Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Stop in for a workout or book a class.  We're open all weekend.   

 

Biz Owners!

Alycea's monthly Control Group is THIS Week.  

Wednesday at 12 noon at her Tribeca home.  

RSVP required.

Lunch included.

Book Here.

 

The Pilates Labs!

 

Dedicated to overcoming some of the most consistently challenging moves in Pilates.

 

Rock Your Teaser! with Alycea Ungaro
June 6th, 3pm-4:30pm

 

Rock Yor Swan! with Lynda Lippin

July 11th, 3pm-4:30pm

Book here!


Open to all!
In This Issue
How to: Boomerang!
Contrology Snacking: The Control Bar
Notes From the Spiritual Side

Greetings!


 Because we are celebrating the Spirit of Pilates this month, I thought to look up the definition of the word and see what might be revealed.  It turns out that there are a host of definitions for the word "Spirit". And as I delved further into them I found meanings that I knew unequivocally applied to Pilates.  Read on for my assessment.

 
First - "The vital principle or animating force within living beings." Obviously this can be assigned a broad and somewhat ethereal meaning but taken from the Pilates perspective, I couldn't help but be struck by the poignancy of the words "vital principle" and "animating force".  I experience my practice as utterly vital and thoroughly animated.  I strive to teach my classes and sessions with the same sense of vitality and animation and I feel those qualities from the students and teachers who populate Real Pilates every day.  So yes, check that. 
 
Second - "The essential nature of a person or group."
My teacher Romana Kryzanowska was interviewed once and said, I am a "Pilates person".  (Note to the world, we really must have a name for those who practice Pilates!).  Her spirit or essential nature was embodied by her love of, connection to, and continuous sharing of Pilates.  As much as anything you consistently practice becomes a part of your conscious and unconscious behavior, it is an essential part of your nature.  So yes, I say check that too!

Third: A particular mood or an emotional state characterized by vigor and animation:  as in... "
sang with spirit."  Ok.  I'm all over this one.  PIck any single Pilates exercise and I can tell you which emotions are being demonstrated.  You can see for yourself the vigor and animation contained in each move.  No really - check out Keren Hawkins fighting her way through a kick-ass Boomerang in the video below. 

Fourth and Final: Strong loyalty or dedication:as in.... 
"team spirit." Love this one.  I say all the time that the mind-body element which Pilates employs most fully is really more like Mind-Muscle.  There is serious teamwork going on here whereby your nervous system, endocrine system, and musculoskeletal system are integrated to the fullest extent.  For me, this only happens in Pilates.  The necessary dedication of each and every part of your body required to execute each exercise is evidence of the Spirit of Pilates.

I could go all day, but you get the gist.  Pilates is riddled with spirit.  In so many senses of the word. Ask any teacher how they experienced their first class and they will tell you they were moved, somehow changed.  Pilates got under their skin and became a part of who they are.  Pilates People.  Spirited, dynamic and vibrant. 

I hope that Real Pilates delivers the kind of community, conversation and challenging work that makes you all feel and live a more spirited life. 

-Alycea

Read on for the Boomerang Video and how we're getting into the food industry!  OH, and how good is your Teaser?  Need help - come to our next workshop.
Watch Keren Hawkins Beat the Boomerang!
Check out this video and watch how Keren uses determination, an animating force, vital principles and the mind, will and feelings that help her execute the move with. 
If that isn't Spirit - I don't know what is
Boomerang - Keren Hawkins 
 
 
Eat This! Presenting the "Control Bar" 

We are all busy and sometimes eating on the go is a must.  For that reason I'm a big fan of energy bars.  They are compact, self wrapped, don't require utensils or create crumbs and can provide balanced nutrition to quell your hunger and fuel your body.  However, have you seen the energy bar section at your local supermarket or health food store recently?  They are overloaded with bars and not all of them are good for you or your waistline!  

 Control Bars

As the resident Dietitian here I've created a bar just for you that's full of nutrition, vitamins, minerals and Omega 3s to keep you on track, looking and feeling great.  What's in it?  Three different types of nuts which provide you with heart healthy fats and protein to keep you satisfied not to mention keep your skin and hair looking young and shiny.  Next I added my favorite ingredient, Chia Seeds, a tiny powerhouse full of nutrition including calcium, Omega 3s, fiber and protein.  For some sweet flavor and tons of antioxidants there are Goji berries and organic honey and let's not forget a bit of cinnamon to keep your blood sugar levels even as well as promote weight loss.  And if that wasn't enough at least 75% of the ingredients are organic and the bars are made in small batches just for us so each bite delivers maximum nutrition and flavor.  So go ahead and take a bite and let us know what you think.  

 

We promise, they do a body good!-Amy Shapiro, RD

"With body, mind, and spirit functioning perfectly as a coordinated whole, what else could reasonably be expected other than an active, alert, disciplined person."

- Joseph Pilates, Return to Life Through Contrology
 
Real Pilates Studio 177 Duane Street NY, NY 10013
212.625.0777 |
 info@realpilatesnyc.com

Like us on Facebook        Follow us on Twitter