Pilates works well in combination with other modes of exercise. Someone who is looking to shed a few pounds will need to engage in vigorous cardiovascular exercise and maintain a nutritious, low-fat diet. Runners have strong cardiovascular systems, but need to alleviate tight muscles. What do these two types of people have in common? They both need pilates. The reason being that pilates does what other exercises often fail to do: it strengthens the deepest abdominal and postural muscles. And pilates is not just for women, because we all have the same muscles, including the pelvic floor muscles.

I have compiled a short list of articles from a variety of sources. Some of the categories include runners and women with babies (since there are so many of both in Hoboken). Since my sessions include self-myofascial release, I have included a section on this topic.

What is myofasciae? (Hint: If you have muscles, you have fasciae.) I leave it to the vast wisdom of the experts to explain:

• Myofascial release - Wikipedia
• Easing Pain with Myofascial Release - John F. Barnes, PT
• Self-Myofascial Release Techniques with Foam Rollers
• HowStuffWorks "Can Myofascial Release benefit runners?"
• Myofascial Release & Craniosacral Therapy

We all have movement patterns. Pilates can address the imbalances from lifelong habits:

• Pilates for Back Pain - altMD.com Article
• Top 10 Reasons to do Pilates for Life
• Back Pain Relief with Stott Pilates
• Strengthening Your Hip Adductors
• Pilates Expert Articles - PilatesWise.com

Pilates can help ease chronic conditions that runners often experience:

• How Pilates Can Improve Your Running
• Pilates is for Runners
• Pilates moves for runners at Runner's World.com

A modified pilates regimen helps women safely recover from childbirth:

• Pilates: Pregnancy and Beyond
• How Pilates Can Help During Pregnancy
• Corpus Christi Finds Postpartum Back Pain Relief with Pilates