PP Instructor Feature

Hilary Curwen

What inspired you to become a Pilates/spin instructor or what inspired you to want to be a part of platinum?

I was a client first, while I was a personal trainer. I found myself happiest when doing pilates, then started integrating it into my training. I decided then that I would just go full on with teaching pilates. I was spinning since highschool and thought.. "hey I can do this too!"

What is your favorite exercise to put your class through?

Plank Wheelbarrel

Which exercise do you think is the most challenging or most effective?

Bunjee... we hate it but it WORKS

What is your favorite way to exercise?

Changing it up consistently. I never want anything to be easy. I try to beat my own time when I run, or when I do yoga I go for the posture that really challenges my balance to the point where I do fall.

What is your favorite healthy food and what is your favorite unhealthy food?

Roasted Cauliflower.  Ice cream..

What is your most unique quality?

I am super independent.

Where is your favorite place in LA and why?

Brentwood farmers market... I have a health food addiction and love grocery shopping.

In one sentence...why should someone take class at platinum or why spx Pilates?

The time goes by so fast and you know you have fatigued your body.

Where do you find inspiration?

My mom:)

Describe the energy and type of music you like to play for class.

I listen to EVERYTHING, and play Top 40's, and mashup and remixes.

What is one piece of advice you'd like to share with the platinum blog reader.

Stick with it, you have one body.

And last but not least. If you we're to have a cocktail named after you what would the ingredients be. If you can think of its name share that as well :-)-- 

coconut water, vodka, fresh mint, juiced strawberry 

Homemade Applesauce...your nose will thank you

It is Officially Fall Season!

The best thing about fall is all of the seasonal fall fruits and vegetables.

To kick off the new season I decided to try and tackle making homemade applesauce.

The thought of making applesauce always seems intimidating to me, but through more and more research of different recipes and preparations I found applesauce to be pretty simple.  The way I just did it only took me 30 minutes and it is as simple as 4 ingredients (I don't count water as an ingredient).

Simple Homemade Applesauce (no added sugar)

~8 medium to large apples

~2 cups water

~cinnamon to desired taste (I like a lot-1 TBSP)

You can also omit if you do not like cinnamon, but I  may think you are crazy :-)

~1 tsp of salt

~half of a lemon

1. Grab a pan that has a large diameter so that apples can create a nice layer on the bottom.

2. Peel and Core Apples.  Then cut into cubes.  Place apples in the pan.

3. Add water, juice from lemon, cinnamon and salt. Stir.

4. Turn burner on high until the water boils.  Once water boils, turn down heat to a simmer and allow everything to simmer for 20ish minutes.  I used a lid so my time could be faster than without a lid.

Once apples are soft.  Take a potato or garlic smasher and smash up your apples until they become more of a puree.  Feel free to not smash as much if you like your applesauce chunky.  

You may also be able to put the apples in a food processor or blender to make it nice and smooth.

Place sauce in jar and store in frig!

Enjoy!

The best part of the whole process is the smell that comes from the kitchen...yummy cinnamon.

PP Instructor Feature: Ms. Day

NICOLE DAY

I had been taking classes for 3 years, and was able to start critiquing the teachers' routines. "Oh, it would have been more challenging if she had ended the routine with this move instead of that one." My wonderful friend who teaches recommended I train, and that's how it began! With Spin, I love my bike. It was my main source of transportation in Colorado, where I'm from. Boulder, Colorado is the bike capital of the world. LA is not the most bike friendly, so biking inside was a great new place to go. 

 Favorite Exercise

I love lunges. Isometric poses (holding an exercise without moving). Bungee. You know, the really hard ones. 

Most Challenging Exercise 

Love me some leg sweep. French twist. Giant wheel barrel. Knee-strap crunch.

Favorite Way to make yourself sweat 

I love pilates, spin, hot yoga and running. Those are my 4 staples. When I'm back in Colorado, mountain biking and climbing. 

