There are many different organizations that offer Pilates specifically designed to assist cancer patients and cancer survivors. For example, the Stanford Medicine Institute offers classes twice a week that are especially for cancer survivors. Each class is designed to give survivors a sense of empowerment, while working on things like increased circulation and muscle strength. It is a good idea to find a Pilates course such as this one in order to have an extremely positive environment in which most of the participants have a connection to cancer treatment and survival. 

Some people may be concerned that exercise during cancer treatment could be harmful, but the National Cancer Institute has said that exercise during treatment is beneficial and could help lead towards recovery, though it is necessary to select a low intensity form of exercise, which is what makes Pilates such a great choice. Pilates is very low impact, and many of the exercises can be modified depending on an individual’s needs and abilities. Patients that have mesothelioma and other types of cancers can benefit in more than one way. In addition to assisting with maintaining muscle strength, Pilates work to reduce overall stress and increase flexibility.

The countless benefits of participating in Pilates after being diagnosed with cancer or as a cancer survivor make it an extremely popular form of exercise for those impacted by cancer. Participating in a type of exercise such as Pilates is a way that individuals can enjoy a higher quality of life while undergoing cancer treatment and recovering from cancer. These types of exercises may even help leave a positive impact on the survival rate of different forms of cancer, and should be carefully considered for anyone who has been touched with cancer. Participating in Pilates with a cancer patient is a great way to spend quality time with someone suffering from cancer while engaging in an extremely valuable activity that can assist the patient with his or her recovery. Cancer patients can benefit greatly for a low intensity exercise routine such as Pilates, and cancer survivors can enjoy a higher quality of life after cancer.

This article was written by Jackie Clark. Jackie joined the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance in 2009 as research assistant after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in fitness and nutrition. Jackie’s experience in technical and medical research has allowed her to assist in the development of medical content and outreach efforts, with specializations in alternative care, cancer support programs, and social media campaigns. Follow Jackie on twitter ( JakieClrk ) or contact her at jclarkmca@gmail.com .  

Thank you Jackie for your informative article. It is much appreciated.

We have all come a long way since the beginning and subsequent opening of the Highline Athletic Club Pilates Studio.The studio is almost 5 years old and continues to get better. The Gratz equipment looks as good as it did on the first day and the studio is as clean and fresh as ever. One thing I’ve noticed is that Pilates offers the perfect”fat burning” heart rate profile. While I’ll never guarantee that someone will lose weight training with me I can always say with conviction that they will lose inches.

To get on my schedule please go to my scheduler .

Pilates is a core training exercise regimen. Core strength, flexibility and balance will improve with Pilates training. HAC’s Pilates studio offers private, semi-private and group (2-5 people) apparatus training as well as mat Pilates to members as well as non- members. Private Sessions allow the instructor to customize the session to suit your individual needs. You can expect the same attention to detail in a Private Pilates session that you would expect from working with a Personal Trainer and group and Mat classes are kept small to allow one-on-one instruction.

Pilates training will benefit you in many everyday tasks such as getting in and out of the car, and simple everyday bending and reaching will become easier. There is nothing better for good posture than strengthening your core through Pilates Training. You will feel taller, and Pilates will give you a nice sense of well being after your session.

Highline Athletic Club would like to invite B-Town Blog Readers to come by and tour our studio. We offer non-member Pilates packages and will be offering 5th anniversary specials in August.

Here is a testimonial from a new client taking Pilates at Highline Athletic Club:

I had always heard wonderful things about Pilates and the outstanding results and changes one can see when making Pilates a part of their regular exercise regimen. After having the opportunity to experience Pilates at Highline Athletic Club first hand as instructed by Scott Miller, my exercise routine has forever changed. I fell in love with Pilates.

If you are worried about being capable- there is no need to worry – Each session with Scott is different and customized to my ability and strength, as we work every muscle while focusing on my overall core strength, balance, and breathing technique. You will sweat, you will be sore, but this is because you are achieving a full body work out in one hour with no running or weights involved, and I can guarantee that you will enjoy every minute of it. I have seen small, yet very important changes in the past few months as my core has begun to tighten and become stronger, and my flexibility and posture have improved immensely.

Scott Miller, HAC Pilates Director is an AMAZING instructor- he makes you feel really comfortable, confident, knows when to push you just that extra inch that you wouldn’t do unless he told you to- because you thought you had already reached as far as you could. He’s really POSITIVE, all the time. He keeps your count, keeps the sessions flowing, and uses the whole hour so well!

Pilates is now a part of my weekly routine and I cannot live without it! The feeling you have after completing a session with Scott is one that can only be described as one of strength, accomplishment, and peace with oneself.

