Significance of Poppies / Memorial Day

Memorial Day is often seen as the start of summer.

People make plans for barbecues, picnics and perhaps head to the beach.

In our varied communities people still honor the true meaning behind the holiday.

Memorial Day is a day to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.  According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Memorial Day started out in 1868 as “Decoration Day” and was observed on May 30.  It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country,” according to the website, VA.gov

Flowers are an important symbol of Memorial Day. 

Many people leave flowers on the graves of fallen veterans. And one flower, in particular, has come to represent the somber holiday.

The poppy is officially recognized as a symbol of remembrance.

The Memorial Day we celebrate today was merged with the wearing of poppies in 1915 after the publication of the poem,  In Flander’s Field, by Lt. Colonel John McCrae, following the second battle of Ypres.

Pilates of Pasadena staff thank all of our military personnel and veterans for their service to our country.

A copy of the poem can be found at the end of this blog.

Photo Credit: laurentiu-iordache-568420-unsplash.jpg

In Flander’s Field

By Lt. Col. John McCrae, 1915

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly,

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

 

We are the dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow.,

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields

 

Take up our quarrel with the foe

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields

 

VOTE P/oP for Best Pilates Studio 2019!

Please take the time to vote for you favorite Pilates Studio.  ( hint.. hint..)

Don’t forget to also vote for your favorite coffee houses, restaurants, etc.. Any businesses you support would appreciate your vote of confidence.

You can vote online at https://www.pasadenaweekly.com

Or if you prefer you can cast your vote at our studio, we have printed forms for your convenience.

If you missed our blog on Friday with Abby Hanson and her upcoming class with the Yamuna Balls please go on the website and check out further information. Abby is now available for private Yamuna sessions. Look for group classes coming in September.

August and September tend to be the hottest months here in Southern California just a  reminder to stay HYDRATED and use lots of sunscreen if you will be outdoors.


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Is Your Workout Working

July marks the mid-year point that causes us to pause and reevaluate our workout commitments.

Are you where you want to be?

Here are some tips  to help you stay motivated to rethink and  make it through your workouts.

  • Think back on why you started in the first place and the results you wanted

  • Ask yourself if you really want to start all over again because you slacked off on your workouts.

  • Ask yourself if you’ll regret in any way not working out. Feeling good about what you do is important.

  • Try a variety of workouts to achieve results and avoid boredom.

  • Take Group fitness classes to keep motivated. Look forward to seeing the other participants and instructor. The energy of the group can keep you going in the moments that you want to quit.

Photo by Geert Pieters on Unsplash

Tell us how do you stay motivated to exercise and how do you  make it through tough workouts?

 

Duet Sessions

Duets are more individualized attention than a class but the fun of having a buddy, duets are an economical way to get a lot of personal feedback on your Pilates practice.

Having a partner is not only fun but also helps to keep your practice on track!

If you don't have a partner in mind, contact your instructor or our front desk for help in finding one. We always keep a list of clients looking for duet partners.

Real Pilates, Real People, Real Stories

Throughout the years we've heard people tell us how the benefits of Pilates have changed their lives - sometimes dramatically. We think you should hear them, too…

D. Parks: Pasadena, CA

I’ve seen a wonderful change in how my body moves since I started Pilates. Over the years my workouts consisted of walking and my yoga practice  but I have never been athletically inclined. But now I’ve seen a major increase in the coordination of my body – Pilates has improved my posture and basically changed my muscle structure.

When people ask me why I do Pilates I tell them that it’s a great way to build toned muscles with little to no impact on your body. You can even get some cardio exercise with no joint impact. In addition, I’ve never had a dull class. There are so many exercise and so much variations – its just always fun.  And, I love how I feel after a class! Thanks Maria!

How has Pilates changed your life? Share your success story…We’d love to hear from you on our comment section or email us at info@pilatesofpasadena.com.

 


 

Forget the Crunches & get Planking!

If you want rock solid abdominals then you should be all about the Plank.

