While most of my time spent scrolling Instagram doesn't turn into an educational experience, last night I feel down the kind of deep Instagram vortex that can only occur at two in the morning. And, while I might be tired today, I'm not full of regret because I get to introduce you to the world of Instagram food comparisons.
While I don't normally put a focus on calories (it's all about keeping things healthy and balanced), some of these comparisons really opened my eyes, particularly when it came to the way I look at certain foods (who knew a slice of pizza and avo toast were the same thing calorie-wise?). I've also pocketed some great tips on simple swaps you can make, such as switching up dressings or portion sizes, that can have a huge impact on your overall diet.
Keep reading below to see some of the best comparisons and prepare to have your mind blown.
If you are like many people who suffer from back pains, you probably want just to sit and do nothing until the pain goes away. You fear that any physical activity may worsen the pain and increase your suffering. The good news is that walking can help you ease the pain as you walk towards […]
Shiseido teams up with Pinterest for a first-of-its-kind experience in Canada
Courtesy of Pinterest
On October 7th, Japanese beauty brand Shiseido launched a digital experience on Pinterest for skincare lovers looking for a recommended skincare routine. Called Beauty Box Builder and the first of its kind here in Canada, the new experience for Pinterest users starts off with a quiz to determine a pinner’s skincare needs and priorities before bringing them deeper into Shiseido’s pins and content and generating a personalized Pinterest board with a customized Beauty Box. Within, pinners will find recommended skincare products and step-by-step options for a glow-getting skincare regimen.
Sephora Canada supports World Mental Health Day via its Beauty Insider Charity Rewards program
October 10th is World Mental Health Day, and Sephora Canada is marking the important occasion by helping to increase awareness around mental health issues by partnering with Jack.org, a Canadian charity that trains and empowers young leaders across the country to break down barriers and dispel the stigmas associated with mental health and illness. Through the Sephora Beauty Insider Charity Rewards program, beauty shoppers can choose to exchange their points for donations towards Jack.org’s cause. How it works: 500 points for a $10 donation, 1,000 points for a $20 donation, or 1,500 points for a $30 donation. The partnership runs until November 2nd.
Odacité is serving up beauty sleep in a good-for-your-skin jar
Our skin naturally regenerates overnight, making bedtime primetime for slathering on nourishing or texturizing skincare products before you sleep. Our latest fave for a well-rested complexion come morning? Clean beauty brand Odacité’s new Crème de la Nuit ($158). The velvety cream formula is packed with clinical-grade actives, like Vitamin C and antioxidant-rich CoQ10, and high-performance botanicals (pomegranate, blue green algae and kelp). And the clinical and consumer tests are worth nothing, too: Over 86% of participants saw more hydrated skin just after one usage. Plus, after 28 days, 91% saw healthier looking skin and 78% mentioned a noticeable reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. Shop Crème de la Nuit at the Detox Market.
Pimple-patch leader Starface had added a new skincare staple to its breakout-fighting line-up. Formulated to unclog pores, alleviate redness and reduce acne scars, the new Exfoliating Night Water ($16) is made with a combo of exfoliating acids (AHA, BHA and PHAs) along with anti-inflammatory niacinamide. Saturate a facial cotton pad with a few pumps of the liquid and gently press onto clean, dry skin before bed.
Valmont’s latest offering addresses the décolletage
Courtesy of Valmont
Our décolletage, the delicate area from the chin to our chest, is one of the first places many of us see the most noticeable signs of aging, yet it’s one significant area that’s often neglected during many a skincare routine. Swiss skincare line Valmont is putting necklines front and centre. Named V-Neck Cream ($385), the ultra-luxe treatment is infused with Valmont’s exclusive blend of five signature, skin-renewing actives: vitamin C (brightening), fibro-boost (elasticity and firmness), GAG booster (plumping) Desi-Derm (regenerating) and a customized peptide cocktail (wrinkle reducing). Shop the latest neck moisturizer at Holt Renfrew.
