Align Pilates® Minneapolis

The Pointer Sisters-Yes We Can Can

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The healthiest picks for your weekend pleasures and indulgences.

Bits and Bites

Birchwood Cafe – Sunday Night Burgers n’ Beer Special

• What: Order any burger and add a pint of draft Surly beer for $3. Or make it a date: order two burgers and a pitcher of Surly for $30.
• Why: It’s real. And good.
• Where: 4300 Bryant Avenue South, Minneapolis 612-822-3101
• 3311 E 25th Street, Minneapolis; 612.722.4474; info@birchwoodcafe.com

Got to Have It

Nike Strong, Strappy Sports Bra

• What: Nike’s peppy yet durable over-the-shoulder boulder holder.
• Why: It’s striped, it’s reversible, and it keeps the jiggle to a minimum.
• Where: Online at Bare Necessities.

Around Town

Brave New Workshop – Now Showing – How to Make Love Like a Minnesotan: Sleepless in Shakopee

• What: Minneapolis’s notorious improv and sketch comedy theater invites you to “laugh and take advantage of the cheapest couple’s counseling in the Twin Cities”.
• Why: It’s time to send in the clowns.
• Where:: 2505 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis; 612-332-6620; info@bravenewworkshop.com

Practice Makes Perfect

Become an pilates instructor! Open House

• What: An evening of Pilates. Learn about the teacher certification program and how this program can meet your needs and goals of becoming a Pilates teacher.
• Why: There’s a teacher in all of us.
• When:Monday, March 30th 7:30p.m.-8:30p.m.
• Where: Align Pilates 708 N 1st Street / Suite 150 Minneapolis, MN 55401
  (612) 343-7500

I Think I Can

Motivational Article: How to Change Your Life in 30 Seconds or Less

• What: This article explains how you can alter life circumstances with 30-second bursts of action.
• Why: Stranger things have happened.
• Where: Online at Dumb Little Man – Tips for Life

As with any type of education, you’ll tend to get the most out of a Pilates class when you feel you have a good connection with the instructor. Feeling confident and comfortable with his or her communication and guidance not only allows you to perform your practice safely, but it also ensures you get the most out of your experience. After all, Pilates classes are not a one size fits all.

This article is great if Pilates has peeked your interest, but you are not quite sure where or how to start taking a class. It offers 8 key steps for choosing an instructor that meshes with your goals. However, may we suggest that your make a small edit? Print out the article, grab a red pen, and above step 1 write: Go to Align Pilates.

Richie Havens & Groove Armada – Hands of Time

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I want one of these just because the design is so fun.

It’s Monday afternoon, it’s raining, and I’m testing website functionality. And I have to gain enough momentum to make it to pilates tonight. I. Need. Coffee. Now.

Thankfully, the coffee gods have provided the world with Medaglia D’Oro. It may be hard to say, but it’s not hard to swig. This rich espresso-style coffee may be about as authentic Italian as you can get without packing a bag and running to the airport. Some call it the Italian Stallion of coffee (and by ‘some’ I mean me), and others just call it damn tasty. Whatever you name it, it’s sure to put the pep in your step or, at the very least, get you through ‘til Tuesday.

Amos Lee – Night Train

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Bits and Bites

Black’s Ford

• What: A quaint eatery, named after a fishing spot on the Madison River in Bozeman, Montana, serving practical and healthy fare.
• Why: Food that’s good for you doesn’t have to be foo-foo.
• Where :862 E. Lake Street Wayzata, MN • 952.473.2940

Got to Have It

Gaiam Yoga Mat

• What: Gaiam’s sticky, padded mat that provides a secure yet comfy surface for your yoga poses.
• Why: Stick it to the mat.
• Where: Online at REI.com

Around Town

Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear

• What: A hands-on exhibit exploring the emotion that makes us fight or take flight.
• Why: Find your fear factor.
• Where:The Science Museum of Minnesota • 120 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul, MN • 651. 221.9444 or 1.800.221.9444

Practice Makes Perfect

Advanced Reformer

• What: This class welcomes the student who is injury free and looking for a challenge! Students will continue to add to their repertoire of exercises incorporating more arm balances, standing balances, and inversions.
• Why: Challenge is as challenge does.
• Where: Align Pilates 708 N 1st Street / Suite 150 Minneapolis, MN 55401
  (612) 343-7500
• When: Sunday, March 22nd 9:30 – 10:30 AM
• Sign up: alignpilates.com ;612.343.7500

I Think I Can

Motivational

• What: Take charge and make a pledge to improve your lifestyle, or challenge someone else to improve theirs.
• Why: We double dog dare you.
• Where: Online at LIVESTRONG.com

Karma Police w/ Citizen Cope by Easy Star All-Stars

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One of my favorite past times as a Minneapolis local, like many of the locals in these parts, is walking around the city lakes. Some are hard core and do it all year round. I am not. Now that the weather is turning around and we are on the upside of the restricting snow and cold, it’s time to dust off the walking shoes and take in some fresh air and fine Mpls scenery.

Last year for my birthday I received a pair of MBT (Masai Barefoot Technology) shoes. When I wear these bad boys, walking around the lake turns into an activity that does more than just passes my time. Referred to as ” physiological footwear”, MBT shoes increase abdominal muscle activity, improve your posture, reduce stress in your hips and knees and activate your back leg muscles. All while doing the one thing that happens with very little thought, walking.

They are expensive, around $350 a pop, and a little funny looking. With good reason though:

“…..MBTs are much more than just a regular shoe.They are built specifically to strengthen and tone your body, help prevent injuries, shorten healing and rehabilitation time for injuries, as well as promote natural healing for some minor injuries. More than 10 years of research have gone into making the MBT of today……”

Learn more>