Align Pilates® Minneapolis

Touch is one of the most powerful ways we can express our love and affection. “It is the first language we learn,” said Dacher Keltner, author of “Born to Be Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life.” And touch remains, he said, “our richest means of emotional expression” throughout our lives.

Indeed, touch is one of the most essential ways we express our feelings to our partners. And it becomes ever more important during these cold winter months when we spend so much time bundled up against the elements. So this year for Valentine’s Day, treat yourself and your loved ones to the healing power of touch, breath and stretch at Align’s Valentine’s Day Prana Stretch class. Taught by Adrienne Fitzmaurice on Wednesday, February 15 (the day after Valentine’s, so you don’t have to cancel those dinner reservations!) from 7:30 to 8:45, this class will help get you in touch with your breath, your mind and your body through guided stretching with hands on assistance and massage. You will leave class relaxed, warm and calm–the perfect conditions to help you better connect with your partner. Exclusive to Align, a Prana Stretch class is a gift to yourself any day–but promises to be particularly powerful during this year’s celebration of love.

After the excesses of the holiday season, many of us want nothing more than a healthy start to the new year. However, we all know that motivation can be an issue during the dark, cold days of January. But here at Align, we get it! And we’ve designed a two-week winter cleanse that will snap you out of your malaise and get you focused on balancing your body, mind and spirit. Starting on January 20, join a group of like-minded people who are committed to a healthy shift in priorities. Align’s second annual winter cleanse will kick off on Friday evening with a two-hour nutrition workshop, where you’ll learn about healthy and safe ways to detoxify the body through food. Superfoods and meal planning will be discussed, and you’ll leave with a variety of recipes to help fuel you through the program. The Align cleanse has been designed to help you reset your metabolism, build your immune system, create flexibility and increase your circulatory system and heart rate. Through yoga, barre class and Align’s exclusive Prana Stretch technique, you’ll emerge from the program feeling centered, strong and healthy. Sign up now–only a few spots left!

This new year, make a resolution to check out Align’s brand-new reformers! Designed by Amy Taylor Alpers and Rachel Taylor Segel (founders of the Pilates Center in Boulder and Adrienne’s teachers) and manufactured by Balanced Body, the new CenterLine equipment replicates the original reformer designed by Joe Pilates himself. These reformers have been specifically designed for the classical style of Pilates that Align teaches–you’ll love the how the clean and simple design feels in action. From the alignment of the headrest to the slight drag of the carriage wheels (the better to engage your core!), these reformers have been designed to facilitate ease of movement and encourage fluidity in your Pilates practice.

Reserve your spot in class so you can experience the new equipment for yourself! Coming to Align in January. Visit Balanced Body for a video tour of the new CenterLine reformers.

Fun fact: Align co-owner Adrienne Fitzmaurice is responsible for naming the CenterLine suite of equipment!

The new CenterLine reformer is specifically designed for the classic Pilates repertoire.

Touch and movement have been used since the ancient times to enhance well-being and to heal. The power of touch is what helps us make connections to the world and each other. Being the earliest of the five senses developed when we are in the womb and after birth we continue to grow and thrive by receiving touch.

Dr. Dacher Keltner, a psychology professor at the University of California, Berkeley, has found that the power of touch is much more profound than we might have realized. Dr. Keltner reports on a wave of studies that have documented incredible emotional and physical health benefits that come from touch throughout our life suggesting that touch is truly fundamental to human communication, bonding, and health. He continues that touch is our primary language of compassion, and a primary means for spreading compassion.

To maintain health we need sleep, good nutrition, water, air, sunshine, exercise and love. Compassion is an aspect of love. By caring for ourselves we have more to give to others. Taking time to reward your body and mind with a recharge of energy to renew your senses. One way to refill our cup is by receiving a massage. Many are finding out the many health benefits to receiving a massage:

• Improving circulation
• Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles
• Increase joint flexibility
• Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system
• Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin
• Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller
• Lessen depression and anxiety

Studies have shown significant biological changes as the result of a single massage! With so many kinds of bodywork there is something for everyone. At Align we offer Pranassage, Thai massage, Indian Head Massage, and Reiki.

- Mary Sullivan CMT

The ballet barre workout is sweeping the nation, yet the appeal is not new. Ladies have long lusted after the lean and poised physique touted by dancers. And while you don’t want go so far as to kill for a ballet bod, like Natalie Portman’s rather disturbed Black Swan character, you may be interested in bellying up to the barre to see what you can do.

Align’s very own Barre Class uses many of the movements that you already know in a new way—even if you’ve never donned a pair of toe shoes. Combining the stretching and toning movements of Pilates and yoga, the strengthening and sculpting principles of ballet plus an energetic cardio workout, you’ll target your arms, tummy, butt and thigh muscles. The small focused movements are meant to tone without adding undue bulk. No tutu required.

Finally, a bar that’s belly-friendly.

