Align Pilates® Minneapolis

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