We've Got Your Back

Spine Flexibility"If your spine is inflexibly stiff at 30, you are old.  IF it is completely flexible at 60, you are young."

~ Joseph Pilates

Photo: Joyce McCown /Upsplash

Do at Home:

Cat and Cow is the perfect posture for increasing spinal flexibility and shoulder mobility.

How to:

Start on your hands and knees, knees under hips and wrist aligned under the shoulders. As you inhale, slowly lift your chest, chin, and roll your shoulders back and away from your ears. On the exhale, round the back dropping the chin towards the chest and pressing the palms mindfully into the floor. Repeat this several times following the breath.

Celebrating July 4th often means making patriotic themed dishes

What's better than to make a red, white and blue treat with berries...

July 4th Berry Treats

Instead of loading up on fake food coloring, go natural and create a buffet of berry-infused beverages for Fourth of July! Berry Cubes Ice can be exciting. That said, you can dress up your drinks with berries. Drop a few blueberries and raspberries into your ice cube tray. Fill with water, and freeze. Put the frozen berry cubes into a water pitcher or add them to sparkling water.

Happy Independence Day from all of us at P/oP.

Photo Credit: cecilia-par-102886-unsplash

Thinking about starting Pilates?

No matter how uncoordinated you might think you are, or how insecure about your age and body…All of that is about to change with Pilates.

Doing Pilates properly is about awareness of the tempo and flow of the routine and how one movement blends into the next.

How badly do you want to do this?

  • You’ll be developing and strengthening your “powerhouse” abdominal core to support everything you do.

  • You will be keenly aware of the parts of your body that are weak and need to become more flexible.

  • You will also notice a vast improvement in your overall sense of well-being.

  • You’ll feel rejuvenated after only your first workout.

The more you want to do Pilates, the greater and more satisfying your experience will be.

Let’s do it!

Intro Offer: 3 private, 55-minute introductory sessions: $200

This set of 3 classes introduces first time clients to the art of Pilates.  Build core strength and learn the beginning moves you'll need to master this timeless exercise.

Get a better waistline...

Add the Mermaid to your workout!


The obliques aid in compressing the abdomen and in forward-bending. They are also the hard workers that help us in side-bending and twisting our torso.

Here is where the mermaid comes in…

pilates-widsor.blogspot

The big reason to include oblique work in your workouts is to make sure you have tone and good function in any muscle group—you want the full benefits that muscle group has to offer.

In this case, it's the side bending and twisting ability along with abdominal compression and forward bending. But let's be honest, many people want to make extra sure they get their oblique workouts in because toned obliques make for a nice waistline.

Keep in mind that the obliques work in concert with your other abdominal muscles and really all the muscles of your Pilates powerhouse—abs, back, hips, pelvic floor. It is not recommended to focus just on obliques, but rather obliques in the context of a full-body workout. We want form and function along with a waistline. Making bending and twisting exercises effective and safe to get that oblique workout.

One of the best ways to get your oblique workouts is in a balanced Pilates workout which will always feature twisting and bending exercises.

Schedule a Pilates session with our experienced instructors to help you balance your workout here and at home.

Go to: info@pilatesofpasadena.com or log on to Acuity Scheduling

Is Your Workout Working

July marks the mid-year point that causes us to pause and reevaluate our workout commitments.

Are you where you want to be?

Here are some tips  to help you stay motivated to rethink and  make it through your workouts.

  • Think back on why you started in the first place and the results you wanted

  • Ask yourself if you really want to start all over again because you slacked off on your workouts.

  • Ask yourself if you’ll regret in any way not working out. Feeling good about what you do is important.

  • Try a variety of workouts to achieve results and avoid boredom.

  • Take Group fitness classes to keep motivated. Look forward to seeing the other participants and instructor. The energy of the group can keep you going in the moments that you want to quit.

Photo by Geert Pieters on Unsplash

Tell us how do you stay motivated to exercise and how do you  make it through tough workouts?

 

Find diet-friendly munchies

While there are lots of good-for-you and your family foods out there, some key ingredients make it a lot easier to keep your weight or meet your weight-loss goals.