– Christina 07/12/11

This is my second year working with the “YMCA” to raise money for our youth. I believe so strongly in this endeavor. The children are our future and their success is ours. But the playing field is not always level and we have some children who need an extra boost to get to the top. To personalize this just a bit more I wanted to tell you my story with the “Y”

My first camp I ever attended was a “Y” camp at the age of 8. The “Y” held an important place in our community even then. I learned to swim at the “Y”. The “Y” makes sure that every child gets a chance to learn how to swim regardless of income. Also I teach a Pilates class at the Mat Griffin “Y” with the Odyssey Group. These teens are from the Tyee High School down the block. Since the program is not funded we have had to cut back on a very important program I’d like to see come back even better than it was before. I can’t tell you what an experience it has been for me and honor to teach these young people. It is quite challenging to say the least. I have had to modify my teaching approach to keep it fresh and relevant. But these guys don’t only learn about Pilates, they learn about mutual respect, fairness, accountability, discipline and most importantly that they count and are important ! This was very personal to me, but you need to know that there are countless other programs that the “Y” has to offer that directly affect our youth:

There are dozens of good reasons to get involved, but here are a handful:
· Fundraising helps the kids at our Y participate in programs!
· 80% of the kids that participated in karate were given financial aid last year because their families couldn’t afford the full cost
· Nearly 50% of our members receive financial aid because their families can’t afford the full cost
· Programs like karate, swim lessons, youth in government, youth field trips, and Y-Achievers wouldn’t happen if PWY didn’t exist
· Departments like Family Programs and Youth Development would have a very difficult time offering programs without PWY.

Friends, Help me out here! I’m asking each and everyone of you to give something that you can afford. This is not the time to hold back your support, but it is time to give and share!

Transverse Abdominus

This is an explanation of the muscles that define the core and secondary muscles the assist in a balanced musculo-skeletal structure. If there is one thing I’ve found it is that Pilates works to shape and balance the body/frame by aligning from top to bottom, front to back, and from the inside out. One can enjoy length, balance, stamina, poise and an internal strength that makes one feel wildly in-tune with nature. In my teachings, I frequently talk about the core muscles. So I wanted to review what muscles constitute the powerhouse. In order not to overwhelming my clients or myself, I’ll introduce them over time to give you a chance to digest the material. So you can look forward to reading several articles pertaining to the powerhouse muscles. I will be using powerhouse and core muscles interchangeably through out this discussion.

We will start with the transverse abdominius. This muscle is the deepest of the abdominal trio. It is similar to a girdle as it wraps from the pubis bone around the hips (illiac crest, love handles )and attaches into the thoro-columbar aponerousous, which is a large flat tendon that starts at your sacrum up into your back. Other muscles also attach to this structure, like the lattisums dorsi (lats). The TVA also attaches well around the ribcage starting in from the xyphoid process around the anterior 8th rib and around back to the 12th rib.

So the TVA attaches from the front of the body all around to the back. Now this fact is very important. It’s right in the middle of the body, attaches to the hips inferiorly and attaches to the ribs superiorly front and back. The implications of this connection are tremendous! Here we have a muscle that can control the relationship we have with the upper and lower parts of our bodies. If this connection is loose and not controlled the ability for us to maintain an erect balanced posture are lessened. The stronger this connection the better our posture and control can be.

We find that head , shoulders, ribcage, hip, knee and foot alignment is so important in controlling posture. Controlling the hips and ribcage generally allow for alignment of the head and shoulder and knees and feet. Again working from the inside out. This is the first muscle I attempt for my students to understand and access. First by breathing! You can access the transverse-abdominus quite readily by doing costal-breathing, which is characterized by the ability to inhale and pull the belly-button in and up and exhale pushing the belly button back towards the spine. During both phases of breathing there is an action happening at the belly button. The rib cage expands like an accordion during the inhalation and folds like an accordion upon exhalation. To add just another part to the conversation, the transvere abdominus’s main action is to hold the contents of the abdomen in. That is the organs and the rest of the stuff within the abdominal cavity. The organs were meant to hold the contents of the abdominal cavity into place. Our organs don’t like it when they are unsupported .

Next the external and internal obliques here we come!

You can also catch me teaching Pilates Mat classes at Burien Park and Recreation and at the Matt Griffin YMCA.

The Studio

First off I’d like to thank all of my present and past clients who have studied and trained with me during the past 3 years. Some of you may know that 2 years prior to opening the HAC Pilates Studio we had a mat class up in the “Mind/Body” room, so some of you have been with me for over 5 years now. I just want to say that I could not have done it without all of your help and support. Thanks you so much. And just to let you know this summer has been the busiest time ever in the HAC Pilates Studio. Thanks again!

So we are proud to announce our 4 year anniversary at the Highline Athletic Club Pilates Studio. To celebrate we are offering a special to all. A private session for 40.00. That’s 20 dollars off the price of a session. You can purchase a maximum of 6 session and all sessions must be purchased in September and used within 4 weeks of purchase. The best introduction to Pilates you could ever have would be a one on one session with a certified Pilates Instructor where you’re evaluated, set goals and get a feel for what Pilates is all about. 6 sessions is a great introduction for anyone.

Listen to what some clients from HAC Pilates studio are saying:

By way of background, I was severely injured while cycling in Sept 2006. It was a near fatal accident which left me in a body cast for 3 months and unable to walk without an assistive device for approximately 8. The physical comeback has been slow and painful. Pilates and Gyrotronics have made it possible for me to regain the quality of my life which had been concentrated around sports and fitness for decades.

