Apple Pilates

What Members are Saying....(Post 3)

2012-02-28T05:24:00.001-08:00

Core Strength is Everything!!

Approximately a year ago, I learned that I was going to need a partial knee replacement. As I was thinking about how to get ready for surgery, I contemplated what exercise routine would help me, especially since my knee could not endure any high impact exercise. Spinning was out of the question, also. I had worked with Annette Hayner in the past using Pilates. I contacted Annette about four months prior to my scheduled date and we began working 2 – 3 times a week. Even though I could not do all of the exercises, Annette made sure that I was working my core, especially, as well as my arms and legs as appropriate.

What a difference it made, both just after surgery and during my recovery. When I first tried to move in the hospital bed, my core muscles kicked in and made dealing with the awkwardness of the repaired knee much easier. My recovery has progressed rapidly, both because I was in better shape starting out and because my core muscles were stronger. As I have moved through home exercises and physical therapy, I heard Annette’s voice in my head – connect the abs, keep your shoulders down, lift the pelvis. I have been able to regain balance and agility quickly. I owe that to Annette’s designing the right workout and her patient encouragement in helping me become more fit. ~Dianne Scott

STOTT Pilates and the Aging Population

2012-01-31T10:11:00.000-08:00

Joseph Pilates
None of us like to admit we are part of the aging population, when in fact, each day adds another 24 hours and each week another 168 hours to our lives. We often tell clients, if we do nothing else for them, we hope to be able to prevent them from shrinking or shuffling. Pilates was designed to keep us mobile and stronger for longer.
"In any form and at any level, even the most rudimentary, pilates can be a starting point, an end point or a maintenance tool for the active aging. Virtually anyone can realize improvements to an array of movement dysfunctions including neurological disorders, cardiopulmonary restrictions, orthopedic complaints and a host of other physiological conditions." Kerrie Lee Brown, CanFitPro Feb. 2011

Pilates can bring to reality the desire to take back and improve your quality of life, strengthen core muscles, and live a pain-free lifestyle. Sign up for a Free Trial today at the Member Service Desk, with an instructor, or online http://www.appleathleticclub.com/ (click on the STOTT Pilates tab for the schedule)

It's time to move with joy!

Keep Moving!

2012-01-27T10:43:00.000-08:00

Winter is here! For those who prefer indoor activities instead of braving the elements, racquetball is a great way to stay in shape. But, a player who lacks flexibility, strength in the core, strong hip and shoulder stabilizer muscles and poor alignment of the lower limbs will not move with smoothness and efficiency. Pilates for racquet sports is a sure way to imporve your game.
Racquet sports tend to build strength on one side, the dominant side becoming stronger. The game requires quick direction changes, sudden stops and starts, lots of reaching and bending in order to get to the ball. and these muscular imbalances can lead to pain and ultimatelyinjury. Pilates strengthens the muscles of the core and pelvic floor, the shoulder stabilizers, and the muscles of the hip and inner thighs while also working to improve flexibility and alignment to create a more balanced body.
The benefits of STOTT PILATES for your game include:
Increased core strength and stability
Improved stroke power.
Better endurance
Improved balance
Quicker reaction to direction change.
Better muscle control
Increased upper body and lower body strength
Increased overall flexibility
Reduced over-use and back injuries
Sign up online todayfor your Free Trial Class
www.appleathleticclub.com
Click the STOTT PILATES tab, then go to the Stott Pilates Schedule

Pilates...is it for men?

2012-01-03T14:51:00.000-08:00

Not only is Pilates for men, it was designed by a MAN specifically for MEN!
The following information was written by:
Kerrie Lee Brown,
Vice President of Communications for STOTT PILATES®
Former editor-in-chief of Oxygen: Women's Fitness and American Health & Fitness magazines.

"Women have gravitated toward Pilates in the past, citing the desire to develop the long, lean physiques of dancers. It is only recently that men have realized the potential for Pilates training, although they still have to get past the stigma of it being “women’s exercise”. Men tend to strengthen the body from the outside rather than from the inside as Pilates does.

Generally, men have limited flexibility, weak pelvic floor musculature and a lack of postural muscles – all areas that can be targeted by Pilates practice. The endorsement of Pilates from a wide variety of male professional athletes may be spearheading the trend in male participants. These spokespeople include golfers Tiger Woods, David Duval and Steve Ballesteros; basketball star Jason Kidd; pitcher Curt Schilling; pro hockey player Carlo Colaiacovo and offensive lineman Ruben Brown, among others. These guys are helping fuel this mind-body method of exercise amongst the masses."

Kerrie Lee Brown quotes John Garey, STOTT PILATES Master Instructor Trainer and Owner of John Garey Pilates in Los Angeles

"I’ve heard from many athletes that when they take Pilates, they start to think about their body and its function differently. In particular, they start thinking about their “centre” or “core”. Ultimately they find that they transfer all that they learn in the studio to the playing field – often subconsciously. We hear from clients all the time – whether they are cyclists, golfers, rugby players – that they find they have more power after taking Pilates. In general, athletes are good at what they do, and since Pilates is often a foreign activity for them, they are forced to think about what they are doing physically and mentally. It’s not like a cyclist doing a Spinning class. Pilates makes athletes get back in touch with their basic training principles and therefore expands on what they already know. The benefits are amazing – increased power, strength and mobility."

