Thursday, July 31, 2014

Figure Eight Beach Side Workout with Heather Dorak for fabfitfun!

In our eyes, summer wouldn’t be complete without a few beach side workouts. Thankfully, Pilates Platinum owner Heather Dorak has got us covered with a custom Pilates Challenge featured on fabfitfun!
Fabfitfun is exactly what it sounds like—a website full of fabulous articles on wellness, entertainment, and style. As a contributing Ambassador for the fabfitfun network, Heather provides readers with at home workout ideas and helpful tips to support a healthy lifestyle.
The best part is that you can do the workouts at home without any fancy equipment. Take this week’s article for example, which has you laying on your back burning your inner thighs with the help of a Magic Circle, aka a Pilates ring. But if you don’t have a ring, Heather explains that the exercises can easily be done with a ball or towel, (or even a stuffed animal) between your legs!

Check out Heather’s 
Figure Eight Hip Circle Workout 
for fabfitfun HERE!
 
Want more? 

Enjoy the below articles featuring Heather and Pilates Platinum also found on fabfitfun:

Have You Visited www.TheTIG.com yet?

Are you interested in Food, Travel, Fashion, and Beauty? (Who isn’t!?) If you enjoy learning about these topics, and love discovering new things to share with your friends, then you’ve got to check out one of the best lifestyle websites out there: 
The TIG is the ultimate “hub for the discerning palate”-- and an amazing source of daily inspiration. Founded by mega-babe Meghan Markle, star of USA’s mega-hit show Suits, the TIG does not disappoint.

Pilates Platinum is proud to share that our very own Heather Dorak is the featured Influencer for this week’s Beauty post. Check out Heather’s creative (and ultra challenging!) workout online now to learn moves that'll keep your core strong and your limbs lean. 
Did we mention she uses paper plates instead of weights!?

Check it out HERE and have some fun with your workout!

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Pilates Platinum Summer Bucket List

Today we’re talking about Bucket Lists! No, not the 2007 movie staring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman…we’re talking about inspiring, healthy, fun, and exciting new goals we’ve created to make the most out of Summer!  We’ve been inspired by the sun and are ready to have the best season yet.
 
PP Owner, Heather, crossing Tennis off her Bucket List!
Here’s a compiled list of some fun summer goals our amazing instructors and staff have come up with to form the Pilates Platinum Summer 2014 Bucket List.

Join in on our fun and get inspired to make your own Summer Bucket List! These next few months are the perfect time to do everything you’ve wanted to do this summer, see all the places you’ve been waiting to check out, and experience everything that just screams SUMMER! 

Summer Bucket List

-Watch the sunset from the beach
-Tie-Dye
-Go to a baseball game (Go Dodgers!)
-Take a paddle-board lesson
-Pick wild flowers
-Tandem skydive (for the 2nd time!)
-Go swimming at night
-Play tennis
-Shop at a flea market with friends
-Learn to surf!
-Grow a gardenàcook a meal from it
-Start a compost
-Try parasailing
-Hike ALL well-known trails in the greater Los Angeles area
-Watch Cinespia movies! (Take advantage of all of the outdoor movie screenings around LA!)
-Paddle down the LA river
-Go to at least ONE Hollywood Bowl concert!
-Lead a street art tour of DTLA
-Bike from Ventura to Ojai, and back!
-Friday night wine tasting at the Barnsdall
-Go Kayaking
-Cook something new and challenging
-Go on a hike in Big Sur
-Take a nutrition class (or an online course)
-More Pilates!




Some of you have probably already enjoyed some of our ideas, so please leave feedback below. And feel free to share any of your own lists!

Monday, July 21, 2014

We've Got Your Wednesdays Covered!

Pilates Platinum proudly presents: Westfield Workout Wednesdays!

BurnThis and Westfield Century City have joined forces with some of the best LA studios to bring you $5.00 workouts and amazing giveaways and prizes EVERY Wednesday this month.

Next up: Pilates Platinum (mat pilates) this Wednesday, July 16th!
 Spaces are limited, to secure your spot:

>Download the FREE BurnThis app
>go to BOOK
>go to EVENTS
>choose WESTFIELD WORKOUT WEDNESDAYS

Email events@burnthis.com with any questions.

Remaining Workouts:
July 23rd Pilates Platinum (mat pilates)
July 20th Best U (cardio barre)
August 6th Physique 57 (barre/toning)


Friday, July 18, 2014

You're Invited: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Santa Monica 2014 Kick Off Event!

