son who had foot pain. He found them so uncomfortable that he told me he'd prefer to endure the pain. This is not the case with The MINIs, which are enjoyable to use.

Release Tension in Your Head and Neck

Now, let's move from the feet to the head. We have a product called the "HeadFloater," which is best used while lying down on your back, a position officially known as supine. This tool draws inspiration directly from the Alexander Technique, a principle that has been adopted by Pilates enthusiasts.

The HeadFloater consists of a wonderful neoprene band that fits around your skull, from your forehead to the occiput. Attached to the band are cords that connect to straps. While lying down with a book under your head (a classic Alexander Technique), you pull these straps while inhaling and exhaling. As you continue this, you'll feel a release in the tension in your head and neck. This is a common tightness that most people experience, which sometimes eases naturally, but often requires a massage for relief.

However, not everyone has the time or resources to get a professional massage whenever needed. This is where the HeadFloater comes in handy. It's portable, lightweight, and highly effective for the entire cervical spine. You can carry it in your backpack and use it whenever you need it.

Taken together, the MINIs and HeadFloater can help you get one step closer to having Perfect Posture.

Posture Products

Google this term and instantly there are 61 million hits! Why is this category so popular today? It certainly dwarfs other fitness goals. Remember the six pack? Remember thin thighs? Well, everyone's given up on that, of course. But Posture was always in our vocabulary. People born in the 40s know that a woman would  practice walking  with a book on her head so that she would be able to appear taller or leaner. And more graceful. For men, there wasn't any issue because military service was compulsory and there was military posture. And then there was seated posture.  Since women wore skirts or dresses and heels,  they had to be seated in a way so  one couldn't see up inside the hem because this would be immodest. So they would sit with legs crossed but only at the ankles while keeping  their knees together. Military posture meant that  seated the feet were firmly planted on the floor and the torso was straight and  upright. Of course, all this started to disappear because of television  and “talking heads.”  People wanted to look good and they soon saw that  the camera added 15 to 20 pounds. So no matter how lean you were, you looked heavier. That brought us to the cross-legged posture because people quickly figured out that if they crossed one leg over the other—usually the right leg over the left one—and angled a bit, they would look better. Once women could wear pants, which was in the late 60s, the other posture was no longer needed for modesty.  Men didn’t  adopt this horrendous posture until much later because it was considered effeminate, but, of course, all of that's gone. 

So now we have posture as a big category. And it's extremely complex how we got to this strong point.  Some of it is obvious because people are feeling pain maybe resulting from being hunched  over mobile devices. They believe they can get relief from better posture. if you do sit properly, your spine will support you and you will feel more comfortable and have less pain. But if you talk to anyone about the word posture they'll push their shoulders back and bob their head upwards into some rigid holding position. 

Nothing is more visible than it was on ABC TV with Lindsey Newitter who is an Alexander Teacher  who goes by the name Posture Police. Minutes before her segment, the hosts were assembled on a circular couch—three women and  two men all  with legs crossed (one man didn’t cross his). Everybody straightened up while their legs were still crossed!! Of course, this is so silly. It makes you wonder how Pilates has prospered for all these years since 1991 when I started the Institute for the Pilates Method. Obviously,  high-level people with access to the best  training have so little body awareness. Think about it. You're seated. You have your right thigh over your left. That's the case mostly. And that thigh is probably not too light either.  You are completely torquing your body which is one of the reasons why there's so much sciatic pain. You are unbalancing your pelvis which is the worst thing you can do. That's where posture originates. Not by forcing your shoulders back and trying to do something with your head. It starts in the pelvis. Of course, it starts even before in the feet, but we'll get into that one later. On this TV show are highly educated, sophisticated people with their personal trainers doing Pilates probably and they're doing the worst thing for their precious  bodies.

I remember this because at that point we were launching SmartSEAT™— our posture prop. It’s odd looking—19” long. It's  foam. It's black and one end is only 7 inches wide. You look at it and you think, how is my ass  going to fit on it? There's just too much real estate back there. And, of course, that's the point. It doesn't. The only parts that are on it are your sitting bones which are a maximum of  seven inches apart. And sitting bones are the only things that are  important. The rest of that real estate—muscle and bone and fat—is draped on the chair. There is a long part that ends in a pommel—it  almost looks like  a saddle you would have on a horse. You squeeze it with your thighs  thus activating your pelvic floor. This you do too when you post.

So this is SmartSeat—and it is very smart. You sit on it and then you move on it: move off of it to the right. Then to the left, forward and  back. You rock on it. Actually feels pretty good, right? But what you are  trying to do is  retrain an area that has unbalanced your hips. It's really bad. Your hips, your knee is torqued and this goes all the way down to your foot, which is why people have so much foot pain. A lot of it is a result of this dumb crossed-leg posture. Obviously SmartSeat  doesn't look like all the other seats that are sold on Amazon.  Many of them have been very popular for decades. Some are good, but you have to fit in them and that's sort of a  problem because  we have all sized up. Yes, 65%—not 41%—are obese.  Most of  the common  seat cushions have a configuration that's supposedly suggests to  you not to cross your legs. BUT, they don't prevent  it either like SmartSeat which also retrains the inner thighs. And that's why people are now buying SmartSEAT.

