AUGUST 2010


Derek Hintzen - Egoscue University DirectorJune 2010 -
In a few short days I will be travelling to Ireland to visit with my fellow Posture Alignment Specialist in the Egoscue Method colleague and friend Sean McCaughey.
Sean is a Posture Alignment Specialist Recommended Affiliate in the Egoscue Method and provides postural alignment therapy at Fitnesswest in Westport, Co Mayo, Ireland.
In addition to Postural Alignment Therapy, Fitnesswest offers a variety of fitness programming. Here’s a recent article from the Irishtimes.com reviewing their hugely popular and successful Residential Bootcamp program.
I’ve been honored with the wonderful opportunity to present a Pain Free Workshop at Fitnesswest on Thursday, June 17th @ 7:00pm. Here are the details:
Postural Alignment Workshop
with US Based Postural Alignment Specialist
Deb Preachuk

Thursday 17th June, 2010
7:00 pm
at Rosmoney House
Westport
Be PAIN FREE
•Reduce and eliminate back, neck, hip, knee, ankle and shoulder pain, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, tendonitis and shin splints
•Improve sports/athletic performance
•Injury rehab and prevention
•Improve energy
•Reduce & eliminate need for drugs, surgery, & manipulation
Deb Preachuk is the newest Affiliate Instructor at the Egoscue University. She is the owner of two private corrective exercise businesses – Pain Free Posture MN & Pilates Integration M.B.S. and comes to the Egoscue University with over 20 years experience in the field.
A graduate of the University of Manitoba (Canada) with a Bachelor’s of Physical Education and Bachelor’s of Recreation Studies, Deb began her career in chronic pain and posture restoration work first as a STOTT Pilates Comprehensive Certified Instructor, then adding her PAS Certification.
For more information or to book call
098 29818
or
087 6218119
or eEmail: sean@fitnesswest.ie
April 2010 -
STOTT Pilates Spine Corrector
The big news for the month of April 2010 here at Pilates Integration M.B.S. is that we now have a new STOTT Pilates Spine Corrector! We’ve had a much smaller one in use at the studio over the past four years. Sadly our small spine corrector’s day had come.
The “Ivy League” of all Spine Correctors, one made by STOTT Pilates is now in use in the studio.
What is a Spine Corrector? The Spine Corrector, as its name implies, is used to strengthen and lengthen the back, shoulders, legs and torso. Used for stretching and lengthening the spine, you can work three-dimensionally in a variety of positions on the equipment. The corrector simultaneously supports the spine while enabling the student the opportunity to achieve length and stretch in the torso, hips and the entire spine.
The Spine Corrector is a staple piece of equipment in any professional Pilates studio that offers postural restoration work. It features a steeper barrel curve as compared to its cousin the Arc Barrel (Pilates Integration M.B.S. offers Arc Barrel too!) and has a wonderful platform seat attached. The added height of the barrel allows a student more range of motion in the spine, shoulders and hips.
Most people ask me “What do you do on a Spine Corrector?”
There are s a wide variety of uses for a Spine Corrector. Some of them are:
•to stretch the spine and shoulders in a safe, stabilized and supported way
•improves torso, shoulder hip mobility and stability
•support and corrects the three spinal curvatures and muscle imbalances
•relieves chest muscle tightness
•helps improve flexibility in the spine
•strengthens the spinal and abdominal muscles
•adds variety and challenge to any Pilates mat or equipment routine
•introduces thoracic extension to clients who spine is limited in that range of motion
•suitable for all Pilates students irregardless of experience and ability
•the best part, it’s just a ton of fun!
Call Deb Preachuk today to book your own Spine Corrector session and be sure to check back often with updates on my weblog under the category, The Pilates Page.
April 2010 -


