- Message from Donna and Elle
- Anna Moy Shares an Exercise Tip & Recipe
- Melissa Woyshner’s Master Class
- 2nd Ave Class Schedule Change Coming Soon
- Instructor Corner
- Pilates For Pink Thanks You For Your Support
- Holiday Studio Schedule
Happy Birthday to Center for Movement...
Stretching into our 14th Year!Here’s a glimpse of the milestones that brought us to where we are now, and how CFM evolved from our shared passion comprised of perspiration, inspiration, and our core belief in the Pilates & Gyrotonic methods! We continue to offer you quality programming and instruction with new enhancements to these tried and true methods, offering modern results.
1998- Our dream was realized with the opening of our first studio location in Scarsdale, NY, located in Westchester.
2001- We brought our mastery of “pure” Pilates--the authentic and classical method--to the UES on Lexington Ave @ 72nd, and as in Scarsdale, we offered our clients the Gyrotonic Expansion System, a little-known ground-breaking exercise method, already popular with a small cult fan base.
2003- We needed more qualified teachers (there are many imitators out there)! So we began our comprehensive Pilates Certification Program teaching Classical Pilates. One of our graduates may even be your favorite instructor.
2007- As our programs and offerings grew, so did our need for more space. And so we expanded again to open our 3rd location @ 2nd Ave. and 76th St., continuing to blend quality instruction, equipment, and small intimate groups at a great price.
2008- Our Scarsdale studio undergoes a massive renovation which included new tower units, keeping us at the forefront of the ever evolving fitness industry. Then we relocated our Lexington Ave studio two blocks south to 70th St.
Now, 2011, as cousins and life-long friends, our studios have offered us the means to achieve our dream to operate a business together and have fun while doing it! Thank you for your patronage and being a part of our history. Happy Birthday, Center for Movement!!
Best in Health,
Donna Singer and Elle Jardim
Center for Movement
www.centerformovement.comBe sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on news, health tips and more!
The goal of the "tree" is to stretch the spine and the hamstrings (the back of the thighs). The following is a seated version that can be done at home.
Seated "Tree" Stretch:
1. Sit tall, cross-legged (aka "tailor style" or "Native American Indian style") on the floor.
2. Bring your right knee up towards the chest and cup both hands under the foot, bringing the foot off the floor. Pull the powerhouse in and up to maintain length in the back of the spine and for balance as you slightly round the lower back.
3. Inhale to prepare.
4. Exhale, lift the heel to the ceiling, keeping the thigh as close to the chest as possible and trying to straighten the knee. Hold for five seconds, breathing throughout. Do not lock the knee.
5. Re-bend the knee on the inhale.
6. Repeat two more times, holding for ten seconds and then for 15 seconds, respectively. Try to straighten the leg a bit more each time the heel is lifted.
Tips:
Stretch within a safe range for yourself. There should be a gentle tautness in the back of the thighs.
If you are having difficulty, move the thigh away from the torso, allowing the elbows to straighten more.
Use your abs to stay upright as you lengthen the leg.
An advanced option: Point and flex the foot when the leg is straight. Bend the elbows and really "pull up" towards the foot.
A beginner option: Lie on your back on the floor with one leg straight (or bent if necessary). Bend the other leg toward the chest and extend it to the ceiling performing "the tree" lying down. There you have it. The "tree" that anyone can do anywhere there's space to sit and move your leg. I've taught this in my mat/tower classes and I've done this exercise on long flights in a bulkhead seat.
To read more about Anna and our other talented instructors, check out the Staff Bio Page of our website.
Ginger Tea Recipe (Anna Moy)
Ingredients: fresh ginger honey
Peel the skin from a two inch piece of ginger, using a paring knife or the side of a spoon. Thinly slice the ginger and place into a small saucepan filled with 10 oz of cold water. Bring to a boil then lower to a simmer for 3-4 minutes.
In the meantime, place 2 tablespoons of honey into a mug (add more to taste). Carefully pour in the ginger infused water and stir. Consume while piping hot.
The spiciness of the ginger warms up a body that may be starting to chill and the honey soothes a raw, sore throat.
When I feel the first signs of a cold coming on, I make this "tea" for myself for 2-3 nights in a row, about an hour before bed. I try to get an extra half hour or hour of sleep with an additional blanket for warmth and a full blown cold can usually be avoided.
Note: Fresh ginger root should be very firm, almost hard, to the touch and have a thin, taut, dry skin with a slight sheen to it. Store in the freezer for maximum longevity.
Join Melissa Woyshner on Saturday December 3rd and December 10th for a fun-filled one hour Tower of Power class. All classes will be held at 4pm at our 2nd Ave location. Advance registration is required! It's guaranteed to lift your spirits (and tummy).
Marguerite Arico who is in our Certification program is teaching an Apprentice Tower Mat Class on Fridays, 4pm at our 2nd Ave studio. This class is $10, advanced registration required.
We’re happy to introduce to you and welcome two new talented Gyrotonic instructors that have joined the CFM team.
Pessel Spadone has been a creative dancer and intuitive mover her whole life, training in Classical Ballet and Martial Arts from a young age. Pessel’s introduction to Gyrotonic initiated a mind-body awareness and a level of strength, flexibility, and coordination unlike any she had previously experienced. She was so inspired to share this movement with others that she began training to become a certified instructor. Since then, she has had the privilege to train internationally under the guidance of world-renowned master trainers and continues to learn, especially from her clients.
Varvara Kalinin born in Moscow, hails from a true dancing family. Varvara's dance education began at the School of American Ballet in NY and then she joined her parents dance troupe at the age of sixteen. She earned her BFA from Stephens College in Theatre. While recovering from a dance injury she was introduced to the mind-body movements of Pilates and Gyrotonic, became a devotee, and then completed her Pilates and GYROTONICŪ certifications. Varvara has studied the Alexander technique, Feldenkreis, Thai Bodywork, and gait analysis. She also has extensively studied anatomy, biomechanics, body assessment and injury prevention.
Always wanted to try Gyrotonic,Thai Massage or hands-on Body Work? Thai Body Work, a traditional massage of Thailand, is done lying on a floor mat with loose fitting clothing. The practitioner's body weight is used to create assisted stretches, while simultaneously applying gentle pressure to shiatsu points. Mobilizes joints, loosens muscles, releases tension, and re-balances the body.
Gyrotonic simultaneously stretches, strengthens, develops coordination, and increases range of motion. Fluid, circular movements are performed with yogic breathing patterns, providing the following benefits: develops strong, lean musculature; increases flexibility, coordination, & balance; corrects postural imbalances and elongates the spine; enhances joint mobility & articulation
Take advantage of our special offers which end December 15. Packages do not apply
At our Lexington Ave studio Saturday and Sundays receive 25% off Gyrotonic sessions. Or try a combination session of Thai Body Work and Gyrotonic for $80 (valued @ $125). At our Scarsdale studio on Wednesdays receive 25% off Gyrotonic sessions.
2nd Ave Class Schedule Change Coming Soon
It’s that time of year again. We will be revising our class schedule at 2nd Ave. If you have any suggestions of days/ times we’d love to hear them. Stop by the front desk, or Click Here For Survey.
Many thanks for all of those who participated in our Pilates for Pink breast cancer awareness classes and a special thank you to Melissa Woyshner for donating her time to help this great cause.
Holiday Schedule (Closed Dates)
Thursday, November 25th (Thanksgiving)
Saturday, December 24th (Christmas Eve)
Sunday, December 25th (Christmas Day)
Sunday, January 1st (New Year’s Day)
Check out our website www.centerformovement.com for up to date holiday schedule changes.