Favorite Healthy Food 

I am currently addicted to My Fit Foods. It's right next door to the Brentwood location. It's insanely well-priced, you know exactly how many calories you've eaten for the day, and my big problem is portion control. They create perfect portions for you. Love them. Favorite unhealthy food? The Frosted Cupcakery next to the Hollywood studio. Chocolate peanut butter butterfinger cupcakes. Ughhhh.

Most Unique Quality 

My sense of humor is pretty weird. I guess weird can be a synonym for unique. 

Favorite Place 

Anywhere by the beach. 

Why Should Someone Come Take My Class 

I teach both the most advanced and most beginner class at the same time. I give modifications for almost all of the routine. I have a bad back myself, and have to modify a lot of stuff when I take class. I've appreciated over the years teachers that have taken their time to let me in on how to adjust for my back, so I'm not just stuck watching everyone do something I can't do and wait for the next exercise. Conversely, for every move, I tell you how you can make it more advanced. My back can kill me doing some moves, then again, I have the strongest legs and really want to work them above and beyond the standard exercise. The most beginner person can take my class, the most advanced, and right in between, and all levels will be satisfied. Also, I hate taking a "bad" class. I am addicted to Pilates myself, and it ruins my day taking a "bad" class. So, I really try to go out of my way to make sure I don't ruin anyone's day!

 Type Of Energy You Can Find In My Class and Music

I almost exclusively get all of my music from an Iphone application called the Hype Machine. Check it out! A $3.99 one time fee, and your set! I play all types of music. Here's a sample from my current playlist: Constant Conversations (Passion Pit), Black Out Days (Phantogram), Applause (Lady Gaga), The Con (Tegan and Sara), We Are Together (Planet of Sound), this great Eminem vs Daniel Portman mashup, Pon De Floor (Major Lazer), Sixteen Saltines (Jack White), Quiet Dog Barks Hard (Mos Def), Solsbury Hill (Peter Gabriel). I play a little of everything. 

Some Advice To Share 

A healthy diet is just as important, if not more, than working out. You can't just do one or the other. You have to commit to both. 

 What Cocktail Best Encompass Me

I have no idea what cocktail I would be. Tons of fruit, barely any alcohol and last minute, throw some sorbet in there with 8 umbrellas (I can only drink liquor if it tastes like a child's slushie)

PP Instructor Feature: Tara Singer

                 

Make sure you read all the way through to find out what you should incorporate these two liquids in your life :-)

TARA SINGER

1. What inspired you to become a Pilates/spin instructor or what inspired you to want to be a part of platinum?

    I enjoyed Spinning so much - the intesity, the movement with the music, the sense of accomplishment at the end of a class - that I wanted to share that love of the activity with others.

 

2. What is your favorite exercise to put your class through? 

    Jumps on a hill - losing yourself in the rhythm of the music so you don't realize how hard you're tightening your glutes and abs. 

 

3. Which exercise do you think is the most challenging or most effective?

    Sprinting on a hill is quite effective.  It allows you to push yourself further than you thought you could go by adding a revolution to an already weighted peddle stroke.  You're strengthening your leg and glute muscles as well as lungs and heart, while also tightening your core.

 

4. What is your favorite way to exercise?

    Spinning, SPX, jogging on the beach by the shoreline and using my elliptical

 

5. What is your favorite healthy food and what is your favorite unhealthy food? 

    Kale salad with quinoa.  Fried chicken.

 

6. What is your most unique quality?

    I genuinely care about the clients -  their form during the workout, their enjoyment of the time spent in my class, their well being

 

7. Where is your favorite place in LA and why?

    Santa Monica beach near Ashland.  It's relaxing yet rejuvenating - wide expanse of beach and ocean with a beautiful view of the sunset.

 

8. In one sentence...why should someone take class at platinum or why spx Pilates? 

    Done efficiently, SPX offers a full body workout that your body will feel and you will see the results of your work, as long as you listen to your body and understand it's current limits while also challenging yourself.

 

9. Where do you find inspiration? 

    Everywhere.  Everyone has something to offer that reminds us how much better we can be and do.  Removing your ego and being open enough to see it and learn from it is the key.