Pilates Integration M.B.S. & Pain Free Posture MN is happy to announce it's support of the Minnesota Swam - The Hive Cares game to support Breast Cancer. On Saturday April 3rd, 2010 the MN Swarm will take on Edmonton Rush at the Excel Energy Center.
We are donating tickets to women undergoing breast cancer treatment, survivors, their families and loved ones. To show your support, buy tickets or Swarm On T-shirts please visit secure.xcelenergycenter.com/GT/default.asp
March 2010 -
Love Pilates Integration MBS & Pain Free Posture MN? We've been added to Yelp.com - Real People, Real Reviews. Please visit and share your real review!
February 2010 -
At the end of February Deb traveled out once again to her much beloved San Diego, CA to take her Affiliate Instructor Certification and teach her first Posture Alignment Specialist 1 seminar at the Egoscue University.
It was a wonderful experience, and the fantastic news is that it's official. Deb Preachuk is now an Affiliate Instructor with the Egoscue University!
Check back again soon to see the list of Red Tomato and P3 Workshops, Posture Alignment Specialist 1 (PAS1) and Posture Alignment Specialist 2 (PAS2) certifications to be held within the Twin Cities, and Midwest Area starting spring/summer 2010.
February 2010 -
MOHPA Lung Cancer Survivors Group
Every other month Deb volunteers her time with the Minnesota Oncology Lung Cancer Survivor's group out of Southdale Hospital in Edina, MN.
In a recent study from the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center, patients who have undergone surgical procedures for the removal of lung cancer can tolerate and benefit from exercise regimens started just a month after surgery. Many other research findings have shown that participating in regular exercise improves survival and quality of life for those already diagnosed.
It's never too late to start taking an active and preventative role in your health management!
January 2010 -
Egoscue University Student Spotlight
Deb is the Spotlight Instructor for January 2010 at the Egoscue University. To see her testimonial please visit The Egoscue University Student Spotlight archive.
December 2009 -
STOTT PILATES® continuing education weekend Clive, Iowa
Deb finally traveled south of the Minnesota border and made it to Iowa! Each STOTT PILATES®certified instructor is required to take six hours of continuing education credits (CEC) per year.
The CEC requirement ensures that all STOTT PILATES® Certified instructors keep their skills current, maintain a high quality of education and keep instructors abreast of the latest advancements in exercise science and the STOTT PILATES® repertoire of movements.
She had a very fast, but super informative weekend taking her six hours of yearly required continuing education credits at Gigi's Pilates Studio in Clive, Iowa.
Classes she attended include:
1. Athletic Conditioning on Stability Cushions
Discover a new and intensive core training workout featuring the Stability Cushions. Controlling instability with a pair of cushioned disks requires activation of the stabilizing muscles of the torso, shoulders and hips. Exercises are designed to illicit greater proprioceptive awareness and recruit the deep support systems of the whole body while developing greater co-ordination and control. Discover a new facet to Matwork programs that increase body awareness and core stability in movements that bridge the gap between simple core training routines and functional movement patterns necessary in athletic conditioning.
2. Pilates with Props
Need to add some interest to your Matwork™ routine? This innovative and upbeat Mat-based workshop features exercises that increase in intensity and challenge. Beginning with those from the Level 1 workout, learn how to incorporate the Flex-Band® exerciser, Fitness Circle® resistance ring and Toning Balls™ to develop classes that will challenge and stimulate you and your clients alike. First-level exercises will serve to develop core strength and stability while those in the second level will focus on mobility and agility. These workouts will give you tons of new material to inspire every client no matter what their fitness level.
3. Secret to a Strong Back/Ultimate Back Care
Appropriate exercise can help to prevent and alleviate common back problems. The key is to introduce modified exercises designed to restore the natural curves of the spine while increasing core stability, mobility and function. In this gentle but strengthening workout, you’ll learn how to use basic STOTT PILATES® exercises to strengthen and stabilize core musculature and protect the body from pain.
To sample one of these specialized workouts, book a session today!
November 2009 -
Thanksgiving Day "Turkey Jam" at Lakeville Life Time Fitness
A Breath of Hope Foundation Wellness Conference![]()
Approximately 175,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer in the US each year, killing more than 160,000 people annually? That's more than breast, colon, and prostate cancers combined.
On Saturday November 14th, 2009, I was tremendously honored to be a last-minute presenter at A Breath of Hope Foundation Wellness Conference of Mind, Body and Spirit. My topic: Staying Fit/Yoga & Exercise for the Lung Cancer Survivor
Why Yoga? Many people with cancer are interested in trying complementary and alternative cancer treatments. Yoga is one of many alternative treatments that are generally safe, and there is evidence that they also provide some benefit!
Yoga combines stretching exercises with deep breathing. During a yoga session, you position your body in various poses that require bending, twisting and stretching. There are many types of yoga, each with its own variations. I teach a form called Vinyasa which combines deep breathing with movement. Deep breath work promotes increased blood flow, lymphatic circulation, reduction in toxins throughout the body, and general stress reduction/relaxation.
Yoga may provide some stress relief for people with cancer. Yoga has also been shown to improve sleep and reduce fatigue.
Before beginning a yoga class, ask your doctor to recommend an instructor like Deb Preachuk who regularly works with people with health concerns, such as cancer. Avoid yoga poses that cause pain. A good instructor can give you alternate poses that are safe for you.
A Breath of Hope Foundation is committed to being a leading contributor to the cure of lung cancer by focusing on lung cancer treatments. Their mission is to fight lung cancer by
1) funding innovative research
2) promoting community involvement and
3) increasing awareness through education.
Recognizing the need to provide opportunities to explore survivorship health in mind, body and spirit outside of the oncology office, the Wellness Conference was born.
The Wellness Conference of Mind, Body and Spirit, 2009 was the first conference offered by A Breath of Hope Foundation and specifically designed for lung cancer survivors and their families in the Twin Cities area. For more information on A Breath of Hope Foundation and the Wellness Conference, please visit: abreathofhope.org/, or abreathofhope.org/events.html
It was a joy to share my love of functional fitness and expertise on exercising with cancer as a small part of the Wellness Conference 2009.
I went to honor the vision and memory of my dear friend, Lise Kraemer, who sadly lost her battle with lung cancer in September 2009.
September 2009 -
Featured Instructor of the Month
Wow! So humbled! I'd like to share my friend YogaMaendy's blog spot from September 22nd, 2009 in which I had the great privilege to be featured as an inspirational instructor within her circle of influence.
Please visit: yogamaendy.blogspot.com/2009/09/meet-one-of-minnesotas-most.html
Deb presented a Pilates for Golf seminar at the 2009 Women's Welcome to Golf Expo at Crystal Lake Golf Course. Sheryl Maize, LPGA Class A Teaching Pro, hosted the event.
Despite the rain and unusually cold temperatures for June, Over 40 women attended the free clinics and presentations.

