“Pilates is the complete coordination of body, mind and spirit,” explained Joseph Pilates. To shed light on this quote, Karen Washburn, Classical Pilates teacher trainer and instructor discusses how to use Pilates mat work to condition the body by building strength, length, flexibility and balance. She explains how to recover core strength by using the support of the mat. Karen illuminates the physics of our bodies in relationship to the mat work and equipment. Pilates is effective because it creates resistance, opposition and contrast in the body. Karen shares deep insights on how abdominal strength improves mobility of other limbs. “You are only as old as your spine is flexible,” she stated quoting Pilates. When clients focus on recovering from childbirth or working on their core, Karen explains how to work from the inside out. She sheds light on the power of imagery to connect with the abs and explains how cognitively complex exercises integrate the mind and body. With an MA in Dance from UCLA, Karen offers a clear and comprehensive overview of the power of Classical Pilates to engage the core. She supports the inclusivity of Pilates to include younger and older clients, athletes, dancers, cancer survivors, and postpartum clients. You can reach Karen on her website: www.axislbc.com to view her fully equipped @gratz_pilates and @gyrotonic studio. Email her at karen@axislbc.com. You can find her on Instagram @axislbc With over 20 years in the industry, Karen commands a deep understanding of Pilates. Check out the following resources in her podcast. “Return to Life Through Contrology” by Joseph Pilates “Your Health: A Corrective System of Exercising That Revolutionizes the Entire Field of Physical Education” by Joseph Hubertus Pilates “Dance Imagery for Technique and Performance” by Eric Franklin #feelthedifference #pilates #core #coreworkouts #classicalpilates #pilatesteacher #pilatesreformer #pilatesbody #pilateslover #pilatesinstructor #pilatesfit #pilatesstudio #pilatesmat #pilatesfordancers #pilatesfit #gyrotonic About Karen Washburn After a varied dance career which took her to Asia, Latin America, and Europe, she pursued a Masters in Dance at UCLA. During this time, while exploring different ways to help her recover from injuries and balance her body, she encountered the two powerful healing and aligning methods which have become her passion and focus for the past 20 years. Karen has trained with many international experts in Classical Pilates, and was most recently a participant in the highly selective Masters program “The Work” with Jay Grimes, one of the last people living to have worked with Joseph Pilates directly. Karen has been a teacher trainer for Power Pilates, based in New York, for the past 13 years.. She is committed to the integrity of teaching Pilates as the creator intended. Karen has also been practicing and teaching the Gyrotonic method since 1999. She is certified in all aspects of the system, and has been an instructor trainer for the past decade. Over the years, Karen has worked directly with Juliu Horvath, the creator, as well as many preeminent experts in the method worldwide. She is the founder and owner of Axis Classical Pilates | GYROTONIC ® Naples & Belmont Shore, the first and only fully equipped Classical Pilates and Gyrotonic studio in Long Beach. Here she works with a wide range of clients, from people who are severely injured to professional athletes and dancers. Her passions are inspiring her clients, supporting her fellow Pilates instructors.