Align Pilates® Minneapolis

Pilates = elongation and core strength. When you practice the Pilates method, you are working to fortify the core muscles—the abdominals, lower back and pelvis—in order to create balance and alignment. Hence, the “Pilates body” walks around with improved, self-assured poise and posture. But did you know that a regular Pilates routine can do just as much good on the inside as it does on the outside? A strong core and prim posture can also mean enhanced digestion, improved sleep patterns, fewer headaches and healthier bones.

We know you didn’t really need another excuse to pursue Pilates—once you start practicing, it’s hard to deny the positive effects. But, as they say, the more you know, the more you grow. Check out this Natural Health article to find out more about the internal benefits of proper physical alignment.

Literally. If you are like millions of other Americans, you sit in front of the computer for 99% of your day, stuck in a cube somewhere in Suburbiaville. Five days of this routine is not only draining on the psyche, but on the body too. Even the simple act of sitting can do harm on our necks, shoulders and backs. It’s enough to make you quit, but don’t. Instead, stir things up a bit. Literally.

If you apply the principles of Pilates to your workday and take just a few moments to move and stretch the body, you can do wonders for your stiff and angry muscles. It can be as easy as rolling out your shoulders or readjusting your posture. Take some tips from NeverSayDiet.com and start making small adjustments in between your keyboard taps and mouse clicks. Before long, you’ll start feeling the tension ease and release from where you feel it most. Plus, it’s better than taking your aggression out on your computer monitor…or that creepy co-worker with the Metallica breath. But he’s a different story.

You do your best. You practice a regular regimen of Pilates and yoga, and your eating style is as healthy as humanly possible. But when stress strikes like a wrecking ball and you need fuel, you innately reach for the naughty carbs: white bread, pretzels and pasta. “Bring it on,” you say. Why do you torture yourself so?

Don’t worry. There’s help for you yet. Check out these 9 select fruits, vegetables and meats that have the natural power to reduce tension and strain in the body. They pack essential vitamins and nutrients to trigger satisfaction, without making you feel like you’ve ingested an inflated birthday balloon.

Now, put down that baked potato and read up on these accessible and easy-to-eat stress-fighters. Your waist line will thank you.

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.

It’s Monday afternoon, it’s raining, and I’m testing website functionality. And I have to gain enough momentum to make it to pilates tonight. I. Need. Coffee. Now.

Thankfully, the coffee gods have provided the world with Medaglia D’Oro. It may be hard to say, but it’s not hard to swig. This rich espresso-style coffee may be about as authentic Italian as you can get without packing a bag and running to the airport. Some call it the Italian Stallion of coffee (and by ‘some’ I mean me), and others just call it damn tasty. Whatever you name it, it’s sure to put the pep in your step or, at the very least, get you through ‘til Tuesday.

Sweating through a tough pilates class? Cool. Being photographed after you’ve sweated through your tough pilates class? Not cool.

Next time you are headed to the studio, stop in at D’Lish, 208 N 1st St. D’Lish is a fantastic “farmers market” general store which carries only locally grown and Minnesota made products. Ann Yin will greet you with a smile as she welcomes you into her families dream place, inspired by the markets they loved to visit everyday while living in China. From fresh meats, dairy & cheeses to specialty baking and gourmet foods you are bound to find yourself some deliciousness.

Patti Stanger, the so-called Millionaire Matchmaker, is a bit annoying but does make a good point. Looking for women? Hot women? They do yoga and pilates.

Join now.

I loathe Mondays. But who doesn’t? To me, this day means trading sleeping in for getting up too early, comfy jeans for rigid work pants, and a leisurely trip to the coffee shop for a hastily home-brewed pot of sludge.

Whether my weekend was bustling or relaxing, Mondays often find me stiff, tired, and unfocused. Once I hit the office and wake my computer from its own weekend slumber, I find myself craving a yoga or pilates class to regain focus and help me put my thinking cap on. So this got me wondering: since I’m attached to my cube for the better part of the day, how can I use what I have to help me get the mental/physical workout I want?

In between mouse clicks and page turns today, I tried a few stretches I found on the websites below. Lo and behold, I worked out a few Monday kinks, right from the comfort of my own chair. Some of the arm/leg/back/neck stretches I stumbled upon include the Chair Twist, Seated Hamstring Stretch, or my personal favorite Warrior 2 (posers beware: if your chair resides in an open workspace, this last one requires the ability to ignore quizzical stares from coworker passersby).

Go on, take another look. Some of these sites even come with pictures or videos, because words, like Mondays, are way overrated.

Yoga at Your Desk
Yoga at Work
Workplace Wellness

…or not. But you really should be. Align Pilates retreat in Nosara, Costa Rica is a mix of heaven, peace and true bliss.

Check it out here and put it on the books for next year. Believe me, you will thank me for the push.