What do we Mean by Long + Lean?

When we say long + lean, we are referring to the length and strength within the body that is created by doing Pilates. Long + lean is not meant to be a description of what a body should look like in order to do Pilates.  At Long + Lean Pilates, we do and teach Pilates because of how good it makes us feel, not because of how it makes us look. Pilates was designed as a system of exercise for everyone to do to improve their overall health and wellbeing. As it gained popularity, it became widely used among dancers, and began to be defined by the image of thin, white females. There is now an air of elitism and exclusivity associated with the Pilates industry that is being addressed and challenged in an important and necessary way right now. Pilates is for every body and we want to do our part in making sure that is universally understood.

 

We do however know that, by default, a name like Long + Lean Pilates may make people feel as though they do not belong in the studio unless they fit a certain mold. It has never been our intention to give off any vibe of exclusivity or elitism, but that doesn’t mean we haven’t done so. We truly believe Pilates is good for every body and we strive to address each person as their own individual body with their own needs and goals. When Long + Lean Pilates was started, the brand name was decided on for a few reasons:

·      The design of the logo and need for two words that complimented each other

·      To conjure the image of long, lean muscles facilitated by the Pilates workout

·      And yes, because of the idea that Pilates can give you a long + lean physique

 

To be very honest, I have struggled with the name Long + Lean Pilates for years now. We are not a studio that focuses on weight loss or aesthetics. Our brand has always been about helping people move well, feel good in their bodies, and go about their lives pain and injury free. Nothing makes me cringe more than the “get your body summer ready” ads.  Now, when I think about the words long + lean, I think about the length and strength that is created within the body: elongated muscles, the feeling of being long and lifted, and increased strength throughout the body. Apparently lean is also a name for the “Purple Drank” recreational drug beverage, so there’s that…

 

I have heard the sentiment “I feel like I need to workout for a few months before I start Pilates.” We want to make sure no one ever feels that way when they consider coming to our studio. Come as you are. We are here to help you achieve your goals. And truly, any goal is welcome. Maybe you do have the goal to lose weight, you’re welcome here. You’re also welcome if your goal is to alleviate back pain, take an hour to do something for yourself each week, increase flexibility, or meet new people. Those are all admirable goals that are more than welcome at Long + Lean.  Please do not feel that you have to look a certain way in order to do Pilates. Every body is welcome at Long + Lean.

 

While we are not changing our name, you will notice us using L + L Pilates more often than Long + Lean Pilates. We will be heading in that direction because it is incredibly important to us to make sure we are not contributing to any sense of elitism in the Pilates industry or making anyone feel unwelcome at our studio, even if it is inadvertently.  Additionally, we are always open to hearing feedback from you about how we can improve our inclusivity and be more welcoming to the entire community. Thank you for being part of L + L Pilates past, present, and future. We love you all!

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We’re Opening for Private Sessions!

We are so, so very excited to announce that we will be able to reopen the studio on Monday  August, 24th. Based on State mandates, we will be opening at limited capacity and with policies in place to ensure the safety of our team and all of you. The studio will be reopening in phases, beginning with private and duet sessions only, and only one session taking place at a time. Unfortunately, we will not immediately be able to offer our Reformer classes. We still have a schedule of outdoor Pilates mat classes each week, you can sign up for those classes here.

In the first phase of our reopening, we will be offering 50 or 30 minute private or duet sessions with only one instructor/client in the studio at a time. If you are interested in booking a private session, please contact us with what days and times work best for you. We will do our very best to accommodate everyone’s requests!

We are operating with an abundance of caution and have worked hard on our business safety plan, in accordance with the state’s requirements. All clients will be required to wear face coverings while in the studio and adhere to our safety policies. Please read the complete list of our Covid-19 policies here.

If you are not yet ready to come into the studio, we totally understand! You can request a virtual private session or head to Long + Lean Pilates Online for a variety of virtual class options, with new on-demand Pilates workouts added weekly.

We want to thank you for your continued support while we have been closed. It has been an adventure, but we are grateful for the ways we have been able to stay connected with most of our wonderful community. We want to make sure you feel safe and secure coming in to the studio, so please always feel free to reach out with any questions, concerns, or suggestions. We can’t wait to see you!!

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Balanced Body Reformers + Equipment

Long + Lean Pilates instructor Jacquie

We are so excited to announce that we have partnered with Balanced Body to give you  a discount on Balanced Body equipment, including Reformers! As studios have had to remain close, many of us have been inspired to outfit our homes with the equipment we love and miss. If you have been considering buying a Reformer, click the image below to shop Balanced Body Reformers (our favorite brand) and get a 5% discount off anything you buy!

Have any questions about which equipment is best for you? Feel free to contact us; we’re happy to help!

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Pilates for Golf: 4 Week Virtual Series

Pilates for Golfers

Pilates for Golfers

 

Do you want to improve your golf swing? Gain a few extra yards on your swing? Would you like to learn strategies and exercises to decrease back and shoulder pain during your swing? The golf swing is a complex movement that requires many different components including: postural control, balance,  coordination, flexibility, stability, and muscular strength and power. In this virtual workshop, Long + Lean Pilates master instructor and physical therapist Jenn Olszowy will guide you through 4 hour long Pilates classes structured around the 5 main components of a golf swing. You will learn which specific areas you individually need to focus on to improve your game while also improving your general body awareness, strength, and mobility.

The classes will all take place live via Zoom so Jenn can correct your form, guide you through the exercises, and answer your questions. We highly recommend you take class live so you can received personalized instruction and corrections, but we will provide recordings of each class so you can watch later if the scheduled time doesn’t work for you! You will also receive a handout with exercises for you to continue doing on your own for a pain free and efficient golf swing.

In this virtual series you will:

  • Learn to breathe properly and coordinate your breath with your movement for efficiency and power
  • Improve mobility of your spine
  • Increase rotation and extension of your upper back
  • Strengthen your hips and glutes for a more powerful swing
  • Learn to properly engage your deep core to protect your spine while moving your body freely
  • Improve balance and coordination
  • Learn strategies to keep your body strong and mobile for an improved, pain free golf game

Class Schedule

Wednesdays May 27 – June 17, 2020

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Cost: $95

Register Here

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Preorder Your Own Personal Reformer Loops

Good Citizen LA personal reformer loops
Good Citizen LA personal reformer loops

Photo via Voyagela.com

Preorder your own personal Reformer loops! The loops can be used on the Reformer or Cadillac for all during both group classes and private sessions. Simply bring the loops with you to the studio and swap out the studio loops for your own loops before class starts. Your instructor can help you with setup and guide you in making sure you have the correct length or deciding between short and long loops if you have the double loops! 

You have three great types of loops to choose from: double padded, single padded, and basic single loops. The double loops resemble those used in the L+L studio. With the double loops, you get the convenient option of using the shorter or longer loop, depending on the exercise. The single padded loops give you the enjoyment of extra cushioning during your workout, and the basic single loops provide all the essential elements you need in a loop at the most affordable price. All loops can be used easily during classes!

These loops come in a variety of color options so you can pick your favorite! The padded loops add extra comfort during your exercises and are made with eco-friendly sweat-proof padding material. All loops are made with nylon webbing, which makes them easy to clean with soap and water or in your washing machine.

With cleanliness at the forefront of our minds, we want you to feel safe knowing that your loops have only been handled by you. Click on the loops below to determine which style and color are a perfect fit for you or shop directly at the L+L Online Shop!

 

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