Mississippi News
Pilates of Jackson: Even JSU football players break a sweat
At Pilates of Jackson, even JSU football players break a sweat
In the beginning, it was called “Contrology.”
Joseph Pilates, a German physical fitness trainer, developed a series of exercises for the body and mind as an effective way to alleviate the aches and pains of dancers.
Controlled breathing, fluid movements using lower back and abdominal muscles, tone and shape without the pain associated with high-impact exercises. Over time, “Pilates,” as it's come to be known, has become a popular alternative to the grind of a gym workout.
Angela Brown opened her Pilates of Jackson studio 13 years ago at the Canton Mart Square shopping center, located in northeast Jackson.
Walking into Pilates of Jackson, you're immediately breathing in and exhaling slowly. The lighting is dim, a calming ambiance, filled with giggles, light banter and the aroma of scented candles. A decorative, painted stone above the door reads, “Namaste y'all.”
Brown is welcoming, encouraging and demanding without being a drill sergeant. Her charges follow her lead in swirling legs in circles, holding balls between knees while lifting and holding rumps high in the air, or gently shadow-boxing using a series of spring-controlled pulleys.
“Lift up and hold it,” Brown tells a class of women, slowly counting backwards to the sounds of their collective relief. “C'mon, ladies. One more set, and then we'll take a break.” Sighs fill the air, and the leg lifts begin again.
In her mid-50s, Brown is a testament to the benefits of practicing what she teaches.
“I was always a gym rat. After having three kids, I wasn't happy with how my body changed,” said Brown, while stretching using a series of straps and pulleys. “I worked out, killing myself, but never really lost weight. I fell in love with Pilates and joined a studio in Ridgeland.”
As the women's session ends, a group of Jackson State football players are the next group to file in. Brown greets them all by name as they prepare for their session.
“See these guys breaking a sweat?” Brown asks, her hand sweeping in a semi-circle to include all the grunting and grinning young men. “They never would've believed this kind of exercise could help them. They're believers now,” she says with a satisfied smile.
A few groans in agreement emanate from the footballers.
Brown works the room, adjusting the placement of a foot, the bend of a knee or the height of lifted legs.
“Being a mom of three, Pilates helped me get back to my pre-baby shape with a stronger core, better balance and flexibility,” she said, while kicking off her sandals to join the young men. “Pilates began to change my mind, body and spirit. It's a series of core exercises where the leaner muscle you build, the more weight you lose. It focuses on a lengthened and stronger core. Being low-impact, your joints and muscle don't hurt, and it's still a great workout.”
“Isn't that right, fellas? Okay. Everybody take five,” Brown says, releasing the group from a series of core building leg lifts.
Their satisfaction is palpable.
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Mississippi News
Ole Miss men’s basketball continues to add from transfer portal
SUMMARY: Ole Miss men's basketball had a successful first season under coach Chris Beard, reaching 20 wins but missing the NCAA Tournament. The team added four players from the transfer portal, including Davon Barnes, Dre Davis, Malik Dia, and Mikeal Brown-Jones. Barnes, a guard from Sam Houston, averaged 13.5 points last season. Davis, a guard from Seton Hall, averaged 15 points. Dia, a forward from Belmont, averaged 16.8 points. Brown-Jones, a forward from UNC-Greensboro, averaged 18.9 points. The additions provide depth and talent to the team for the upcoming season.
The post Ole Miss men's basketball continues to add from transfer portal appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
Family of Dau Mabil wants answers after his body is found in Pearl River
SUMMARY: The body of Dau Mabil was found in the Pearl River in Lawrence County, Mississippi. His brother expressed disbelief and devastation over the situation. There is disagreement between the family and authorities over the circumstances of Dau's disappearance. An independent autopsy was granted, and U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson requested a federal investigation. Jackson leaders expressed support for the family and the Capitol police are leading the investigation with assistance from the Jackson Police Department. Police have not found evidence of foul play, but further testing is pending. The family's attorneys are urging a thorough investigation into the case.
The post Family of Dau Mabil wants answers after his body is found in Pearl River appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
Willis Miller sentenced to 45 years in prison, mandatory
SUMMARY: Willis Miller was sentenced to 45 years in prison for killing Paisley “Gabby” Frazier while drinking and driving. Frazier died in an ATV crash, and another child was injured. The incident occurred in April 2022 and Miller was found guilty of aggravated DUI and aggravated assault. Frazier's mother, Caprice Thompson, expressed relief at the sentencing but acknowledged the pain of losing her daughter. District Attorney Scott Colom emphasized the seriousness of drinking and driving, noting Miller was driving 97 miles per hour on the wrong side of the road. Thompson hopes the case serves as a warning about the dangers of drinking and driving.
The post Willis Miller sentenced to 45 years in prison, mandatory appeared first on www.wcbi.com
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