Real Pilates, Real People, Real Stories

Throughout the years we've heard people tell us how the benefits of Pilates have changed their lives - sometimes dramatically. We think you should hear them, too…

D. Parks: Pasadena, CA

I’ve seen a wonderful change in how my body moves since I started Pilates. Over the years my workouts consisted of walking and my yoga practice  but I have never been athletically inclined. But now I’ve seen a major increase in the coordination of my body – Pilates has improved my posture and basically changed my muscle structure.

When people ask me why I do Pilates I tell them that it’s a great way to build toned muscles with little to no impact on your body. You can even get some cardio exercise with no joint impact. In addition, I’ve never had a dull class. There are so many exercise and so much variations – its just always fun.  And, I love how I feel after a class! Thanks Maria!

How has Pilates changed your life? Share your success story…We’d love to hear from you on our comment section or email us at info@pilatesofpasadena.com.

 


 

Workout Dedication

it’s not always easy to stay focused to your workout practice but here at P/oP we are dedicated to you and your practice.

Our studio promotes physical and mental well-being through tailored exercises in both private and group classes. Call (626)765-6500 or email us to schedule an appointment with one of our wonderful instructors today!

P/oP has certified instructors who work with clients of all ages and abilities including handicapped, athletes, young adults and seniors.

P/oP Couples Who Sweat Together, Stay Together!

P/oP has couples rocking their cores every week. Book a date with your loved one today and stay together

Sarah and Dan Rothenberg work out every Friday afternoon with Maria

Sarah and Dan Rothenberg work out every Friday afternoon with Maria

We currently have available openings for these semi-private sessions with great instructors! Any level is welcome, everything we do is tailored to your personal abilities.

Pilates of Pasadena has so much to offer;  private classes where you get one-on-one instruction, semi-private group classes, or classes of two people working on a common goal. Let us know what you're interested in, and we will put you in the right group!

Whatever your preference, we will find a style and instructor that fits your needs.

Get started now!

 

 

Source: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=wm#i...

Forget the Crunches & get Planking!

If you want rock solid abdominals then you should be all about the Plank.

As far as exercises go, you get the best bang for your ab-rocking buck with planks because it is considered an exercise that engages multiple muscles.

Photo Credit: Ayo Ogunseinde on Unsplash

7 reasons to get excited about doing planks

  1. For being a basic isometric exercise, planks strengthen your entire body—they make your core pop, strengthen your lower back, and build your shoulders.

  2. The longer you can hold the plank, the more resilient your lower back will be to injury.

  3. Planking exercises have a great impact and improvement on your posture.

  4. You’ll decrease your risk of injury in the back and spinal column.

  5. You’ll improve your overall balance.

  6. Planks require a small time investment on your part, and offer the chance to achieve substantial results in a relatively short span of time.

  7. Best perk of all...you don’t need any equipment.

Ask your P/oP instructor for their recommendations and tips for conquering the plank.

You’ll be better for it, guaranteed.

 

 

Wednesday Tips

For Side Kick Front/Back Series...Imagine, stacked coffee cups...

Lie on your side with your elbow, shoulder, midback and buttocks aligned with the back edge of your mat.Think shoulder over shoulder, hip over hip.

Lift your top leg to hip height and turn it out ever so slightly from the hip. Inhale, pressing your navel deep into your spine.

Swing your leg to the front and pulse it twice (like two small kicks) as far forward as it will so without rocking forward in your hips or scrunching your waist.

To stabilize your shoulders, imagine balancing stacked coffee cups on your shoulder and do not rattle the cups as you go.

Exhale as you swing your leg back, reaching for the back corner of the room. Watch those cups.

Repeat 10 times

Photo by: nathan-dumlao-432134-unsplash.jpg

It’s Simpler Than You Think

Caring for the planet is one of those things that can seem out of our reach.

