Tuesday Tip

Plagued by sinus problems?  Invest in a Neti Pot!

Photo Credit: Braydon Anderson on Unsplash

The basic explanation of how the Neti pot therapy works is, that it uses a salt and water solution to thin mucus and help flush out the nasal passages.

  • Rinse your nasal passages twice a day to flush out pollen and other irritants. 
  • Put saline solution (a 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1 cup warm water) in a plastic squirt bottle or a nasal irrigator, a spouted container that allows you to pour water directly into your nose. 
  • The solution should fill your nasal cavity and spill out the other nostril. 
  • Gently blow your nose afterward.

Jake’s Favorite Mexican Roadside Inspired Summer Snack

Occasionally my sons and I stop after school and pick up the fruit snack the Mexican vendors sell on the side of the road. 

My mother used to make this for us growing up and now I make our version at home for my kids. It's Jake's favorite. 

Ingredients vary as this weekend, I used what was at hand in our refrigerator:

In a large bowl add,

Celery stalks cut to 1 1/2 bite sizes and Carrots sliced on a diagonal

Avocados cut into bite sized chunks and Cucumbers sliced

Add lots of fresh squeezed lime

Our home version we add Olive oil, Sea salt plus Mexican red pepper seasoning, we use "Tajin" 


The Traditional Roadside dish would also include a blend of the following ingredients:

  • Watermelon
  • Melon
  • Mango
  • Jicama

It's healthy and refreshing on a hot summer day! Enjoy.

Maria

Father's Day

We celebrate all our Pilates Men!

Pilates can be a great workout for men at any age.

The practice incorporates all the elements of healthy physical movement: breath, posture, strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility.

Guys need to be able to move, too, so beards and chest hair are just as welcome and encouraged in the studio as are yoga pants.

We notice that men return to our studio after they discover the benefits of Pilates as physical therapy or chiropractic patients. When they see Pilates in real life they have to try it, and once they try it, they are usually hooked on the sense of well being and feeling stronger. And, who doesn't like that feeling?

If you strength train, play golf or tennis, or participate in any aerobic physical activity, the basic Pilates exercise routine will complement any excercise you do by improving spinal mobility, core strength and posture.

Just like Joseph Pilates, you too might just begin feeling

like a better, stronger man.

Tuesday Tip - Stay Hydrated

Next time you’re playing a game, hiking, working out or going for a walk, think about taking along vacuum-insulated water bottles.  

They can boost hydration by keeping water cold and refreshing up to 24 hours, and they’ll keep hot drinks hot for up to 5-6 hours.

 

According to the April Fitness Journal, the bottles work this magic by including two chambers: a water compartment and surrounding Vacuum-channel insulation. Meeting requirements for style, function and eco friendliness, these vacuum-insulated water bottles offer a fun, effective way to hydrate.

Photo Credit: izzy-gerosa-80667-unsplash.jpg

 

Significance of Poppies / Memorial Day

Memorial Day is often seen as the start of summer.

People make plans for barbecues, picnics and perhaps head to the beach.

In our varied communities people still honor the true meaning behind the holiday.

valentino-funghi-276005-unsplash.jpg

Memorial Day is a day to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.  According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Memorial Day started out in 1868 as “Decoration Day” and was observed on May 30.  It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country,” according to the website, VA.gov

Flowers are an important symbol of Memorial Day. 

Many people leave flowers on the graves of fallen veterans. And one flower, in particular, has come to represent the somber holiday.

The poppy is officially recognized as a symbol of remembrance.

The Memorial Day we celebrate today was merged with the wearing of poppies in 1915 after the publication of the poem,  In Flander’s Field, by Lt. Colonel John McCrae, following the second battle of Ypres.

Pilates of Pasadena staff thank all of our military personnel and veterans for their service to our country.

A copy of the poem can be found at the end of this blog.

Photo Credit: laurentiu-iordache-568420-unsplash.jpg

In Flander’s Field

By Lt. Col. John McCrae, 1915

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly,

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

 

We are the dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow.,

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields

 

Take up our quarrel with the foe

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields

 

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/

 

Wolf Mountain Sanctuary

Maria and family recently visited Wolf Mountain Sanctuary. 

It is a sanctuary for rescued wolves located in Palmdale, and is primarily dedicated to saving the threatened species while lending a helping hand to at-risk local youth. It is also one of the few wolf sanctuaries that hosts interactive wolf educational tours.

Everyone learned about the wolves, about their life in the wild and most importantly, why save the wolf?

A wolf is so noble, so beautiful.

The wolves, as well as other endangered species, are ecological indicators.  It is by studying these species and learning how to preserve them that we learn the main factors affecting our environment.

Visit the organization's website to learn more.

http://www.wolfmountainsanctuary.net/home.html

Yes, you get to actually touch a wolf and could most likely get kissed by a wolf … if you want to!!

 

 

 

 

You can't buy your Mother's Love

Mother’s day will soon be here,

which means

it’s time to start thinking about how you are going to

cement your place as your mom’s favorite child. 

It's true...

that you can’t buy your mother's love – but we can help you by getting her the perfect gift.... we suggest a Pilates of Pasadena Gift Card to show your love. 

 

 

 

Call (626)765-6500 or email us to place your order.

Photo by J-S Romeo on Unsplash

Love our Planet on Earth Day

Pasadena Earth Day

Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Armory Center for the Arts

For more information call: 626-229-9570

Or click here:

tinyurl.com/ycbf3fya

Celebrate Earth Day with an festival at two adjacent locations -- Pasadena Memorial Park for outdoor activities and, across the street, the Armory Center for the Arts for indoor activities. 

The festival features information booths about local grassroots environmental efforts and hands-on workshops, demonstrations, and interactive activities to learn about sustainable practices that include storm water harvesting, water-wise gardening, bike repair, healthy recipe demonstrations, clean energy options, and electric vehicles. 

Visitors can join in zumba dancing and drum circle beats while also listening to live music. 

Food trucks on hand too!

http://www.pasadenanow.com/main/