Pilots, Location, Location, Location

I usually learn multiple things in a day, but I've taken to just describing the most interesting things I've learned each 24 hours.

Friday I learned about Pilates. I had always wondered what set it apart from Yoga. Apparently they were developed by a guy who wanted to control and work out his core postural muscles. Because I cannot remember the details of what I was told about Pilates, here is the current summary on Wikipedia:

Joseph Pilates developed Pilates because he preferred fewer, more precise movements, requiring control and form. He believed that mental and physical health were essential to one another and created what is claimed to be a method of total body conditioning that emphasizes proper alignment, centering, concentration, control, precision, breathing, and flowing movement, "The Pilates Principles".
Pilates classes help to build strength and flexibility, with an emphasis on lengthening the body and aligning the spine, rather than on building muscle mass. Pilates' focus is on the "powerhouse" region of the body which includes the muscles of the abdominals and the lower back. Because of its focus Pilates has become popular not only in the field of fitness, but also in rehabilitation. It can be used to progress individuals through movements that represent their day-to-day activities. The focus on strengthening the core/powerhouse muscles and improving postural awareness are especially well indicated for the alleviation and prevention of back pain.
As the popularity of Pilates has exploded, studios have been popping up all over, but so have many mediocre versions of this method, such as trainers with little or no Pilates education teaching this complex system, so keep this in mind when looking for a studio or class. Be aware of your own safety and look for a trainer with years of experience and certification, if at all possible.


On Saturday I learned things about house locations that I never knew. Apparently houses on corners are hardest to sell because they have less land and are harder to get in and out of. Also, in California living on hills means more shake when earthquakes hit, thus more break when it happens too.