It’s that time again:
 The 4th Annual American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K is around the corner!
Pilates Platinum Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K 2013 team had a blast!

Pilates Platinum invites you to celebrate the event’s kick off and learn about how you can make a difference with Making Strides Santa Monica 2014.

Event Kick Off: “The Art of Awareness”
Wed. Aug. 13th  |  6-9pm
604 Arizona Ave Santa Monica, CA 90401

Enjoy food, drinks, and find out how you can make a difference!

An assortment of LA artists and businesses (including Pilates Platinum!!) have generously donated items to the Silent Auction. Take home items such as one-of-a-kind artwork, jewelry, movie memorabilia and gift certificates galore!!  (You must attend to take home these items.)

Special Presentation @ 7:30pm
Silent Auction closes @ 8:30pm

Please make sure you RSVP to the kick off event by August 1st
allison.winslow@cancer.org
or
1.800.227.2345

All proceeds for the Silent Auction and Walk will benefit the American Cancer Society Making Strides Santa Monica.  


For more info:


Thursday, July 17, 2014

Body Issue: Sweat It Out Without the Worry


Nothing makes our day better than a good sweat session. You know what they say: “Sweat is magic. Cover yourself with it daily and all of your dreams will come true.” Sounds good to us!

Sweating is so good for you-- it rids the body of toxins (by flushing out substances like alcohol, cholesterol and salt), it improves blood flow and digestion, and without this built-in ventilation system our body wouldn’t be able to function. Our favorite benefit of sweating? It boosts your endorphins!

Breaking a sweat everyday is our motto, but we also know how to keep it cool. It’s nice to stay dry (and pit-stain free!) when you need to. We’ve rounded a list of amazing products to help do just that.

Before you read about our favorite underarm protectors, here’s a cheat sheet of some underarm terms so you know what type of product your body may need.

Helpful terms:
Deodorant = masks the smell
(ingredients like triclosan control bacteria that cause the BO smell)

Antiperspirant = keeps sweat glands from perspiring
(aluminum salt in antiperspirants prevents sweat)

Clinical-Strength formulas = for sweet issues that need special attention
(prescription options deliver maximum odor and wetness protection)

Botox = injections which disable armpits’ sweat glands
(FDA approved injections of botulinum toxin A for severe cases) 
(photo from Lorna Jane)
Sweat it out without the worry!

Best products for heavy sweat sessions,
and for staying dry and fresh under stress:

1. Clinique Roll-On antiperspirant-deodorant ($12, link to buy here)

This is a high-performance, non-staining odor and wetness protector. Rolls on easily and dries quickly. If you haven’t tried a roll-on before, you’ll love the application!
2. Secret Clinical Strength Clear Gel antiperspirant-deodorant gel ($8, link to buy here)

This light-weight gel goes on quick and wet without leaving any residue. No chalkiness left to stain your clothes. It’s perfect to wear with tight-fitting workout clothes and keeps you sweat (and odor) free.


Best product for post-workout wear, 
normal daily activity, and for sensitive skin:

1. Dr. Hauschika Deodorant Fresh ($23, link to buy here)

This all-natural formula uses witch hazel and sage extracts to absorb odor without clogging pores. A fresh citrus scent from pure essential oils is calming and the natural ingredients are perfect for delicate skin.
2. Malin + Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant ($18, link to buy here)

Another all natural favorite! It’s both alcohol and aluminum-free, and formulated with eucalyptus extract so you feel like you’re at the spa when you put it on. While this may not be strong enough for an intense workout session, it’s a great option for daily wear, especially for those who have sensitive skin.
3. Dove Advanced Care with NutriumMoisture in Go Fresh Cool Essentials antiperspirant-deodorant ($7, link to buy here)

This is a great option for daily wear that boasts 48-hour protection. Strong enough for a workout, with green and fruity scents plus Dove’s NutriumMoisture ingredients. This antiperspirant-deodorant goes on smoothly, protects from odor and wetness and is so smooth. It’s also a great option to wear post-shave since the extra moisture ingredients soothe the skin.

So whether you need sweat protection for a long run, a pilates marathon, a stressful day, or even just a sweaty summer day, we suggest trying these products to keep your body in check!  If you have any brands you love, please share below or comment on our Instagram or Facebook page.