Exercises we love! Side legs lifts

Why we love this exercise: This exercise challenges your obliques and you work your inner thighs at the same time! Be sure to keep the abdominals engaged and hips stacked on top of each other the entire time.

Lie on your side with all body parts lined with hips stacked. Now move your legs slightly in front so that you are in a banana shape. This helps with balance and protects the lower back.

You can prop your head up on your hand, or stretch the bottom arm out long and lay your head down. If you prop your head up, you must support your alignment by lifting your rib cage away from the mat.

Exhale:
Use your abdominals and the engagement of your legs to bring both legs up a few inches off your mat.

Focus on keeping your inner legs together, all the way from your sit bones to your heels.

Inhale:
Get longer still as you slowly lower your legs back down on the mat. Use control.

Do this exercise 5-8 times. Turn over on your other side and repeat.

Tips:
Modify this exercise by leaving your head down on an outstretched arm.

The front arm is just for balance. Use your core.

What's for dinner?

Don't even think about getting back to school or the new fall fashions!

It's still summer!

Get in that kitchen with your hubby, a friend or even your dog and try out one of these cool recipes from Women's Health.

You can use fresh local ingredients from your farmers market for these recipes and get the cooking done in a jiffy.

Black bean and mango salsa with some grilled chicken sounds great for dinner tonight, and great for leftovers for lunch tomorrow!

Enjoy!

Student of the Month- August

Michael Weinberg



1. How often do you attend class at the ABC Pilates studio? Four classes in three days

2. How long have you been practicing Pilates? Two years

3. Who inspires you to practice Pilates? No one in particular. I was looking for an exercise program that I felt safe and that I could do by myself. With my vision limitations there were certain restrictions

4. Favorite Pilates class? I have no favorite

5. Do you have a history of injuries? When I first started I had severe shoulder and neck pain and range of motion issues with my shoulder

6. What type of significant improvements have you noticed with your body since practicing Pilates? My neck and shoulder pain have been eliminated and my range of motion issues have improved dramatically. I have also experienced increased strength, improved muscle tone, increased flexibility, and weight loss

7. What advice can you share with fellow Pilates students? I think the most important thing is to be patient. Improvement and change takes time and consistency

8. Has Pilates changed your daily diet? Yes, but I know I should do better. Coming to the studio regularly helps because all the staff are so dedicated to our improvement