Align Pilates® Minneapolis

What’s that sound you hear? Why it’s the kettlebell classes at Align calling your name! Yes, kettlebells. It’s becoming all the rage in the fitness world, and it’s no surprise why. Kettlebell training originated in Russia, so right away you know there’s no messing around! It’s a full-body workout that’s ideal for men and women of all fitness levels who looking to introduce strength training into their regular regime.

Align’s specially designed 6-week Pilates/Kettlebell Fusion Series combines the precision and flexibility of Pilates with the strength and cardiovascular endurance of kettlebell training. You’ll get your heart pumping while strengthening your muscles. With just a few classes, you’ll see improvements in your strength and stamina.

If the only kind of kettle you know is the one that holds soup, and bells are just noisemakers, no worries. Check out our level 1 class. If you have done kettlebell training before and want more of it, we’ve got a level 2 class for you. The next series starts February 25th. Check out our Events page for class times and pricing details!

It has been two weeks since Align Pilates returned from its Wellness Retreat in Nosara, Costa Rica. And with yet another snowfall covering the city this morning, we are reflecting on the two tickets to paradise we left so far behind.

And paradise just wouldn’t have been so glorious without The Harmony Hotel, Align’s home away from home during its week retreat. In Harmony, the fruit tastes sweeter, and the grass really is greener on their side of the hill. From the first night’s group meditation, to our daily Yoga and Pilates classes and sunset walks on the beach, Harmony provided a tranquil and healthy shelter for us to spend our entire days. And with its sustainable mission and approach, we not only reconnected with ourselves, but we synchronized with the nature around us. I mean, let’s face it. When iguanas scuttle across your roof in the morning, ocean waves lull you to sleep at night and monkey families visit your afternoon Pilates classes, it’s hard to not to tune into jungle life.

Yes, life is good in Harmony.

Put a little love in your heart. Before you share love with your special buddy, show some for your body. Align Pilates’ Prana Stretch class is the perfect way to transition from Valentine’s day to night. Spread the love from your mind to body and soul!

• What: A very lovely special event $20 Prana Stretch class ($35 value) with Adrienne Fitzmaurice & Jenni Roberts




• When: Sunday, February 14th, 2010 4:00p.m.-5:00p.m.




• Where: Align Pilates 3021 Holmes Ave. S.

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Lululemon Athletica, purveyor of clothing for life’s sweaty pursuits, is bringing the Twin Cities fitness community together. In honor of the Olympic Opening Ceremonies, Friday February 12 through Sunday February 14th, 17 studios throughout the Metro Area are offering over 40 free classes to Lululemon members and guests, and Align Pilates is one of them!

What: FREE Pilates Mat 2 Class

Where: Align Pilates Studio

When: Saturday, February 13th
10:30 am

How: It’s easy as 1, 2, 3:
1) Stop into the Lululemon Minneapolis Showroom
2) Pick up a postcard
3) Bring the postcard into Align on Saturday, February 13th @ 10:30 am to enjoy FREE Pilates!

But wait, there’s more! Bring your Align-signed postcard back to Lululemon and receive a participation gift. It’s that simple. In addition, prizes will be given to those fitness gurus who complete the most classes throughout the Metro. Check in at Lululemon for a list of participating studios.

Ah, Costa Rica. What can I say? Your beaches are blissful, your ocean is oh-so inviting and your sunsets produce sentimental moments of pure and utter juicy joy. Yes, Align Pilates just returned from its 3rd annual Wellness Retreat in Nosara, Costa Rica. And, yes, it was THAT good. We’ve arrived back in the Twin Cities feeling rejuvenated, relaxed and ready for two more months of winter. Okay, that last part is a huge lie, but we’re just trying to keep the positive vibes alive here. Even though we are back in reality, we can still reflect on the little bit of heaven we left behind us.

If you were fortunate to be there, you’ll surely remember that each day’s Yoga and Pilates classes were focused on one of the seven chakras—seven chakras for seven days. (How prefect and Zen-like.) For those of you who were not there, first of all, you MUST sign up for next year. Second, here’s a sort of crash chakra course. (After all, we don’t want you to feel totally left out of the bliss.)

You can learn how the chakras travel your body, from the base of the spine to the top of the head, and correspond to certain functions and feelings both in and outside of ourselves. Try putting one to use each day and see how it can transform your Yoga or Pilates practice.

Namaste!

