Urban Chicken Keeping 101

Great class to attend at McDonalds Urban Farm in Altadena!! This class will cover all you need to know to start raising your own backyard urban chickens.

TOPICS INCLUDE: CHICKEN BREEDS (FOR PERSONALITY AND EGG COLOR), PURCHASING AND RAISING DAY-OLD CHICKS OR MATURE CHICKENS, SAFE COOP DESIGN FOR YOUR CHICKENS, RULES FOR PASADENA/ALTADENA/SURROUNDING AREAS, BEST FEEDING PRACTICES, AND THE REWARDS OF BACKYARD CHICKEN EGGS.

Class includes a farm to table snack and a farm tour for $25.

Adults and children age 8+ welcome.

Sign up at: mcdonaldsurbanfarm.org/classes-events/

or Contact: FARM MANAGER / OWNER: AMELIA MCDONALDMCDONALDSURBANFARM@GMAIL.COM

Get a Better Waistline...Add Obliques to Your Workout

The obliques aid in compressing the abdomen and in forward-bending. They are also the hard workers that help us in side-bending and twisting our torso.

The big reason to include oblique work in your workouts is to make sure you have tone and good function in any muscle group—you want the full benefits that muscle group has to offer.

In this case, it's the side bending and twisting ability along with abdominal compression and forward bending. Many of us want to make extra sure we get our oblique workouts in because toned obliques make for a nice waistline. 

Keep in mind that the obliques work in concert with your other abdominal muscles and really all the muscles of your Pilates powerhouse—abs, back, hips, pelvic floor.

It is not recommended to focus just on obliques, but rather obliques in the context of a full-body workout. We want form and function along with a waistline.

Making bending and twisting exercises effective and safe to get that oblique workout. One example is the Pilates Mermaid Side Stretch Exercise below.

Pin it - Ben Goldstein

One of the best ways to get your oblique workouts is in a balanced Pilates workout which will always feature twisting and bending exercises.

To get a better waistline, contact one of our experienced instructors today they can craft a balanced workout for you in studio and for your at home practice.

The studio is open 7 days a week from 6am to 9pm or

contact us at info@pilatesofpasadena.com

Aging Gracefully and Safely

Kent Elliot offers a few simple things seniors can do to age in place more safely. But what is 'Aging in place'?

Aging in place refers to living independently in your own home rather than in an assisted living or retirement home in old age.

As many as 75 percent of older adults plan to live out the remainder of their years in their own home. Instead of uprooting your life and moving to an unfamiliar nursing home, you can support your physical needs by making accessibility changes to your own house.

Here's how to plan for aging at home as safely and gracefully as possible.

Ask Yourself if Aging in Place is Realistic

Even though home modifications allow many people to safely age at home, it's still not for everyone. For people who need daily nurse assistance or those with fluctuating health conditions, aging in place may not be the best option. You still need to be able to move about your home, even if you're in a wheelchair or require a walker. Preparing food, washing, and keeping your home tidy are all requirements for aging in place. You'll also need to travel into town to run errands and attend doctors appointments. If you cannot drive, you will need to find alternate transportation such as public buses or help from family.

Reduce the Risk of Injuries Outside

Did you know that falls are the leading cause of injury for older Americans? Luckily, low-cost home modifications have been shown to significantly reduce injury from falls. First, start by making repairs to your walkways and stairs outside your home. Keep paths clear of debris and install adequate outdoor lighting. This also means keeping vegetation trimmed so it doesn't intrude onto pathways. Handrails on your stairs and steps can help you enter your home safely. If you're in a wheelchair or walker, you may want to replace your stairs entirely with a ramp.

Keep Indoor Living Spaces Safe

Moving indoors, get rid of hazardous throw rugs that can bunch or slide on hard floors. Instead, replace them with non-skid mats that are securely fastened to your floor. Make sure your indoor staircases are well-lit and have railings. It can even be helpful to add brightly colored tape to stairs so they're easy to see. Clean up clutter from the floor so nothing is sitting in the way of walkways or staircases. Everyday Health recommends wearing shoes or non-slip socks in the house to reduce your slipping risk.

Fall-Proof Your Bathroom

The threat of accidents in the bathroom can be a major cause of concern for seniors and their family members. According to Independent Home, many falls happen when people get in and out of the bathtub or shower. To avoid this, place non-slip mats in your shower and on the floor outside it. Putting a sturdy chair directly in the shower can also be helpful. Grab bars and handrails in the bathroom provide extra support when using the toilet or bathtub and save you from a fall if you do happen to slip. Liquid soap and shampoo dispensers can be mounted on your shower wall so you don't have to reach for these items. Also, consider installing a night light in your bathroom so you don't risk falls at night when you get up to use the toilet.

