In this episode our guest is Karen Vizueta - We discuss Pilates principles and application, covering topics such as Pilates movements, breathing approaches, the mind-body connection, muscle activation, and Karen's personal journey with Pilates. We also explore Pilates progressions/regressions, learning and adapting as an instructor, and the benefits of Pilates for men.

Karen Vizueta has been a full-time fitness professional for 23 years. She is revered for making people feel better about their bodies and relieving stress through exercise, creating a fun, positive, and challenging environment. Karen's goal is for her clients to leave with a smile, knowing that happy clients will return and ultimately achieve their desired results. She graduated with honors from the University of Rhode Island and her fitness certifications include STOTT Pilates Mat & Reformer, AFAA Primary Group Exercise, AFAA Step, TRX, BOSU Kids, NASM CPT, Precision Nutrition L1, and Vbarre. Karen is also trained in Balanced Body Jumpboard, Power House Pilates Integrated Tower, and IMX Pilates Mat & Reformer.

Beyond her coaching responsibilities, Karen is a respected voice in wellness, contributing regular articles to the field. Her insights and expertise have been featured on notable platforms like Cosmopolitan.com and Feedspot.com, further solidifying her position as a knowledgeable and influential figure in fitness and health.

Full episodes are available on all podcast platforms. https://nielasher.com/podcast For more information about NAT online courses, please visit https://nielasher.com/

00:00 Introduction 01:34 Pilates Principles 05:51 Breathing and Mind-Body Connection 09:49 indIvidualized Approach to Muscle Activation 11:54 Personal Journey with Pilates 15:14 Pilates Progression 17:59 Learning and Adapting as an Instructor 20:05 Pilates Benefits for Men 26:18 Understanding the Core Muscles 33:46 Pilates and Pregnancy 38:47 Personal Workout Routine 45:07 Transition to Online Teaching 51:26 Different Types of Pilates 1:01:03 Closing Remarks and Summary