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!

Trainer Tuesday! A Day in the Life of Hilary Curwen

Welcome Hilary Curwen to Trainer Tuesday! Hilary has been with Pilates Platinum for over a year and is known to give a great workout- both on the proformer AND the bike! Her Pilates and 30/30 Spin/Pilates classes are full of energy and very hands on. You'll especially love her classes if you're into yoga since Hilary tends to incorporate a bit of "yoga flare" into her workouts. Read below to see a day in Hilary's life, then come visit her on the west side and get moving!

A Day in the Life of Hilary Curwen

Pilates and Spin Instructor (Venice Beach and Brentwood Studios)

What are your favorite Pilates moves?

I love core work, Plank Wheel barrel  Catfish..etc (anything on the back)

I also love exercises that are supine on the carriage.. lower abdominals

are my jam! .

What is one of your favorite non-Pilates workouts?

I am a workout machine. I love hot yoga a few times a week; Corepower &

Modo.  Barry's Bootcamp is fabulous once a week to get kicked in the butt,

and of course running.

What’s your exercise routine like for a typical *week

Monday: afternoon yoga & maybe spin class at night

Tuesday: Pilates with jaime, then I teach  30 min spin after..

Wednesday: Classical Pilates in Hollywood or Barry's in Weho.

Thursday: I teach 45 min spin in the a.m, then do Pilates

Friday: Corepower yoga

Saturday: Pilates with Debi & I teach 30 min spin

Sunday: REST

What are some of your favorite healthy foods? 

*I love love love mushrooms. Raw, steamed, **sautéed, love it all.  I eat

veggies with almond cheese a lot lately, and make veggie spring rolls with

rice paper and tofu.  I eat pretty "vegan-like."*

What does your workout and eating schedule for a typical day like?

I wake up around 5:30 or 6 am, and the first thing I do is go to the

kitchen.  I have some coconut water and honestly eat whatever is in the

fridge that day.  Today I had sushi from the night before…   I love

smoothies, so I use coconut meat, protein powder and almond milk for a

creamy drink.  I then work for a few hours then do my workout for the day.

I am definitely a morning person so I like to get everything done early.

I am all over LA, so I find places to workout or bring running shoes and do

that in between appointments.  Always keeping clothes in the car has served

me well.   I eat every few hours and I love anything that has dates or nuts

in it.  Recently I have been making my own 'lara bars' for something sweet

in the afternoon.. I work early afternoons and nights then crash early

around 10pm..

See more of Hilary HERE in her Trainer Bio video!

Trainer Tuesday! A Day in the Life of Kiana Greir

This Tuesday, Pilates Platinum would like to welcome a new trainer for Sundays at our Venice Beach Studio, Kiana! Kiana has always been passionate about health, wellness, fitness and nutrition, as a dancer, surfer, and competitive volleyball player. We’re excited to have her on the PP team! Read below to learn more about Kiana, and hop into one of her classes starting Sunday’s in Venice Beach.

A Day in the Life of Kiana Grier

Pilates Instructor (Venice Beach Studio)

What are your favorite Pilates moves? 

I love the deep stretch in Long Jump Lunge and I love the immediate effects of French Twist!

What is one of your favorite non-Pilates workouts? 

I love anything that might be different or challenges my body in a completely different way, like a kickboxing or dance class or pilates! Yoga, running, and hiking are my favorite go-tos on days I'm not taking a pilates class! I'm so lucky to live in California where there are so many beaches and hiking trails to explore :)

What’s your exercise routine like for a typical week?

Monday: yoga and run

Tuesday: hiking

Wednesday: dance/kickboxing

Thursday: spin/surfing :)

Friday: pilates and a beach run

Saturday: anything outdoors! or a new class with a friend :)

Sunday: Pilates  

What are some of your favorite healthy foods?

I love learning about new possibilities for salads and I love exploring farmers markets throughout the week. Eating and preparing seasonal fruits and veggies has really changed how my body feels and especially how my body stays strong and fit working out and staying active:)

What does your workout and eating schedule for a typical day like?

When do you wake up?

Besides early classes I usually wake up at 7am. I am also in graduate school so a consistent wake up time really helps keep a good exercise and study routine to keep my energy up!

What do you eat for breakfast?

I love a good cup of coffee and eggs with veggies and avocado. Most days during the week I'm on the run, so I it's usually a coffee plus a protein shake- Vega protein, almond milk, flax, dates and piece of fruit.  

What do you do in the first half of a typical day?

The first half of a typical day I am either teaching classes in the morning then I am doing research and reading for graduate school! I love learning and apply that to everything I do- in the studio, in the classroom, in life!

What do you eat for lunch?

