admin

As we enter a season that celebrates thankfulness, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the beautiful connection between Pilates and gratitude. While Pilates is known for strengthening and aligning the body, it also cultivates an inner awareness that opens the heart to appreciation-a cornerstone of the BASI philosophy.

Rael Isacowitz, founder of BASI Pilates, reminds us:

“Pilates is not about being better than someone else. It’s about being better than you were yesterday.”

That simple truth captures the essence of gratitude-an acknowledgment of our journey, our growth, and the gift of movement itself.

The Mind-Body Connection

At its core, Pilates is a mindful movement practice. Each exercise is an invitation to be fully present-to connect breath with motion, mind with muscle, and intention with action. In a world filled with distractions, this conscious awareness becomes an act of gratitude in itself.

When we take a moment to breathe deeply, to feel our alignment, or to notice how our body supports us through each movement, we’re saying thank you. We’re honoring the incredible capacity of the human body to adapt, strengthen, and heal.

As Rael often says:

“Movement is a celebration of life. Every time we move with purpose, we express gratitude for the gift of being alive.”

Gratitude in the Practice

Every time we step into the studio, we are given the opportunity to honor what our bodies can do today. Some days, we feel strong and fluid; other days, we move with more care. Both are valuable. Pilates teaches us to meet ourselves where we are-with patience and appreciation.

In BASI Pilates, we learn that quality of movement is more important than quantity. When we slow down and focus on control, breath, and precision, we nurture not only our body but also our mindset. We cultivate the ability to find joy in subtle progress, gratitude in every effort, and peace in imperfection.

As Rael beautifully expresses:

“The body says what words cannot. Through movement, we speak the language of the soul.”

The Ripple Effect

Practicing gratitude in Pilates doesn’t end with our session. The mindfulness we cultivate within the studio extends into our everyday life-how we interact with others, how we face challenges, and how we care for ourselves.

When we move from a place of gratitude, we create connection and community. Every shared breath, every encouraging word between students, every moment of acknowledgment from teacher to client ripples outward.

As Rael often emphasizes, Pilates is about unity-within the self and among people:

“We are all connected through movement. When one person moves with awareness, it inspires others to do the same.”

A Grateful Heart, A Strong Body

Gratitude and Pilates share the same foundation: presence. Both invite us to slow down, to notice, and to appreciate what is. When we move with intention and thank our bodies for showing up-no matter how we feel that day—we experience transformation from the inside out.

So, this month and beyond, let’s dedicate our practice to gratitude.
Thank your body for carrying you.
Thank your breath for grounding you.
Thank your Pilates community for supporting you.

As Rael reminds us:

“Pilates is movement from the inside out-when you move from your center, everything in life becomes more centered.”

At BASI Pilates Newport Beach, we celebrate gratitude not just as a feeling, but as a way of moving through the world-with strength, grace, and love.

October is recognized worldwide as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor survivors, support those currently in treatment, and remember those whose lives have been touched by this disease. At BASI Pilates, we believe movement is a powerful tool for healing, resilience, and empowerment. Pilates, with its emphasis on gentle yet effective whole-body strengthening, has a special role to play in the journey of recovery and survivorship.

The Healing Power of Movement

For women and men undergoing breast cancer treatment, exercise can often feel overwhelming or even impossible. Fatigue, pain, and emotional stress can create barriers. Yet research shows that safe, guided movement can:

• Improve energy levels and stamina
• Reduce treatment-related side effects such as stiffness, swelling, and loss of mobility
• Support mental and emotional wellbeing through mindful movement and breath
• Restore a sense of control and confidence in one’s body

Pilates offers a unique combination of gentle stretching, mindful breathing, and progressive strengthening—making it an excellent practice for breast cancer survivors at any stage of recovery.

