Sweat The Holidays

Sweat The Holidays

It seems everywhere you turn - people are surrounded by negativity, stress, sadness, and reminders of what we don’t have or have lost. Things like relationships, family, animals and sometimes even ourselves. This week I was bombarded by phone calls from clients saying “I just can’t think about getting into the gym, I have so much to do and no time to do it." Some explained that this time of year makes them "stressed and that they might as well let 'working out' go till after January 1st." My reply to them is "NO YOUR NOT!" I explained that "once you are here and I get my hands on you and we start moving you'll know that this is the best thing you can do did for yourself." So they did! They came in and forgot what they were stressing about (fight/work/etc.) That's why it is so important to incorporate movement into your life. Life is about movement and movement brings life. By keeping to your exercise/workout schedule you are doing your body good. What feels better than that? I know that when I'm feeling crummy I go for a run, do some Pilates, or strength train. That little time I allow myself enables me to think clearer and feel better. Remember, often the stress we feel is the stress we bring upon ourselves. -Francesca Pucher

One Size Doesn't Fit All

The other day I was sitting in my kitchen enjoying a nice cup of coffee with Frank. We were talking about how great all of our sessions have been and yet how 'what we do as fitness professionals' gets thrown to the side or completely misunderstood. We were also watching the news at this time and they were about to have a segment on how to get Heidi Klum’s 'Butt' with trainer David Kirsh. We were looking at one another saying "just what the American people want to know about." "Not how to start an exercise plan, but how can I get her butt?" Although I happen to love Heidi, she gets paid millions to shake her 'butt' down the runway. Most women do not. The segment begins and the anchor men and women (in suits and heels) are getting ready for the Butt Workout (really). Out comes trainer to the stars David Kirsh with his book to plug and 2 exercises "everybody should add to their program to get a butt like Heidi." As he is talking the news people are joking around with him and by time he gets to the exercises 10 wasted minutes have gone by (we timed it). He demonstrates the 2 must do exercises and they are the Platypus squat and then Platypus squat with side kicks. WHAT? These are some of the most impractical exercises I have ever seen. Why not just do a regular squat? (Which is hard enough for most people to do with proper form.) Although the exercise is creative, my point is that it doesn't help the majority of the people exercising or wanting to start. I deal with clients everyday that have orthopedic issues and I would never have them do that. Would you David? I don't do those exercises and I am pretty fit. The whole segment was a joke. We should be spending more time in the media discussing REAL exercise and wellness. Instead, we show squats in our suits and heels and call it "quality air time." Maybe that is why there is an obesity epidemic and we are totally unfit as a nation. We make fitness out to be a joke and sell a workout that does not work for everybody. -Francesca Pucher

What is Pilates? Can I do it? Of course you can! (and you should).

Lately everyone is asking me the same question; What is Pilates? Is it just stretching or ABS? My frustrated answer is NO! It is not just stretching, it is movement with breath and control of the torso; which includes the ABS along with other muscles.I must admit that when I first started Pilates I was in it for the "ABS" work; until I took my first session. I couldn't believe the work we were doing. I was working muscles I never even touched on in my years of training . Better still was the relaxation and energy rush I got from all the deep breathing my diaphragm was doing, it was unbelievable. After a few sessions I wanted to learn all I could about Pilates, this led to Certification and eventually my teaching of this amazing concept. It has been 5 years since my first experience with Pilates and what I can say is "if you are truly interested is give it a shot you won't be sorry."My suggestion is that you start with a one on one until you feel comfortable with the movements, then join in on small group classes. They are challenging, enjoyable and I promise that you will feel better when you leave both in mind and body.

Pilates...Not for Women Anymore

Pilates. Not Just for Women….so stop asking and start doing! For all you men that think Pilates is for the opposite sex; think again. Created by Joseph Pilates (Pilates Exercise) has been a dominant training style for men and women, as well as elite athletes for over 50 years. It is now used all over the fitness world to develop core strength, balance, stamina, coordination, posture, endurance, and flexibility. Pilates is very helpful in improving range of motion and flexibility in men. This is very beneficial for those that participate in activities like golf, tennis, skiing, or even running. Stop thinking that Pilates isn't something you can do. You can and you should! Fitness is not about how much weight we can lift; it's about how effectively we move our body and relax our mind. Pilates is the perfect remedy for Real Fitness. All of my male clients admitted to being apprehensive the 1st time they tried it. But today each one of them say how "Great" they feel after our sessions! So any guys that are interested let me know. I have a small group class on Saturday mornings that you will love. Challenge yourself to do something different. I promise you that afterwards, you will feel GREAT! "You won't just feel better; You'll BE better." Francesca Pucher