As a studio owner - and continually having access to equipment - I think it is so natural to use it every day. Yes I do Pilates “Every Day”. Recently however I have decided to shake up my routine. On Monday Wednesday and Friday I put myself through a mat class, and on Tuesday and Thursday I work out on the equipment. This has truly made a difference in my results - I am feeling stronger from the core and most certainly getting a more cardiovascular aspect to my workout.

Mat is under rated - More people should get involved in mat, if for no other reason to add another workout or two to your routine. It is also much more cost effective than a private equipment session.

So if you have not yet tried Pilates Mat - find a qualified instructor or studio and get some good instruction.

Pilates has so many benefits. It strengthens and tones your body, enhances your athletic pursuits, and improves posture . As all of this comes together you will feel better about yourself and it will improve your self-confidence.

A while ago I was working with a professional equestrian and with the benefit of Pilates she was able to gain the respect of her horses. As a professional she was eventually asked to work the the younger horses. As horses are heard animals they were responding to her ability to take charge of the heard.

How does this relate to you? Well, as you increase your self-confidence your colleagues will take you more seriously. If you are giving a presentation you will look the part of an expert - your confidence will not only show in your speech, but also in how you carry yourself. If you are working in an office you will be the one that your colleagues look up to. If you are in the position of looking for a job, you will appear move calm, composed and ready to take on a new challenge.

Setting yourself up with a regular appointment will keep you on track and help to keep routine in your day. In hard times this is important, and equally important is maintaining your routine. Keep an open communication with your instructor, or when looking for a place learn about Pilates don’t be afraid to ask your trainer about options that might be available to you. 

As you present yourself at your best you can be sure that the best will come back to you.

Happy Hundreds,

Larry

One of the great things about Pilates is how gentile and effective it is, but don’t think that you can’t use the Pilates to push and challenge yourself.

As we are into the new year you have to consider keeping up with your resolutions. By keeping up the pace in your workout you can bring your pilates routine to the next level. Try joining a small group class, when the conversation is kept to a minimum the pace and the challenge of the workout will increase. Even better get together with 4 friends and arrange for a class - you can motivate one another and share in your journey.

What is Quinoa?

I discovered Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) while in Peru and found it is a great substitute for Rice. I love rice, it is just nice to have an alternative. Quinoa is very high in protein which contains a balanced set of essential amino acids making it an unusually complete source of protein. I is a good source of dietary fiber, phosphorus and is high in magnesium and iron. Quinoa is also gluten free.

I tried this recipe below and was really astonished at how much I enjoyed it. I hope you will give it a try.

1 cup organic 1% low fat milk, or you may substitute soy milk
1 cup water
1 cup organic quinoa, (hs note: rinse quinoa)
2 cups fresh fruit - I use whatever is local and seasonal
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup chopped pecans, toasted*
4 teaspoons organic agave nectar (this is similar to honey and quite good)

Combine milk, water and quinoa in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer 15 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed. Turn off heat; let stand covered 5 minutes. Stir in fruit and cinnamon; transfer to four bowls and top with pecans. Drizzle 1 teaspoon agave nectar over each serving.

Serves 4.

*While the quinoa cooks, roast the pecans in a 350F degree toaster oven for 5 to 6 minutes or in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes.

This is one of my favorite recipes, and it is so easy too.

Get one Chicken, clean it out and cut it in half. I use my Kitchen Shears, but I am a bachelor and can do things like that.

I then drizzle oil over the chicken and season it with Salt, Pepper and either Tarragon or Thyme.

Broil under high for 20 minutes each side - it will come out with the skin well cooked.

Let it rest and I serve it with Brown Rice and a Salad.

Do not throw away the drippings in your pan, you can deglaze the pan then save the drippings, once it cools just remove the fat from the top. I will use these drippings in future recipes.

I noticed an article that stated as things get financially tight that people tend to save money while eating out and tend to make poor selections. Things are tight all around and for me as a business owner I have also had to minimize my expenses. One thing I did was to get my kitchen set up so I can cook at home easily and more often. Not really that hard to do.

First I made sure that I stocked up on my spices - there is nothing more boring than bland food. Then I found a few good recipes and I even play with them a bit. Over the past few weeks I have found that I am eating much better and have even feel I have lost a some weight. I will start to post some of my favorite recipes and will look forward to responses on how to make them even better.

I would like to acknowledge the hard work of the current BASI Teacher Training and to wish them luck on their final this weekend. I have really enjoyed working with each and every one of them and wish them well in their future.

Larry

For those of you who know me you know I have a passion for travel. This is something that in 2009 I am hoping to share with you all. For those of you that know me as a teacher I highly believe that Pilates is a key to functional movement and I am always talking about practical applications of your pilates in every day life.

For 2009 I would like to bring my passions together and do some Pilates Adventures. I am currently in communication with colleagues in organizing a trip to Africa - a Pilates Safari - for 15 days. This will include Pilates at both sunrise and sunset as well as your Safari.

I am also in communication with a colleague in Peru about doing a Pilates with the Inca’s. This will be more of an active adventure as we will be hiking the Inca Trail. We will be doing Pilates Essentials geared to the trip and for those of you in the Studio you will have a training program that will prepare you for the hike.

Just a few things that are in store for 2009 - keep you eyes peeled at www.thecenterstudio.com for more information.

Larry

After a relaxing holiday away from the studio and well off the beaten path I find myself back in the studio and ready to tackle 2009. In spite of the news and the failing economy I am still coming into the New Year with optimism and am willing to share in some ideas on how to help you keep up with your commitment to yourself and your Pilates.

I know that purse strings are tight, but remember that one-to-one sessions are not the only way to maintain your regime. Consider doing a mat class - you may like it, a semi-private session with a friend, or if you need to be assigned to a partner we can help. Who knows, within a semi-private session you may develop a new friendship, it happens all the time. We also offer group reformer classes and I am very open adding new group classes to the schedule.

To help you with the decision to try a small group class if you mention this blog posting I will offer you the following special rates:

10 Duet Sessions Pilates $500

5 Duet Sessions $270

10 Mat Classes $166.5

6 Mat Classes $112.5

10 Reformer Classes $225

5 Reformer Classes $135

I hope this is a help and I look forward to seeing you around the studio.

Larry Hall