Why Pilates Is Especially Supportive

Pilates focuses on functional movement, alignment, and mindful breathing. These elements are particularly valuable for those recovering from breast cancer surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy:

• Gentle Mobility: Pilates exercises restore range of motion in the shoulders and chest, areas often affected by surgery or radiation.
• Core and Postural Support: Strengthening the deep core muscles improves posture and helps offset the fatigue and rounded shoulders common during recovery.
• Lymphatic Health: Gentle Pilates movement can support lymphatic circulation, which is especially important for those who have experienced lymph node removal or lymphedema.
• Mind-Body Connection: The mindful, controlled nature of Pilates fosters relaxation, reduces stress, and enhances emotional resilience.

Stories of Strength

Many breast cancer survivors have found that Pilates not only helps their bodies heal but also gives them confidence to reclaim their strength and identity. Every roll-down, arm circle, or mindful breath becomes a victory—a reminder of the body’s incredible capacity for resilience and renewal.

Moving Forward Together

At BASI Pilates Newport Beach, we honor the courage of all breast cancer survivors and their families. Through special classes, community events, and our annual Breast Cancer Mat Class fundraiser, we continue to raise awareness and celebrate the healing power of movement. Link:  https://goteamup.com/p/4959169-basi-pilates-newport-beac/courses/123150/

✨ Pilates is more than exercise—it’s a pathway back to yourself. For those facing breast cancer, it can be a source of comfort, hope, and empowerment. By moving together, we show that strength is not just physical—it is deeply human, shared, and unbreakable.

In today’s fast-paced world, more and more people are seeking mindful, holistic ways to care for their bodies. Two practices that beautifully complement each other are Pilates and massage therapy. Each on its own offers incredible benefits—but together, they create a powerful synergy for strength, mobility, recovery, and overall wellbeing.

The Power of Pilates

Pilates is more than just exercise—it’s a method of intelligent movement. Through controlled, precise exercises, Pilates strengthens the core, improves posture, and restores balance throughout the body.

Some key benefits include:

• Improved strength and flexibility without unnecessary strain
• Better alignment and posture to counteract daily habits (like sitting at a desk)
• Enhanced body awareness, leading to more mindful movement in everyday life
• Injury prevention by balancing muscular strength and flexibility

Whether practiced on the mat or with specialized equipment, Pilates builds a resilient body from the inside out.

The Healing Touch of Massage

Massage therapy works on a different—but equally important—level. By addressing tension in the muscles and connective tissue, massage helps the body reset and recover.

Massage benefits include:

• Release of muscle tension and tight fascia
• Improved circulation, which supports tissue healing
• Stress relief and relaxation, calming the nervous system
• Support for recovery after workouts, injuries, or long hours of work

Massage isn’t just about pampering—it’s a therapeutic tool that supports optimal performance and everyday comfort.

Why They Work Better Together

When Pilates and massage are combined, the effects multiply.

• Massage prepares the body for Pilates. By releasing tight muscles, massage creates more freedom of movement and allows clients to engage more effectively during their Pilates practice.
• Pilates extends the benefits of massage. By strengthening and lengthening muscles, Pilates helps maintain the alignment and mobility that massage creates.
• Together, they promote longevity. The pairing reduces injury risk, supports recovery, and fosters a sustainable approach to movement and wellness.

For example, someone experiencing tight hips or low back pain may find immediate relief through massage. When followed by Pilates, they not only feel better but also strengthen the underlying muscles to prevent the pain from returning.

A Holistic Investment in Your Health

Massage and Pilates both encourage you to slow down, listen to your body, and invest in self-care. They’re not quick fixes, but rather sustainable practices that support you over a lifetime.

Think of them as two sides of the same coin:

• Massage restores.
• Pilates strengthens.

Together, they create balance, vitality, and resilience.

Have you heard, BASI Pilates Newport Beach offers Massage services with Kazumi.

✨ At BASI Pilates Newport Beach, we encourage a whole-body approach to health. Pairing regular Pilates sessions with massage therapy can help you move with more ease, recover more quickly, and live with greater energy.

As the long summer days begin to shorten and we head toward fall, it’s easy to let self-care slip through the cracks. Schedules shift, routines get disrupted, and before we know it, our wellness goals are on the back burner. But don’t worry — there’s still time to refocus and finish the season strong.

