Beat the Exercise Rut!

Ever feel like you’re in an “exercise rut”? We’ve all been there…whether it’s the monotony of our workouts, or we’ve had a busy week with work or friends, or we're just plain ole tired. We’ve all moments when we dread hitting the gym or going to a class. But exercise shouldn’t’ feel like work! You’ve got to keep it FUN. Read below for some inspiring tips that’ll keep you motivated and excited to work out. Follow these ideas to beat the rut before it hits! And, have FUN.

Pilates Platinum is a Happy Place!

Get Outside

Have you heard us say about this before?! We love taking workouts outdoors. Feel the breeze and absorb that Vitamin D from the sunny sky. Studies show that spending even just 5 minutes outside helps improve your mood and self esteem. If you’re bored of the treadmill, try a jog around your neighborhood one morning. Run 15 minutes in one direction, turn around and run back home. It’s an easy way to get your workout in before you start your day. Watching the sunrise beats staring at the treadmill screen any day.

Get Creative

If you find yourself turned off by the thought of “heading to the gym” or “going to class,” try tricking yourself by getting creative. Remind yourself how amazing you feel after Pilates. Call Pilates class your “Happy Place”. Who doesn’t want to rush to “Happy Place”? Or rename the gym something that’ll remind you how amazing you feel after your workout. How does “heading to Endorphinville” sound? Or, instead of thinking about a long run ahead, put together a killer playlist and think, “I’m off to my dance party on the treadmill”! It may sound silly, but if you focus on how you’ll feel afterwards, and associate a workout with something fun, that mindset alone will switch the way you feel about working out.

Change It Up

It’s simple- change one thing about your workout every time. You’re more likely to get bored if you do the same thing all the time. It can be as little as wearing a different pair of pants to class instead of your normal black leggings. Or trying a new machine at the gym. Usually use free weights? Try a kettle ball. Usually work on the same Megaformer on the same side of the studio? Try switching sides. Changing it up will prevent boredom, and hey, maybe you’ll find something new that you never knew you loved!

Find a Favorite Instructor

An Instructor’s style can totally determine how much you love a class. Some teachers keep you personally motived, and maybe another’s class seems to drag on for you. Experiment with taking classes from different Instructors. Everyone has different taste, and different preferences for their workout environment. Find what you like. Then find someone whose infectious energy, amazing music, physical shape, or personally personally inspires you. Let a great Instructor help you reach your fitness goals- that's what they're there for, and that's what the love to do.

If you have ideas to share, please list them in the comment section. We can motivate each other to have fun working out-- and skip the boredom together!

Age is not a number, it's a state of mind!

We've all heard it before, right? Age is not a number, it’s a state of mind. Many of our Pilates Platinum members are proof that there's no age limit for fitness. Some of our strongest clients are proud grandparents who kick major butt on the Megaformer!

Read on to find out some tips that’ll help keep you active year after year.

in your 20s & 30s…

Strength train regularly. Get into a regular routine of weight lifting, resistance exercises, and HIIT workouts. It’s easier for your body to build muscle in your 20s and 30s when higher hormone levels maximize muscle growth. For an amazing, HIIT workout, check out Heather’s latest post on FitnessGalore.com by clicking here!

Stretch. Stretching is such an important part of recovery! Start to work on flexibility by stretching for at least 10 minutes a day, especially after Pilates class, a run, or a hike.

Prevent injuries. Ease into any new training program and make sure to ask for assistance when learning how to do new exercises properly. An added bonus for Pilates Platinum members? Strength training exercises like those done in Pilates help prevent common joint injuries.

in your 40s & 50s…

Stay active. If you’ve been active throughout your life, then you should still be able to enjoy the same physical activities (and Pilates classes!) to a certain extent. And if you haven’t been training, it’s not too late to start building muscle and you can still reap the benefits.

Make time for your workout. Don’t rush through, and listen to your body.

Lighten your load. You can lower the intensity of certain activities by using the bar weight to help balance during Pilates, or using hiking poles during a hike to reduce stress on your knees.

in your 60s & 70s…

Ease up. It’s totally feasible to continue hiking, or power walking, and even taking Pilates Platinum classes through your “golden years.” Staying active is one of the best ways to maintain your individual physical condition as you age, but moving to low-impact activities like swimming and hiking smaller hills will keep you fit while still sparing your joints.

Work on balance. Activities that require balance help maintain your daily coordination and overall physical strength.

A healthy and active lifestyle, especially one that incorporates a regular Pilates practice, is only part of the equation in maintaining health and fitness as you grow older. Fitness is a lifestyle-- fitness is for life!

Pilates Platinum's Top Protein Bar Picks

These days, most of us are on the go-- from Pilates Platinum straight to work, or from work straight to class…not to mention daily errands like the market or the bank, and taking care of our families and children. It takes some extra time and extra effort to plan ahead and eat healthy while on the run. Or, it takes little time and little effort with the help of an ultra convenient and healthy secret weapon: a protein bar.

There’s no debating that protein is an essential part of a healthy diet, especially if you’re putting in hours at the gym or Pilates. Protein helps your muscles recover after a workout and keeps you feeling full. Protein bars are a great way to incorporate more protein in your diet when you may not have the time to cook a full meal.

The question is, what protein bars are best?

There are more than 30 popular brands out there, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We recently met with our healthy (and informed!) Pilates Platinum Instructors from all four studios, and had them weigh in on their favorite protein-packed bars and snacks.

Read below to see what types of bars your favorite trainers love. And if you’re not a fan of getting your protein from a bar, our trainers also included their favorite non-bar, protein-filled snacks that keep them going strong all day long.