You may be wondering if all that means only male athletes can benefit from Pilates?
ABSOLUTELY NOT!
Pilates can be a starting point or a maintenance tool for anyone...male, female, young or old. No matter what your ability or goals, Pilates can enhance your health, fitness, and lifestyle in general.

The most wonderful time of the year....

2011-12-15T13:22:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year, and not just because of the holidays. I love cozy sweaters, a fire in the fireplace, warm blankets and a good book. Unfortunately, with the holidays and coziness comes comfort foods; not all of them healthy! One of my clients said today as we starteed into the STOTT PILATES ab series. "I don't think I can curl up over my fudge!"

So how do we keep the calories down and our waists slim? My favorite answer is soup! It fits in the comfort food category and few things taste better on a cold winter day. Try this recipe from the Mayo Clinic. It is a great way to get those required legumes into your diet!
(By Mayo Clinic staff)White Chicken Chili (Serves 8)

Ingredients

1 can (10 ounces) white chunk chicken
3 cups cooked white beans
1 can (14.5 ounces) low-sodium diced tomatoes
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 medium green pepper, chopped
1 medium red pepper, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Cayenne pepper, to taste
6 tablespoons shredded reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
6 ounces low-fat baked tortilla chips (about 65 chips)

Directions

In a large soup pot, add the chicken, beans, tomatoes and chicken broth. Cover and simmer over medium heat.

Meanwhile, spray a nonstick frying pan with cooking spray. Add the onions, peppers and garlic and saute until the vegetables are soft, 3 to 5 minutes.

Add the onion and pepper mixture to the soup pot. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano and, as desired, cayenne pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes, or until all the vegetables are soft.

Ladle into warmed bowls. Sprinkle each serving with 1 tablespoon cheese and 1 teaspoon cilantro. Serve with baked chips on the side (about 6 to 8 chips with each serving of chili).

A time for giving....

2011-12-12T20:33:00.000-08:00

What a great time of year!

Even though the snow isn't flying yet, the spirit of giving is.

With the Holidays upon us we want to say thank you to the members of Apple by offering December FREE STOTT PILATES Classes each Saturday @ 10:00am thru December to help everyone enjoy their favorite winter sports more! Skiers...both downhill and crosscountry, snow-mobilers, snowshoers, and also hunters can benefit from Pilates. A stronger core, which is the basis for Pilates, means more endurance, quicker reflexes, better balance, and improved performance. Even for those who prefer the indoors during the long, cold Idaho winter...the instructors at Apple can keep you feeling ready and moving for when Summer shows it's face again. Don't forget that Pilates helps sculpt your body by creating longer, leaner looking muscles.

The response so far has been great.

Click here to sign up now !

Don't worry if you get put on the waiting list;

Come anyway!

We will make room!

The more the merrier!

What Members Are Saying (Post II)

2011-09-03T18:31:00.000-07:00

Pilates contributes more to my well-being than any other kind of workout routine I have ever done. Because of its emphasis on building core strength, whole body stability and full range of motion, Pilates can be the perfect foundation for all other forms of exercise and sports. With Pilates, I have been able to overcome the chronic neck and back pain I have had for years and my overall flexibility and posture have improved greatly. In learning the how of Pilates it is also just as important to learn the why of the exercises, so a good instructor is a must.
Joyce Pole

HoBak Jeon - Zucchini Pancakes, Korean Style

2011-08-24T15:36:00.000-07:00

The word "zucchini" brings visions of bread, casseroles, fried food, chocolate cake, and bandits who leave this notorious vegetable on door steps and back seats. The uses for zucchini are as abundant as the vegetable itself. My favorite use comes from my husband's cultural background. Even though my Zucchini Pancakes never seem to taste as good as my memories of his mother's, I love them anyway. At just under 100 calories a serving, HoBak Jeon, makes for a great snack or side dish served with a dipping sauce of soy sauce and vinegar. Hopefully you will enjoy them as much as I do!

©Ellie Won
www.insanitytheory.net

HoBak (Zucchini) Jeon (Pancakes)

2 c grated zucchini
4 green onions, chopped
1/2 - 1 chopped jalapeno pepper
1 c flour
1 c water
1 egg
Pinch salt

Mix together well.

Spoon a thin layer into a fry pan sprayed with cooking spray.
Cook until well browned.

What Members Are Saying....(post 1)

2011-08-14T20:12:00.000-07:00

Each week we will share thoughts from one of our members. They are the reason we love to come to work every day! Check back next week, maybe it will be about you!