Here are 5 simple and effective ways to stay on track with your self-care routine as summer winds down:

1. Stay Consistent with Movement

Whether you’ve been traveling, entertaining house guests, or just enjoying a slower pace, now is the perfect time to recommit to your Pilates practice. Even two sessions a week can help you maintain strength, flexibility, and mental clarity. Schedule your classes like appointments — and treat them as non-negotiable.

2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

With warmer weather lingering, dehydration can sneak up on us. Proper hydration supports joint health, energy levels, and muscle recovery — all essential for a healthy Pilates practice. Carry a reusable water bottle and aim for half your body weight in ounces each day.

3. Prioritize Quality Sleep

Late sunsets and summer socializing can wreak havoc on your sleep schedule. As fall approaches, start easing back into a more regular bedtime routine. Quality sleep supports your body’s ability to recover, rebuild, and perform — in and out of the studio.

4. Fuel Your Body with Intention

With summer BBQs and ice cream outings (yes, we love them too!), it’s helpful to get back to nourishing your body with whole foods. Think seasonal produce, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Your body and brain will thank you.

5. Check in with Your ‘Why’

Remember why you started your Pilates journey. Is it to feel strong, reduce pain, boost energy, or simply enjoy mindful movement? Reconnecting to your personal “why” can reignite motivation and help you stay aligned with your goals.

Final Thoughts

Self-care isn’t seasonal — it’s a lifestyle. So, as summer comes to a close, recommit to your health and wellness with these small but powerful habits. Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you.

See you in the studio!

— The BASI Pilates Newport Beach Team

Tell us a bit about yourself and why you started practicing Pilates.

Circuit training sessions had helped me get into better shape, but coaches kept telling me I seemed stiff and inflexible while doing the exercises.  Somehow I got it in my head that Pilates was a glorified stretching program that would open me up a little. Wow did I have a lot to learn.  Myriam Kane (BASI, Virginia) took me under her wing and introduced me to all that Pilates has to offer.  

What have you enjoyed most about your Pilates classes or sessions? 

I’m not afraid of sounding corny or being cute when I say, “the BASI community.”  It is very real and it is alive in every studio I’ve visited — which is 10 so far and counting.   As a 72-year-old man I thought initially I would not fit in, but today I know for a fact that I am every bit a welcome and accepted Pilates practitioner. Physically, I have lost more than 20 pounds and as you might expect, I am much more readily able to take on new challenges, especially on the Caddy.

As a relative newbie I also like the idea of being associated with The Best.  It did not take me very long to learn that in many places around country and the world BASI Pilates is the “gold standard” for the practice of Pilates.  So I was lucky to find Pilates and smart enough to stay with BASI. 

And another thing: The other day in Newport we had five guys in the studio all at once, so there’s that.  Real Men Do Pilates, and I can do a Tower Prep.   

What would you say to someone who is considering starting Pilates?

“Why are you not here already?”  

I also said that to Cheryl, my wife, and now she often is in the studio with me. 

Share about your BASI Travels

BASI Pilates is practiced just about everywhere on earth, an obvious tribute to Rael’s genius, geniality, and generosity of spirit.  Cheryl and I travel fairly regularly between coasts on family business, and also enjoy seeing the world while we can. I know for a fact that when I contact a studio somewhere for the first time and tell them I practice BASI, they consider me to be more than just a one-off drop-in.  I have been joyously welcomed and had my practice advanced by Clemencia in Medellin, Alice in Paris, Duanne in Jakarta, Barbara in Singapore, Michelle in Santa Barbara, Jen in Cape Town,

and Mikayla and Julian in Brooklyn.  I’m excited to visit the team in St. George this fall.

Anything else you’d like to say

At one stretch I happened to visit three perfectly fine non-BASI studios, two on the east coast and one here in OC. At each one of them, when the instructors found out I do most of my work at BASI, they all said some variation of, “Oh I should go and get my BASI certification someday.”  I am not making this up. 

