New Plan-Exercise

I have this idea that I'm going to use video blogging as motivation to get me into the best shape of my life. I thought I would get on the scale and video tape my weight and each day report about what I ate and what I did for a workout. But then I thought... that's way too much pressure. And it's not even the weight part because I'm not overly obsessed about the numbers but just the responsibility of reporting back. But I guess that would be the way to make myself accountable. Should I attempt this? Dare I? I'll see how I feel in the morning. Anyway, I wanted to show you some moves I've been working on to tone my butt and abs at the same time. Check out the video. 

New Plan-Food

Have you started your New Years Resolutions? I never decide what I'm resolved to do until a few days into the new year. That's when I realize what hasn't been working for me. Some of these are so obvious but...I resolve to eat in. No more Glass Noodles, Turkey Burgers, Fish Tacos unless I make it at home. I resolve to eat healthy snacks. Those muffins, scones and croissants from coffee shops are evil. You know how it goes... you go in just to get your afternoon coffee and you end up with a 600 calorie bomb. Instead I'll replace the bombs with good snacks like apples, bananas, yogurt and granola. Here's what a couple of my homemade dinners looked like this week. Big Batch Vegetable Soup from Everyday Food and an impromptu Shrimp with Cremini Mushrooms, Broccoli and Linguine in a white wine sauce.

Enjoy the Small Things

Happy New Year! I chose this video of my teacup Pomeranian Louisa as my first post of the New Year. She's a great reminder to enjoy the small things in life. Hope you have a wonderful 2009. xoxo, Shonda 

Holiday Break

What are you doing during this holiday season? Every year I make the pilgrimage home to Chicago, the coldest, windiest city ever. The time that I spend with my family is always centered around food. We spent Monday discussing the menu, Tuesday shopping for everything, Wednesday prepping and Thursday cooking it all. And then we eat and eat and eat. Of course we pepper the eating with a little napping and tv watching. The only exercise was walking the dog. Why do I do this??? So, I'm headed back to NY feeling like a hippo and even more focused on getting healthy in 2009. I'll keep you posted on my plans to get my act together. Check out some of the yummy, full fat food we enjoyed.

Co-op Featured at NYMag.com

Lauren Murrow from NYMag.com contacted me a couple weeks ago to find out if the Co-op would be offering any discounts for January. I told her "Yes, of course!" Check out our listing in her feature and note that the deal for the JumpStart is 1 Private Lesson + 1 Tower Class each week for 5 consecutive weeks $340. That's a 15% discount off the regular $400 price. 

April Focus

Each month I decide what body parts will be tortured, I mean, worked more intensively. April is 'Abs and Butt' month. Come celebrate with us by joining in on a Tower Class. We'll be doing tons of ab work, side kicks, and hamstring bridges in preparation for the summer months. And no worries, we won't be neglecting the other body parts; you'll get a complete body workout!

New Website!

Check out our new website designed by one of our most enthusiastic Pilates students, Libby Clarke! I'm really impressed with what she did and I hope that the information will be useful to all that visit. We're hoping to make the Google Calendar a little more interactive but for now just call the studio to find out about availability and to book.

» What kind of background and training should my potential Pilates instructor have?

Pilates is a knowledge-based method of exercise, so qualified Pilates teachers are those who have a working knowledge of functional anatomy and have completed an intensive certification program incorporating significant hands-on practice. Make sure your Pilates instructor is qualified to teach on all types of Pilates equipment and find out how long he or she's been practicing and teaching Pilates.