Tag Archives: Pilates

Kate Hudson Gets in Dancer Shape for Upcoming Glee Appearance

Blond bombshell Kate Hudson has been gracing the set of Glee lately looking quite scandalous as Rachel Berry’s (Lea Michele) dance teacher, Cassandra July. The 33-year-old actress is slated to star in six episodes of the sitcom’s upcoming fourth season, according to People Magazine. And fans of the show and Hudson couldn’t be more thrilled.

Hudson certainly has one of the most enviable bodies in Hollywood, making her an obvious choice for this skin-bearing role. But what some people may not realize is she’s maintained her stunning figure throughout two pregnancies. A mom with that kind of physique deserves some serious praise.

It doesn’t hurt that the Hudson lives in sunny California most of the time, which allows for plenty of walks, jogs, and bike rides outdoors. But to maintain her toned body, Hudson frequently relies on Pilates sessions with celebrity trainer Nicole Stuart.

Hudson didn’t use pregnancy as an excuse to be sidelined from fitness, even though she did admit to eating whatever she wanted when serious cravings hit. To stay in shape with an expanding belly, Hudson turned to celebrity trainer Tracy Anderson, famous for her Method workouts and sweat sessions that cater specifically to moms-to-be. (more…)

Posted on August 17, 2023 by Dana

10 Ways to Have a Healthy Girls’ Night Out

If you’re like me, you love a good girls’ night. It’s like a beach vacation after years of being landlocked – refreshing and always a blast.

But there’s just one problem with ladies-only gatherings: They often center around alcohol, heavy appetizers and way too much chocolate. While this can be a fun way to celebrate every once in a while, it’s not the healthiest habit to fall into especially if it’s a weekly affair.

But if booze and french fries are a trend you and your girlfriends are hoping to get away from, we’ve got a solution for you: A quick guide filled with 10 healthy and fun ideas to get your girls’ nights back on the healthy track.

 

Posted on August 17, 2023 by Dana

Lunch Break Sweat-Free Workouts for Busy Bees

You’ve got a crazy hectic schedule and there’s no time to hit the gym after work because of your long to-do list. You want to get a quick/decent workout in over lunch, but there’s no time for that either because you’ll need a shower. So what do you do? Try some of these sweat-free workout tricks.

With this list of workout activities, you’ll be able to develop a lunch workout regimen that you’ll be able to complete in a quick and timely manner without causing you to perspire, and in turn, needing to make time to shower. You’ll be back to work just in time for those afternoon meetings! No, you won’t be burning the calories like you would during a hard cardio session, but it’s far better than no activity at all.

Walking

Not only does walking benefit you through burning calories, but it also helps control blood pressure and relaxes the body and mind. By choosing walking as your lunch time activity, you’ve got many choices both in and outside of the office. Meet a friend at a nearby park, or if it’s hot, go to the gym and grab a treadmill or walk the track for 30 minutes. A great option for those who can’t leave the office is to walk up and down the stairs or find long hallways. Like mentioned above, anything is better than nothing. (more…)

Posted on August 2, 2023 by Danielle

Pilates Goes Vertical with CoreAlign

The fitness world embraced Pilates nearly a decade ago. Today, Pilates is a household name and has been incorporated into many fitness classes. Sharing many traits with yoga, Pilates has often been a floor exercise. Some choose to use the machines, but all Pilates’ moves have previously been done horizontally. However, a new form of the excellent exercise has been developed. CoreAlign is the new version of Pilates that keeps users vertical.

CoreAlign takes the Pilates experience to a vertical position by using the self-titled platform machine. The platform has two carts that move independently of one another to challenge the body. The machine used in traditional horizontal Pilates training is called the Reformer; CoreAlign is considered a close relative of that proven design.

The CoreAlign claims to provide a very unique workout as it is explained to be part mind-body, part strength, and part cardio experience. The workout on the CoreAlign is designed to improve alignment, better one’s posture, and enhance balance all while remaining in an upright position. (more…)

Posted on June 4, 2023 by Lacy

Grammy Winner Adele Quits Smoking and Takes Up Pilates

After undergoing surgery to repair damaged vocal cords, the young and talented Grammy winner Adele was threatened by a minor health scare that prompted her motivation to start up an exercise program and quit smoking. Bound to take better care of her health, Adele decided to try Pilates.

In keeping with her down to earth and realistic view of the world and herself, Adele wants us all to know that her yearning to drop two dress sizes is not born out of pressure from her critics, but rather is sparked by a genuine desire to be a little healthier and feel better too. So far, as a result of her hard work, sources claim the famed artist has had more energy and even plans to take up jogging.

I love it. As someone who plays a lot of Adele in Pilates classeses that I teach, I am more than tickled to know that she too is out there somewhere working hard at her best double leg stretch, criss cross and teaser. But, what is even more attractive about this idea is that her intention is to feel better, shed a few pounds and be a little healthier, rather than shrink down to an unmanageable size and weight. (more…)

Posted on March 22, 2024 by Jill

Jennifer Aniston Finally Spills on Her Day to Day Workouts

Jennifer Aniston was named the Sexiest Woman Alive in 2024 and she has been known for hitting the red carpet in great shape. She is currently promoting her latest movie Wanderlust with co-star Paul Rudd that will be in theaters February 24th. While promoting the movie, Aniston speaks openly about her current diet and exercise habits.