Ah, the yoga mat. It supports you, it accepts you just the way you are and it only gives you dirty looks when you neglect it. Just when you thought your six foot pad of harmony couldn’t get any better, the Yogamatic mat comes along. The gurus behind Yogamatic use artist-inspired designs to create expressive mats with functionality AND character. When you strike a pose on one of these pretty babies, not only will you avoid unsightly slips, bruises and foot marks, but you’ll be thoroughly inspired by their one-of-a-kind designs.

Yogamatic mats are colorfully printed from edge to edge to reflect your style and personality, provide a durable and solvent-free surface for your poses, are made of eco-friendly materials AND come with their own bag for ease of travel.

With outstanding qualities such as these, perhaps they should be called yoga mates.

When it comes to burning calories, it’s often the little things that count. Making small yet smart choices about your diet and exercise can get you closer to the big picture: trimming and toning your whole physique. For example, today’s CNN article points out 7 small choices that can lead to big results. And isn’t it convenient that there are also 7 days in the week? The article even schedules a different choice for you to make Sunday through Saturday. I particularly like Saturday’s choice: yogic breathing. We tend to eat more when we are stressed. So to conquer this, try relaxing. And just breathe:

“Rest your right thumb near your right nostril, ring finger and pinky by your left nostril. Close the left side and inhale through the right for four counts, then close your right nostril and hold for four counts. Open your left nostril and exhale through that side for four counts. Repeat cycle again on other side; continue alternating for at least a minute. You’ll relax in no time—and may even forget about that cookie you longed for.”

Today’s Monday—a great day to start shaking things up. Start off the week by adding a few new, small choices to your routine…maybe even schedule a yoga class and put your yogic breathing into practice. And in a couple of weeks, who knows. Each small step could be one giant leap toward your fitness goals.

One, two, three four. Two, two, three, four. Oh—sorry. You’ve caught me doing my Kegles again. Whew! What a workout!

If you are saying right now, what the *@#$ are Kegles, let me fill you in on one of the best not-so-secret exercises known to woman. Kegel exercises help tighten the pubococcygeal muscles, or for ease of speech, the PC muscles. You know, the ones that go from your pubic bone to your tail bone. Right. Well, anyhoo, Kegels are not only fun, they have many benefits. For instance, studies have shown that they can improve incontinence, treat OAB and synch up that loose vagina.

If you haven’t been turned off yet, read this Live Strong article to learn how you can do Kegles the right way and tone those oh-so important muscles. Do them at your desk, in the supermarket, while sitting at the dinner table…the possibilities are simply endless! And the best part? No one knows you are doing them…unless your facial expressions scream Captain Obvious.

Who knew exercising could be so fun?!

Physical exercise is good for us—this is not to be disputed. However, we tend to place so much emphasis on conditioning the body that we often forget a very essential part of our being: the brain. Keeping your brain fit and agile is just as important as keeping your physical self in line. As this Prevention article explains, doing “mental aerobics” can stave off “cognitive impairment” and certain diseases which often accompany age.

http://www.geekwithlaptop.com/wp-content/gallery/einstien/einstein_tongue.jpg

What, exactly, does “mental aerobics” include? Good question. Prevention suggests a regimen of game-playing (such as their online teasers or a rousing game of chess), doing the daily crossword puzzle and even attending the theater to keep your noggin in tip-top shape. Basically, any mind-engaging task that you can amuse yourself with for 20 to 30 minutes several days a week will help keep those neurons stimulated.

Experts also suggest learning something new to keep your brain engaged. If you are new to yoga or Pilates, this sounds like the perfect time to try a Reformer or mat class—kill two birds with one stone, so to speak, and keep both the brain and body in fit and fabulous condition.

Plus, it sounds way more fun than chess. Checkmate.

The healthiest picks for your weekend pleasures and indulgences.

Got to Have It
Maha Yoga Pant

• What: The mighty yoga pant.
• Why: You are a force to be reckoned with.
• Where: Online at angali.

Bits and Bites
Café Agri

• What: An organic restaurant with a local focus.
• Why: Home is where the heart is.
• Where: 4300 Bryant Avenue South, Minneapolis

Around Town
Beginning Reformer Class

• What: A Pilates practice that uses spring resistance to elongate and strengthen the body.
• Why: Be a little longer, a little taller.
• When: Saturday, September 26th ~ 9:00– 10:00 am
• Where: Align Pilates’ NEW location! ~ 3021 Holmes Avenue South, Minneapolis

I Think I Can
Rocky Training Video

• What: Rocky’s gonna fly now.
• Why: It will rock you.
• Where: Online at YouTube.