Want more? See our round-up of all of the new beauty launches hitting shelves this month.
Hey Sarah, let’s kick off by sharing a little bit about who you are?
Hi! My name is Sarah. I am the Co-Founder and CEO of Mental NYC, a mental health-focused wellness practice. I am also a meditation guide and a reiki practitioner.
I currently live in Williamsburg with my partner and fellow Mental NYC Co-Founder Brendan and my dog Lady.
What has been your biggest challenge in 2020, and what tools have you used to help heal from it?
I think it has been incredibly challenging to go from a world where we are so used to having physical boundaries such as different places to work and rest and play to essentially having no boundaries at all. It has been a huge journey in getting to know myself and the practices I need to put in place to thrive energetically.
Therapy is always very big for me in terms of healing. I also make sure I am working in movement and meditation at some point throughout my day. I truly notice such a difference in my mental state when these things are part of my routine.
You launched MentalNYC in September last year with the objective to…
Our mission through Mental NYC is to create space for mental health conversation. My partner and I started Mental NYC during a time when we were on our own mental health journeys. We noticed what an impact movement and meditation had on our mental health and we wanted to create community and conversation around that.
We currently offer movement, meditation, and conversation focused offerings through our online membership and IRL at pop-up locations throughout NYC.
For those who are yet to recognize the value of meditation through movement, can you please share some cool facts about the benefits of these practices?
Meditation allows us to slow down and tune into our bodies and our minds. It creates space for us to think, to process, to just be. This is so important but something we rarely make time to do in the world we live in. As New Yorkers, this is something we were seeing so often. There can be such a resistance to ‘do nothing’ in American culture where it is actually greatly celebrated and prioritized in other cultures.
From a scientific standpoint, consistent meditation practice has actually been shown to change the structure of your brain. Harvard did a study that found that after eight weeks of regular meditation there was a decrease in volume in the amygdala – the part of your brain responsible for fear, anxiety, and stress.
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What are some of the events you’ve hosted to welcome people into practicing ‘meditation through movement?’
Our signature offering Mental Movement is a high-intensity interval workout that weaves in presence techniques and ends with a centring guided meditation. We wanted to create a practice that was inherently mindful but that was also accessible to those that may not be familiar with meditation or mindfulness practice. It is also scientifically proven to be easier to drop into a meditative state after you have exerted a high amount of energy making it more accessible for first-time meditators.
We’ve hosted events at venues throughout NYC such as The William Vale, North Brooklyn Farms, and Dumbo House that feature our signature workout Mental Movement along with the mental health-focused conversation.
What is your personal journey with mental health and why did you make it your mission to create a community committed to mental health awareness?
At the time we started Mental NYC I had been seeing a therapist regularly for 3 years and noticed when I brought up my mental health within my own community that it still carried such a stigma. I am someone who has suffered from anxiety for as long as I can remember. Not the kind you experience from Sunday ‘scaries’, more like the kind where you end up in the ER because you think you’re having a heart attack. Before therapy, I used to avoid emotions more often than not which resulted in my anxiety attacks. Now I allow myself to feel things.
I am a Latina woman whose community primarily stems from South Florida so therapy tends to be something that is seen as taboo or a last resort. I wanted to shift the conversation to therapy being something you can do as a preventative or proactive measure – to emphasize that having this mental check-in’s should be as normal as working out. Through Mental NYC we’re able to connect the dots and offer stepping stones for people who might just be paying attention to their mental health for the first time. For a lot of people movement and meditation can be a more accessible way to start thinking about their mental health.
Today, we’re celebrating World Mental Health Day. What does this day represent to you?
It is so amazing that Mental Health is becoming more mainstream. I feel that we are definitely starting to see younger generations being more open to speaking about their mental health. Conversation and awareness truly create change.
If you recognize someone who is mentally struggling, what’s the best way to approach the situation?
