I hope you will look back on 2011 as a good year. It was for me. And from my unique vantage point, I think Pilates had a good year too. So, before we dash into the New Year, I thought you might enjoy a little reflection on the past one. Here are 10 Pilates highlights from 2011:
We Made News -
Pippa Middleton Gives Pilates a Booty Boost. After the Royal Wedding, when word came out that Pilates was at least partly responsible for Pippa looking so fabulous in her body-skimming gown, the web went Pilates crazy. There were stories about Pippa's bum everywhere and we continue to see Pippa and Pilates stories roll out.
Read more about Pilates at the Royal Wedding
Pilates Continued to Grow: In an August, 2011 report, the independent industry research publisher IBISWorld reported that Pilates is growing and expected to grow more. (quite right). Read: Statistics Show: Pilates Keeps on Growing.
We Had Opinions -
Your Favorite Pilates Exercise: The most popular exercise on this Pilates website was: The Hundred. Runner up: Standing Legwork. Both results surprised me because I think Teaser is leading in our Readers Share Favorite Exercises postings.
Your Favorite Workout: The Classic Pilates Mat Sequence Of course!
Runner up: Beginner Pilates Exercises, which I take as a good sign.
The 2011 Pilates Readers' Choice Awards: 2011 was the first year Pilates at About.com participated in the About.com Readers' Choice Awards and we had a tremendous show of participation. Readers voted in 3 categories: Best Workout Clothes, Best Pilates Reformer, Best Pilates DVD.
We Embraced New Books -
Pilates Anatomy: Destined to become a major Pilates resource, Rael Isacowitz and Karen Clippenger teamed up to reveal the anatomy and kinesiology of the classic Pilates exercises in this illustrated and technically detailed book . Read my Review
The Pilates Path to Health: The Pilates community enthusiastically embraced this heart-felt exploration of how the effects of Pilates go way beyond exercise. Read My Review
We Came Together -
Pilates Conferences: Pilates people are getting together to share expertise, learn, and be inspired. The PMA conference may be the largest of the conferences, but significant gatherings of Pilates enthusiasts happened all over the world. This is an encouraging trend. Read reports from the 2011 PMA conference. Learn about other Pilates Conferences
Pilates in Social Media: The Pilates community on social media really exploded this year. We're having a great time posting articles, photos, and information as well as generally supporting each other. Join me, Marguerite Ogle, and Pilates.About.com on Twitter, Facebook , Linkedin, Pilates Forum.
Pilates Elder Ron Fletcher Passes Away: On December, 6, 2011 we mourned the loss and celebrated the life of one of our greats: Ron Fletcher.
Learn About Ron Fletcher and Fletcher Pilates
10 makes for a short list! What is on your 2011 Pilates highlights list? Please comment below.
image (c)2011, Marguerite Ogle, background: Getty Images
Thank you Marguerite! I always love reading your post and this one is especially meaningful given its the start of the new year and it reminds us how important the past can help our future. I always think you are very objective in your posts and gives us readers a chance to have a broad view of Pilates and to understand Pilates at a deeper level. I share some of your post on my site and I’m sure my readers have benefited from them.
Thank you, Jerry. I so appreciate it when people take the time to let me know they like what I’m doing. It helps me go forward!