L-O-V-E. It’s the positive four letter word. And even though the Valentine’s Day hoopla may leave you saying other four letter words that we won’t repeat here, we hope that you reserve the L one just yourself. Whether your V-Day plans consist of dinner with a sweetie or an overdose of boxed chocolates and sappy reruns, we highly suggest taking some time to give a little love to you. And what better way to give yourself a big wet-sloppy than indulging in a juicy Prana Stretch class. After desert, or once you hit that chocolate with the icky pink gooey stuff in the middle, slip into something a little more comfortable and join us for Align’s second annual special Valentine’s Prana Stretch Class.

And since nothing says L-O-V-E like F-R-E-E, that’s exactly what you’ll get: 15 minutes more of Prana Stretch Class at absolutely no additional cost. Surrender to the stretch. And Happy Valentine’s Day, you sexy thang.

Special V-Day Prana Stretch Class at Align

• Monday, February 14th
• 8:30 pm – 9:45 pm

Whether or not you’ve seen Black Swan, chances are you’ve seen a ballerina; you’re familiar with the beautiful long and lean look that dancers obtain via their daily regimen of toning, strengthening and posture-improving moves. Well, Natalie Portman is not the only one creating a ballet buzz around here. Enter Align Pilates. The studio has recently installed a ballet barre in anticipation of its brand spankin’ new Cardio Barre class. Get ready for a high-energy workout that builds muscle, burns fat and helps you strive toward that ballet bod. Align’s Cardio Barre class combines:

• Stretching and muscle toning movements of Pilates and Yoga
• Strengthening and sculpting principles of ballet
• PLUS a cardio workout

The class has yet to make its way onto Align’s schedule, but it will be there soon. We promise. Align is working on creating a top-notch repertoire and schedule that will get you toned for the winter thaw that is soon to come. And if you are interested in doing a little preparatory leg work to see what a barre workout is all about, check out a few of these super sculpting ballet moves, as documented by iVillage Health. You’ll see that you don’t need to squeeze your tootsies into toe shoe or your junky trunk into a tutu to strive toward that sexy swan look—Align’s Cardio Barre is great for all body types and workout levels. It’s about knowing what the moves are and how to do them right. Just as Natalie. And stay tuned for more details on upcoming Align Cardio Barre classes!

Another raving review from one of our many beloved clients! It’s the people we work with that make Align the best studio EVER.

“I discovered Align Pilates through Sydney Holly—the best yoga instructor ever. That led to Pilates reformer classes, and Jennifer Roberts has rekindled my connection to Pilates with her engaging and exacting teaching style. Time flies during her class—it’s the fastest fitness hour I’ve ever experienced. On top of all that, I’ve been loving Prana stretch. It’s a
wonderfully rejuvenating and relaxing experience unlike any other class I’ve ever taken. I’m amazed you have all this—and more—available at Align.”
-Pam

The morning workout. Sounds like a drag, doesn’t it? The skies are turning significantly more dark and chilly, making it exceedingly hard to drag myself out of bed in the wee hours. And I simply cannot be trusted to put on an acceptable gym outfit at 5:30 in the morning. I hardly know who I am at that hour. So I love it when we stumble upon things like these: Pilates Moves to Energize Your Morning.

This fab Pilates circuit can be done in between rubbing the sleep from your eyes and heading for your first cup of coffee, right from the comfort of your bedroom, or wherever you prefer to exercise in your P.J’s. There’s nothing like a long and lean stretch to jumpstart your day. Send a little fresh air to your muscles and you’ll feel refreshed and energized before you even hit the shower. Just remember to take those jam-jams off first.

Bonus: If reading the pose how-to’s doesn’t quite cut it, here are some visual aids:

Ball Roll

Single-Leg Stretch

Single-Leg Circles

“9 AM – 3 PM”

Half Roll Back

Congratulations to all who completed the Virgin Yoga Series with Stacy Seebart! We hoped it rocked your world, in a very peaceful and centering sort of way, of course. And speaking of soft rock, Stacy has graciously decided to share her very special Virgin Yoga Playlist for your listening pleasure. As you venture out into the world to experience new yoga pleasures, you can take these songs with you as a pleasant reminder of your not too distant virginity. Rock on, my yogi friends, rock on.

Stacy Seebart’s Virgin Yoga Playlist:

Ha Ma Durga- Donna DeLory
Brand New Day- Joshua Radin
Wash Away – Joe Purdy
Om Nama Shivaya- Donna DeLory
Jaya Vitthale- Dave Stringer
Breathe- Alexi Murdoch
May You Walk in Sunshine- Sacred Spirit
Om Namah Shivya- Wade Morrisette
Om- Soulfood
Kiss of Bliss- Jamie Lawrence & Steve Gorn
Shamanic Journey (Om Shanti)- Anugama

NEW Virgin Yoga Series starts soon!
Tuesdays October 5th – November 9th, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
Sign up now!