Haloween inspired Pilates exercises!

Creepy in name only.  Have you tried these?

1. The saw
2. The neck pull
3. The scissors
4. The spine twist
5. The jack knife
6. The leg pull
7. The crab

Happy Halloween! 

Asymmetry getting you down?

Hi everyone, Allison here.  Many of you might know that I suffered from chronic lower back pain for many years before becoming a Pilates Instructor.  I'm happy to tell you all that I'm now pain free, but my journey to get here taught me a lot about what caused my pain - an asymmetry in my body. 

Have you ever wondered why one side of your body might seem tighter, shorter, or stronger than the other side?  Or perhaps one pant leg just always seems longer than the other?  Or maybe you just have a REALLY hard time doing Side Overs on the left side?  Well, perhaps you have an asymmetry too.  

The best part of Pilates for me was that it COMPLETELY alleviated my pain and has made me a much happier person.  And there were no pills or shots involved!

If you're curious about postural asymmetry here's a link for more information: http://www.centerworks.com/posture-structural-spine-support-for-whole-body-health/#more-3259

Eating too LITTLE to lose weight?!?!

Practicing Pilates to stay healthy?  Check.

Incorporating cardio a few times a week?  Check.

Keeping up a healthy diet?  Check.

Getting enough sleep?  Check.

Still finding you are at a plateau in your weight/fat loss?  You might not be eating enough!  Check out this article about the consequences of cutting back too much on calorie intake:

http://www.coachcalorie.com/not-eating-enough-calories-to-lose-weight/

BIOTENSEGRITY - Dynamic Anatomy!

If you've ever taken one of Angela's classes you will hear her talk about the tensional integrity of movement. Sound confusing? Read this article below to demystify :)  

http://www.magicalrobot.org/BeingHuman/2010/04/introduction-to-biotensegrity

Props + Pilates

Check out the new props we have at the studio!  I used the ball during mat class on Monday.  Attendees endorsed it added a nice challenge.  Come next Monday to try it out.  During the class I give individual feedback and the props add a fun element!  No, we're not going to play dodgeball but there might be some Halloween surprises;)

Check out Mary from Lululemon Southport doing Swan on the Long Box during our Sunday studio of the month class.  Join us for our last class Sunday, October 28th, at 1:30pm!

Origins of Pilates

 “I must be right. Never an aspirin. Never injured a day in my life. The whole country, the whole world, should be doing my exercises. They’d be happier.”  ~Joseph Pilates

Do you ever wonder about how Pilates began?  If you're a history nerd like I am (this is Allison by the way), then you'll appreciate this link.

http://www.pilates.com/BBAPP/V/pilates/origins-of-pilates.html 

Enjoy!
 

So after teaching Heartcore, our high interval training class, for 3 days in a row last week, I (Annie) wondered why I was tired, sore and most notably 

STARVING by the end of the third day?  

Perhaps it was because I wasn't eating enough post-workout to refuel - an easy thing to forget when keeping up a work schedule and keeping up with 3 young kids at home!

This article was a good reminder how easy and IMPORTANT it can be to have a quick, healthy snack post-workout.

http://www.fitsugar.com/Healthy-Snacks-Eat-After-Working-Out-25191507

Come see us for a class soon - maybe I'll even bring the post-workout snack!

5 Minute Buns!

Senior instructors Angela Carini and Christine Hall show you how to cook your buns at-home in less than 5 minutes.  All you need is a 5 pound weight and a mat.  Do 3 sets of 15 reps and you will be feeling the burn (in a good way).  Make sure you engage your deep abdominals to keep your pelvis stable and keep that glute active throughout the entire motion.

Hey, it's Sarah.  I'm going post on Thursdays.  This is Dawn practicing a plank...30 second hold, way to go!  A good plank involves your total body.  You get shoulder stabilizing, deep abdominal activation, and core muscle endurance.  Practice your plank every day, imagine your body is floating,  and don't forget to breath!  Come to Urbancore and we'll help you get more out of your plank...and then some!

Marinated chicken skewers in yoghurt & harissa

Try this delicious upgrade for chicken skewers.  You can modify the spice level by changing the harissa but I'm telling you, the kids loved it! Don't forget to marinate overnight.

http://www.tastingtable.com/entry_detail/national/10718/chefs_recipes/Nonfat_yogurt_and_harissa_give_chicken_skewers_a_lift.htm

Jumpboards!

Check out Monday night's Group Reformer class on the jumpboards with Instructor Allison Ward.  Jumpboards elevate the heart rate, challenge the core muscles, and train coordination....not to mention heating you up on a cold Fall evening!

Another great workout brought to you by Urbancore! 

Instructor Annie Murray (right) doing the "slide" exercise with apprentice instructor Mechelle Rich - a great full body exercise with an emphasis on the triceps!

One of many ways Pilates can help you sculpt those arms!

Let the world be your PLAYGROUND!

Studio owner Angela Carini doing a plank with a single arm press on the Wunda Chair.  Shot on the Addison el platform in Chicago, IL.  

Pilates for The Perfect Butt - Part 3

Christine Hall and Angela Carini demonstrate Standing Splits.  This is a real ass burner!

Urbancore October 2012 Newsletter - LAST Bootcamp of 2012, Save $$$ with Urbancore Rewards

Check out our OCTOBER 2012 Newsletter hot off the presses!