To find out more about Women's Golf Day, visit www.playgolfamerica.com
May 2009 -
Celebrate Pilates Day at Eagan Life Time Fitness
I was privileged to host and celebrate Pilates Day 2009 on May 2nd, 2009 at Eagan Life Time Fitness. It was a fantastic and well attended event! As an instructor it was so wonderful to see men and women, of all ages, races and background enjoying the benefits of a strong principle centered Pilates mat class. Although the event was hosted at a members only facility, we were able to provide guest passes to family, friends and the community.

We received amazing support from YogaDirect.com and the Eagan Life Time Fitness Life Spa. In addition to fabulous STOTT Pilates matwork class in a heated studio, students received the following: personalized event discount coupons for 10% off purchases with YogaDirect.com, hot lavender scented towels post workout, entry for prizes from YogaDirect.com(stability ball, yoga block, yoga strap, eye pillow, yoga mat), STOTT Pilates Mini Flex Ball and Flex Band Power Packs, and a hot stone massage courtesy of Eagan Life Time Fitness Life Spa.
To view our event highlights please visit the Pilates Method Alliance Pilates' Day website at: www.pilatesday.com/gallery.html

April 2009-
Posture Alignment Specialist Level-II Certification
In April 2009, Deb traveled back to one of her favorite places on the earth, San Diego, CA to take her Posture Alignment Specialist Level-II in class seminar. This was the final step in completing her full certification! She came away with new friends, and a deeper insight into The Egoscue Method of Posture Alignment Therapy.
January 2009 -
Lakeville School District 194 Pilates in the middle schools
January 2009 brought some light hearted fun to the cold winter. Deb volunteered her time at two Lakeville, MN middle schools teaching Pilates to seventh grade students!
Posture Alignment Specialist Level-I Certification Course

"Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. Our interpretation of physical fitness is the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily, and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure".
~ Joseph H. Pilates - Return To Life Through Contrology