Consider Moving to an Accessible Home

If you’re unable to make your required home modifications for any reason, consider moving to an accessible house. Accessible homes in Pasadena, California, typically sell for $950,000. These homes usually include a step-free entrance, wide door frames, step-free showers and bathtubs, non-slip bathroom floors, and grab bars. If you're in a wheelchair, look for tiled or timber flooring that is easier to roll over. Make a checklist of everything you need in an accessible home before starting your search. Then, use online filters to search for accessible homes for sale in your area.

Of course, keeping yourself in good physical health will make aging in place much easier to accomplish. This includes getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and minimizing stress.

If you're worried about aging in your home alone, remote monitoring systems and fall alerts can notify family members if you ever need help.

Just remember, many people have successfully aged at home, and you can too!

For additional information contact:

Kent Elliott

https://athomeaging.info/my-book/

 

info@athomeaging.info

 

75 percent - https://www.ncoa.org/news/resources-for-reporters/usoa-survey/2015-results/

aging in place - https://www.simplyss.com/blog/aging-in-place-a-seniors-guide/

cause of injury - https://www.bmj.com/content/354/bmj.i5190

making repairs - https://www.alliancehhcare.com/resources/modifying-home-fall-prevention/?doing_wp_cron=1530795073.7342660427093505859375

Everyday health - https://www.everydayhealth.com/longevity/future-planning/prevent-falls-at-home.aspx

Independent home  - https://independenthome.com/six-concrete-and-effective-ways-to-accident-proof-your-bathroom/

 

 

 

Instructor: Abby Hanson

Abby Hanson has been studying yoga and pilates for twenty years. 

Her inspiration is always aging gracefully and living free from pain.  

Abby believes in restorative movement and recently began teaching yamuna ball rolling.  YBR is ball rolling therapy that combines the release of massage with the strengthening and toning of exercise, providing an effortless workout and a deep stretch. 

The balls

apply traction that frees up connective tissue, reeducates muscles, stimulates bones, and leads to fully releasing negative holding patterns in the body. 

YBR is the perfect compliment to Pilates exercise. 

If you are interested please look for future classes at Pilates of Pasadena towards the end of September, or contact Abby for private YBR instruction today. 

Tuesday Tip

We spend about a third of our lives in sleep. 

Sleep is important on so many levels. If only we could sleep like a baby and get some solid restful sleep.

The secret to refreshing sleep is to

wake up naturally after a sustained period of REM. There is wisdom in the old saying that ‘one hour’s sleep before midnight is worth two after.’

Short-term insomnia, which is the commonest type of insomnia afflicts as many as one in three people, can be caused by  stressful life events, a poor sleeping environment, and an irregular routine.

Here are my 7 simple steps to better sleep:

1. Set up a strict routine involving regular and adequate sleeping times.

2. Create a relaxing bedtime routine that helps you to wind down before bedtime.

3. Eat a wholesome evening meal with a good balance of protein and complex carbohydrates.

4. Enjoy a hot, non-caffeinated drink such as herbal tea or hot chocolate before going to sleep. In time, your hot drink could serve as a sleeping cue.

5. Sleep in a familiar, dark, and quiet room that is well ventilated and neither too hot nor too cold.

6. Exercise regularly. Exercise reduces anxiety and also helps with other aspects of psychological and physical health.

7. Reduce your overall stress. At the same time, try to do something fulfilling each day. As Leonardo da Vinci said, a well-spent day brings happy sleep.

Don't make the common, almost universal mistake of underestimating sleep. Time spent in sleep is time well spent; almost everyone could do with better, more restorative sleep.

Sleep is the best meditation. —Dalai Lama

 
  • Photo Credit: Dakota Corbin on Unsplash

Tuesday Tip

Plagued by sinus problems?  Invest in a Neti Pot!

Photo Credit: Braydon Anderson on Unsplash

The basic explanation of how the Neti pot therapy works is, that it uses a salt and water solution to thin mucus and help flush out the nasal passages.

  • Rinse your nasal passages twice a day to flush out pollen and other irritants. 
  • Put saline solution (a 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1 cup warm water) in a plastic squirt bottle or a nasal irrigator, a spouted container that allows you to pour water directly into your nose. 
  • The solution should fill your nasal cavity and spill out the other nostril. 
  • Gently blow your nose afterward.

Jake’s Favorite Mexican Roadside Inspired Summer Snack

Occasionally my sons and I stop after school and pick up the fruit snack the Mexican vendors sell on the side of the road. 

My mother used to make this for us growing up and now I make our version at home for my kids. It's Jake's favorite. 