Checking in with someone can go such a long way when you notice that someone might be mentally struggling. If this is the case, asking ‘How are you?’ can be a loaded question. Some other ways to check in might look like telling them you miss them, sending a photo, sharing a memory, or sending them a song you like.
If I am someone who is mentally struggling, what are some daily mechanisms I can incorporate into my life to heal my pain?
While I am not an expert, I believe that everyone’s journey to healing is truly individual. In my own journey movement and meditation truly are my first line of defence. When I am struggling mentally this might look like 10 minutes a day and slowly working my way up. Journaling has also been extremely therapeutic when I am at a low point.
If you are mentally struggling it could be a good idea to seek therapy so that you and your therapist can come up with a game plan together. That said, we know access to therapy is difficult for many. This is something we are working to shed on a light on. We also recommend Mywellbeing.com, a free therapy matchmaking resource.
At moxie, we’re very passionate about the ‘gut-brain axis’ (biochemical signalling that takes place between the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system). With your previous experience in having IBS, how has diet and stress impacted your IBS journey?
IBS is something I struggled with when I was younger and was definitely brought on by stress. As a child I was the overachiever perfectionist type – these tendencies are where a lot of my anxiety comes from even today. It’s something I’ve really had to work on.
It is not something I check in with nearly enough so I am happy to find accountability through this community and to begin exploring the gut-brain axis.
Both gut and mental health issues are heavily downplayed by the rest of society. Together as a team, moxie and MentalNYC endeavour to combat this issue through conversation and transparency… In what ways do you hope we can ‘change the conversation?’
My hope is that the conversation will turn towards how we can be proactive about our mental health and well-being. How can it be a conversation even before we start feeling bad? Even happiness is part of mental health – recognizing what makes you feel happy is just as important as recognizing what makes you sad. I hope that we will start to see these conversations more woven into our daily lives.
Besides our exciting, new partnership what else does ‘mentalNYC’ have in store for 2020/2021?
We’re launching our virtual Mental Check-In Community Series this month which I am excited to be hosting! We also have a course offering in the works and more chances to move and meditate with us IRL!
What podcasts are you listening to at the moment?
I am not a huge podcaster but I have recently been listening to Co-Inspired Conversations With Myisha T. I think it’s really important for us to continue checking in with and challenging our own views of power, privilege, and racism. These conversations have been insightful for me and a way to continue checking in.
Other than that I am probably listening to a meditation lol
What are your three favorite brain healing foods? (eg. Chocolate, matcha, mangoes for me)…
Dark chocolate, avocados, cherries
What’s your favorite quote to get you going in the mornings?
Seek the wisdom that will untie your knot. Seek the path that demands your whole being. -Rumi
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From a virtual chat between Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Malala Yousafzai to Maitreyi Ramakrishnan’s new role as an ambassador for Plan International, here’s all the news you missed this week.
The Sussexes and Malala Yousafzai are coming together for a virtual chat
In honour of International Day of the Girl on October 11, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai are teaming up for a live video chat. The conversation, which will be live streamed on YouTube and via The Malala Fund’s social media channels at 11am EST, will discuss “why it’s essential that we champion every girl’s right to learn. Earlier this week, Yousafzai also sat down with Michelle Obama for another conversation about the importance of girls’ education, along with a special guest—Priya Mondol, a 17-year-old Indian student and activist.
You read that right — on #DayoftheGirl, @Malala and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are getting together *virtually 💻* to celebrate girls and the power of their voices 🙌🏾.
The Canadian media industry launched an initiative to increase diversity
In an effort to combat systemic racism in the media and entertainment industries, over 20 Canadian broadcasters and industry leaders have teamed up with grassroots organization BIPOC TV & FILM to launch a nation-wide initiative. Titled HireBIPOC, the initiative aims to create a more inclusive workforce by facilitating and increasing the hiring of Black, Indigenous and people of colour in the country’s screen-based industries (television, film, digital) across all areas and roles, including production, communications & marketing, on-air and more.
