I'm in Natural Health Magazine!

I am really excited to tell you all that I was interviewed and featured in a recent article in Natural Health magazine called "Love Your Body."  Of course I love all the quotes they used from me in there, but my first reaction to the article was how much I loved the model they used to demonstrate the exercises discussed. She is not your typical 20 year old bone thin model that you often see in workout magazines. She is maybe in her 50s and while obviously fit, looks like a healthy, normal person (and I love the haircut and the shirt she is wearing.)

I also love that the article expresses my personal philosophy about exercise so well.  That exercise is meant to be a postive, beneficial part of your life, and not something to punish yourself with when you feel like you ate too much, or because the woman on the treadmill next to you is skinnier.  The article discusses setting goals for exercise that are realistic, and not something that is nearly unattainable, like having Tina Turner's legs.

Check out the article though, there are some great simple exercises that I helped the magazine choose that focus on all the highlights of exercise--cardio, balance, flexibility, and strength. The strength exercise is one of my favorites--a classic push up. Maybe you can only do a few to start, but I bet if you keep it up, your endurance, and love for your body, increases!


"Love Your Body," by Kate Hanley, Natural Health, March 2011.

Pilates and Skiing

Image by UW Digital Collections via Flickr

I just recently returned from a skiing trip in Colorado and have been thinking a lot about how great Pilates is for skiers.  Think about it, all the things that are central to Pilates—a strong core, great balance and posture, general strength and agility—sounds like the perfect recipe for great skiing to me.  One of the things that skiers typically need to focus on when they are skiing is a great stance, or the way they hold themselves evenly on their skis.  Pilates strengthens the core as well as the rest of your muscular structure, but it also just simply makes you more aware of how your body and its muscles function together—and how it all interacts with your breathing.  Honestly, I can’t think of a better exercise program for skiers.

Think about it, when you are skiing, your arms and legs work independently and your core, or torso area, which needs to stay strong in order to support all of that dynamic movement.  Think about how much pressure is on your feet this entire time too.  By strengthening and adjusting your core muscles as well as all of your leg and arm muscles, you are hitting all the high points you need in skiing.  By getting your balance perfected and your alignment in order, you will not be put an undue amount of stress on those feet (or your back and knees for that matter).

I have clients who are skiers and have told me how quickly their skiing began to improve since starting Pilates (not to mention their stamina).  I would be happy to create a custom program to focus on exercises to strengthen those muscles critical to skiing.  And any of our classes at Indianapolis Pilates by 15 to Fit could go a long way towards improving anyone’s love of skiing.



Me on the slopes!



The Mind/Body Connection of Pilates

Image via Wikipedia

One of the things that makes Pilates practice so different from a lot of traditional exercise methods is the mind-body connection.  In some ways, this connection makes Pilates more similar to yoga than traditional weight training.  Pilates requires very precise movements targeting deep muscles—your mind needs to be in it to make it most effective.  There is also very specific breathing techniques that go along with each exercise to not only focus on your core, but to center your mind as well.

Pilates does not put an emphasis on endless repetitions of exercises, but on fewer, more precise movements and deep breathing that is guided by one of our professionally trained instructors.  Our instructors can guide you not only through the exercises, but the breathing techniques as well.  We are trained to notice exactly how each muscle is moving and to make sure that our clients keep their breathing in sync with the exercises.

I truly believe that working in the moment and focusing on your breath can not only help your physical body, but your mental health as well.  You hear a lot these days about living in the moment, living in the now, what a perfect way to combine your physical exercise regimen with that philosophy.

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“The acquirement and enjoyment of physical well-being, mental calm, and spiritual peace are priceless to their possessors if there be any such so fortunate living among us today.  However, it is the ideal to strive for, and in our opinion, it is only through [the Pilates method] that this unique trinity of a balanced body, mind, and spirit can ever be attained.”  -Joseph Pilates (1945).

"The acquirement and enjoyment of physical well-being mental calm, and spiritual peace are priceless to

Meet the Ladder Barrel!

I told you all a few weeks ago that I was hoping to get some new equipment (which is a little addiction I have) and recently I purchased a new piece of equipment called the ladder barrel.  This is a wonderful device for deep stretches as well as targeted strengthening and flexibility exercises.  There are rungs in the ladder portion of the equipment that are at different heights that make it easy to accommodate various body heights.

It is great for spinal articulation and stretching hips—you can use the barrel to stretch on your stomach, on your side, or laying across on your back.  It is great to promote not only good flexibility as I said, but also help your posture.  The design of this piece of equipment is great for helping isolate deep core muscles—our favorite muscles to target!

As we age, this kind of spinal articulation is so great for helping to strengthen the bones and muscles that will keep us all upright.  I use the barrel as a compliment to the other pieces of equipment and there is nothing better than great deep stretches on the barrel at the end of a hard workout.  Give us a call and check it out...Your spine will thank you.

http://www.15tofit.com/
patrea@15tofit.com
317/281-6762

Why You Need More Than New Year's Resolutions

I have been thinking a lot about exercise adherence with the New Year upon us.  What exactly is exercise adherence?  Well let me start by telling you what it isn’t.  It isn’t a resolution.  Exercise adherence refers to how strong a person’s commitment is to continue an exercise program.  It isn’t just about will power; it is about so much more. You need to set goals, not make resolutions. 