Ingredients vary as this weekend, I used what was at hand in our refrigerator:

In a large bowl add,

Celery stalks cut to 1 1/2 bite sizes and Carrots sliced on a diagonal

Avocados cut into bite sized chunks and Cucumbers sliced

Add lots of fresh squeezed lime

Our home version we add Olive oil, Sea salt plus Mexican red pepper seasoning, we use "Tajin" 

The Traditional Roadside dish would also include a blend of the following ingredients:

  • Watermelon
  • Melon
  • Mango
  • Jicama

It's healthy and refreshing on a hot summer day! Enjoy.

Maria

Tuesday Tip

Gone Fishing 

If you suffer from dry eyes, up your seafood intake.

Salmon, sardines, and mackerel contain omega-3 fatty acids, which the body uses to produce tears, among other things. 

Research suggests that people who consume higher amounts of these fats are less likely to have dry eyes.

lance-anderson-438724-unsplash.jpg

What appeals to you for a Pilates Class workout...

Depends on a few things, consider how you like to work out, your schedule and your goals.  Whatever class type setting you choose for your experience, our studio promotes a physical and mental mind-body atmosphere conducive to concentration and focus.

Do you need the camaraderie or discipline of scheduled classes to keep you on track?

We recommend you try a group experience if working out with others helps you stay motivated and focused.

If so, a group reformer or group mat classes may be the best fit for you.

Group Mat Class

Just about every benefit the Pilates method has to offer can be achieved through mat work!

Group Reformer Class

Join Samantha every Monday evening at 6pm & 7pm for a group reformer class. Text (626) 497-1280 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 .

Group Reformer Class: $25

Want an intensive, one-on-one Pilates experience customized to your individual goals or special needs?

Nothing beats our one-on-one private customized Pilates sessions.

Private one-on-one Session

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.

P/oP certified instructors  work with clients of all ages and abilities including handicapped, athletes, young adults and seniors, through tailored exercises in both private and group classes.

Call (626)765-6500 or email us for additional information or to schedule an appointment with one of our wonderful instructors today!

 

 

Father's Day

We celebrate all our Pilates Men!

Pilates can be a great workout for men at any age.

The practice incorporates all the elements of healthy physical movement: breath, posture, strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility.

Guys need to be able to move, too, so beards and chest hair are just as welcome and encouraged in the studio as are yoga pants.

We notice that men return to our studio after they discover the benefits of Pilates as physical therapy or chiropractic patients. When they see Pilates in real life they have to try it, and once they try it, they are usually hooked on the sense of well being and feeling stronger. And, who doesn't like that feeling?

If you strength train, play golf or tennis, or participate in any aerobic physical activity, the basic Pilates exercise routine will complement any excercise you do by improving spinal mobility, core strength and posture.

Just like Joseph Pilates, you too might just begin feeling

like a better, stronger man.

Tuesday Tip - Stay Hydrated

Next time you’re playing a game, hiking, working out or going for a walk, think about taking along vacuum-insulated water bottles.  

They can boost hydration by keeping water cold and refreshing up to 24 hours, and they’ll keep hot drinks hot for up to 5-6 hours.

 

According to the April Fitness Journal, the bottles work this magic by including two chambers: a water compartment and surrounding Vacuum-channel insulation. Meeting requirements for style, function and eco friendliness, these vacuum-insulated water bottles offer a fun, effective way to hydrate.

Photo Credit: izzy-gerosa-80667-unsplash.jpg

 

Yamuna Body Rolling is coming to P/oP

Our very own Pilates Instructor Abby Hanson

has recently been certified in Yamuna and will be teaching classes here at Pilates of Pasadena.  

What is Yamuna Body Rolling? 

  • YBR is a ball rolling therapy that combines the release of massage with the strengthening and toning of exercise, providing an effortless workout and a deep stretch. 

  • The balls apply traction that frees up connective tissue, reeducates muscles, stimulates bones, and leads to fully releasing negative holding patterns in the body.  

  • YBR heals deep body problems at the same time that help you get in shape.  In the traditional class format YBR uses balls to lengthen muscle, stimulate bone and open up joints for a healthier more sustainable happy body. 

If you have ever used a foam roller for self healing, think about how much more specific you can get with a ball!  The balls also offer a different density than the foam rollers and many people find them to be more effective for release technique.

Private lessons can also accomplish deep tissue release and can be personalized to target habitual body patterns.

Its fun and compliments the Pilates traditional program.

Please look for classes in June.  Private lessons will also be available.  

To find out more about Abby Hanson Click on Our Story or go to go to www.pilatesofpasadena.com/ourstory/