I am SO LUCKY to have learned from scratch with Myriam, and then to build my practice in the BASI way but with the individual perspectives of terrific professionals like Tram Thai, and with Jody, who runs a really powerful subspecialty for men (our shoulders and hips are different, you know), and Stella who has offered me important correctives along the way; and it has been great fun to practice with Natalie with whom I just happened to meet in a class one day this spring and who later earned her certification.   

But my Pilates heart belongs to my regular teacher.  She’s an athlete who preaches “Compassion” and says she doesn’t want to hurt me or make me cry but who does both, regularly — and last week she tried to kill me when we did a Short Spine. I won’t name names but her initials are Runtong Zuo and it’s all good because I was saved by The Power of Aging … and also I know it wasn’t “intentional.”  (ha-ha, intentional: get it?) 

Tom Goodwin 

Longer days, sunnier skies, and a renewed energy—summer is the perfect time to refocus on your Pilates practice. Whether you’re staying close to home or heading out on adventures, we’re here to help you stay strong, centered, and connected.

At BASI Pilates Newport Beach, we believe variety is the key to growth. That’s why we encourage you to experience sessions with different instructors this season. Each teacher brings their own style, strengths, and unique perspective to the work, giving you a chance to explore your body and your practice in new ways.

Why Try New Instructors?

✅ Fresh cues and techniques
✅ Personalized feedback from different eyes
✅ Inspiration to push past plateaus
✅ A deeper connection to the BASI community

Joseph Pilates believed that “physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness,” but he also knew it required regular, consistent practice.

When you think about peak performance, what comes to mind? Raw power? Speed? Endurance? Now imagine combining all of that with control, precision, and the kind of joint health that keeps you doing what you love for decades. That’s the power of Pilates—and it might just be the training edge you didn’t know you needed.

Pilates isn’t just about flexibility or posture—it’s about movement mastery. And for men, it can be the difference between good and great, strong and sustainable, athletic and unstoppable.

Why Pilates? Why Now?

Joseph Pilates, a boxer and gymnast, developed this method to help the injured regain strength and control. Decades later, elite athletes, military personnel, fitness pros, and everyday men have discovered that Pilates is a game-changer. Here’s why:

🔹 1. Real Core Power

We’re not talking crunches. Pilates strengthens your deep core stabilizers—the muscles that support your spine, pelvis, and every move you make. Whether you’re lifting, sprinting, or swinging a golf club, core control is king.

🔹 2. Injury Prevention = Longevity

Most injuries don’t happen because you’re weak—they happen because you’re imbalanced. Pilates corrects poor movement patterns and strengthens small stabilizing muscles that traditional workouts ignore. It’s like bulletproofing your body from the inside out.

🔹 3. Mobility Without Losing Strength

Pilates improves range of motion while maintaining control. It’s ideal for tight hips, stiff backs, and shoulder restrictions—common issues for men that limit performance and increase injury risk.

🔹 4. Posture That Commands Attention

Spending hours at a desk? Behind a wheel? On your feet? Pilates restores alignment, strengthens your back, and opens your chest. The result? You move taller, stand stronger, and feel more energized.

🔹 5. Mental Focus and Breath Control

Pilates demands precision, mindfulness, and presence. You’ll walk away from each session not only stronger, but calmer, more focused, and more aware of how your body moves.

The Male Advantage: How Pilates Levels You Up

• For Lifters: Improve joint integrity and avoid overtraining imbalances.
• For Runners & Cyclists: Strengthen your hips, knees, and ankles while maintaining stride power.
• For Golfers & Tennis Players: Gain rotational strength and improve swing efficiency.
• For Dads, Executives & Weekend Warriors: Increase energy, mobility, and overall functionality.

Final Thought: It’s Time to Move Smarter

There’s strength in stillness. Power in precision. And longevity in control. Pilates offers men a smart, challenging, and transformative way to train. If you’re ready to move beyond brute force and toward unstoppable movement, Pilates is your next move.

Want to experience the male advantage yourself? Try the Father’s Day Mat class with Rael Link: https://goteamup.com/p/4959169-basi-pilates-newport-beac/courses/118664/

As we move through spring, the month of May invites us to pause and reflect on two powerful themes: the celebration of women and the importance of mental health. While Women’s History Month is typically honored in March, its spirit and message continue to resonate throughout the year—especially when paired with May’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Together, they remind us of the resilience, challenges, and care that women across all walks of life embody and deserve.

