The exercises that I teach are my way of staying as close to the integrity of the classical Pilates repertoire with the addition of safety modifications necessary when teaching special populations. In my case, special populations begin with people who have been diagnosed with low bone density and are at risk for fracture when doing exercises, or performing activities of daily living, that would not normally cause damage. In Pilates, this is a concern because many of the exercises are in flexion that is loaded with the addition of equipment. My goal is always to teach a fun class or private session where the client leaves feeling terrific, empowered and, above all, safe.
Constructive Rest Position
Pelvic micro-tilts in & out of NP (20X)
Gentle “Scoop”
Shoulder Press (3-5X)
Head Press (3-5X)
Leg Lengtheners (3-5X)
Leg Press (3-5X)
Arm Lengtheners (3-5X)
Arm & Leg Lengtheners (3-5X)
Isometric Hundreds in Table Top
Rib-cage arms with magic circle
Bridge
Rib-cage arms with MC / Bridge Combination
Stretch out strap foot & leg work into Single Leg Circle with end stretch
Single Leg Stretch
Double Leg Stretch
Lower and Lift in Table Top
Side Kick Series (gentle version)
Prone – pelvic press, head lift
Swan
Spine Release
Supine, relaxation & nose circles
Center of Gravity breath, love & gratitude awareness
I teach this to beginners to help them understand and fine tune their Pilates technique. I use it as a foundation for helping people recover from injuries and support alignment in their bodies. I love it as a sequence for people who have osteoporosis. It is very meditative and surprisingly challenging since the exercises do not look like much.
Pilates has never let me down and has often been the only thing in my life I could count on to find personal alignment awareness. When something is wrong in your body, mind, or spirit, go do some Pilates! Seriously, it always helps. It is the fountain of youth that Mr. Pilates said it was and so much more. My hope is that everyone can maintain a personal practice, especially when modifications are necessary, because that will bring the greatest empowerment and ability to transform. Thank you so much!
Teacher/Host Bio:
Penelope Shure began her Pilates teaching career in 2004 in upstate New York and now divides her work schedule between her 2 studios in Albany, New York and Lenox, Massachusetts. She specializes in classical and gentle Pilates private sessions. She also travels to give specialty workshops which provide continuing education credits for Pilates Method Alliance members. Penelope has been a guest presenter at the Meeks Method Annual conferences in Sundance, Utah, and Baltimore, MD and recently co-taught a course on “Dynamic Movement Solutions” with Sara Meeks, PT in Lenox, MA. Her Gentle Pilates and Gentle Dance videos for bone health have been featured in Margie Bissinger, PT’s “Happy Bones Happy Life” program and on the NBIhealth.com website where Dr. John Neustadt recommended them to his osteoporosis patients. She taught as an adjunct professor for the College of St. Rose in their Physical Education Department in 2017 and is writing a book on how to integrate Pilates as Physical Education into movement education courses. She teaches her Gentle Pilates class weekly at Albany Dance & Fitness.
Penelope was born in Syracuse, New York and began training in tap, jazz and ballet at the age of five. She attended Syracuse University, receiving a B.S. in fashion design that brought her to New York City in 1984. There she continued her dance training at Steps & Broadway Dance Center where she was first exposed to Pilates. She taught dance to children and adults and began her formal Pilates training in 1999. In 2004 she completed the Power Pilates NY Intensive certification program and was certified through the Pilates Method Alliance in 2010. She is a Meeks Method osteoporosis exercise specialist and trained extensively through Pilates Therapeutics in foot, scoliosis and performing arts specialization with Dr. Suzanne Martin. She loves working with dancers and people of all ages.