What helps a person have a high level of exercise adherence?  Things like family support, personal support of a trainer, accountability by a trainer or other person, enjoying the program you begin (yes, it is possible to enjoy exercising!), social support, and starting with a program that is not too intense in the beginning and builds as your fitness increases.

So why is starting a program at Indianapolis Pilates by 15 to Fit going to help with your commitment to exercise?  Here’s why.  Every session you have, whether is in a group class setting (where you will rarely have more than 4-5 people in a class), a private session, or a duet (with one other person), you will always have a personal trainer leading you, correcting your form and supporting you.  You could join a gym with 100s or maybe 1000s of others, and even if you get a couple of free trainer sessions, you will never get the one on one attention you get at our studio.  Our services are personal and we can meet with you, discuss your fitness goals and get you on track to achieve them.  And you will be with one of our skilled trainers every single time.

Guess what? It is also really fun.  Our trainers are serious about what they are doing, but they are all also a lot of fun.  The group classes create the social support that was discussed above as one of the factors that helps keep everyone motivated.  Several of my clients have become friends, and exercise becomes almost a social gathering at the studio.  We keep up with each other ‘s lives and we get a killer workout too.

But while we are on that topic, I also realize that each person is at a different physical level and I don’t try to work you so hard on your first visit that you never want to come back.  We learn your body and your fitness level and work with that.  We have classes at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.  Of course, we won’t let you slack off either, and will hold you accountable for doing your best work and achieving your goals. That is what we are here for.  So where are YOU?

Give us a call at 317/281-6762 or email us today (patrea@15tofit.com or cmorog@15tofit.com).  We will help you meet your goals.

Holiday Bazaar Tomorrow!

Tired of the same cookie cutter holiday gifts you see everywhere and in every store?
Join us on December 7th from 4-7 pm at the 15 to Fit Studio for our Holiday Bazaar!

Stop by and see unique gifts from Down Home Up North and enjoy some beer and wine provided by Great Fermentations at our Fitness and Holiday Bazaar. Get a leg up on your holiday shopping, and enjoy some fitness motivation while you're there.
 Great Fermentations is a local brewing and wine making company owned by Anita Johnson. The staff at Great Fermentations has been brewing or making wine for over 45 years combined. They love the science and the creativity of making beer, wine, cider and mead. They share a passion for teaching their clients and have helped thousands of customers make their own beverages over the years. To the staff at Great Fermentations consumption is just considered enjoyable research.
 Down Home Up North is a northern Michigan-based store with unique home accessories and an online store with changing merchandise monthly. Owner Amy Minick Peterson returns to Indianapolis in the off season and is pleased to participate in the 15 to Fit Fitness and Holiday Bazaar. She is an enthusiastic 15 to Fit customer, too! Check out some of her offerings at http://www.downhomeupnorth.com/

They'll be bringing in some special items for this event... so don't miss it.


Bring a friend and receive 3 extra chances to win one of the door prizes!

What Does 15 to Fit Mean Anyway?

The 15 to Fit Challenge
So people are often asking me about my company name “15 to Fit.” What does it mean, how did I come up with this? Well, generally, my name takes into account my philosophy that I will guarantee that if you follow our program for 15 weeks, you will become stronger (especially in those abs!) and more flexible or your money back. In a general sense, 15 weeks to fitness!

More specifically, I have started a program I am very excited about called the 15 to Fit Challenge. I have set up a special package including introductory private sessions, individual assessments, and group classes. You will get 45 Pilates Sessions with this Challenge!

This is a Wellness Challenge to motivate and commit you to following through with your health goals. Plus you have a chance to WIN $1,000!

$1,540 Value for $895!
What is included:
1- Private, introductory session
3- 30 min. Assessment sessions: Start Date, Mid term and Finish Date (15 weeks from Start Date)
45- Group Equipment Classes or Movement Classes

Assessment Sessions:
• Body Weight
• Body Measurements
• Strength Assessment
• Muscular Endurance Upper Body
• Muscular Endurance for Abdominals
• Flexibility Test

Challenge Rules:
Attend 2 of 3 of your assessment sessions. It is strongly suggested that you attend the midterm session between Weeks 7 to 9 but to stay in the Challenge you must be assessed at your Start date and your Finish date, 15 weeks later.

Attend 3 Pilates classes per week, either group equipment or movement classes. This is an average of 3 classes per week over the 15-week period. This doesn’t mean you can’t attend if you travel or are going on vacation. You just must be able to make up those classes either before you go or after.

Whoever has lost the largest percentage of body weight wins $1,000!*

*There must be at least 12 people entered over the 15 to Fit Challenge Session 2-2011 for the challenge to take place. Session 2- 2011 is defined as the period between January 3- May 23, 2011. Sign up now for this exciting challenge!

What if you don’t have a significant amount of weight to lose?

You can still enter the challenge and receive assessments and great Pilates sessions at a dramatically reduced rate.

One 55-Minute Introductory Private Session $75
Three 30-Minute Assessment Sessions $115
45 Group Equipment Classes or Movement Classes $1350
Total Value $1540
15 to Fit Challenge Price $996
One payment $895
Or 4 payments of $249

It’s going to be a new year; wouldn’t you like to start it off right, dedicating yourself to your own health and well being? If this sounds good to you, sign up here.

“After 10 sessions you will feel a difference, after 20 sessions you will see a difference, and after 30 sessions you will be on your way to a whole new body.” -Joseph Pilates