Wisdom Wednesday

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

~ Joseph Pilates

Join Amelia for a Chair Class on Saturday mornings at 10:30am. Text (203) 627-6687 to reserve a spot . Chair Class: $25

Join Dorothy Sunday morning at 9:30 am for a group Sculpt, Tone and Balance class with props.  Text 626-818-0241 or Email to reserve a spot.

Sculpt, Tone and Balance Class: $20

Photo by Joyce McCown on Unsplash

Simple Steps to Better Sleep

The secret to refreshing sleep is to wake up naturally after a sustained period of REM. There is wisdom in the old saying that ‘one hour’s sleep before midnight is worth two after.’

We spend about a third of our lives in sleep.  Sleep is important on so many levels.

As Leonardo da Vinci said, “…a well-spent day brings happy sleep.”

If only we could sleep like a baby

and get some solid restful sleep.

Short-term insomnia, which is the commonest type of insomnia afflicts as many as one in three people, can be caused by a stressful life event, a poor sleeping environment, and an irregular routine.

 Try these 7 simple steps to better sleep:

1. Set up a strict routine involving regular and adequate sleeping times.

2. Devise a relaxing bedtime routine that helps you to wind down before bedtime.

3. Eat a wholesome evening meal with a good balance of protein and complex carbohydrates.

4. Enjoy a hot, non-caffeinated drink such as herbal tea or hot chocolate before going to sleep. In time, your hot drink could serve as a sleeping cue.

5. Sleep in a familiar, dark, and quiet room that is adequately ventilated and neither too hot nor too cold.

6. Exercise regularly. Exercise reduces arousal and anxiety and also helps with other aspects of psychological and physical health.

7. Reduce your overall stress. At the same time, try to do something fulfilling each day.

Don't make the common, almost universal mistake of underestimating sleep. Time spent in sleep is time well spent; almost everyone could do with better, more restorative sleep.

 Sleep is the best meditation. —Dalai Lama

Tuesday Tip

Looking for fresh looking, healthy skin?

Try peppermint oil in any of these

6 peppermint oil benefits for your skin.

Photo by Charisse Kenion on Unsplash

1. Makes Skin Brighter

Adding a few drops of this oil into your daily beauty regimen is an easy and effective way to achieve healthy and radiant skin. It contains menthol that has a cooling effect and at the same time, works to brighten up the dull skin. Great to do after a Pilates workout!

2. Alleviates Stress And Pain

Peppermint oil can alleviate stress and pain after a long and tiring day. Apply some drops of peppermint oil on your body and take a bath. The refreshing properties of this wonderful oil will energize you and its cooling properties will remove body pain.

3. Hydrates A Dry Scalp

Since this oil has excellent moisturizing properties, you can mix it with your favorite carrier oil like almond oil or olive oil and apply the mixture on your hair.

Wrap your hair in a shower cap and wait for at least 30 minutes. Alternatively, you may use peppermint essential oil in combination with other essential oils like jasmine or lavender. It helps to nourish your hair and moisturize it thoroughly.

4. Eases Digestion

Peppermint oil can cure indigestion. You can add it to your food as a flavoring agent or drink few drops with a glass of warm water after your meal. Since peppermint oil is carminative in nature, it helps to reduce a stomach upset.

5. Peppermint Oil For Headaches

Peppermint oil is the best natural remedy to get relief from headaches. Sprinkle few drops of the oil on a handkerchief or dab it on your wrist and inhale it to get rid of a nagging headache. It is also used for migraines as an excellent stress buster.

6. Oral Health

It is usually added in all toothpastes for that refreshing flavor and if not, you can add it yourself. Put two drops of peppermint oil on your toothpaste and you can stay away from bad breath and toothaches. This is the best way for dental care and fighting against harmful germs. Enjoy a great smile!

Got a beauty tip? Share it in our comment section.

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

Warm your heart...

And your kitchen with effortless sounds and bread recipes that will carry you through the season.

The New Cooking School of Pasadena [NSOC] is offering a class on Autumn Soups and Breads on Sat, Oct. 20, 2018 @ 10:00 AM

Photo by Jill Heyer on Unsplash

For more info Go to: http://www.cookingschoolsofamerica.com/newschoolofcookingpasadenacampus/index.php?page=calendar

Instructor - Brittany Barnes

Health and well-being have always been a passion for Brittany Barnes, who grew up involved with sports that included figure skating and volleyball.

It was while living in Chicago and London that she discovered and fell in love with Pilates. Eventually she relocated to Los Angeles.