James K. Williamson’s article,Things You Can Do to Care for the Planet, NYT  Feb. 24, 2019, offers several ideas that we can do in our everyday lives to take part in caring for our community, country and planet.

Hang on to your smartphone

The little computer you carry with you requires a lot of energy to assemble. The production of an iPhone 6, for example, released the equivalent of 178 pounds of carbon dioxide, or about as much as burning nine gallons of gas, according to a 2015 study. Instead of buying a new phone, try to keep yours in working condition for as long as possible (here’s some advice on how to extend its life). But if you must get rid of yours, recycle it or consider buying a used one.

Leave leaves

Leaves provide shelter for worms, moths and some butterflies, which then become prey for neighborhood birds. They also help nourish and fertilize soil, and you won’t burn fossil fuels by using a lawn mower or leaf blower.

Use a dishwasher, not the sink

Dishwashers have improved over the years: Average models certified by the government’s Energy Star program use 3.5 gallons or less per cycle. Compare that with an efficient kitchen faucet, which pours 1.5 gallons of water per minute, meaning that handwashing for four minutes nearly doubles the water use of a dishwasher. If you don’t have the luxury of owning a dishwasher, try to do the two-bucket method: “When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run. Fill one basin with wash water and the other with rinse water.”

Buy fewer clothes

Manufacturers use water and chemicals to dye and finish cotton clothes. Polyesters and nylons aren’t biodegradable. In this age of fast fashion, it’s best to wear your clothes for a long, long time. (Buying secondhand helps, too.)

Consider your online order, from click to carrier

When you’re shopping online, try to buy in bulk to reduce multiple deliveries, which can help cut carbon emissions from delivery trucks. Research your items to avoid having to return them, and always recycle the boxes.

Be mindful of your food waste

A massive amount of energy goes into producing the food we eat, especially meat and dairy and about 40 percent of food in the United States is thrown away. To limit food waste when you’re hosting a get-together, use this “Guest-imator” to calculate the amount of groceries you’ll need. Also check out the “Waste-Free Kitchen Handbook” for more help on reducing food waste.

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.

Men Do Pilates

Fitness experts now believe that if there is one form of exercise that men of all ages should be doing, it’s this one!

Fun Fact:

Pilates was created by a man -- for men. Creator, Joseph Pilates, had a list of occupations -- diver, wrestler, body builder, self-defense teacher and professional boxer -- that's pretty much the stereotypical definition of manliness. The truth is, Pilates offers a great workout, regardless of your gender.

With its benefits of increased core strength, improved posture and better balance and flexibility, it should come as no surprise to learn that the number of male participants in Pilates classes is rising.

 Pilates includes balance and standing work, it is a total body workout. Let’s face it, there’s not much point in having great abs if they only work when you’re lying down!

 Your core isn’t just your abs — it’s your entire body from your diaphragm all the way to your pelvic floor. Although the focus of a Pilates class is primarily on your core, your inner unit, the class will also work your back, chest, arms, legs, neck, feet… the works! Other benefits are flexibility and coordination will improve with practice.

 That’s not to say that Pilates ever gets easy. Pilates is multi-layered, which is what keeps it interesting for people, even after years of practice.  

At P/op you’ll learn the basics of each movement first, breaking them down as much as needed, then adding things in to deepen the experience or simply add more challenge.

Book a session with a P/op instructor today, you’ll be glad you did!

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

 

In the Community

Visit the Arroyo Seco Marketplace

Saturday, November 24, 2018
10:00am

At the Audubon Center at Debs Park4700 N. Griffin Ave, Los Angeles, 90031

Support local vendors on Small Business Saturday!

Visit the 2nd annual Arroyo Seco Marketplace on November 24th from 10am – 4pm. What better way to get ahead of your holiday shopping and support local small businesses and vendors than with our nature themed vendor booths.  They’ll have food, music, activities, and programs running all day long for the whole family.  Stay throughout the day and participate in their raffle. 

Explore the marketplace--you're bound to find something for everyone on your holiday list!