10. Describe the energy and type of music you like to play for class. 

    Energy = inspirational, motivating, playful.  I play all kinds of music, from pop to alt rock, techno to r&b - if it's got a good rhythm and keeps the energy up, I'll play it.

11. What is one piece of advice you'd like to share with the platinum blog reader.  There is no such thing as "bad" - i.e. "I was bad and didn't work out" or "I was bad and ate the ice cream".  Life is a progression with ebbs and flows.  Cut youself some slack and instead of beating yourself up about it, acknowledge that it was a personal choice and you can choose to make a different choice, if you want to, next time.

And last but not least. If you we're to have a cocktail named after you what would the ingredients be. If you can think of its name share that as well.  

Gentleman Jack whiskey & pineapple juice with two twists of lime over ice. Name = Gentleman's Surprise

PP Instructor Feature

Jeff Shine

1. What inspired you to become a Pilates/spin instructor or what inspired you to want to be a part of platinum?
-Fitness has always been an important aspect in my life.  I remember searching at one point for a fitness system that would really challenge me and help round out my fitness regime.  SPX was that answer.

2. What is your favorite exercise to put your class through?
-I have a few.  Some are a series of moves I put together in a fast paced circuit.  But I suppose spoon is my favorite.  Or floor pike.  But push-ups are my go to.  
3. Which exercise do you think is the most challenging or most effective?
-This is sort of the impossible question.  Depends when in the workout you do it, what came before it...etc etc.  but runners lunge is always a beast.  

4. What is your favorite way to exercise?
-I like to mix it up.  I do a combination of Crossfit, SPX, yoga, running, body weight training.  I think variety is important.  No one system is the answer.
5. What is your favorite healthy food and what is your favorite unhealthy food?
-Favorite healthy food is Brussels sprouts, unhealthy food would be fruit pie or pudding.  I fucking love chocolate pudding. 

6. What is your most unique quality?
-I think its my tough love mentality. I don't think it serves anyone to just blow sunshine. I think people respond to honesty and straightforwardness.

7. Where is your favorite place in LA and why?
-The Arclight Theatre.  Makes me feel like a kid and also a grown up every time.  

8. In one sentence...why should someone take class at platinum or why spx Pilates?
Where do you find inspiration?
-If you want something challenging, that never gets easy, this is your place.  

Describe the energy and type of music you like to play for class.
-Class is fast paced, intense, and highly demanding.  I push you hard and demand a lot and hopefully it gives you the the opportunity to grant yourself permission to push your limits,  I play a wide range of music.  I don't always think we have to rely on a techno beat to find motivation to workout.  At the end of the day, I heard a Crossfit coach say it best..."I'm a trainer, not a DJ."
What is one piece of advice you'd like to share with the platinum blog reader.
-Be nervous before every workout.  Check your excuses at the door.  And for gods sakes leave your cell phone in your bag.  

And last but not least. If you we're to have a cocktail named after you what would the ingredients be. If you can think of its name share that as well :-)
-They already made it.  It's an old fashion or a manhattan.  Simple, clean, classy....done. 

To eat Breakfast or not to eat Breakfast?

Is that a question you struggle with every day?  Or maybe it is something you worry about when you run out of time or 'forget' to do in the morning.  If you answered yes to either of these questions, then maybe this interesting study can put your mind at ease.

***Please keep in mind this is just informative information.  At the end of the day you are in charge of your body and can practice whatever  you believe is right and best for you.  I am posting this information to just expand your mind and make you think possibly outside of the box.  So many people are stick in one way of thinking.  I am using this post to provide you with information you may not have thought of before or provide you with more evidence on what you are doing is the correct way and you shouldn't change a thing :-) ***


Last week, in the New York Times Blog (yes the NYT has a blog too, so cool!) under the health a diet section there was an article that presented a good argument on whether or not having breakfast does actually aid in weight loss.  You can find the original article here, but I am going to summarize and point out facts I found to be interesting.

