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 Notes From Alycea: The Dis-Integration Issue
  
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  Dear (Contact First Name) 
  dis·in·te·grate /disˈintəˌgrāt/ - Verb 1. Break up into parts
  Spring  break is upon us.  As we disperse to various locales and depart our  regular routines it's normal to feel that your goals and wellness  staples are somehow dis-
integrating.   As March is our "Integration" month I wondered how these weeks of spring  break could do anything other than break down routine, resolve and even  results.
 
 This past week we had a workshop with former teacher and  self-admitted Pilates geek  Benjamin Degenhardt, that involved just that.  Breaking down a beloved familiar exercise. The Hundred. The process  was illuminating for me (I attended as a student) insomuch as I got to  look and feel many different moments all decidedly broken down but each  of which acquired a whole new purpose in the process. 
 Pilates is such a perfect blend of integrated  movements of sweeping choreography and seamless transitions but is also  chock full of opportunities to isolate and pull apart particular moments  in movement and thereby discover new things. Here are a few ideas  gleaned from this weeks workshop plus a few activities to incorporate  this month whether you are on a "break" or practicing your own Hundred.    Get Hands On - Assume your Hundred position (see  instructions below) then use your hands to track the tension in your  abdominals.  Start at the top and work your way down to the pelvis  holding your legs at one fixed height.  Repeat with the legs a bit lower  and then one more time even lower maintaining a deep Ab contraction.   Note any areas that the tension reduces or breaks down.  Focus on that  zone. Now try the full 100.  
 Nutrition-ally Speaking Spring Break definitely brings a disintegrating resolve to the table come vacation  meals. Here's my best tip.  Look ahead at the menus where you'll be  dining and make your choices then, ideally on a full stomach. At dinner time - don't even look at the menu.  You've already chosen wisely  ahead of time.  As for dessert, order one  to share. 
 Legacy - Real Pilates is always looking back  in order to move forward. We take our inspiration from so many sources  but always give a nod to our roots.  When I was a young apprentice I  learned to teach exercises to the level of the student.  Maybe they  can't perform the whole movement but they can do a portion of it.  Test  yourself this month.  Take an exercise you find challenging and just do  one part of it.  Over and over.  Let me know how it's going so I help  give you advice on our Facebook page. 
More exciting stuff you can't wait to read about including a SpringTone® Teacher Training announcement, a Free Guide to building The Hundred, and a special ice cream recipe below! 
  
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 SpringTone® Teacher Training!
  
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For the very first time in history, SpringTone®  Teacher Training is open to territories outside of Manhattan. Join us April 26 - 28, 2013.  Be the  first to bring SpringTone® to your 'hood.   
     Email info@realpilatesnyc.com to be placed on the   Registration wait list.  Limited to 10 Instructors with pre-existing   comprehensive certification. 
 
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 Avocadoh-so-delicious! 
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 We normally don't advocate eating ice cream,  but this Avocado Ice Cream recipe from Amy Shapiro...we just couldn't pass up!  Try it and let us know how it comes out. 
  Post the outcome on our Facebook page.   
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