Next grocery store run,

be sure to load these 3 diet-friendly items in your cart:

1 - balsamic vinegar (it adds a pop of low-cal flavor to veggies and salads)

2 - in-shell nuts (their protein and fiber keep you satiated)

3 - fat-free plain yogurt (a creamy, comforting source of protein)

Find a Workout Buddy

A fitness friend is hugely helpful for keeping motivated,

but

it's important to find someone who will inspire - not discourage.

Make a list

of all your exercise-loving friends and then see who fits this criteria such as; Can your pal meet to exercise on a regular basis? Is he/she supportive (not disparaging) of your goals?

And last, will your bud be able to keep up with you or even push your limits in key workouts? Now that’s a buddy!

If you've got someone that fits all three, make that phone call and we will see you both at your next Pilates workout.

Foot Health: Don't Tiptoe Around its Importance →

We all know how to keep our biceps in shape, but few of us know how to keep feet and toes in good condition.

They take significant abuse from the hours we spend on our feet each day.  

The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) considers your feet a marvel of engineering.  Together, your two feet contain more than 50 bones, accounting for about one-fourth of all the bones in your body. And somehow they also make room for more than 60 joints and 200 muscles, tendons, and ligaments that hold them together and help them move.

The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society recommends doing these simple exercises to strengthen toes and prevent foot discomfort.

All shoe wearers will benefit from these exercises.

Toe raise, point and curl:

Hold each position for five seconds and repeat 10 times. Great if you suffer from toe cramps.

Golf ball roll:

Roll a golf ball under the ball of the foot for two minutes.
This is a great massage for the bottom of the foot and is recommended for people
with plantar fasciitis (heel pain), arch strain or foot cramps.

Towel curls

Place a small towel on the floor and curl it toward you using only your toes.
You can increase the resistance by putting a weight on the end of the towel.
Relax and repeat this exercise five times.

Try these exercises recommendations the next time your feet cry mutiny.

You’ll soon be stepping lively again!



For more information on foot health go to: http://www.aofas.org/footcaremd/.aspx

 

Instructor Feature

Satoko is originally from Kyoto, Japan. She began practicing Pilates seven years ago to treat severe lower back pain and spinal problems that developed following the birth of her second child.

Satoko noticed the positive benefits that Pilates provided by transforming her body, mind and life and, in the process, gained strength, flexibility, freedom from pain and greater energy. From that point on, Pilates became her passion and she went on to complete the Body Arts and Science International (BASI) Teacher Training Program.

Since 2010, Satoko has enjoyed sharing her knowledge with others and strives to afford the same benefits to her clients by giving them hands-on approaches to Pilates. She develops training programs for new clients based on their unique needs. 

Satoko continues her study of Pilates, and the human body, through daily practice and research, and by attending seminars and workshops. She is bilingual and is fluent in English and Japanese.

For more information contact - info@pilatesofpasadena.com or go to 990 S. Arroyo Parkway Blvd., Pasadena, California 91105 | (626) 765-6500

Satoko Offers the following options:

Private sessions: $750

Experience personal one-on-one training

Duets (Limit 2): $550

These sessions are perfect for couples and workout buddies who are comfortable together and want to learn Pilates at the same time. If you prefer, we can find a partner for you. Group / Semi-private (up to 4 person): $350

Join up to 4 people for a fun and affordable way to experience Pilates. Each workout is tailored to each individuals level within the group setting.

Single Class Price (Private): $85

Single Class Duets: $65

Single Class Semi-Private: $45

Single Price Reformer: $30

Gift Certificates Available

For more information contact - info@pilatesofpasadena.com or go to 990 S. Arroyo Parkway Blvd., Pasadena, California 91105 | (626) 765-6500

 


FOBO?

You’ve heard of FOMO…

(a.k.a. fear of missing out), but now everyone is talking about FOBO (fear of better options).

It’s a term coined by Patrick J. McGinnis, who is the host of the podcast FOMO Sapiens. The idea is that we often fall into the trap of researching every single option - like when you are looking for a hotel, or searching for a restaurant - to ensure you pick the best possible thing.

The problem? Experts say it can lead to paralysis, because the more options you have, the tougher it is to make a decision.