I usually eat as colorful of a salad as I can! -with a protein like tuna, chicken, or turkey and good fat source like avocado. If I'm being a little naughty I love a good   old fashioned turkey sandwich with cheese on gluten free bread :) 

What do you do during a typical afternoon?

Because of my school schedule I'm usually on my way to school during the week! Any time I'm not driving to class, I love to spend my time reading or doing something active or outside with my friends and family.

What do you eat for dinner?

Dinner is usually a lean meat and veggies, salad or a quinoa salad. 

What do you do for a workout on a typical day?

During the week my workouts need to be efficient and effective. I love a good run at the Santa Monica stairs or on Ocean Ave, surfing, a dance class, a yoga class to get my heart rate up and sweat, AND of course Pilates! I'm a busy girl, and I love inspiring people who think that they don't have time- you have to take time for you… workouts are fun and important to make time for!

What do you do on a typical night? 

My friends and I are really good about trying new places for a cocktail and live music. But I'll admit most nights I'm catching up on some of my Netflix shows and studying for school! 

What time do you go to sleep?

I need to be in bed no later than 11pm! Even though I'm a student I told myself for grad school I vow to never pull an all nighter again! I believe that sleep is just as important as the workouts you do and the food you put in your body. 

What’s your favorite part of your day?

My favorite part of my day is helping people push past a barrier or edge in Pilates classes. There is nothing like the smiles after a good workout, and there is nothing like the thank yous. I'm a client too so I know what a good boost of endorphins can do to your day :) I love seeing that in my clients when they leave class.  

What’s your biggest source of inspiration…what keeps you going everyday?

I'm inspired by people and their ability to change, work through something challenging, to endure. The studio and pilates workout is microcosmic to the work that you do in your life, at your jobs. I believe that mental strength is something that we learn and can continue to learn. I try to take this into everything that I do and bring that inspiration to my classes :) 

What are your trainer tips or words of advice for people interested in Pilates and a healthy lifestyle?

"Good habits are as addictive as bad habits, but much more rewarding." YOU have the power to choose what you bring into your life, make it healthy, make it fun, make it sweaty, make it rewarding! 

Trainer Tuesday! A Day in the life of Stefanie Hasbany

If you're a regular at any of the Pilates Platinum west side studios, you've probably had your booty kicked into shape by Stefanie- she teaches multiple classes in all 3 west side locations! Read below to learn more about this Tuesday's Trainer of the week: Stefanie! Her love of dance, barre, pilates, TRX, and any outdoor exercise will definitely inspire you to get moving!

A Day in the Life of Stefanie Hasbany

Pilates Instructor (Venice, Brentwood, and Santa Monica Studios)

 

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PILATES MOVES?
Mega Hamstring Curls. Kneeling Side Kicks and ABS. Abs on your back, abs in compound planks, twists and the pool of exercises that makes you use your abs for balance and stability.

WHAT'S ONE OF MY FAVORITE NON-PILATES WORKOUTS?
Dancing. I enjoy barre classes. It's really nothing like a ballet class but it takes me back. I've spent most of my life at the barre and in a dance studio so the barre, posture, external rotation, it makes me happy.

WHAT'S YOUR EXERCISE ROUTINE LIKE FOR A TYPICAL WEEK?
I try to switch it up but you will mostly find me taking barre or Pilates with an occasional yoga or TRX class thrown in the mix. I enjoy exercising outdoors as much as possible too.  I live right by the beach so I'm always taking advantage by taking long walks and I will hike at least 2x a week and do the Santa Monica stairs for quick cardio fix too.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE HEALTHY FOODS?
I love spinach, kale, ginger, garlic and tumeric. Haricot verts. Cashews. Oranges. There's really not much I don't like:)

WHEN DO YOU WAKE UP?
It depends but typically I see my husband off to work around 8 am. But we like to sleep in when he's off or goes in later than usual.

WHAT DO YOU EAT FOR BREAKFAST?
Does coffee count? That's first and water with lemon. I don't usually eat as soon as I wake up but I will enjoy a grapefruit or Greek yogurt with chia seeds and banana earlier in the day.

WHAT DO YOU DO FIRST HALF OF DAY?
I will try to get into a class before I start teaching and/or hike, walk. I will stretch at home or give myself a mat class or work on the stability ball.

WHAT DO YOU EAT FOR LUNCH?
I'm not in the habit of eating the same thing at the same time everyday. I like to have small meals during the day so I don't feel weighed down or tired. But I will try to have some greens or a green juice.  I will grab some nuts or avocado or cheese and fruit.

WHAT DO YOU DO DURING A TYPICAL AFTERNOON?
I usually teach in the afternoon and if I'm not I will get into class or go on a hike and get some fresh air.

WHAT DO YOU EAT FOR DINNER?
I always have a plethora of veggies in the fridge mostly for sides but sometimes for the main meal. We have pork, beef and fish at least once a week. My least favorite is chicken but I will make it from time to time.