"Americans have long been told that routinely eating breakfast is a simple habit that helps prevent weight gain.

Skipping breakfast, the thinking goes, increases hunger throughout the day, making people overeat and seek out snacks to compensate for missing that first – and some would say most important – meal of the day.

“Eating a healthy breakfast is a good way to start the day,” according to the Web site of the United States surgeon general, “and may be important in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.”

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has put together some studies to see what is true, does eating breakfast help in weight loss or at the end of the day is the person who eats breakfast eating more calories than the person who doesn't.

Three different test groups were performed.  All of the groups got the same amount of calories.  The differences were, one group you normally ate breakfast were told to stop, the group that normally skipped breakfast were told to starting eating breakfast and the third group was told to keep their same eating habits.  (Please keep in mind all the adults tested are considered overweight).

In numerical order here is how each group stacked up in weight loss.

Most weight lost: 

1. Group that skipped breakfast

2. Group that started to eat breakfast

3. Group that changed nothing

In conclusion, breakfast eaten or not eaten had no effect.  The reality is the groups that changed their eating habits had the most success.

Our bodies are very smart and can adapt easily.  This might prove and encourage you to change up eating habits every once in awhile if you feel like you are at a stand still in your weight loss goals.

What I do find to be extremely important is to remember your overall goal is to be healthy, that should be your motivation in your decision.

PP Spin Instructor Feature

MEET LIZY BEFORE

MEET LIZY NOW 

after losing 65lbs

 What inspired you to become a Pilates/spin instructor or what inspired you to want to be a part of platinum? I used to weigh about 65 pounds more than I do now but was able to transform my body and, more importantly my respect for it, when I committed to healthy eating and discovered spin. I would love to help motivate people to find a similar self-acceptance, which is why I became a spin instructor! Since Pilates Platinum is all about self-transformation, motivation and developing and maintaining healthy habits, I knew it was the place where I wanted to train. 

What is your favorite exercise to put your class through? I love a good hill--sometimes they can be cathartic! 

Which exercise do you think is the most challenging or most effective? I find intervals particularly challenging since they require mental endurance in addition to physical.

What is your favorite way to exercise? The 30/30 spin and pilates class is my absolute favorite exercise. 

What is your favorite healthy food and what is your favorite unhealthy food? I'm pretty obsessed with spaghetti squash and chocolate chip banana bread. Maybe not together, although that's sounding pretty delicious. 

What is your most unique quality? I always try to find the silver lining in any situation and to see struggles as opportunities.

Where is your favorite place in LA and why? The tea room at the Huntington Gardens. Who doesn't love wearing florals and eating finger sandwiches?

In one sentence...why should someone take class at platinum or why spx Pilates?
Where do you find inspiration? I'm an energetic guide who's going to push you, but not force you, to work hard and outside of your comfort zone. 

Describe the energy and type of music you like to play for class. I'll play anything with a strong beat but love top 40s and strong female pop. 

What is one piece of advice you'd like to share with the platinum blog reader. Once you stop judging yourself that's when the changes happen!

And last but not least. If you we're to have a cocktail named after you what would the ingredients be. If you can think of its name share that as well :-) The Hermia--a shot of blanco tequila and cayenne--like Shakespeare says, though she be but little, she is fierce!

Each instructor can be found on our schedule, here, see if the time they teach works for you and stop on into one of their classes! 

PP SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Learn about the Instructors at Pilates Platinum

I am happy to announce that periodically I am going to feature an instructor from Pilates Platinum.

It will give you guys an opportunity to learn something more about each and every one.  Maybe you learn a new quality about them you didn't know before, become inspired by their story or secretly 'stalk' a instructor you have been wanting to try and now that you have learned more about them through their feature you now feel more comfortable to jump in their class.

I am very grateful for each and every instructor of the Pilates Platinum team and I look forward to sharing their greatness with you too!

In their features some of them may name a type of class at Pilates Platinum.  Below I am copying from our website a summary of those different classes as your reference.