That's right, we did that. 👏🏽#HireBIPOC is an industry-wide roster of Canadian BIPOC creatives crew working in screen-based industries! #RepresentationMatters.
Plan International announced Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as its newest ambassador Never Have I Ever star Maitreyi Ramakrishnan is the new Global Ambassador for Plan International, an organization dedicated to advancing children’s rights and gender equality. “I believe in the power of my generation to disrupt the status quo and create a better world than the one that was left to us,” the 18-year-old Tamil-Canadian actress said in a statement.
I am very excited to make this official! I have the privilege of joining @plancanada as a global ambassador! I’ve seen incredible progress for girls’ rights, but it’s too slow and too fragile. @PlanGlobal works with communities to advance gender equality and make lasting change. pic.twitter.com/hZ9gJooYor
Spotify released a Thanksgiving playlist
The fall chill has officially set in and to match the mood, fall music playlists are on the rise. According to Spotify, there’s been an increase of nearly 170 ‘apple picking’ playlists over the past 60 days, with hits like Taylor Swift’s “Cardigan”, Ed Sheeran’s “Autumn Leaves” and The Neighbourhood’s “Sweater Weather” being added the most. So the music streaming platform has launched a fall playlist of its own in celebration of Canadian Thanksgiving. Its “Give Thanks” playlist includes songs like Otis Redding’s “I Want to Thank You,” “Autumn Leaves” by Nat King Cole, and “Thank You” by Alanis Morissette. Stream the playlist here.
And ICYMI: The Art Gallery of Ontario launched a female-artist-focused virtual pop-up; Mindy Kaling is headlining a virtual event hosted by a Canadian female entrepreneurship platform; and Off-White is launching a second home collection.
Puma names fashion savant June Ambrose as creative director
Photography courtesy of Puma.
Already known as a super stylist – it was she who put Missy Elliott in that slick patent bubble suit, FYI – creative director, author and costume designer June Ambrose can add another feather to her extremely chic cap on the heels of her new assignment as creative director of Puma. The role encompasses not only design-related duties; she will also work with the brand on social impact and equality-focused initiatives. “The connection between style and sport is timeless and it’s something I’ve always wanted to put my spin on,” said Ambrose in a statement. “Beyond the collections, it’s important to me that the collaboration is rooted in social impact, and Puma’s work in the social justice space to empower youth through sport makes them the perfect partner.” The brand is also stoked, with global director of brand and marketing Adam Petrick saying that “June is an icon at the intersection between fashion, music, culture and purpose. Having the opportunity to bring an individual with such talent into the world of sports is unique and we are excited to see how she can redefine what it means to create a sportswear collection.” Keep your eyes peeled for Ambrose’s upcoming contributions to the renowned athletics label such as an exclusive with Puma Hoops and a new Title Nine offering.
Moose Knuckles announced its Canadian expansion plans (and launched a new campaign)
Photography courtesy of Moose Knuckles.
In addition to tapping singer-songwriter Kehlani and rapper Young Thug as the latest campaign stars for its Fall collection – which features the new Power Puff collection composed of functional-yet-fashionable jackets like the reversible Syndicate Puffer – Montreal’s Moose Knuckles is also set to open more stores across Canada in the coming weeks. Vancouver’s Pacific Centre and Calgary’s CF Chinook Centre will welcome the cult outerwear brand this month, and pop-ups are set to appear in Winnipeg’s Polo Park and the West Edmonton Mall; this crop of shops follows the launch of a permanent space in Holt Renfrew’s Square One location. “While many companies have focused the lion’s share of their attention on the digital landscape, we have strayed from the pack, bolstering our efforts with a smart plan to provide what so many people need right now: space to connect with others,” Noah Stern, Co-CEO of Moose Knuckles, said in a press release. “Whether it’s our bricks-and-mortar or pop-up environments, creating physical spaces is a bold choice that aligns with our company’s pioneering attitude.”
Hayley Elsaesser launched a news-focused collection
Photography courtesy of Hayley Elsaesser.
