Align Pilates® Minneapolis

So long, February! At long last, we have reached March. So far, it has arrived like a docile lamb. Although we know that winter’s lion will have at least one last roar before we enter into full-on spring, we have absolutely no complaints about the upper 40 degree temps we are reveling here in the Twin Cities. (Could we reach 50 degrees by Friday?!) And even though Ms. Nature is probably being a horrible tease right now, this does not mean we can’t start planning for spring. To that end, here is a helpful list of timely March to-do’s.

‘Tis the season to whip out your mops and brooms, start driving away the dust and grime that Old Man Winter tracked in under his boots and prepare to let a little sunshine in. It’s also a good time to not only prepare your home, but prepare your body and mind for the upcoming season: start stocking up on spring foods, get those pesky finances in order and ditch a day at the gym to work out in the fresh air.

After all, there is a time for all things—a time for work, a time for play and a time to clean your dryer vents.

The healthiest picks for your weekend pleasures and indulgences.

Got to Have It
Urban Striped Headwrap

• What: Take care of those work-out whispies with this fun, functional and flirty wrap.
• Why: Urban turban.
• Where: Online at Amazon.com.

Bits and Bites
Restaurant Week 2010 – LAST CHANCE FRIDAY!

• What: If you hurry, you can still enjoy a specially-priced meal at a select Twin Cities eatery.
• Why: Best week ever.
• Where: A participating restaurant near you.

Around Town
Whole Body Care Fair

• What: An array of experts guide you through the ins and outs of natural body care.
• Why: There’s something for every body.
• When: Saturday, March 6th ~ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.
• Where: Whole Foods ~ 3060 Excelsior Blvd, Minneapolis.

I Think I Can
Motivational Quote
What: “As we drive along this road called life, occasionally a gal will find herself a little lost. And when that happens, I guess she has to let go of the coulda, shoulda, woulda, buckle up and just keep going.” ~ Carrie Bradshaw
Why: Abso-f@#!in’-lutey.

Efterklang – Modern Drift

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The shower. Most of us have one every day, maybe even twice a day. Heck, why not? Besides keeping you squeaky clean, it’s often the only time during your day that you can actually have a moment to clear the head, wash the grime away and belt out that favorite Gloria Gaynor song. So I bet you think you’ve got this cleaning thing down, huh? Well you might want to think again. Turns out what you do between the tiles and loofah could use some improvement.

So here are some shower tips to make the most out of your cleansing experience. My personal favorite: “Just like the sponge in your kitchen sink, your washcloth can attract unsavory characters faster than Cancun during spring break.”

So tart showering wisely and who knows? Maybe you’ll have a little more fun while you are at it. And remember, what happens in the shower stays in the shower.

The healthiest picks for your weekend pleasures and indulgences.

Got to Have It
Burton Tank Military Hat

• What: “An old-time look with contemporary style.”
• Why: The perfect cover for your yoga-bound hair.
• Where: Online at REI.com

Bits and Bites
Café Eena

• What: A vibrant eatery serving Latin American cuisine in the heart of South Minneapolis.
• Why: Go south of the border.
• Where: 4601 Grand Avenue South, Minneapolis

Around Town
Electric Fetus Tornado Benefit Feat. Cloud Cult

• What: Remember that wicked tornado that whipped through the city last spring?
• Why: Twist and shout.
• When: Friday, February 26th @ 7:00 pm
• Where: First Avenue ~ 701 North First Avenue, Minneapolis

I Think I Can
KIVA Loans

• What: Lend to an entrepreneur across the globe via microfinance and the internet.
• Why: Pay it forward.
• When: When it feels right for you.
• Where: Online at Kiva.org

Has the avocado stolen the apple’s job as the daily warden of health, the guardian of the body, the friendly protector against Mr. or Ms. Doctor? Perhaps. At least according to yesterday’s Star Tribune.

Despite its reputation as the misunderstood fruit, the avocado is a good guy, not a bad guy. For starters, avocados are high in MUFAs (monounsaturated fatty acids), which lower the naughty cholesterol and increase the goody-goody cholesterol. MUFA’s are also key component of the Flat Belly Diet.

Our pal the avocado is also very versatile. Whether it’s a healthy sandwich spread you crave, or a tasty dip (who doesn’t like guacamole?) to go with your low cal snack of choice, the avocado is the man (or woman) for the job. Apparently, avocado can even double as a face moisturizer. Can your Granny Smith do that?

Hit the road, apple. A new fruit is in town.

Bonus: Check out these tips and tasty recipes and catch the avocados while they are in season.

Jose Gonzalez – Heartbeats

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The healthiest picks for your weekend pleasures and indulgences.

Got to Have It
Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo

• What: Peppermint and tea tree oil work together to moisturize and beautify your locks.
• Why: For that oh-so tingly feeling.
• Where: Online at Amazon.com, or at your local TJ’s.

Bits and Bites
56 Healthy Breakfast Recipes

• What: Curl up at home, turn on the winter games and enjoy a healthy breaky at home.
• Why: Home is where the health is.
• Where: Online at foodnetwork.com.

Around Town
North Star Roller Girls

• What: Watch Minnesota’s own female roller derby league in action.
• Why: Femme fatale.
• When: Saturday, February 20, 2010
• Where: Minneapolis Convention Center

I Think I Can
31 Ways to Motivate Yourself to Exercise

• What: 31 reasons to bust a move.
• Why: A calorie saved is a calorie burned.
• Where: Online at zenhabits.

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!