Align Pilates Minneapolis » Align Pilates

coming in January: new reformers in the studio!

ShannonK — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:24:53 +0000

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.

Sit and be fit

KTK — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 21:32:38 +0000

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.

Weekend Alignment

KTK — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:23:46 +0000

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.

Weekend Alignment

KTK — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:24:46 +0000

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.

What’s playing at the studio

KTK — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 02:52:34 +0000

Beth Orton – Thinking About Tomorrow

Listen now>

Dr. Oz would be proud of Align Boot Campers!

KTK — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:55:53 +0000

Did you ever think that Boot Camp would be anti-aging? According to Dr. Oz it is.

You know him—the famous Dr. Oz who gives the inside scoop about our health while guest appearing on Oprah. He was just on Oprah today (a rerun) and revealed his anti-aging secrets. These sought after secrets to the “fountain of youth” will add years to your life while helping you look and feel younger. And if you are a Boot Camper at Align Pilates, you are already on your way! The combination that Align Pilates Boot Camp offers is everything Dr. Oz recommends. (Maybe Oprah will want to sign up!) Read on to find out how Boot Camp fulfills Dr. Oz’s recommendations for a youthful and healthy life.

It’s common knowledge that regular exercise is key to great health…but what type of exercise, exactly? Dr. Oz recommends the following:

Get your heart rate up for 20 minutes 3 times a week (Cardio, Reformer and Yoga) Check!
Strength training such as lunges, leg lifts, etc. for 30 minutes weekly (Cardio, Reformer and Yoga) Check!
Stretch and meditation (Prana Stretch) Check!

More Dr. Oz Tips

Of course there were tips on diet:

Antioxidants: blueberries, broccoli, tomatoes, acai berries: 5 servings a day (one serving = 1 fistful)
Green or whit tea or tea: 4 cups a day
Fiber: brown rice, 100% whole grain bread, beans: 25 grams a day
Omega 3 fatty acids: walnuts, flax seed, olives, spirulina algae
Olive oil: 1 to 2 tbsp a day
1 glass of red wine a day
Anti-aging spices: cinnamon, ginger, curry, paprika, and cayenne pepper

Daily vitamins:

Vitamin D 1,000 U and 10 minutes of direct sunlight
Calcium/ Magnesium
DHA Omega 3, 600mg
Multi- Vitamin
If over 40, 2 baby aspirin

Rest and relaxation:

Sleep at least 7-8 hours a night
Have sex 2-3 times a week!

For the whole story, go to oprah.com. To start working toward your fountain of youth, go to alignpilates.com and sign up for the next Boot Camp. It will add years to your life!

Yours in health,

Stacy Seebart (Prana Stretch teacher Tuesday’s and Friday’s)

Weekend Alignment

KTK — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:07:01 +0000

The healthiest picks for your weekend pleasures and indulgences.

Got to Have It
James Perse Yosemite Collection

What: A sophisticated yet practical line of yoga and athletic gear.
Why: If you’re going to sweat, sweat in style.
Where: Online at James Perse.

Bits and Bites
7 ‘Healthy’ Junk Foods

What: Think outside of the whole wheat cracker box.
Why: This just in: You CAN eat a potato chip. Experts say it won’t kill you.
Where: Online at Fox News.

Around Town
2009 Twin Cities Pride Parade Festival

What: Celebrate Minneapolis’ diverse culture.
Why: You’d like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony.
Where: Loring Park, downtown Minneapolis.
When: Saturday, June 27th ~ 10:00 am – 10:00 pm

Sunday, June 28th ~ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

I Think I Can
Beautiful Bridge Pose

What: Calm your brain and alleviate stress with bridge pose. Sweeten the deal by imagining yourself on this picturesque beach.
Why: Strike a pose, there’s nothing to it.
Where: Your happy place (or flicker.com).

Practice Makes Perfect
Align Pilates Breathing Workshop with Victoria Olender

What: Learn the proper principles of breath and how it can support your movement. *Workshop includes a 40 minute Pilates mat class.
Why: The heat is on.
Where: Align Pilates studio.
When: Saturday, June 27th ~ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm.

Yes, drill sergent!

KTK — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 03:19:15 +0000

When I signed up for Align’s first session of boot camp,

I knew I was in for a high-energy series of body changing classes. What I didn’t know was that Align had taken cardio boot camp to the next level. Enter April Podhradsky. April is a veteran of the Iraq War, where she led Physical Training as a sergeant in the Army National Guard.

Personally, as an avid kickboxer for the past couple of years, I’m no foreigner to intense cardio and strength training. But April’s class is by far one of the best workouts I have had. After completing the first day of her routine, I’m pretty sure you don’t get closer to butt-kicking training without enlisting in the army. The mix of cardio exercises, drills and strength training that April has incorporated into her one-hour boot camp class, along with her genuine spirit and positive attitude, will have you saluting and screaming, “Thank you sir may I have another!”

Pilates Instructors 101

KTK — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 22:37:40 +0000

As with any type of education, you’ll tend to get the most out of a Pilates class when you feel you have a good connection with the instructor. Feeling confident and comfortable with his or her communication and guidance not only allows you to perform your practice safely, but it also ensures you get the most out of your experience. After all, Pilates classes are not a one size fits all.

This article is great if Pilates has peeked your interest, but you are not quite sure where or how to start taking a class. It offers 8 key steps for choosing an instructor that meshes with your goals. However, may we suggest that your make a small edit? Print out the article, grab a red pen, and above step 1 write: Go to Align Pilates.

Weekend Alignment

KTK — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 03:09:48 +0000

Bits and Bites

Black’s Ford

What: A quaint eatery, named after a fishing spot on the Madison River in Bozeman, Montana, serving practical and healthy fare.
Why: Food that’s good for you doesn’t have to be foo-foo.
Where :862 E. Lake Street Wayzata, MN • 952.473.2940

Got to Have It

Gaiam Yoga Mat

What: Gaiam’s sticky, padded mat that provides a secure yet comfy surface for your yoga poses.
Why: Stick it to the mat.
Where: Online at REI.com

Around Town

Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear

What: A hands-on exhibit exploring the emotion that makes us fight or take flight.
Why: Find your fear factor.
Where:The Science Museum of Minnesota • 120 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul, MN • 651. 221.9444 or 1.800.221.9444

Practice Makes Perfect

Advanced Reformer

What: This class welcomes the student who is injury free and looking for a challenge! Students will continue to add to their repertoire of exercises incorporating more arm balances, standing balances, and inversions.
Why: Challenge is as challenge does.
Where: Align Pilates 708 N 1st Street / Suite 150 Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 343-7500
When: Sunday, March 22nd 9:30 – 10:30 AM
Sign up: alignpilates.com ;612.343.7500

I Think I Can

Motivational

What: Take charge and make a pledge to improve your lifestyle, or challenge someone else to improve theirs.
Why: We double dog dare you.
Where: Online at LIVESTRONG.com