In honour of National Newspaper Week, Toronto-based designer Hayley Elsaesser has introduced a limited edition capsule collection called Champion the Truth. Boasting an assortment of goods from t-shirts to tote bags and masks, the new pieces feature Elsaesser’s much-loved ‘Mouthy’ print along with the words ‘news’ and ‘truth’ iterated in various languages. A portion of the sales will go to Canadian Journalists for Free Expression, an organization that “works to defend and protect the right to free expression in Canada and around the world”, according to its website. But it’s not only this noble mission that inspired Elsaesser to create the capsule, which is available until the end of the year; her Opa was the owner and publisher of a newspaper in British Columbia.
Nordstrom has partnered with Covenant House
Earlier this week, Nordstrom announced that its give-back label, Treasure & Bond, will be donating a segment of proceeds from its sales to Toronto’s Covenant House. The made-in-Seattle brand has partnered with the youth-focused agency in addition to working with U.S.-based groups like New York’s Ali Forney Center and The Night Ministry in Chicago. Speaking about the news in a statement, Josie do Rego, Covenant House’s Director of Development and Communications, said that “With Nordstrom’s support, we can continue to help youth who are homeless, trafficked or at risk take back control of their lives and build a brighter future.”
Outdoor Voices now ships to Canada
Photograph courtesy of Outdoor Voices
If you’ve been waiting to get your hands on activewear pieces by Outdoor Voices, like a cozy Nimbus 1/4 zip top or their best-selling Sunday Sweatpants, now’s your chance. The Texas-based brand just launched restriction-free shipping to Canada. Bonus: New customers to the label – which counts Olivia Wilde and Harry Styles as fans – also get $10 off purchases of $100 or more.
Canadian retailer Le Château has a new customer rewards program
Photography courtesy of Le Château.
Fans of the iconic Quebecois brand Le Château are in for a treat this Halloween season as the brand initiated its VIP Rewards Pour Vous program this past Wednesday. “We wanted to reward our customers for continuing to choose Le Château as their style destination,” Franco Rocchi, Le Château’s Executive Vice President, said in a press release. “The launch of VIP Rewards Pour Vous both celebrates our heritage and is a part of our continued digital evolution, giving back to shoppers in store and online.” An extended version of the existing VIP program, perks include a $15 coupon for every 150 points earned, early access to new collections, and more to be announced soon (like free shipping for VIP transactions over $150).
Today, Saturday 10 October, is the World Health Organisation’s World Mental Health Day. It comes at a time of much uncertainly as we all come to terms with the impact of Covid 19 on our lives. Whether it is affecting our health, work, finances or relationships – we are all having to adjust and accept that we do not know what the future will be like.
To mark World Mental Health Day, we are sharing a short suggestion from Dr Craig Knight, a Chartered and Registered Psychologist and Research Fellow at the University of Exeter. Dr Craig Knight offers psychotherapy on the Feelya platform.
He suggests the acronym SHARK: five things to remember when the pandemic sends you into a tailspin.
S – SOCIAL: We are humans. We need to interact with others. This is essential to our species and especially true of the elderly. The society of others keeps us alive as we age. So, talk, zoom, WhatsApp as much as you like. Interact with those in your bubble. Physically distance of course, it will keep us safe; but social distancing may kill us. Be social.
H – HELP: Help others. Find out what you can do to help people through the pandemic. Not only will this benefit those around you, but there are personal gains too. You will increase your social interaction, increase your sense of self-worth, and benefit yourself both physiologically and psychologically. If you want to sleep well: increase your sense of self-worth by helping others,
A – AUTONOMY: Take control. We always live under rules. You wouldn’t shop naked at Sainsbury’s or play rock guitar in the library. We just have different boundaries at the moment. Within these boundaries you are in charge. So, take control of your life. Decide when to shop, when to exercise, when to call your friends. It is your call; it is your life, be autonomous.