Other issues: spider veins. Now those are not life threatening, but they definitely are ugly and happen as a result of this cross-legged posture. Now even for people who don't cross their legs—people whose legs are too big  for one to cross over the other—their tendency is to  sit back in what we call a posterior tilt. This posture puts  too much pressure on the sacrum. and is a direct line to back pain. 

So it's no surprise that people are not feeling that great in their bodies. SmartSEAT is a terrific product which is why it's patented. It also comes with something which we call Wedges by SmartSEAT™. These are two extras and each one weighs only  1/2 an ounce.  People buy them in multiples because they fit easily in a  pocketbook, backpack  or briefcase. Take them anywhere so that wherever you're seated—maybe it's a movie theatre or somebody's office—you will have these  helpers to make your body feel better. Position them wherever you want, even using them at home on a couch. When you're watching television, you will be able to put one where you've been crossing since that hip is lifted. You fill in that space because your hip is not going to be balanced. Your pelvis and your torso are not balanced because of what you've done to it.

Now no one is born with a perfectly symmetrical body, but you can make yours so much better!

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Pilates Then and Now

Joe Pilates and Eve Gentry at his New York City studio

I have practiced Pilates exercises for almost 60 years. I was at the Pilates Studio in Bendels when Joe was still alive. When he died in 1967, his method and machines almost died with him. After Joe's death, his wife struggled to keep the studio running. It wasn't profitable, and those who trained with Joe -- Ron Fletcher, Kathy Grant, Bruce King, and Carola Trier, among others -- weren't interested in taking on a failing studio. Not even Eve Gentry, who was his very first teacher, was interested. In 1968, she moved to Santa Fe and developed her own version. The exception was Romana Kryzanowska, who had nothing and was delighted to take over, even though she lacked business acumen.

A decade ago, an Indian friend of mine remarked on the yoga craze in America, "In India, people aren't leaving their offices at six and going to a yoga class." Many people forget that even though these activities existed, they weren't something the majority of people participated in or discussed. Despite this, it's noteworthy that even today, only about 35 to 40% of people exercise regularly, which is surprising given how often people talk about it. But let's focus on what I know best, Pilates exercises.

When Romana was running the studio, a fraudulent trademark on the Pilates name she applied for and somehow gained led to fear and confusion. This trademark, which was ultimately cancelled on October 19th, 2000 by Judge Cedarbaum of the Southern District Court, made people unsure about whether they could teach or practice Pilates. There was even confusion about the distinction between a patent and a trademark. Joe only patented one of his many inventions, the Universal Reformer, whose patent had expired by then.

In the absence of understanding about the apparatus – the reformer with its leather straps, four equal-tension springs, and no risers – the focus shifted to the exercises. Romana claimed that there were 500 exercises, based on little photos that Joe had taken of himself. He loved being photographed. She copied all of these images, which included every piece of apparatus. Most people know about the reformer, but many aren't aware of the Cadillac, let alone the Chair and the Magic Circle. Additionally, there were numerous other apparatuses like barrels of different sizes, the electric chair, the Pedi-pole, and other foot contraptions. Joe even invented a bed. Such creativity!

In the 70s, 80s, and 90s, even with the claim of 500 Pilates exercises, people struggled to classify some exercises as beginner, intermediate, or advanced. The categorizations eventually developed, but many people still look for Pilates exercises for beginners without really thinking it through. If a person has never exercised, then yes, they are a beginner, but what if someone has been doing barre, calisthenics, or any other form of exercise and then decides to start Pilates? They're not really a beginner because they've already been moving. Most of the Pilates exercises are just like any other exercise.

People often search for Pilates exercises for the core, a term that became popular in the 90s when crunches and 6-pack abs were all the rage. For many in the industry, we are talking about the entire torso, not just the waistline. Unlike other forms of exercise, everything in Pilates initiates from the core or the powerhouse, which is now a given. Sophisticated Pilates practitioners focus on deep connections from the foot arch all the way up through the inner thigh, into the pelvic floor and abdomen, then up to the roof of the mouth and the top of the head. So, it's not merely about the navel to spine or just the powerhouse.

The fascination with the core or the powerhouse speaks to people's growing self-awareness, even if from my perspective, after 60 years in the field, it can seem rather fundamental. Nonetheless, Pilates is experiencing another resurgence. The publicity in the 90s, largely due to the trademark dispute, helped solidify its place in popular culture. Stories of Joe in internment camps during World War I, crafting exercise equipment from bedsprings, certainly captured the public imagination.

The "medieval torture device" that was Joe's apparatus became a part of the fitness conversation. People desired to learn Pilates exercises. And then it expanded and expanded, with growth rates at some points reaching 30% a year. Only the tech industry could compete with that. Now, in 2023, there's a renewed interest, with more and more people searching for Pilates exercises, particularly Pilates exercises for beginners.

Why this resurgence? That's something I can't answer yet. I'm still analyzing this phenomenon. When I understand it better, I'll write another blog post. But for now, thank you very much for reading.

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