“I work out almost every day, at least five or six days per week,” she admits. “I do 40 minutes of cardio: spinning, running, the elliptical, or a combination of all three. Then I do Pilates one day a week, and I do yoga in addition to that, three days a week. I try to mix it up.” Being a busy actress, Jennifer also makes sure she’s prepared to get her workouts in when she’s on the road traveling. “I take eight pound weights with me whenever I’m staying at a hotel. It’s always good to do arm exercises when you’re watching television or talking on the phone. I also love to stretch before bed, and usually throw in a couple of sit-ups,” Aniston said.

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Posted on February 13, 2024 by Descygna

Where to Workout in Indianapolis During Super Bowl Week

Those visiting Indianapolis for the Super Bowl this week may be most concerned about celebrity sightings, fancy parties, the zip line in the Super Bowl Village, or the NFL experience, but that doesn’t mean that they will want to forsake their fitness habits entirely. With hotels packed to the gills and many renting out local homes for the week, the miniature hotel gym may not be the best option for everyone. Luckily, Indianapolis offers a variety of fitness options unique to the Circle City.

I am a big fan of running, even in the snow. Although it might require additional gear to run outdoors, we have had a sunny and unseasonably warm January which is predicted to continue past the big game. Indianapolis offers several trails that are great for runners, walkers or bikers; check out the Canal Walk, the growing Cultural Trail downtown, and the Monon Trail, which extends from the northeast side of downtown through Carmel and Westfield. Take your outdoor exercise a step further by jogging the steps at the Indiana War Memorial located just north of the Circle on Meridian Street.

If you want to take your workout indoors, here is a look at the best places to workout in Indianapolis. (more…)

Posted on January 30, 2024 by Brooke Randolph

Celebrate with Exercise by Throwing a Fitness Party!

A new trend in bachelorette parties may lead to changes in the traditional way we celebrate other special events. Instead of dragging around a half a dozen bride’s maids from bar to bar to consume copious amounts of calorie laden alcoholic beverages only to wake up and feel like hell warmed over for the big wedding day, health minded women are choosing to bond with a special, private yoga and fitness class designed specifically around the bride-to-be.

For example, at Flywheel Sports studio in the Flatiron district of New York brides and their posse can find themselves in a Pilates class infused with some dance and light weights, sweating to songs like “Chapel of Love” before they head out to get their hair and nails done for the ceremony. Yoga for Weddings, a Los Angeles based company who’s slogan “Bringing the Deep Breath to the Big Day” caters to new brides by offering private 90-minute classes with a focus on heart opening poses in preparation for the life changing commitment ahead.

So, if health conscious brides are swapping a night of drunken debauchery to celebrate with exercise, why can’t we do the same for other grand celebrations such as birthdays, Christmas holiday parties or New Year’s Eve events? We can! Here is how you can get started with this new trend in your neighborhood.

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Posted on December 6, 2023 by Jill

Christina Ricci’s Methods for Getting Pan Am Ready

The new TV show Pan Am will showcase the lives of the stewardesses and pilots for the airline of the same name set in the 1960s. Christina Ricci is one of the actresses starring in this new series. She is no stranger to being on camera or having to look great  for a role. The ladies of Pan Am were known for being symbols of sleek, Jet Age glamor so Ricci worked hard on her body to prepare for the role. In the second episode of the show, all of the stewardesses are filmed wearing bikinis. Christina expressed wanting to look good for the bikini scenes along with wanting to feel good as her motivation for working out and eating right.

For her diet, Christina has been eating protein and vegetables. She uses the Fat Flush Diet as a guide for the types of food she should eat which encourages eating a lot of whole, natural foods without added salt. For her workouts, she does her Pilates exercises at night when she’s watching TV. Christina also puts in some time on the treadmill and in spinning classes for her cardio workouts. In order to fit her workouts in while filming, her Pilates instructor created three different routines she can use on the go. Each routine can be done in a specified place like her dressing room or at the studio while she’s filming. Christina expresses that she makes staying in shape her personal mission rather than allowing herself to be pressured into it by the media.

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Posted on September 24, 2023 by Descygna

Beginner’s Guide to Yogilates

In 1997, certified Pilates instructor Jonathan Urla combined yoga postures and Pilates exercises and named it Yogilates. Louise Solomon created her own blend of both and termed it Yogalates. Whatever you call it, hybrid classes like these are very popular in health clubs and studios across the country.

Yogilates and other hybrid yoga and Pilates workouts are designed for the purpose of gaining the benefits of core work from Pilates while mixing in the breath and flexibility training of yoga. Just as a yoga practice may not target all of the core muscles, a Pilates class may overlook certain stretches that promote a balanced and healthy body. Combining the two introduces a dynamic experience of connecting the breath with a new level of mind and body fitness.

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Posted on July 21, 2023 by Jill

Yoga vs. Pilates: What is the Difference?

As a teacher of yoga and Pilates, I am aware that some people stick with either one method or the other as part of their exercise program. Even in our modern era of fitness, where crossover classes such as Yogilates are the latest rage, some choose to be loyal to their preferred modality.

While there are many similarities between yoga and Pilates, the differences that exist may be enough to tip the scale of favoritism.

What is Yoga?

Yoga is a 5000-year-old discipline steeped in spirituality. The practice of yoga- however diluted by modern culture- still involves a whisper of self-reflection and divine connection. Good for the mind and the body, yoga rises above the realm of exercise because of its intention to elevate the consciousness of those who practice.

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Posted on July 20, 2023 by Jill