Align Pilates® Minneapolis

Guest expert writer and Pilates enthusiast, Betty S, shares her thoughts on tight abs, Pilates instructors and flattering ob-gyn appointments.

Last week I went for my annual ob-gyn check-up and after the usual poking and prodding my doctor stood up, took off her gloves and looked at me quite seriously for a second. I was starting to get nervous when she said, “You have amazing muscle tone. Where did you get those abs?” LOL! Where I get the abs is at Align Pilates, in Uptown Minneapolis, and I can’t recommend the studio or the teachers strongly enough.

The thing is, done right, Pilates gives you these long, lean muscles: abs, legs, arms, everywhere. Plus it is fun. The catch is, it is very easy to cheat, and without the right instruction, most people unwittingly do cheat. Align co-owners Emily and Adrienne simply will not let that happen, no mater how much you grumble (and sometimes when the sweat is pouring off me and they are telling me to lift my hips higher or open my sternum more I do grumble!). After four years doing this stuff three times a week, they still remind me to “tie my ribs together,” “untuck my pelvis,” “get space between my hips and my ribs” and on and on.

Pilates is all about precision, and in my experience, the teachers at the bigger clubs do not have the time or expertise to make sure you are doing the exercises correctly. At Align, every instructor has hundreds of hours of Pilates training, and it shows. They are all fun, each with a different style and personality, but each intent on challenging you–whether you are a beginner or more advanced– to reach the next level. They get to know each student individually and so after a short time know your specific issues: for me, after 10 years of running without stretching, a very tight body from my shoulders to my toes. Working with Emily and Adrienne and the others three times a week, I truly have transformed myself. At 47, I am longer, leaner, more flexible and all-over healthier than I was a decade ago. Thanks Align!!!!

Did you ever think that Boot Camp would be anti-aging? According to Dr. Oz it is.

You know him—the famous Dr. Oz who gives the inside scoop about our health while guest appearing on Oprah. He was just on Oprah today (a rerun) and revealed his anti-aging secrets. These sought after secrets to the “fountain of youth” will add years to your life while helping you look and feel younger. And if you are a Boot Camper at Align Pilates, you are already on your way! The combination that Align Pilates Boot Camp offers is everything Dr. Oz recommends. (Maybe Oprah will want to sign up!) Read on to find out how Boot Camp fulfills Dr. Oz’s recommendations for a youthful and healthy life.

It’s common knowledge that regular exercise is key to great health…but what type of exercise, exactly? Dr. Oz recommends the following:

• Get your heart rate up for 20 minutes 3 times a week (Cardio, Reformer and Yoga) Check!
• Strength training such as lunges, leg lifts, etc. for 30 minutes weekly (Cardio, Reformer and Yoga) Check!
• Stretch and meditation (Prana Stretch) Check!

More Dr. Oz Tips

Of course there were tips on diet:

• Antioxidants: blueberries, broccoli, tomatoes, acai berries: 5 servings a day (one serving = 1 fistful)
• Green or whit tea or tea: 4 cups a day
• Fiber: brown rice, 100% whole grain bread, beans: 25 grams a day
• Omega 3 fatty acids: walnuts, flax seed, olives, spirulina algae
• Olive oil: 1 to 2 tbsp a day
• 1 glass of red wine a day
• Anti-aging spices: cinnamon, ginger, curry, paprika, and cayenne pepper

Daily vitamins:

• Vitamin D 1,000 U and 10 minutes of direct sunlight
• Calcium/ Magnesium
• DHA Omega 3, 600mg
• Multi- Vitamin
• If over 40, 2 baby aspirin

Rest and relaxation:

• Sleep at least 7-8 hours a night
• Have sex 2-3 times a week!

For the whole story, go to oprah.com. To start working toward your fountain of youth, go to alignpilates.com and sign up for the next Boot Camp. It will add years to your life!

Yours in health,

Stacy Seebart (Prana Stretch teacher Tuesday’s and Friday’s)