Brittany believes Pilates is truly for everyone and there is no one size fits all approach. She uses contemporary methods to create challenging and fun workouts for any client regardless of age, level or injury. Helping clients achieve their goals is what motivates her on a daily basis.

Brittany is certified through Body Arts and Sciences International (BASI). She studied at BASI headquarters in Costa Mesa, under Rael Isacowitz, the founder of BASI. Brittany continues to expand her education through daily practice, workshops and seminars.

Call (626)765-6500 or email us to schedule an appointment with Brittany today!

Tuesday Tip

True Self-Care

Photo by John Westrock on Unsplash

True self-care is so much more than an occasional bubble bath, manicure, or massage. While all of these things are fantastic, they are self-care lite.

Nicole Griffin says, "True self-care, in my mind, is not an appointment, but a way of life. When done right, it is a manifestation of self-respect and is deeply woven into the way we show up in the world.”

In Nicole’s blog, she challenges us to think creatively and beyond the every day routine.

True self-care is living your best life Get the shiny nails if that makes you happy, but also do the real work. What makes you feel most alive? Who brings out the best in you and mirrors your fullest potential? Who doesn’t (bye)? What things make you lose track of time? What types of play did you love as a child? Who inspires you and why? What are you good at?

What are you waiting for? To learn more go to http://nicolegriffinwellness.com

Nicole is a yoga teacher and holistic health coach in the DC area. She believes that health and self-care should be a priority and that experiences are more valuable than possessions.

Her adventures in life have been defined by a love of learning, an insatiable curiosity, and a willingness to explore the world and say yes to new experiences.

Source: http://nicolegriffinwellness.com/service/b...

Local Community Event – Weekend Walk

Descanso Gardens Oct 7 @ 11:00 am – 12:00

Photo by Drew Coffman on Unsplash

See what’s happening in the gardens on these docent-guided walks that highlight points of seasonal interest. Walks begin at the Center Circle.

Included in the price of regular admission, no reservations necessary.

For more information, go to: https://www.descansogardens.org/programs-events/

@DescansoGardens

Source: https://www.descansogardens.org/programs-e...

Perfect Podcast Workout Companions

Whether driving, exercising, cleaning, cooking or working, a podcast is the perfect companion that will leave you with even more knowledge than an encyclopedia and give you more clarity and perspective than you’ll know what to do with.

We are lucky enough to live in a world where the opportunities for learning are as infinite as they are accessible.

So many books, journal articles, blog posts and webinars are all available at our fingertips. We recommend listening to our favorite Go-To podcasts no matter what you are doing for continued learning.

Photo by Mohammad Metri on Unsplash

Happier with Gretchen Rubin

Her real talk tips and tricks on cultivating happiness through daily actions and habits are a breath of fresh air and with every episode you can always feel a little happier. Gretchen has been interviewed by Oprah, walked arm-in-arm with the Dalai Lama and written a New York Times best Seller.

Stuff You Should Know

From insomnia and probiotics to personality types and claustrophobia, no topic is off limits in this podcast that humorously and intellectually delves into a ton of random topics that will leave your brain even fuller than your belly on Thanksgiving Day. You’ll love all the episode topics! Shout out to episode 612 “Do objects or experiences make us happier” for the perspective.

Achievement VS. Fulfillment – Tony Robbins

The best-selling author, motivational speaker and overall amazing human needs no introduction, Tony is known for creating change and success in minutes, and this particular episode is no exception. Breaking down the significant difference between the science of achievement and the art of fulfillment, he expertly explains why success without fulfillment is ultimate failure. Warning, you won’t be able to listen to it just once.

What is your favorite Podcast? Let us know in the comments below!

EARLY REGISTRATION EXTENDED for this Popular Workshop! Instructors Book Today!

Karen Clippinger's Last 2018 California Workshop at P/OP on

Sunday October 14, 2018

9am - 4pm

Save $50 with our $200 Early bird price good until OCTOBER 2nd

Hurry as Space is limited

This workshop is appropriate for reformer (only) instructors, as well as all levels of teachers and practitioners.

$250 - Regular price after Oct 2.

Respond to: info@pilatesofpasadena.com or (626)765-6500.

EXTENDED EARLY BIRD SPECIAL sign up by October 2  for $200, we are at 50% full,  Don't miss this opportunity call now to reserve your space  

626-765-6500.

Join Karen and a dedicated group of instructors in an intimate workshop that is part of an on-going education based on the science of the body and its practical applications. 