R – ROUTINE: Now you are in control work out a routine. When do you want to eat, work, or climb out of bed in the morning (or the afternoon if you are particularly owlish)? Find time for some exercise. 30 minutes of anything that has the heart pumping is great – yes, including that. Some sense of order that you have set, really will help you work, rest and play (and even manage half an hour’s disco dancing, I know that’s what you were thinking).
K – KEEP GOING: Sometimes things are just rubbish. This is true at work, in normal life, and during a pandemic. During bad times, particularly now, just put one fin in front of the other and keep swimming. Things will improve. Indeed, if you remember to live like this particular SHARK, they need never be that bad.
Hearty, savory, and super satisfying, Sausage and Biscuit Casserole is the perfect morning meal. This is a quick favorite and when you see how effortless it is you’ll make it all the time.
Stick to your ribs breakfasts that get you up and going are just the best. This is perfect for brunches, company or just when you want to serve something special for no reason at all. It’s a wonderful spin on a southern classic. Original biscuits and gravy can take quite a bit of time and dishes. This dish comes together in a snap and being all in one dish the clean up is a breeze.
You will love how easy this is to serve and to eat. Being in a casserole everything stays nice and warm a lot longer than if they were seperated. Also because the biscuits are cooked with the cravy they are super moist and delicious. This will become a quick favorite for all occasions
Sausage and Biscuit Ingredients
Rich and meaty sauce with delicate flakey buttery biscuits is so delightful. Simple ingredients for amazing flavor!
Flour: Thickener for the gravy
Salt and Pepper: Add more or less to taste
Garlic and Onion Powder: Adds depth of texture
Breakfast Sausage: Sausage with the casings removed
Butter: I use unsalted butter so the casserole isn’t too salty
Milk: I love the richness whole milk adds.
Whipping Cream: Creates a luscious sauce
Pillsbury Grand Biscuits:Definitely want the big ones for this dish
Super Easy to Make Casserole
Whisk: In a small bowl whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder.
Cook: In a medium skillet add the sausage and cook and crumble till no longer pink. Add in the butter and flour mixture. Stir well.
Sauce: Slowly add the milk, and whipping cream. Let it simmer till thickened. Poor into the bottom of a greased 9×13 pan. Place the biscuits on top
Bake: Bake at 350 for 20-30 min ro till biscuits are golden brown.
Tips For Homemade Casserole
Biscuits: Using pre-made biscuits makes this super fast and easy, but you can make your own biscuits and cook them with the sausage and gravy just the same
Cut it up: If you want more distribution you can cut up the biscuits into quarters and place on top the same way.
Sausage: You can use ground sausage, turkey or chicken breakfast sausage as well. You can even play with the flavors and use a sage or even spicy flavored sausage.
Can You Make the Casserole Ahead of Time?
If you plan ahead this Biscuits and gravy casserole can be assembled the night before and then refrigerated until the next morning. You will need to bake it 10-15 min longer to make sure it’s heated through since it will be starting out quite cold.
Storing Easy Biscuits and Gravy Casserole
Fridge: Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days
Freezer: You can freeze leftovers in freezer safe container for up to 2 months. Pull it out for a quick hot breakfast any morning.
Hearty, savory, and super satisfying, Super Easy Sausage and Biscuit Casserole is the perfect morning meal. This is a quick favorite and when you see how effortless it is you'll make it all the time.
CourseDinner
CuisineAmerican
Prep Time15minutes
30minutes
Total Time45minutes
Servings6People
Calories185kcal
AuthorAlyssa Rivers
Ingredients
¼cupall-purpose flour
1/2teaspoonkosher salt
½teaspoongarlic powder
½teaspoononion powder
½teaspoonblack pepper
12ouncesbreakfast sausage casings removed
2tablespoonsunsalted butter
2 1/2cupswhole milk
1/2cupwhipping cream
1container Pillsbury Grand Biscuits*
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9x13 inch pan with cooking spray and set aside. In a small bowl whisk together flour, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
In a medium sized skillet add the sausage and cook and crumble until no longer pink. Add the butter and flour mixture and stir until coated.
