Showing posts with label spin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spin. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Trainer Tuesday! A Day in the Life of Tara Singer

Today, Pilates Platinum would like a take a few minutes to introduce one of our west side trainers, Tara! Tara has been a Spin Instructor for over 8 1/2 years and recently began teaching Pilates as well. She's a big fan of the intensity and energy of both Pilates and Spinning, and she especially enjoys the sense of accomplishment you get from both types of workouts! Expect to work hard, but don't worry- her positive attitude and smile will keep you motived and help you finish strong. Read on to learn more about Tara and her healthy habits, and catch her during your next trip to Venice Beach!

A Day in the Life of Tara Singer
Pilates and Spin Instructor (Venice Beach Studio)

What are your favorite Pilates moves? 
kneeling inner thighs, tailbone angel... pretty much anything abs

What is one of your favorite non-Pilates workouts? 
Spinning (of course), jogging along the shoreline on the beach or a toning HIT workout

What’s your exercise routine like for a typical week?
At least 45 min of cardio about each day (i.e., elliptical, Spinning, jogging or walking on beach) and at least 30 min of toning 4 times a week (i.e. SPX, HIT, free weights and Pilates ball). 
What are some of your favorite healthy foods?
Kale & quinoa salads, fresh fruit, green superfood drinks

What does your workout and eating schedule for a typical day look like?
Monday through Friday, I'm up around 630a, drink cranberry juice with calcium bentonite clay and exercise.  After exercising, I have a green superfood drink with cayenne pepper and a low-fat protein drink.  Once I'm in my office, I fill up a large glass of water (which is replenished a couple of times) and have some fresh fruit.  About a half hour later breakfast can vary from 0% Fage plain yogurt with honey to a scrambled egg white and a slice of whole wheat toast.  A couple of hours later, lunch is either a frozen Healthy Choice, Amy's or Lean Cuisine entree and a piece of fruit or I eat out.  Usually walk somewhere too just to get outside.  I have some sort of a snack around 3p or 4p, like a banana with Justin's almond butter or a Kind bar.  Depending on the night, I may exercise again. I don't cook - have no patience for it - so dinner can vary from a salad to a bowl of cereal.  At the end of my day, I drink another cranberry juice with
calcium bentonite clay and head to bed around 10p or so.  And then my Saturday and Sunday mornings, as you know, are spent teaching Spinning classes and sweating it out on the megaformer! 
What’s your biggest source of inspiration…what keeps you going everyday?
My miracle mom.  An ideal picture of "if you believe it, you can achieve it".  Her inner-strength and spirit are a true inspiration to anyone. 

What are your trainer tips or words of advice for people interested in Pilates and a healthy lifestyle?
Work for the results you seek and reap the rewards by exercising efficiently, therefore effectively.  You need to enjoy what you do and want to be doing it, so when it's really, really hard, you won't back down and will just keep focusing on your goal, whatever that means to you.  Listen to your body (as its abilities can vary from day to day) and adjust as needed, but just keep going.   Be present and grateful for your ability to be doing what your doing.  No judgements - in or out of the class; of others or yourself.  Enjoy the sense of accomplishment that you made it happen!
Watch Tara in action in her Trainer Bio HERE

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

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!

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

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!

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Trainer Tuesday! A Day in the Life of Leah Polcyn

I’d like to share a new Pilates Platinum blog series with you… Trainer Tuesday! Each Tuesday, you’ll get a glimpse of A Day in the Life of a Pilates Platinum instructor. You’ll get to know some of your favorite trainers a bit more as they fill you in on their Trainer Tips, share their own personal workout and eating schedules, as well as tell you what inspires them each and every day. 
Check out our first featured trainer, Leah, below! I hope she will inspire you and that you get a chance to take one of her classes at the Brentwood studio!

Introducing…
A Day in the Life of Leah Polcyn
Pilates and Spin Instructor (Brentwood Studio)
@CommonBurn
What are your favorite Pilates moves? 
French twist and back lunge. 

What is one of your favorite non-Pilates workouts? 
I love outdoor activities! Soccer, beach volleyball and ultimate frisbee. I also love Barry's Bootcamp and power yoga. 

What’s your exercise routine like for a typical week?
Monday: Soccer 
Tuesday: Spin
Wednesday: Ultimate frisbee, Pilates or yoga
Thursday: Spin
Friday: Pilates, yoga or bootcamp
Saturday: Something fun outside!
Sunday: Soccer 

What are some of your favorite healthy foods?
I love veggies mixed all together and sautéed. It's filling but feels good for the soul. I also love chia seeds mixed with almond milk, cinnamon and honey. It's a great breakfast or snack. 

Walk us through your workout and eating schedule for a typical day. 
When do you wake up? If I'm not teaching early I will usually get up around 7am 

What do you eat for breakfast?
If I'm on the run a banana is my go-to. If I have time I love veggies and eggs. 

What do you do in the first half of a typical day?
Usually spend some time in the morning with my dog, then I search for new music for my classes. Will try and get to yoga or Pilates if I don't have cardio that day. 

What do you eat for lunch?
It's always different. Love tender greens, sage and veggie grill. If I'm feeling naughty, Mexican food is my favorite!

What do you do during a typical afternoon?
Usually I run errands, work at home for a bit and walk my dog. 

What do you eat for dinner?
Dinner has been hard to keep regular because we are remodeling our house and don't have a kitchen. My husband is a wonderful cook, and we are starting to learn how to cook more plant based food!
What do you do for a workout on a typical day?
Either cardio or strength. It's important for my emotional well-being to always get my heart pumping. Yoga Pilates and outdoor sports are my regulars. 

What do you do on a typical night? 
I love seeing my friends for a happy hour drink and snack. It's such a great way to unwind. I also love watching movies with my husband. We get obsessed when we find a new series to watch on netflix or hbo!

What time do you go to sleep?
I try and be in bed by 10 or 11pm

What’s your favorite part of your day?
I love seeing my clients break barriers and get stronger. It's an amazing process. 

What’s your biggest source of inspiration…what keeps you going everyday?
I am inspired by the idea of mental strength. Anything can be achieved when the mind says it can. 

What are your trainer tips or words of advice for people interested in Pilates and a healthy lifestyle?
The only way to get better at something is to keep doing it. Failure is humbling. Get up and move on!!

Check out more about Leah and her classes in this short video HERE!.