P/oP makes your decision making easy, all our classes are tailored to be a great fit for you workout goals.

Join our Group Reformer Classes: $25

Join Samantha every Monday evening at 6pm & 7pm & Wednesday at 6pm for a group reformer class. Text (213) 222-6199 to reserve a spot. 

Join Toni every Wednesday evening at 7:00pm for a group reformer class. Text (707) 416-6162 to reserve a spot. Email to rsvp.

Join Amelia every Thursday evenings at 6pm & 7pm for a group reformer class. Text (203) 627-6687 to reserve a spot .


Boost methylation

Methylation is your body's biochemical superhighway that helps protect your DNA, brain, and gut from inflammation.

It is important to support healthy methylation pathways to lower homocysteine, an inflammatory amino acid.

A great way to help with this is by eating sulfur-rich vegetables such as cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and broccoli.

For more information go to: https://www.mindbodygreen.com

Photos by Keenan Loo,  Lauren Lester and  Reinaldo Kevin on Unsplash

Fly the Friendly Skies... of Pasadena's Peekaboo Galleries

The Peekaboo Gallery, a new experiential gallery,

located at 40 Mills Place in Old Pasadena, will be lifting off its next exhibition,

“Welcome Aboard The Friendly Skies: The Art of High Altitude Travel,” on Saturday, August 18. 

 The Friendly Skies exhibit will showcase the finest heirlooms of 100 years of air travel in a striking Jumbo Jet stage set, featuring vintage airline memorabilia and collectibles from a time when traveling aboard a luxury airliner was a magical experience.   

The exhibition, which is on until September 23, will bring together original lithographs and paintings of classic travel art, industrial and commercial aircraft models, and high-flying haute couture in a flight attendant fashion show.

For more information, visit www.peekaboogallery.com or http://www.pasadenanow.com/main/fly-the-friendly-skies-of-pasadenas-peekaboo-galleries/

Instructor: Abby Hanson

Abby Hanson has been studying yoga and pilates for twenty years. 

Her inspiration is always aging gracefully and living free from pain.  

Abby believes in restorative movement and recently began teaching yamuna ball rolling.  YBR is ball rolling therapy that combines the release of massage with the strengthening and toning of exercise, providing an effortless workout and a deep stretch. 

The balls

apply traction that frees up connective tissue, reeducates muscles, stimulates bones, and leads to fully releasing negative holding patterns in the body. 

YBR is the perfect compliment to Pilates exercise. 

If you are interested please look for future classes at Pilates of Pasadena towards the end of September, or contact Abby for private YBR instruction today. 

Wisdom Wednesday

Congratulations to all

School, College, Professional or University 2018 Graduates!

Photo by Logan Isbell on Unsplash

““There is a good reason they call these ceremonies ‘commencement exercises’. Graduation is not the end; it’s the beginning.”
- Orrin Hatch”

"All successful people, men and women, are big dreamers. They imagine what their future could be, ideal in every respect, and then they work every day toward their distant vision, that goal or purpose." 

- Brian Tracy

Yamuna Body Rolling is coming to P/oP

Our very own Pilates Instructor Abby Hanson

has recently been certified in Yamuna and will be teaching classes here at Pilates of Pasadena.  

What is Yamuna Body Rolling? 

  • YBR is a ball rolling therapy that combines the release of massage with the strengthening and toning of exercise, providing an effortless workout and a deep stretch. 

  • The balls apply traction that frees up connective tissue, reeducates muscles, stimulates bones, and leads to fully releasing negative holding patterns in the body.  

  • YBR heals deep body problems at the same time that help you get in shape.  In the traditional class format YBR uses balls to lengthen muscle, stimulate bone and open up joints for a healthier more sustainable happy body. 

If you have ever used a foam roller for self healing, think about how much more specific you can get with a ball!  The balls also offer a different density than the foam rollers and many people find them to be more effective for release technique.

Private lessons can also accomplish deep tissue release and can be personalized to target habitual body patterns.

Its fun and compliments the Pilates traditional program.

Please look for classes in June.  Private lessons will also be available.  

To find out more about Abby Hanson Click on Our Story or go to go to www.pilatesofpasadena.com/ourstory/