Yogahop: Hop For Yoga!

Lately I have been trying to mix things up a little by going outside of my workout repertoire.

Although jogging and pilates take up most of my fitness schedule, I love to go out and find really cool new yoga spots in Los Angeles.

My particular preference are yoga classes that are active and fun - especially ones that include music. Otherwise, I'm not kidding, I fall asleep! I need some movement and some hot yoga sessions.
So it's been quite hard to find good classes that I feel are a really good fit.

YogaHop is one of those places that really hits the yoga spot. They offer a really unique way of practicing Yoga, in an environment that I really like. Their prices are reasonable and they have plenty of parking at both their Pasadena and their Santa Monica Locations. Try it out and tell us what you think! Tell them Pilates Platinum recommended you.

1612 Montana Ave, 2nd Floor • Santa Monica, CA • 90403 • 310-829-5000

Kombucha: My Wonder Drink

A friend of mine decided to take a break from drinking for a few weeks. Sounds hard right? But what's interesting is the tip she shared with me for a good substitute - something that will keep you from reaching for that glass of wine or amber beer when you're out to dinner and trying to cut back on the carbs. It's Kombucha! A very weird but very yummy and helpful drink.

Kombucha has a long history dating back to 19th century Russia, but its popularity has very quickly taken off here in the states. The drink is made out of a mix of yeast and bacteria, tea, and sugar.

The taste is interesting - it's slightly fizzy, flavorfull, and a mixture of sour (like a lemon) and slightly sweet. And it's not for everyone: some people try it and hate it and others get addicted to it!

Some of the benefits of Kombucha that have been documented include better eyesight, better skin, eases symptoms of certain illnesses like carpal tunnel, and aids in digestion.

Some benefits that we have seen include helping us feel full when we want to over-eat, smoothing stomach aches, helping us feel more alert, and improving our overall mood. It also helps, as my friend suggested, if you're trying to avoid alcohol (Kombucha has .05 percent alcohol, which probably satisfies some of the cravings).

My favorite brand is GTS' Synergy in the flavors including gingerberry, original or citrus.

Have you tried Kombucha? What's your favorite brand and flavor?

Pilates Platinum Featured on Vital Juice!

The great folks over at Vital Juice interviewed our very own Heather Dorak. Thanks guys!

Check out the interview here and make sure to sign up for the Vital Juice newsletter! Here's just a peek:

Get sleek stamina by combining sculpting and conditioning in one workout.

If you've been searching for a class that's easy on the joints but hard on the core and cardio, we have a find for you. Heather Dorak has created innovative Pilates workouts that include high-intensity training while sculpting dancer-like physiques. The place: Pilates Platinum.

We asked Dorak our pressing questions about the tummy-tightening workout:

Q. How is Pilates Platinum different from traditional Pilates?
A. Click here.

Q. How did you come up with this workout?
A. Click here.

Q. What can a first-timer expect?
A. Click here.

Want to try a few moves at home? Check out this video.

Talk about hard core.

Introducing Dr. Molly

As many of you know, I turned to pilates after experiencing a very bad injury. As a result, I also turned to other therapies, and also started seeing chiropractors. Turning to this was incredibly helpful in my own healing.

I have met many practitioners over the past few years, but one in particular has really made a difference in my healing.

Dr Molly Casey, or Dr Molly as she is affectionately known, is a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic. Her passion in life is health: Helping people heal. She teaches that health is found within the individual, and that empowerment and self-accountability are crucial. Peak health and fitness is a journey that requires resolute participation.

This holistic approach means that Dr Molly subscribes fully to the calling of the chiropractor: To detect and correct vertebral subluxation. A vertebral subluxation is an ominous sounding phrase that means a misalignment in the spine. Many things cause and contribute to subluxations. Correcting these revitalizes communication between the brain and the rest of the body; allowing for optimal nerve flow. Say hello to a full expression of life.

More information about Dr Molly may be found at www.drmollydc.com

The Giving Keys

I have a friend who wants to make a statement about her life, to set a goal for her life, but she wasn't sure about getting a tattoo.

So I directed her to The Giving Keys, a key necklace that you can engrave with any word that means something special to you, like "hope" or "faith." Also, when you're done with your key - when you feel that you have achieved what you wanted - you have to pass it on to someone else. Someone who you feel will need the strength and who has the same goal you had at one point.

