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 2^nd 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!

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 16^th!

 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 23^rd Pilates Platinum (mat pilates)

July 20^th Best U (cardio barre)

August 6^th Physique 57 (barre/toning)

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!

PP Instructor Feature

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

In England, pilates classes are very traditional...  Pilates Platinum was where I first encountered this 'west coast' type of pilates and it transformed my body very quickly. I wanted to take it with me anywhere in the world and so I trained in both SPX/Lagree) and STOTT (classical).  Originally,  it was passion that drove me - I didn't have the intention of teaching anyone but myself.  I consider Pilates Platinum to be the original studio of this pilates inspired workout movement in Los Angeles.  

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

Skating!  Outer thighs... that saddle bag area,  your gluts and hamstrings... What more can I say?

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

The mental exercise of getting out of bed and into the studio.  Everything after that is achievable.

4. What is your favorite way to exercise? 

Lagree Fitness/SPX Pilates!!!  This machine is unique.

I personally don't want to bulk out (and have a tendency to with other workouts) - I'm looking for that lean, feminine, athletic, dancer aesthetic.  (Side note to the boys: I've trained world class athletes and ex-Special Forces - I can build you up if that's what you want, no problem, let me know!).

Maximum results, shortest amount of time - like most people, I don't have time to spend on workouts that are pleasant, but don't give me results. This technique has outlasted and will continue to outlast the fitness fads out there plus it's safe - high intensity, low impact.  There are also unlimited combinations, so just when you think you've mastered the workout... 

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

Healthy - smoothies - I'm a dab hand with a blender... The stove... not so much.

Unhealthy - NYC pizza

6. What is your most unique quality?

No one else in the world has my fingerprints. You get a British accent in my class for free.

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

My bed. C'mon, I'm regularly up at 5am to teach! 

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

You'll get addicted to the results...

Where do you find inspiration?

My inspiration to workout?  My pilates clients keep me on my toes and inspired!  They're  amazing, strong and disciplined for being there before/after work, often at farmer hours!  I would feel like a charlatan driving them towards their personal peak condition and yet not doing the same for myself. Also, quite frankly, feeling good and staying young inspires me! I plan on living until age 200.

What advice would you like to share with the platinum blog reader.
If you're new, try it at least 3 times... First time can be a shock! :)

Use the collective energy in the room, not to compete with, but to inspire and support - borrow it to push you to be better.  

Don't feel you're fit or fit enough? Where you are now physically is a residual of who you were, old habits, not who you are NOW or where you will be a few months ... I've seen so many people transformed with this fitness technique. It doesn't take as long as you think.

The moves you find difficult are very often the moves your body needs the most!

Recovery is key to allowing your body to adapt (and change) to cope with the new demands you put upon it.  So if you want to see results, allow your body to recover! Working out immediately (if your body hasn't recovered) is often counter productive!

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 :-)

Something with tequila and chili...  Tequila is derived from agave, which is considered healthy... But let's face it, tequila is a little bit naughty... Gives you a GOOD kick, which says it all about my teaching ;) 

 

What is bubbly, refreshing and can always make you feel better?

It was a trick question...there are two answers. 

 A Mimosa is more of the obvious

 but the not so obvious is:

 Lindsay Whitley

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

From the moment, I took my first pilates class at PILATES PLATINUM Brentwood - I was hooked!  Coming from a competitive athletic background, I loved both the mental and physical challenge. The challenge is truly one-of-a-kind and the results speak for it.  I wanted elevate my own voice and share my passion!

What is your favorite exercise to put your class through? 

Scrambled Eggs.  "See You Saddlebags!"

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

I love the results, unique to pilates, from Scrambled Eggs, French Twist and Inner Thigh.

What is your favorite way to exercise?   

Spinlates @ Pilates Platinum (30 minutes of a cardio dance party and 30 minutes to tone sexy arms/six packs).

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

Oysters mmm!  Pizza or cookies mmmmmmm! 

What is your most unique quality?  

My quick Wit.  It comes in handy for making people smile.

Where is your favorite place in LA and why?   

The Beach for a mini vacation and mother nature's ability to provide a mesmerizing Zen. 

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

At Pilates Platinum you get the 3 dynamics of fitness:  strength, cardio and stretch.

Where do you find inspiration?  

Sunny days and sunny attitudes from friends, family or people with hardworking, optimistic attitudes.  Spread the love!

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

 I strive for fun, high energy and music to positively bring out your best.

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

Get in here, you won't regret it!

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 :-) 

It already exist, a Mimosa.  Who wouldn't want to be bubbly, refreshing and always make you feel better?

PP Instructor Feature: Beth

Beth Ella Bedingfield

- I have been teaching Pilates for 2 years. 

- I love motivating, encouraging and helping people in general. Any job that would allow me to do so I would be passionate about. However, the type of Pilates we teach is nothing like any type of exercise out, and I'm addicted, so it's easy to love what you do. 

- Don't know that I really have a motto. However, I try to be tough and motivating without discouraging anyone. Fitness is just as much mental as it is physical, and I believe being a good instructor is helping people mentally engage and challenge their bodies without feeling defeated by the end of the workout. 

- The cool thing about the studio is no matter what trainer you have every experience will be different, and I LOVE THAT. I am a very difficult instructor, but I never want it to be impossible. I play my music loud, I LOVE hip hop, and my goal is to not only instruct and motivate the class, but to also create in environment for the clients that they can get into a state of focus and improve their Pilates practice and increase their strength. I have high energy, and I train at a very high intensity, but will also help those who are newer to be able to get through and finish the workout without feeling defeated. My class does plenty of booty, and abs, two of my favorite things to work :) 

- What makes everyone unique is that none of us are the same. Everyone will gravitate toward different training styles or personalities. The way I train is unique because it shows a lot of my personality. I come from a Collegiate track background. I've learned to push my body to different limits my entire life. I think it's important for every trainer to know exactly what they are putting their class through feels like. If you don't know how it feels, there is no way you can instruct. I am very passionate about what I do and I genuinely care about people getting the best workout they can, and hopefully that shows in my teaching. :)

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