A Legacy of Strength

From pioneering leaders to everyday trailblazers, women have shaped the world through courage, compassion, and unrelenting determination. They’ve broken barriers in science, politics, education, the arts, and beyond—all while nurturing families, communities, and causes close to their hearts. Honoring women’s contributions is not confined to a single month; it’s a continuous recognition of their impact and a commitment to gender equity.

The Overlooked Conversation: Women’s Mental Health

While celebrating women’s achievements, it’s equally important to acknowledge the unseen burdens many carry. Women are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and emotional burnout—especially when juggling roles in caregiving, careers, and community leadership. Mental Health Awareness Month brings these challenges into focus and encourages open, stigma-free conversations about self-care, boundaries, and support.

Empowerment Through Movement

At BASI Pilates,  Newport Beach, we see the intersection of physical and mental health every day. Movement is not only a path to strength and flexibility—it’s a gateway to mindfulness, confidence, and healing. For many women, stepping into the studio is a reclaiming of space, a breath of peace, and an act of self-love. Whether it’s a gentle mat session or a powerhouse equipment workout, Pilates supports the mind-body connection that is vital to mental well-being.

Supporting Each Other

This May, let’s continue celebrating the women in our lives—not just for what they do, but for who they are. Let’s also commit to nurturing our mental health with the same energy we give to others. Whether it’s through Pilates, therapy, journaling, or rest, your well-being matters.

Let’s hold space for both strength and softness, for action and rest. Because honoring women includes honoring ourselves.

This May, let’s celebrate:

• 🌿 The women who inspire us
• 💚 The importance of mental self-care
• 💪 The power of movement to heal, strengthen, and uplift

As the days grow longer and nature awakens, spring is the perfect time to refresh your Pilates practice. Just as we embrace spring cleaning in our homes, our movement routines can also benefit from renewal. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just beginning your Pilates journey, here are some ways to keep your sessions fresh, inspiring, and aligned with the energy of the season.

1. Set New Intentions

Spring is all about new beginnings! Take a moment to reflect on your current practice and set fresh goals. Maybe you want to improve your core strength, enhance flexibility, or simply commit to a more consistent routine. Write down your intentions and use them as motivation each time you step onto the mat.

3. Refresh Your Routine

Repetitive movement patterns can sometimes lead to plateaus. Keep things exciting by trying a new class, working with a different instructor, or exploring a fresh sequence of exercises. If you’ve been focusing on mat work, try an equipment class, or vice versa. Keeping your routine varied ensures continuous growth and engagement.

4. Focus on Breath and Mindfulness

Spring invites us to embrace deeper breathing and renewed energy. Make breathwork a central part of your Pilates practice—inhale deeply to expand your movements and exhale fully to deepen your connection to your core. Mindful movement will help you feel more present and rejuvenated during your sessions.

5. Clean and Declutter Your Space

A fresh, organized workout space can do wonders for your motivation. Take time to declutter your studio or home practice area, clean your equipment, and create an inviting atmosphere. Adding fresh flowers, a new candle, or calming music can enhance your experience.

6. Nourish Your Body for Movement

With fresh seasonal produce available, spring is an ideal time to nourish your body with vibrant, nutrient-rich foods. Hydrate well, incorporate plenty of greens, and fuel yourself with meals that support muscle recovery and overall wellness.

7. Celebrate Progress and Enjoy the Journey

Spring reminds us that growth is a process. Take time to acknowledge your progress, no matter how small. Celebrate what your body can do, appreciate each movement, and enjoy the journey of evolving in your Pilates practice.

By embracing these simple yet powerful shifts, you can breathe new life into your Pilates practice this spring. Stay curious, stay inspired, and keep moving with joy!

Ready to refresh your practice? Join us at BASI Pilates Newport Beach for invigorating classes and personalized sessions to keep your movement journey exciting!