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.

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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!

 

 

Wisdom Wednesday

Congratulations to all

School, College, Professional or University 2018 Graduates!

Photo by Logan Isbell on Unsplash

““There is a good reason they call these ceremonies ‘commencement exercises’. Graduation is not the end; it’s the beginning.”
- Orrin Hatch”

"All successful people, men and women, are big dreamers. They imagine what their future could be, ideal in every respect, and then they work every day toward their distant vision, that goal or purpose." 

- Brian Tracy

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

 

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.

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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

 

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/

 

Wolf Mountain Sanctuary

Maria and family recently visited Wolf Mountain Sanctuary. 

It is a sanctuary for rescued wolves located in Palmdale, and is primarily dedicated to saving the threatened species while lending a helping hand to at-risk local youth. It is also one of the few wolf sanctuaries that hosts interactive wolf educational tours.

Everyone learned about the wolves, about their life in the wild and most importantly, why save the wolf?

A wolf is so noble, so beautiful.

The wolves, as well as other endangered species, are ecological indicators.  It is by studying these species and learning how to preserve them that we learn the main factors affecting our environment.

Visit the organization's website to learn more.

http://www.wolfmountainsanctuary.net/home.html

Yes, you get to actually touch a wolf and could most likely get kissed by a wolf … if you want to!!

 

 

 

 

You can't buy your Mother's Love

Mother’s day will soon be here,

which means

it’s time to start thinking about how you are going to

cement your place as your mom’s favorite child. 

It's true...

that you can’t buy your mother's love – but we can help you by getting her the perfect gift.... we suggest a Pilates of Pasadena Gift Card to show your love. 

 

 

 

Call (626)765-6500 or email us to place your order.

Photo by J-S Romeo on Unsplash

This Mat Class is Not to be Missed....

Mat Class presented

by

Meredith Rogers, visiting Faculty BASI Sr. Instructor

Sunday, May 6, 2018

9am - 11am

Open to everyone!

(75 minute class with a Q & A) - $40

11:30am - 4:30pm Private sessions, $110 (SOLD OUT), 1 group class $40

Location:

990 South Arroyo Parkway
Pasadena, CA  91105
626-765-6500
www.pilatesofpasadena.com

We hope you will take advantage of this top-notch Pilates line up and join us!

Quick Balance Test

To evaluate your own balance...

  1. Stand up and imagine you're going to walk forward on a straight line, placing one foot directly in front of the other so that the heel of your front foot touches the toes of your back foot.

  2. Keep both feet flat on the floor.

  3. Hold that position and close your eyes.

If you can maintain your balance for 30 seconds, you are doing pretty well. Congrats!

If you are wobbling just about as soon as you close your eyes—or before—your balance is poor.

If you did not perform as well as you thought you should, it's OK.

Let’s work on this together!

Join  P/oP on Sunday at 9:30 am for Dorothy's

Sculpt, Tone and Balance group class with props. 

Text 626-818-0241 or Email info@pilatesofpasadena.com to reserve a spot.

Sculpt, Tone and Balance Class: $20

Exciting New Mat Class Coming to Pilates of Pasadena

Sunday, May 6, 2018

9am - 11pm

Mat Group Class 

Presented by visiting BASI Sr. Faculty Member, Meredith Rogers

(75 minute class with a Q & A) - $40

We hope you will take advantage of this top-notch Pilates line up and join us!

To register for this Mat class: 

Email info@pilatesofpasadena.com or jeanne@basifit.com

or call Jeanne King at (818) 434.9180

Please note:  The 11:30am - 4:30pm $110. Private session segments, are SOLD OUT.

 

Sculpt, Tone and Balance Class

Join Dorothy Waterman

for a

Group Sculpt, Tone and Balance class with Props

Sunday morning ~ April 7 at 9:30am

Text 626-818-0241 or Email to reserve a spot.

Sculpt, Tone and Balance Class: $20

Dorthy Waterman, Instructor

Dorothy Waterman has been a health and fitness professional since 1991.  A lifelong athlete and dancer, she finds herself most comfortable engaging in many forms of healthy activities including dance, weight lifting, biking, swimming, running and group exercise.

Dorothy has certifications in personal fitness training, Zumba, group exercise, senior fitness, Pilates, restorative yoga, and laughter yoga.  She trains individuals ranging in age from 40 to 95 in healthy body movement and leads group exercise classes from Zumba to Pilates to water aerobics.

 In her pursuit of personal growth and healing, Dorothy has discovered that the healing power of laughter can be nearly as effective a mood elevator as a 5k run. Plus it’s a lot easier on the joints.