Slowly add the milk, and whipping cream. Let simmer until it has thickened. Pour it into the bottom of your prepared pan. Add the biscuits on top.
Bake for 20-30 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown.
Talk to anyone who does Pilates, and you can almost guarantee they will swear by the practice. And, it's not surprising, with a holistic approach that not only promises a longer, stronger and leaner body but also a calmer mind, Pilates really does market itself as the near perfect workout.
However, armed with a few questions - in particular, how long it actually takes to see results - we spoke with classical Pilates instructor and Director at Authentic Pilates Studio, Olga Tamara, to get a full run down on the type of results you can expect, the difference between reformer and mat and if there really is such thing a "magic" number of classes we should be doing a week for optimal results.
How often should we be doing Pilates a week to see consistent results. Is there such thing as a "magic" number?
Is there ever a magic number for success? No, but there is magic results with effort and hard work. What really matters is willingness to commit to being dedicated to your health and practice. If you are, no matter how many times a week you do Pilates you will find an endless supply of benefits on an ongoing basis. You and only you can make that commitment.
How long does it take on average to start seeing results from Pilates?
Founder and inventor of the Pilates method, Joseph Pilates, wrote "In 10 sessions you'll feel a difference, in 20 sessions you'll see a difference, and in 30 sessions you'll have a whole new body". This is a quote you see often as a marketing tool for Pilates studios as it resonates with the imagination! Often, feeling better is what gets us hooked on Pilates. In just 10 sessions your muscles are stronger, your body is more aligned, and your mind if clear and stress-free. After 20 sessions, you may notice muscles definition and see a change in body shape. After 30 sessions with your personal instructor, you'll be moving with more vigour and not only feel and look better but be well on your way to living a better life because Pilates translates to other aspects of our lives, keeping us healthy and strong, physically and mentally.
Why do you specifically mention 30 sessions with a personal instructor?
This is key! To get the most out of Pilates you need to understand what it is you're actually doing and why. You won't get this in a gym group class or a big mat or reformer class as it takes focused, personal attention. Make sure you do your homework and source a good teacher who has done full comprehensive training that can help you understand the Pilates method and how to adapt Josephs philosophies to your mind and body.
Is there a difference in the type and speed of results you will see from reformer and mat Pilates?
I can't testify to the speed of results between mat and the reformer as everyone is different. What I can categorically state is that the speed of which you will see results in Pilates is far greater when you attend studio Pilates sessions in a private or small group setting, rather than large group classes. If you are going to large group Pilates mat or reformer classes then you may want to ask yourself, "Am I being taught Pilates?" It's possible you are doing fitness exercises and not Pilates at all. Now, I'm certainly not saying that's bad, exercises in all forms is great for the body, it's just that it's not "Pilates".
What are the types of changes you can expect to see from Pilates?
There are many changes you'll see, but more importantly feel. Your shape will change for the better. You'll look taller and be taller. You'll feel lighter, stronger, more energetic and happier. You'll also improve your quality of sleep; and your mind will be more focused. If you have commitment to your daily routine and discipline in your movement, your whole body will develop uniformly giving you the quality of life you deserve. Remember, "Pilates is complete coordination of body, mind and spirit", it's not just about a rock-hard core. It is more than just a physical exercise and can radically enhance mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.
Is Pilates really for everyone?
A lot of people only take up Pilates when they feel they need rehab, or they have an ailment of some kind due to postural issues and their working environment. Pilates will help of course but keep in mind it is very much a preventative form of exercise. It's never too late to start. Whether you are a mature person with a sedentary lifestyle, an active athlete, or a young teen, Pilates is for you. With multiple modifications, this workout can be applied to every individual no matter the age or activity level.
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If you are like many people who suffer from back pains, you probably want just to sit and do nothing until the pain goes away. You fear that any physical activity may worsen the pain and increase your suffering. The good news is that walking can help you ease the pain as you walk towards […]