Top picks from the Pilates Platinum Team:

(The most popular brands lead the list, followed by the runner-ups.)

1. Think Thin
http://thinkproducts.com/products/ 

Favorite flavors: Chunky Peanut Butter, Creamy Peanut Butter

Why they’re so great: A great tasting bar with 0g sugar and 20g-30g protein. A perfect mid-day snack, something to refuel with in between teaching classes all day, or a post-workout treat. Also easy to carry in a purse or gym bag.

2. Quest Bars 
http://www.questproteinbar.com

Favorite flavors: Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate Peanut Butter

Why they’re so great: The only Gluten Free bar with so many flavors to choose from, low in carbohydrates, and very low in sugar.

3. Perfect Food Bars
http://www.perfectfoodsbar.com/collections/perfect-foods-bars

Favorite flavors: Almond Butter

Why they’re so great: So filling that you can eat half of one 30 minutes before working out, and the other half post-workout. Bars are packed with 20+ organic superfoods with no preservatives or refined sugar. Tip: These bars are hard to find- look for them in the refrigerated section at Whole Foods.

4. Vega All-In-One Meal Bars
http://myvega.com/product/vega-one-bar/

Favorite flavors: Chocolate Cherry Almond

Why they’re so great: Plant-based, whole food, non-GMO ingredients, delicious flavors, and only 12g protein for those who don’t want a full 20g.

Other favorite bars include:

METRx Protein Plus in Mud Pie Fusion

(http://www.metrx.com/protein-bars/protein-plus-mud-pie-fusion-85-g)

gnu foods FIBER LOVE bars in Cinnamon Raison

(www.fiberlovebar.com)

DNA Life Bars 

(http://www.dnabars.com)

Larabars 

(www.larabar.com)

Kind Bars 

(www.kindsnacks.com)

Luna Bars 

(www.lunabar.com)

Cliff Bars in Chocolate Chip

(http://www.clifbar.com/food/products_clif_bar)

Pilates Platinum’s favorite NON-BAR protein snacks:

1. “The OG energy bar”

Sprouted Wheat Toast, like Trader Joe’s California Style Protein Bread slathered with Justin's Chocolate Hazelnut Butter. http://www.livestrong.com/thedailyplate/nutrition-calories/food/trader-joes/complete-protein-bread-california-style/, http://justins.com/item/chocolate-hazelnut-butter/

2. Garden of Life Raw Fit Protein

It doesn’t come in bar form, but it’s raw, organic, non-GMO, Vegan, dairy free, gluten free, soy free. It’s a great protein powder for those who prefer to drink their protein. http://www.gardenoflife.com/Products-for-Life/Weight-Management/RAW-Fit.aspx

3. Fruit & Nuts

Cashews, Almonds…any type of nut! Fresh fruit (apples, grapes, cherries) anything you can throw in a bag and snack on later.

4. Chia Pods

Chia Pods are a relatively new fitness craze that you can make overnight in your fridge. You can now also pick some up at Whole Foods. Try the brand, CHIA POD for an energy-boosting breakfast that’s dairy and gluten free. http://www.thechiaco.com.au/products/chia-pod

5. Protein from the Kitchen

Straight protein such as salmon, eggs, some chicken, sushi, and of course veggies.

So there you have it- the best of the best from your favorite Pilates instructors! If you have any favorites to add, list them in the comments section below. We'd love to hear your take on some of the above brands, and add any of your favorite protein snacks to our list!

Pilates Ed.101

Many of us benefit from the results of Pilates-based workouts like our sweat-drenching Pilates Platinum classes, or more traditional mat classes. But even though we may practice often, we don’t necessarily take time to discuss the basic principles upon which Pilates was founded.

Here’s a little cheat sheet of the basics we like to call 

“Pilates Education 101.”

So the next time you’re wondering why a certain move is so important, or the next time your instructor uses a term you might not have previously known, hopefully you’ll be able to connect some dots with the below background knowledge and impress yourself (and your Pilates Instructor) with what you know about the principles of Pilates!

The 6 Basic Principles of Pilates

Centering. No doubt you’ve heard the term “strengthen your powerhouse” before. What this phrase is talking about is the basic principle of Centering. Pilates workouts focus on strengthening the “corset” muscles of the body, including the abdominals, pelvis, buttocks and back.

Concentration. Being able to focus your full attention on your form and the execution of each individual exercise is crucial in Pilates. You'll receive maximum benefits if your form is on point. Concentrating on every muscle group that’s working, while maintaining correct form requires full concentration to keep your mind and body connected.

Control. Concentration goes hand in hand with Control. If you’re able to fully concentrate, you’ll be able to fully control the movements. By engaging your mind to control your body, you’ll learn to use only the muscles necessary to perform the move, while allowing the rest of your body to relax.

Precision. Every movement in Pilates has a purpose. Quality over quantity. When a movement is performed well, you will accomplish maximum results.

Breath. Breathing correctly is such an important part of Pilates! Moving in tandem with your breath not only results in enhanced lung capacity and overall coordination, but it also facilitates a stronger mind-body connection. If you focus on your breath while performing an exercise, you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish, and how much strength you actually have. Use your breath and push yourself.

Flow. Every movement in a Pilates workout is part of a flow. The entire exercise is meant to be performed with the grace and ease of a dancer-- it’s a gentle and challenging workout with each movement flowing into the next, providing you with a phenomenal cross-training workout.

"In 10 sessions you will feel the difference, in 20 sessions you will see the difference, and in 30 you will have a new body." – Joseph Pilates