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A WORKOUT ON A TYPICAL DAY?
I always try to do something active that gets my heart rate up but on rest days is when I will get on the mat or take a walk and enjoy the view.

WHAT TIME DO YOU GO TO SLEEP?
Sometime around midnight on a typical night.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE DAY?
Everyday has a high at different times but my favorite part of the day is when my husband comes home from work.

WHAT'S YOUR BIGGEST SOURCE OF INSPIRATION... WHAT KEEPS YOU GOING EVERYDAY?
My husband inspires me to be the best person I can be everyday and he keeps things in perspective for me.
I love to take classes and studio hop to see how other teachers interpret things and encourage their class. I'm inspired when trying new things and when staying  connected to the student process.  I'm inspired by what's tried and true and what's best and fresh. I'm inspired when I stay in the moment.

WHAT ARE YOUR TRAINER TIPS OR WORDS OF ADVICE FOR PEOPLE INTERESTED IN PILATES AND A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE?
Stay present.  Try not to worry about anyone else in class or anything going on outside of class, listen to the music, listen to the instructor and listen to your body and do your best. Same for your diet. Listen to what your body needs. Eat when you're hungry and embrace the wealth of health that is out there for you to savor.

 Watch Stefanie in her Trainer Bio video HERE!

Trainer Tuesday! A Day in the Life of Nicole Day

Today Pilates Platinum is highlighting Nicole! Some of you may have recently caught her on last week's The Mentalist, or cheered her on as she crossed the finish line during the LA Marathon- Nicole spends a lot of time acting, producing, making films, performing improv and writing, and don't' forget, teaching Pilates! Read on to see a day in her life- including her #1 Trainer Tip!

A Day in the Life of Nicole Day

Pilates Instructor (Brentwood and Hollywood Studios)

What are your favorite Pilates moves? 

Leg sweep, all day, everyday. Kneeling reverse inner thighs. Lunges. All of them. Specifically giant reverse and super lunge.

What is one of your favorite non-Pilates workouts? 

I love Spin. Brian Evans Spin class at Pilates Platinum. Ben B and Cate B at Soul Cycle. Hot 8 Yoga. And when I'm in that part of town, Yoga Shelter in Studio City is phenomenal. 

What’s your exercise routine like for a typical week?

I'm busy. Very busy. But no matter what, I make sure I work out 3 times a week. That usually consists of 1 pilates and 2 spin. If I have extra time, a hot yoga class or an additional pilates class.

What are some of your favorite healthy foods?

I'm a Whole Foods rat. I could eat fruits and vegetables all day. Smoothies! Smoothies are the best. Earthbar, Nekter, Liquid. Acai bowls, too. 

5. What does your workout and eating schedule for a typical day like?

This is such a stressful question, because all of my clients are so fit. I am not perfect!!! Here it goes: 

When do you wake up? 

Super freaking early, so I can teach everyone pilates. 

What do you eat for breakfast?

I eat either a Chocolate Chip Cliff Bar. Oatmega Bars are good too. I always make sure to have something in my stomach in the morning, so my metabolism starts.

What do you do in the first half of a typical day?

Teach pilates.

What do you eat for lunch? 

I always eat out! I'm out a lot. I wish I had a steadier schedule so I could cook for myself more. 

What do you do during a typical afternoon? 

Working on all of my different creative projects. 

What do you eat for dinner?

Usually chicken. Chicken's the only meat I eat. Lots of chicken. 

What do you do for a workout on a typical day?

Spin or pilates.

What do you do on a typical night? 

Perform in comedy shows. I perform at UCB, IO West and all over town. Check em out! Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre | IO Improv 

What time do you go to sleep?

I have no set schedule. Sometimes late, sometimes early. 

What’s your favorite part of your day?

Talking to my parents on the phone. They're the best.

 

What’s your biggest source of inspiration…what keeps you going everyday?
My Mom and Dad! I love my Mom and Dad very much. I have amazing friends. And Brene Brown! She's great. Check her out! 

What are your trainer tips or words of advice for people interested in Pilates and a healthy lifestyle?

Don't eat crap. That's huge. My #1 tip wouldn't be to work out more. My #1 tip is to not eat crap, and watch your calories. Then, make a set fitness goal every week to accomplish no matter how busy you get. Like for me, no matter what, I exercise 3 times a week. I used to just wait till I felt out of shape, and then worked out. Not the smartest plan. Stay on top of it so you never feel out of shape! Drink water!!! Drink so much water. Your skin will look amazing and you will feel amazing. I stay away from the excess of supplements out there. Just eat healthy. The diet you need is what your recommended calorie intake is for the day. And if you want to lose weight, eat like a couple hundred less for the day. 

See more of Nicole in her Trainer Bio video HERE!