In This Issue
:: Looking for Love
:: Teacher News
:: Tip of the Month
Dear Friends,
As some of you are already aware, Chester and I should be on tv. Obvious fit, right? I mean, we belong on tv. Well, the other day we were in a Discovery Channel "Cash Cab." I was kind of nervous - the thought of looking really dumb in front of people who might be watching, for instance, someone with whom I went to high school, a former employer, or worse an ex-boyfriend's mother, made me tremble. We did okay, although I can't tell you how it ends... If we don't get lost on the cutting room floor, I will surely tell you when the show will air! |
Looking For Love
Did you ever think dating and volunteering would occur in the same sentence? Well now it has. My friend Sandra has launched an amazing service called Cause and Effect Dating, in which a couple is matched not only by their dating criteria, but also by their similar charitable interests. The first date is at a charity event, where they can get to know each other while planting a community garden or serving meals to those in need. To me, it's a win-win situation: you could meet that special someone, and if not, you have done something good for the world.
What we do know for certain is that Mildraide is back on Wednesdays! And Elena is taking on Thursday and Friday evening classes with a vengeance. She comes from a dance background, has a spunky personality, and will work your core until you can take no more. Cause and Effect is in the process of building a database - so pass it on!
Check out the website
Teacher News
Lovely Lina is now with child, and although she enjoys your company, she is getting too tired to commute in from Brooklyn. She will be taking a break soon, so there will be some teacher shifting in the schedule. To be continued...
You may have noticed the Monday class called Mature, for lack of a better term. And although some of you are surely wise beyond your years, this class is reserved for women "of a certain age" and it combines Pilates with stretching and movement. With a focus on gentle movements, correct alignment and attention to breathing, this class will increase vitality, flexibility and keep you strong and healthy.
Zhenya (it is not as difficult to pronounce as you might think) is now teaching private classes here at Centered. She comes with many years of teaching experience, has also studied yoga and is a certified massage therapist. If you can't get an appointment with me (yes, I am more popular now than I was in high school), then I suggest giving her a try. She is really a wonderful teacher.
schedule |
Tip of the Month
Love Your Hips
 Your hips are suffering. They are tight, maybe they ache, and sometimes they catch or pop with even the slightest movement. What is up with that? Here are some tips that will help you loosen up and reverse some of the bad habits that cause your hips to tighten up.
- It is unlikely that you can quit your job due to tight hips, but if you sit at a desk all day, by all means, get up and move around. Shake out your legs and stretch.
- Additionally, if you carry your child on one hip you need to stop! If you must hold your child this way, make sure to switch sides often.
- Stop squeezing your butt! I know I told you at holiday time to do some little squeezes to tighten up your rump, but you can't do it 24/7. So many people carry tension in their bum and don't realize it. So stop unintentionally squeezing. Squeeze it when you mean it (as in when you are exercising)!
- To increase flexibility in the hips and stretch out inner thigh and groin muscles, sit down on the floor with your hands on your ankles. Bring the soles of your feet together. You may gently press your knees down, and hold for 30 seconds and repeat 2-3x. Don't forget to breathe!
- In a standing position, hold on to a wall or chair for balance. Bend your leg at the knee and hold your foot in your hand. Make sure your body is straight and thighs are together. Hold for 20 seconds and release. Repeat 2x on both sides. You may also do this lying on your side.
And if that doesn't make your hips happy - buy yourself a Hula Hoop!
These are some fancy hoops... |