What's great about them is that they employ folks who really need a job - those who are homeless and in dire need of money. So the key gives back to the community too in a sense.

Beautiful! And such an amazing, simple idea, for a great price (just $30!)

What would your giving key say?

Vega Sport: For The Sports Nuts In All of Us.

Im a fitness junky, and if you're reading my blog through Pilates Platinum, you probably are too. So you know very well how much we need to remain hydrated and healthy, especially in between intense workouts.

While water is a must, you can always spice it up a little bit by adding an electrolyte hydrator by Vega Sport. I add this to my water and drink it throughout the day. It's a drink mix, without preservatives or additives.

Other products that Vega is so great for includes their protein powder, which helps you improve performance and your strength.

Check out Vega Sport's other must-have items!

Heather Dorak on How Pilates Healed Her Life

Article originally published at MindBodyGreen

By Jason Wachob

Meet Heather Dorak, the founder of LA's fastest growing Pilates studio, Pilates Platinum. Heather tells us how Pilates healed her life, helped her overcome an eating disorder, and also shares her philosophy on food and more!

MBG: Many people come to Pilates for healing...how did you come to Pilates/how did it heal your body?

HD: I was a dancer for many years and the repetitive practice of moves over the years resulted in injuries and chronic pain in my feet, ankles and lower back. Because of the pain, I tended to over compensate my movements in one area of the body over the other which affected my alignment as well. As I was considering options for therapy, a friend of mine introduced me to Pilates. I took several classes and noticed an immediate improvement. Unlike many other training program Pilates works the whole body emphasizing control, precision and concentration in the mind, body and spirit. The focus on core stabilization makes one stronger from the inside out which is critical in healing and strengthening the body. Pilates is low impact which makes it ideal for injury prevention and rehabilitation. The balance between strength and flexibility creates a healthy , symmetrical workout for all muscle groups resulting in a leaner , more balanced and stronger body. My health and energy level improved dramatically after taking Pilates classes and I no longer experience any pain. My own personal successes led me to open my first Pilates studio with the goal in mind to inspire others to create implement and achieve their own health and fitness goals.

How did Pilates help you overcome an eating disorder?

Being a dancer for many years created a lot of body image issues and led into an eating disorder which was very difficult to overcome. My eating disorder affected my mind, body and spirit. In combination with the chronic pain that I was experiencing , my emotional level and loss of self greatly affected the quality of my life. Taking Pilates classes was my first step in the recovery process as it addressed the pain that I had been experiencing. As the pain diminished and my body became stronger I started to pay greater attention to my overall health and nutrition. I realized that having a stronger body while struggling with an eating disorder was completely counter productive. It wasn’t easy, but I started taking small steps to improving all aspects of my health. My family and friends supported and coached me through the process. The next big step that contributed to my recovery was opening my first Pilates studio. I quickly realized that in order to be effective with my clients I had to be honest with them and with myself. I knew that I would achieve greater success if I was as strong and healthy as possible and this idea in itself created a continued path of wellness.

How/why can Pilates empower someone to overcome obstacles in their life?

Pilates emphasizes a lifestyle. It's not a fad or trendy workout -- Pilates can truly change your body. Results are achieved in a short amount of time and I see it all the time from people at my studio. They become more self confident as they accomplish more and this motivates and empowers them to address other obstacles in their lives as well. They begin to make a long term commitment to their overall daily lives, activities and relationships the same way that they approach their fitness goals which brings them greater success and encourages them to take their lives to the next level.

A lot of yogis also practice Pilates -- why do you think this is so?

Even though they are quite different, I think that a lot of yogis practice Pilates because the nature of the techniques makes it easy for them to compliment each other. You get the stretch with yoga and keep it with Pilates. You can strengthen your abdominals on the reformer and see improvement in many of your poses. Joining the breathing techniques of Pilates and meditative aspect of yoga into a daily routine will enhance the mind, body and spirit. By combining both the body never becomes totally accustomed to performing the same routine every day so it's constantly in a state of change and development. This is what a successful workout routine is all about. Pilates and yoga are both dynamic workouts that are time proven and established and people who participate in both achieve the ultimate benefits possible.

What is your philosophy on food?