PLATINUM PILATES
We are excited to offer our classes on the state of the art Megaformer, which was created upon the principles of pilates. Our Platinum Pilates class works the entire body in just 55 minutes! Simply put, this is the most innovative and aggressive approach to full body conditioning. It is a high octane, shirt-drenching workout that strengthens your body, tightens your muscles, elongates the body, burns fat, improves endurance, jump-starts your metabolism and restores your body’s natural balance. Our Platinum Pilates class is a fusion of pilates, cardio and strength training, and achieves muscle definition faster than traditional pilates and/or weight training alone. In addition, this quick and effective workout allows you to stay focused and get the most out of every minute. The composition of this method is significant in that it encourages maximum exertion without stressing the joints and spine. It is a revolutionary total body exercise program.

The music is great, the energy is high – this is a workout you’ll be able to evolve with and it will soon become something you can’t live without. And did we mention that it is really fun, too?


PLATINUM CYCLE
Platinum Cycle is a 55 minute, high energy, low impact, cardiovascular workout with music. Each trainer takes you through a unique sequence that will challenge you mentally and physically. You can burn more calories in a 55 minute class than any other form of cardiovascular workout. If you are a beginner, don’t worry as you can take the class at your own pace as you are in complete control of your workout. For those of you that have biking shoes, all of our bikes are equipped with LOOK and SPD clips. If you don’t have biking shoes we have baskets that can be applied to the bikes so you can use your own athletic shoes.


PLATINUM 30/30
For those of you who like to mix it up – try our Platinum 30/30 class! Fire up your body and core with 30 minutes of a Platinum Pilates workout to strengthen, lengthen and tone your entire body! Then finish off your workout with a 30 minute Platinum Cycle class. Platinum 30/30 shalt leave no muscle untouched!


PLATINUM CYCLE WITH WEIGHTS
Our full body indoor cycling workout that incorporates weights into this 55 minute class. Designed for fat burning an strength training, lose yourself in the music, energy and mind/body experience.


PLATINUM BARRE
Our Platinum Barre classes are sure to add another body bending, high cardio alternative to your workout, so you can continue to push yourself to new levels. Combining moves from our muscle-carving, state of the art Proformer with the graceful structure and toning of traditional barre classes, it is certain you will build your cardio and perfect your fluidity as you move between the two in each class. Perfecting form and alignment will initially be challenging, but with practice, proper form and alignment will become natural not only in your daily workout but in your everyday world. Your posture will never be better!

The Giving Keys

A couple days ago I posted on instagram (@heatherdorak) about a necklace I received.  I got a lot of questions about it so I want to take the time to post a blog on the wonderful campaign.

The Giving Keys exists to employ those transitioning out of homelessness to make jewelry out of recycled keys that get sold and shared around the world. Each key necklace is unique and carries a message like HOPE, STRENGTH, DREAM or COURAGE. When the wearer of the key encounters someone else who needs the message on the key, they give it away and then tell us their story.

Now that you know that each of these keys were hand stamped with love, we hope their inspiring stories inspire YOU to not only support our cause with your purchase, but also keep your eyes peeled for the person who's the next stop on that key's journey.

Source

The idea is to benefit towards helping out others with your purchase.  Not only do you contribute to a great case that way but also when you feel you have experienced the empowerment of the idea, it is then encouraged to pass it along to someone else to be touched by its message.

Get a Giving Key and Give it Away!

Share your stories on the website.

http://www.thegivingkeys.com/

Proteios

First Order of Importance

What is first order of importance?

The title tells you.

Proteios

Also known as Protein.

PROTEIN IS THE FIRST ORDER OF IMPORTANCE!

Proteios is its greek name.

Aside from water, protein is the most abundant molecule found in the human body.  It exists in all cells of the body and is the major structural component for all cells found in the body...especially those lone lean lovely muscles you work so hard at sculpting.  Protein is also in your hair, internal organs and skin, as well as used in cell membranes.  

Those of you that participated in the fat flush, should have learned the importance of protein and water.

This is just a friendly reminder to make sure you get in your protein with every meal and drink plenty of water!