[JPL] Earl Klugh tunes with Pilates

[Dr. Jazz]

My favorite workout

Atlanta Jazz musician Earl Klugh tunes with Pilates
"I am in the best physical shape since I was a teenager."

By VIKKI CONWELL 
<http://www.ajc.com/health/content/health/stories/2008/05/30/mailto:vconwell@ajc.com>
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 06/04/08

*His desire:* Three decades of touring and playing guitar --- including 
13 Grammy nominations and 30 albums --- took quite a toll on Earl 
Klugh's body. The jazz musician, composer and songwriter suffered from 
chronic back pain but refused to have surgery.

"I just couldn't see somebody holding my spinal cord in their hand," he 
said. After reading about Pilates and learning that it could benefit 
people of various ages and physical conditions, Klugh thought it would 
be a natural fit for him and a "terrific form of physical therapy."

*What he found*: He tried Pilates a few times at a studio near his 
Detroit home and enjoyed working with the trainer and the equipment but 
did not stick with the program. "Terrible to admit, but a fact," he 
said. When he moved to Atlanta six years ago, he joined Body Awareness 
Studio and began a regular schedule of Pilates exercise.

In the beginning, he dreaded exercises such as using the Cadillac 
equipment, where you hang by your arms and feet and pull the weight of 
your body five or six times. Until he got out of his comfort zone and 
grew accustomed to the workout, Klugh thought it felt like acrobatics.

*The workout:* Because of Klugh's travel schedule, instructor Leslie 
Clayton designs a variety of workouts to relieve his back pain, improve 
his posture and keep him flexible. His three one-hour private sessions 
include lots of stretching and exercises using foam rollers, Pilates 
balls and spring tension to help with body alignment. Abdominal and 
upper back work help keep his shoulders and hips flexible. When he's not 
in the studio, Klugh performs exercises on his own such as wall squats 
and side-lying arm circles that stretch his chest and keep the spine mobile.

"Earl is very good at doing his homework, and he makes great progress 
because of it," said Clayton. "The same

attention he puts into his talent is put into his exercise."

*The effect*: Klugh initially found Pilates very intimidating and 
slightly frustrating but overcame the challenges one day at a time. Now, 
he admits that he's pretty good at it and his biggest obstacle is 
building consistency.

"Not only have I changed physically, but my attitude is much more 
positive. I have always had a good outlook, but I am now even more 
positive in my thinking. My energy level has increased dramatically --- 
and while touring --- this is really valuable. My diet changed 
completely over time. I feel all this helps with composing, playing and 
the demands of travel."

*How it's worked for him:* Diagnosed with Type II Diabetes about eight 
years ago, Klugh attributes his regular exercise and improved diet with 
keeping him healthy. He's dropped from 194 to 168 pounds and says his 
new healthy lifestyle helps him perform better.

"I am in the best physical shape since I was a teenager," he said. 
"Basically I want to be in the best shape I can and enjoy each and every 
day of my life and career."

*Getting Started*

    * Pilates combines several stretching and strengthening exercises in
      a low-intensity workout.
    * Classes are available at most fitness centers and private studios
      such as *Body Awareness* <http://www.bodyawarenessstudio.com>,
      404-252-7550.


*What gets you off the couch?*

    * If you have found an exercise that helps you stay motivated, we'd
      like to hear about it. In this new feature, we'll run the most
      inspiring stories every other week alternating with Good Form.
      E-mail us at betterhealth at ajc.com
      <http://www.ajc.com/health/content/health/stories/2008/05/30/mailto:betterhealth@ajc.com>.

-- 
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