Align Pilates® Minneapolis

Would you believe me if I told you that one workout routine has the power to give you an energy boost, flatten your midsection, strengthen your back and improve your flexibility…all while sitting down? Probably not, right? Well prepare to be amazed. If you haven’t been introduced already, it’s time you got to know Gyrokinesis.

Gyrokinesis is a seated workout routine that adopts many of the same graceful and energetic movements found in Pilates, yoga, dance, swimming and Tai Chi. In a Gyrokinesis class, you sit on a low chair or stool and move in there-dimensional, circular movements. These movements target your core muscles, allowing you to shape and strengthen your abs and achieve a greater range of movement. The ultimate result is a taller, tighter, leaner you.

This Prevention article gives the scoop on Gyrokinesis and the benefits this workout routine has in store for your body. Got the scoop and want the goods? Align offers Gyrokinesis classes that are open to all levels of movement. Try a class this week and understand first-hand the genius of Gyrokinesis.

Do you find yourself on edge and wanting to avoid certain situations like they are dentist appointments, or do you have so much self-confidence that you fantasize about being the leader of the free world? Do you know what you want when you want it and aren’t afraid to say it, or do you prefer to keep your emotions tactfully bottled up inside? Are you an ‘Ernie’ or a ‘Bert’? Besides giving insight into your, eh-hem, ‘special’ personality, your answers to these questions could say a lot about your chakras. Yes, your chakras. Everybody has them, seven of them, to be exact.

Chakras are otherwise known as centers of energy that run along the midline of your body. Each one of them corresponds to an emotional or mental characteristic. Some of them are open and active like a seven-eleven, and some are shut up tight like…well, use your imagination. The key is to find out which ones are working overtime for you so that you can strive toward emotional and mental balance. Now wouldn’t that be nice.

Per usual, we are here to help. Here’s an excellent chakra test that will help you see which of your energy centers are wide open (or active), which ones are closed (under active) and how to kick those under-achieving buggers into high gear. And, as luck would have it, Align has introduced a new Yoga Chakra Series so you can put it all into practice. It starts June 17th so you have plenty of time to figure out what these chakra thing-a-ma-jigs are really all about.

We are pleased to announce that Align’s Summer Boot Camp Series is back…and it’s bigger and badder than ever! This year’s new and improved series offers Kettlebells, Pilates Mat classes AND outdoor cardio classes at Lake Calhoun. And just to make sure you get the most out of your experience, we’ve also added a camp kick-off Yoga class, a nutrition workshop, a special closing Prana Stretch class plus UNLIMITED floor classes throughout the entire series. All this means you’ll get toned for your summer tan, and there’s no tent, flash light or fear of chiggers required. Now that’s my kind of camp.

What: Align Pilates Summer Boot Camp Series

When: June 7th through June 25th
Visit the AlignPilates for class times and rates.

Where: Align Pilates Studio / Lake Calhoun

Boot Camp is limited to 20 people. Sign up today!

The Temper Trap – Sweet Disposition

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Your holiday shopping is in the bag. The presents are wrapped, the tree is trimmed and the Sugar Plum Fairies are warming up for their twinkle-toe dance through your head.

Does this scenario sound about right? If so, then I must ask, who are you? Mrs. Rogers?!

If you are like us, then you still have a few gifts to knock off the ol’ holiday list. Good thing Align Pilates has gift certificates. That’s right, you heard correct. Gift certificates! Little enough to fit in a stocking yet generous enough to last throughout the whole season—Align’s certificates are the perfect present for the Yoga, Pilates and all-around fitness fan in your life.

Need one? Want one? Got to have one? Purchase online and print instantly!

Pilates/Yoga/Gyrotonic to all, and to all a good night!

The healthiest picks for your weekend pleasures and indulgences.

Got to Have It

Hemp Oil Lotion ~ 40% Off!

• What: An all-natural, soothing, calming and protective lotion.
• Why: It’s like a great big hug for your skin.
• Where: Online at The Bubble Roome.

Bits and Bites

Butterscotch Cornflake Candy

• What: A 3-ingredient recipe for a delectable holiday treat.
• Why: 3 is the magic number.
• Where: Online at Pinch My Salt.

Around Town

2009 IBEW Holiday Lights in the Park

• What: View 1.5 miles of dazzling light displays, from the comfort of your car.
• Why: Bright lights, big city.
• When: Now through December 31st ~ 5:30 – 10:00 p.m.
• Where: Phalen Golf Course ~ 1615 Phalen Drive, St. Paul.

I Think I Can

The Imagination Prompt Generator

• What: Randomly generated cues to stir your creativity.
• Why: Exercise that writer’s muscle.
• Where: Online at the Creativity Portal.

Practice Makes Perfect

FREE Pilates w/ Adrienne Fitzmaurice

• What: Free Pilates = happier holidays.
• Why: Align Pilates is lululemon’s Studio of the Month!
• When: Saturday, December 19th @ 9:30 a.m.
• Where: The lululemon Minneapolis Showroom ~ 313 W 50th Street, Minneapolis.

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.

M. Ward – Chinese Translation

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Have you heard the news? Align Pilates has moved! In September, the studio packed its bags and headed from the Warehouse District to a deluxe apartment building in Uptown. We are now open in a bigger, better, brighter space in the new Solhem Building. And it’s just fantastic. We are so excited, we just can’t hide it. So we’re throwing an Open House to celebrate. Put it on your calendar!

When: Saturday, November 7th 6 pm – 9 pm
Where: Align Pilates NEW studio in the Solhem Building: 3021 Holmes Ave S, Minneapolis
Why: Eat drink and be fit—enjoy complimentary food & wine, meet and mingle with Align staff, see demonstrations of our Pilates & gyrotonic equipment and watch ol’ Joe Pilates do what he does best in vintage videos. Plus, we’ll be giving a free pranassage and Pilates class package!

Yes, we’ve finally got a piece of the pie.

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.

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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.