As far as exercises go, you get the best bang for your ab-rocking buck with planks because it is considered an exercise that engages multiple muscles.

Photo Credit: Ayo Ogunseinde on Unsplash

7 reasons to get excited about doing planks

  1. For being a basic isometric exercise, planks strengthen your entire body—they make your core pop, strengthen your lower back, and build your shoulders.

  2. The longer you can hold the plank, the more resilient your lower back will be to injury.

  3. Planking exercises have a great impact and improvement on your posture.

  4. You’ll decrease your risk of injury in the back and spinal column.

  5. You’ll improve your overall balance.

  6. Planks require a small time investment on your part, and offer the chance to achieve substantial results in a relatively short span of time.

  7. Best perk of all...you don’t need any equipment.

Ask your P/oP instructor for their recommendations and tips for conquering the plank.

You’ll be better for it, guaranteed.

 

 

Wednesday Tips

For Side Kick Front/Back Series...Imagine, stacked coffee cups...

Lie on your side with your elbow, shoulder, midback and buttocks aligned with the back edge of your mat.Think shoulder over shoulder, hip over hip.

Lift your top leg to hip height and turn it out ever so slightly from the hip. Inhale, pressing your navel deep into your spine.

Swing your leg to the front and pulse it twice (like two small kicks) as far forward as it will so without rocking forward in your hips or scrunching your waist.

To stabilize your shoulders, imagine balancing stacked coffee cups on your shoulder and do not rattle the cups as you go.

Exhale as you swing your leg back, reaching for the back corner of the room. Watch those cups.

Repeat 10 times

Photo by: nathan-dumlao-432134-unsplash.jpg

Benefits of practice

The practice of Pilates may date back all the way to the early 1900’s, but the benefits of its practice are far from outdated.

 

Regularly practicing

Pilates builds core strength, increases flexibility and improves muscular balance and endurance.

Consistency is key for seeing results from Pilates, so add a class or two to your schedule this week! You’ll soon start feeling a much more strong and balanced core, which will only enhance your performance in other areas as well.

We look forward to seeing you at P/oP!

 Intro Offer: 3 private, 55-minute introductory sessions: $180

This set of 3 classes is an introduction to the art of Pilates and is open to first-time clients. Build core strength and learn the beginning moves you'll need to master this timeless exercise. Inquire on instructor availability.

Join Samantha every Monday evening at 6pm & 7pm & Wednesday at 6pm for a group reformer class. Text (213) 222-6199 to reserve a spot. 

Join Toni every Wednesday evening at 7:00pm for a group reformer class. Text (707) 416-6162 to reserve a spot. Email to rsvp.

Join Amelia every Thursday evenings at 6pm & 7pm for a group reformer class. Text (203) 627-6687 to reserve a spot .

Wisdom Wednesday

"If your spine is inflexibly stiff at 30, you are old. IF it is completely flexible at 60, you are young."

~ Joseph Pilates

Join Amelia for a Chair Class on Saturday mornings at 10:30am. Text (203) 627-6687 to reserve a spot . Chair Class: $25

Join Dorothy Sunday morning at 9:30 am for a group Sculpt, Tone and Balance class with props.  Text 626-818-0241 or Email to reserve a spot.

Sculpt, Tone and Balance Class: $20

Photo by Joyce McCown on Unsplash

Instructor - Brittany Barnes

Health and well-being have always been a passion for Brittany Barnes, who grew up involved with sports that included figure skating and volleyball.

It was while living in Chicago and London that she discovered and fell in love with Pilates. Eventually she relocated to Los Angeles.

Brittany believes Pilates is truly for everyone and there is no one size fits all approach. She uses contemporary methods to create challenging and fun workouts for any client regardless of age, level or injury. Helping clients achieve their goals is what motivates her on a daily basis.

Brittany is certified through Body Arts and Sciences International (BASI). She studied at BASI headquarters in Costa Mesa, under Rael Isacowitz, the founder of BASI. Brittany continues to expand her education through daily practice, workshops and seminars.

Call (626)765-6500 or email us to schedule an appointment with Brittany today!