Sunday, October 14, 2018

9am - 4pm

This workshop is appropriate for reformer (only) instructors, as well as all levels of teachers and practitioners. Particular emphasis will be placed on the use of rotation because of its common association with functional movement and injury.

$200 - Early bird price good until October 2

$250 - Regular price after September 21

Space is limited 

Respond to: info@pilatesofpasadena.com or (626)765-6500.

Pilates of Pasadena

990 South Arroyo Parkway, Suite # 2

Pasadena, CA 91105

(Core Stability Advancements and Applications to the Pilates Reformer workshop approved for 6 PMA CECs) 

Karen has dedicated her professional career to the Kinesiology of movement and its research. She recently released the second edition of her book, Dance Anatomy and Kinesiology and remains a renowned international presenter.

She has a master's degree in exercise science and is a professor emerita at California State University Long Beach, where her course topics included Pilates, anatomy, injury prevention and care, and body placement for dancers.

Ms. Clippinger has given over 400 presentations internationally and in numerous cities in the U.S, including presenting at conferences for Pilates Method Alliance, IDEA, ACSM, Balanced Body Pilates on Tour and BASI Learn from the Leaders. She is the author of the textbook Dance Anatomy and Kinesiology, co-author of the book Pilates Anatomy, and has on-line classes on Pilates Anytime 

Prior to joining academia, Karen worked for 20 years as a clinical kinesiologist in various medical facilities and helped establish Pilates-based programs at Pacific Northwest Ballet and Loma Linda University Medical Center in the mid to late 1990s. 

Join us! Sign up today! 

Respond to: info@pilatesofpasadena.com or (626)765-6500. 


Core Stability Advancements and Applications Reformer Workshop

P/oP Studio is ready for this amazing workshop with Karen Clippinger

JOIN US FOR

Sunday, October 14, 2018

9am - 4pm

$200 – Early bird price good until September 21

$250 – Regular price after September 21

Research has advanced our understanding of core stability, including the need for different stimuli to optimally develop strength versus stability.

This workshop will provide numerous exercises and progressions to create the high intensity overload that has been shown to be ideal for fostering core strength.

  • This will be the first presentation of this work outside of a conference format and the only class Karen Clippinger will be teaching in California for the remainder of 2018.

  • It will incorporate large exercise balls and rotator discs into classic and novel reformer exercises for development of multi-planar core stability that will be discussed, demonstrated, and individually practiced.

  • Particular emphasis will be placed on the use of rotation because of its common association with functional movement and injury.

Join Karen and a dedicated group of instructors in an intimate workshop that is part of an on-going education based on the science of the body and its practical applications.

This workshop is appropriate for reformer (only) instructors and all levels of teachers and practitioners.

Attention Instructors...

Karen Clippinger's Last 2018 California Workshop at P/OP on

Sunday October 14, 2018

9am - 4pm

Save $50 with our $200 Early bird price good until September 21

Hurry as Space is limited

This workshop is appropriate for reformer (only) instructors, as well as all levels of teachers and practitioners.

$250 - Regular price after September 21

Respond to: info@pilatesofpasadena.com or (626)765-6500.


Urban Chicken Keeping 101

Great class to attend at McDonalds Urban Farm in Altadena!! This class will cover all you need to know to start raising your own backyard urban chickens.

TOPICS INCLUDE: CHICKEN BREEDS (FOR PERSONALITY AND EGG COLOR), PURCHASING AND RAISING DAY-OLD CHICKS OR MATURE CHICKENS, SAFE COOP DESIGN FOR YOUR CHICKENS, RULES FOR PASADENA/ALTADENA/SURROUNDING AREAS, BEST FEEDING PRACTICES, AND THE REWARDS OF BACKYARD CHICKEN EGGS.

Class includes a farm to table snack and a farm tour for $25.

Adults and children age 8+ welcome.

Sign up at: mcdonaldsurbanfarm.org/classes-events/

or Contact: FARM MANAGER / OWNER: AMELIA MCDONALDMCDONALDSURBANFARM@GMAIL.COM

Get a Better Waistline...Add Obliques 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.

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. Many of us want to make extra sure we get our 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 example is the Pilates Mermaid Side Stretch Exercise below.

Pin it - Ben Goldstein

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

To get a better waistline, contact one of our experienced instructors today they can craft a balanced workout for you in studio and for your at home practice.

The studio is open 7 days a week from 6am to 9pm or

contact us at info@pilatesofpasadena.com