In a stroke of good fortune, a trip to AK presented itself to me as a traveling opportunity. AK has always been on the top of my “list” but I had not gotten around to it pre-accident. Post accident, I have a new philosophy. I don’t wait to take advantage of special opportunities. I signed up for the trip with the knowledge that it would push me to the limits of my new biomechanics. It was important to me to have access to a Pilates session upon arrival at Seattle and before starting another leg of the airplane travel.

I found Highline and Scott through my concierge service. I was grateful to make the connection. Scott was responsive prior to my arrival. I came to the Club with my X-rays which tell a rough story. Scott didn’t blink an eye. He worked with my limits with so much professionalism that I knew I was working with an expert instructor. He constantly evaluated my range of motion, my strength and stability making modifications to the routine as needed. He optimized every minute of my session time. I walked out feeling full recovered from an arduous trip, ready for the next leg. I also walked out amazed at how lucky I was to have found him.

I am sending each of you the August copy of Pilates Style magazine where my recovery story was published. I am happy to share my positive experience of Scott with any of your clients or people who are considering using his services. He’s a treasure. I only wish I could work with him, individually or in a class setting, again.”

Happy Holidays,
Vicki Santello

” When HAC began remodeling a room, little did I know that it would be a Pilates Studio. I knew nothing about Pilates. After inquiring and talking with Scott Miller, I decided to sign up for at least the introductory offer. Here it is a year plus later and I am still going. Maybe that is Scott’s fault!

Scott is an excellent teacher. He is knowledgeable, inspiring, considerate and sensitive. Scott is challenging, but brings you along as you are able to progress with encouragement and praise. Pilates has been a great program fro me, especially, for improving my posture and flexibility.

I whole heartedly recommend Scott Miller for Pilates.

P.S. I was 77 years old when I began Pilates. “Nothing ventured! Nothing gained”! If I can do it, what about you? Thanks Scott! It’s been great!”

Glen Embree
Member HAC

“I’ve been taking private Pilates sessions with Scott for quite some time and I am amazed at how much better I feel since starting Pilates. Not only am I a stroke survivor, I’ve also been in several car accidents (rear-ended) more than my fair share. Since taking Pilates, my pain has decreased a lot. Scott has been a very patient and competent instructor. Even though I’m spatially challenged, he works with me to understand the exercises and always make sure I’m doing them correctly. I go weekly and it’s never boring because Scott is so good at varying the routines. There seems to be an infinite number of Pilates exercises. And in addition to all the above, Scott makes it fun!”

Geralyn Mirante-Marley

“I have struggled with back and feet problems for years. I finally reached a point where I was having difficulty working each day, as I am on my feet for hours as a personal trainer. After making some great progress in physical therapy, my therapist suggested I try Pilates. I had done some in the past and was very open to doing more.

At that time Scott Miller was completing additional Pilates training and began student teaching at a studio in Seattle. I would drive from Burien to University Village 1 -2 times per week, for nearly 4 months, to train with Scott. After he completed his program and achieved his additional credentials, he began teaching at the newly opened Pilates studio at Highline Athletic Club, which is also the club where I work.

I continued training with Scott, appreciating that I no longer had to commute! I not only experienced reduced pain in my feet and back, but also achieved greater range of motion in my entire body than I had ever had before, no matter how much stretching I did! The improvements in core and total body strength, along with balance and stamina were fantastic!

Scott is incredibly passionate in the work he does. He is genuinely excited for each student’s progress and successes and celebrates them openly! He has an amazing ability to spot the weak areas and strengthen them. He also knows how to push you just past the point you think you are capable of – one of the marks of a great instructor! Thank you Scott for all you do!”

Autum Puhrmann
A.C.S.M. HFI certified
Fitness Professional

The Studio

Please take a moment and give to a very special organization, the YMCA of Greater Seattle. I teach Pilates to a large group of teenagers from a local high school in Sea-Tac at the Matt Griffin YMCA. This group really needs this outlet. Physical fitness is paramount in the healthy development of our youth. They can take Pilates, workout in the gym or play basketball. It is most important that these young adults have a place to move and exercise and the YMCA is there for them, but not without our help.

Thank you to all my wonderful clients, colleagues and friends for your consideration in this request for your financial contribution to the YMCA. Remember, give what you can.

Scott A Miller
Certified Pilates Instructor
Member of Washington State Board of Massage
Board of Directors Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards

I’ve personally always wonder how that particular name came to be for this piece of apparatus. As far as I’m concerned, this would be the piece of equipment that I would want in my living room. I’d take out all of the furniture but this wonderful piece of magic. I’d work out in the day and use it as a piece of furniture in the evening.

The overhead bars allow for many challenging exercises. The ankle cuffs allow for lots of advanced stretching for the legs and hips. The trapeze if perfect for a launching point for overhead scissors, upside down pull ups and an intense back bend. I find this piece of apparatus to be perfectly suited for my senior clients since it is well above the ground and easy to get on and off from. Stretching the legs is a cinch with bicycle stretch, the leg spring series in the air and tower and monkey. The push through bar and the pull down bar help add substance and balance for a great Pilates workout.