I have been doing Pilates for five years. Even in the first two months I could feel changes for the better with my body and mental and emotional outlook. I have lived with pain because of disc problems for years and now I am almost pain free and my flexibility is much improved. I also have a shoulder injury that is continuing to improve and no longer presents much of a problem. I am thankful that I took the step to begin and stay in Pilates. Apple’s instructors are the reason I have been so successful. My instructor is not only very well trained, but her knowledge of anatomy and her skill in adapting exercises to correct alignment problems and injuries is impressive. I continue to benefit from this form of exercise and her guidance and plan to continue. Thank you Apple Athletic Club for having such a great instructors on your staff.

Shelley Dean

Did we mention cucumbers?

2011-08-12T16:35:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a Facebook friend, this interesting article on cucumbers can be shared with our readers. Sticking with the wonderful grammar LDWmagazine.com used in the article title...
Who'da thunk you could utilize a cucumber in so many ways?

Cucumbers –
14 ways you may never knew you could use one for!

1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.

5 Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!

6.Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!!

7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don’t have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.

9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!

10. Stressed out and don’t have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.

11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don’t have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

12. Looking for a ‘green’ way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but is won’t leave streaks and won’t harm your fingers or fingernails while you clean.

13. Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!

Wow, you will never look at cucumbers the same way again!!

Special Thanks for the informative article!
http://ldwmagazine.com/2011/08/12/cucumbers-14-ways-you-may-never-knew-you-could-use-one-for/

Fresh Croatian Salad

2011-08-06T14:39:00.000-07:00

I just picked five large cucumbers from my garden! I love this time of year and the ability to harvest my own fresh vegetables. I credit my sister-in-law for one of my favorite summer salads.
Admittedly, the recipe has changed over the years since I never remember exactly how she makes it. Also, as a "Grandma" cook, I seldom measure. The measurements are close, taste and add to fit your own personal preference....

Fresh Croatian Salad

2 large Tomatoes chopped into bite size chunks

2 cups Cucumbers sliced

1-2 cups Bell Peppers

(I like to use some Yellow, some Orange, and some Red

...just for the color)

1/4 c. Red Onion sliced (optional)

Dressing One:

1/2 cup Vinegar

1 teaspoon garlic

2 teaspoons sugar

Pinch of Salt

Pepper (optional)

Dressing Two:

Nakano Seasoned Rice Vinegar

(I like the roasted garlic flavor

It is easy to make and so yummy!

Give it a try and please comment if you like it!

One cup is right around 60 calories.
Count a serving of vegetables while enjoying a tasty treat.

(Did you know that Beyond Fitness recommends NINE servings of fruits and vegetables a day? Upping your vegetables is one of the easiest ways to stay within your calorie range and improve your diet.)

What is Pilates supposed to do for me?

2011-07-29T16:55:00.000-07:00

Annette Hayner, one of our world class instructors, recently joined Tami Cole, yet another of our top instructors, for the Stability Chair training. They spent three days in Utah at Intermountain Pilates Training Center learning the benefits of one of Joseph Pilates original equipment designs.

Annette has been working with her son on the Stability Chair. After a few weeks he asked,

"What is Pilates supposed to do for me?"

She answered by listing the regular results ....
-longer, leaner muscles (less bulk, more freedom of movement)
-improves postural problems
-increases core strength, stability and peripheral mobility
-helps prevent injury
-enhances functional fitness, ease of movement
-balances strength & flexibility
-heightens body awareness
-no-impact, easy on the joints
-can be customized to suit everyone from rehab patients to elite athletes
-complements other methods of exercise
-improves performance in sports (golf, skiing, skating etc.)
-improves balance, coordination & circulation
(taken from faq @ www.stottpilates.com)

He responded with a Pilates benefit from his own observations...

"Since I have been doing Pilates, I have noticed I consistently lift 10 pounds more on every piece of equipment."
In just a few weeks, who could ask for more???
Pilates is unparalleled in increasing core strength which in turn strengthens all your muscle groups.

What benefits have YOU received from Pilates?

What benefits would YOU like to receive?

Summer Fun!

2011-07-26T17:34:00.001-07:00

We have a fun offer this summer!

....for a limited time....

(until Labor Day)

FREE STOTT PILATES!

Join us two times a week

Monday 9:00am

Wednesday 6:30pm

in the STOTT PILATES Studios

(located upstairs across from the restrooms.)

We have had a good showing so far, some familiar faces and some brand new!

Pilates is a great way to slim down, tone up, and feel better!

New and Exciting!!!

2011-07-23T15:20:00.000-07:00

Fun changes are happening all over the Club!

The new group fitness studio is receiving finishing touches.

The nursery is being redone and updated.
AND

The Pilates department is growing!

We have an amazing new instructor to introduce.

ADRIANA HANDY
recently received her STOTT PILATES Mat training. It is an intense 50 hours of hands on instruction. She now starts getting her practical hours in. Adrian is a great addition to our Pilates Department and we are lucky to have her!

ALSO

PERSONAL TRAINING ON THE
STOTT PILATES CADILLAC

Call to schedule an appointment or start a class!

208.529.8600