I believe that clean eating goes hand in hand with being healthy and achieving our fitness goals. The soul of clean eating is consuming food in its most natural state, or as close to it as possible. If you eat garbage, your body will show it. If you eat whole, healthy and fresh foods your body, skin and soul will glow with health that will give you endless energy. It is not a diet, it is a lifestyle approach to food and its preparation. Here are my favorite tips that I share with my clients who are seeking ways to improve their food choices.

1. Avoid processed foods and eliminate food with chemicals.
   
2. Eat lots of plants, preferably straight off of the tree or bush; the idea here is to stay away from anything that has been altered by a food company.
   
3. Drink at least two liters of water a day.
   
4. If you eat meat, eat meats that are whole and straight from the butcher, humanly raised and local.
   
5. Consume healthy fats every day.
   
6. Enjoy grains – eat whole grains that haven’t been broken down.
   
7. Read labels so you know what you are eating. Clean foods only include one or two ingredients.
   
8. Buy organic when you can.
   
9. Learn about portion sizes and work toward eating within them.
   
10. Eat 5-6 small meals per day, if this is too difficult, eat 3 smaller meals with a mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack. Include a lean protein, plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and a complex carbohydrate with each meal. This keeps your body energized and burning calories efficiently all day long.

Clean eating may seem overwhelming at first, especially if you have lots of changes to make. My advice is to take baby steps. Make little changes every day and don’t feel guilty if you make mistakes. We all do. Just realize that it is what you do the majority of the time that counts.

What are some of your favorite healthy places to eat in LA?

There are so many amazing healthy places to eat in LA and that’s why I love this city. I love Tender Greens, especially the one next to my Santa Monica studio on Broadway and 2nd street. They have a raw salad featured every day with local farmers market produce. Euphoria Loves Rawvolution is an amazing place that serves up these marvelous raw food dishes. It's also my go to place when I am craving something sweet. Latest indulgence was cookie dough ball made out of coconut butter and coconut oil -- amazing! The space out there is just so cool, vibrant and open, I love going there to work or just hang out with friends. Main Street in Santa Monica is one of my favorite streets in LA.

What's next for you, what are you working on?

I have found that lifestyle, not diets or trendy workouts is the most important thing to emphasize as we strive to make changes in our lives. My dedication is to inspire others to create, implement and achieve their personal fitness goals. Next month I will also begin to offer fitness and nutrition seminars at our Brentwood studio. I'd like to create an environment that is constantly evolving and provides opportunities for people to feel supported and engaged as they continue on their chosen path.

For more on Heather check out PilatesPlatinum.com.

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Voli Light Vodka

Now for a more..ahem...fun post.

You're at a cocktail party or a dinner with friends, and you want to get a little crazy. Without overdoing it of course, and you particularly want to go easy on the calories.

Enter Voli light vodkas, a new discovery I made at an event. It's a fun, low calorie (20 to 40% less calories than other vodkas) way to get your drink on. They come in multiple flavors, including lemon, pear vanilla, and raspberry cocoa.

They're great, they taste "light" and they are easy on the tummy. Didn't even give me the headache that I get with most vodkas.

Check out your nearest Whole Foods to get your vodka fix - or just order them straight from the website. Bottom's up!

Pilates Platinum is now on Pinterest!

Ever heard of Pinterest? It's a cute little platform - kind of a mini Tumblr - that you can use to share beautiful or funny or interesting images.

We'll be using this awesome network to share things that interest us and that we think you'll love. Feel free to sign up and follow Pilates Platinum! It's fun!

What's For Breakfast?

The other day someone asked me, what's the perfect breakfast, especially when you are trying to lose weight or keep fit?

It's a tough question, because everyone has different tastes and metabolism.

So I like to give as an example the type of breakfast that I might eat on a typical day. I like to keep it light, but sweet, because that keeps me full until lunchtime.

I might have gluten-free oatmeal with fresh berries. Sometimes I might also sprinkle a few Chia seeds on top. If you need a little bit more sweetness add a teaspoon of honey. But not too much.

Another favorite of mine and of many of my healthy friends is an egg white omelet with all kinds of of veggies. I top this off with fresh salsa and one slice of Ezekiel bread, which is really hearty, so it keeps you satisfied for a while.

One of my friends sometimes does raw food cleanse programs. When she's on those, she has found that the best, easiest way to go each morning is the simplest: a raw, vegan bar like a Earthling Organic's Raw Bar, with a banana, followed by green tea. That's especially useful for those who like to eat more on the sweet side in the morning.