Taking a Closer Look: High Intensity Interval Training

/

Many people often ask me what the HIIT stands for in our Pilates HIIT classes. HIIT is short for High Intensity Interval Training. While the Pilates classes we currently offer at the studio utilize traditional Pilates principles, they also incorporate High Intensity Interval Training. So what is High Intensity Interval Training and why is it beneficial to our students?

By definition High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is "a system of organizing cardiorespiratory training which calls for repeated bouts of short duration, high-intensity exercise intervals intermingled with periods of lower intensity intervals of active recovery." This type of training causes the heart rate to continuously increase and decrease, never allowing the body to plateau. It also allows us to combine Aerobic movements (cardio) with Anaerobic movements (strength) to simultaneously improve stamina and strength. So what are the benefits of this type of training?

  • Fast & Efficient Results: HIIT is a very efficient way to build muscle while burning fat. It is also a great way to get an amazing workout in a short amount of time making it ideal for a busy schedule. Did I mention 20 minutes of HIIT is the equivalent of 45 minutes of running on the treadmill?
  • Improved Metabolism: HIIT boosts your metabolism which helps you burn fat. So, not only are you blasting calories during class, but you will also continue to burn more calories long after your workout is over.
  • Healthier Heart: Considering that heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, we should all be proactive about our heart health . HIIT is perfect for improving the cardiovascular system in a short amount of time.
  • Increased Mental Strength: During our Pilates HIIT classes we utilize Tabata (20 seconds of hard work with 10 seconds of rest). As many of my students know, sometimes that 20 seconds of intensity feels like 20 minutes. However, when we push ourselves to complete these high intensity workouts, we find that we improve our mental strength, stamina, and will power. These benefits stay with us long after we complete our training.

Combining Pilates Principles with High Intensity Interval Training allows us to create a powerful core, strong muscles, and increased endurance. Check out our class schedule below and come try it out for yourself!

 

 

Student Spotlight: Shanon Reiman

/

It has been so amazing to watch the community within The Studio grow over the last four months. We have so many awesome students to thank for that!  We've created this new series, Student Spotlight, to recognize and help you get to know some of the familiar faces from around The Studio.

Our first Student Spotlight features Shanon Reiman.  Shanon has been a member of The Studio since our opening night! You've probably noticed her putting in work on the mat as well as the amazing, positive energy she brings into class.  Shanon has been one of our most committed students, and her hard work has paid off with great results. Check out what Shanon had to say about her experience at The Studio below.

“I wanted to start off by thanking Leah and Miquel for providing us with the opportunity to be a part of their fitness studio. The Studio Mind|Body Unveiling Event was the first Pilates/Yoga experience of mine. That night after class I felt so inspired and rejuvenated.

The Studio has helped me commit to make a healthy change in my lifestyle that not only has benefited me mentally and physically, but it’s a benefit of health and strength I have been able to pass along to my family. Class after class I felt stronger and more in tune with my body and the strength and capabilities it had for fitness and improvement. It is truly amazing to experience the progression of the strength you gain during your practice. In these short few months I have already lost 8 pounds and gained a new found love and respect for my body.

Leah and Miquel are true professionals and the way the infuse their passion for fitness shines through in their teaching. Their motivation and encouragement during class is the perpetual tool that drives change and true success. All you have to do, like me, is show up on your mat!”
— Shanon

Mind|Body Fitness Challenge

/

Join us starting March 1 as we open up the first ever Mind|Body Fitness Challenge!

The goal this month is to keep up the positive habits & momentum we've all been building since New Years (or use this as a time to jump in on starting a new routine!) There's no better way to reach our goals than by taking consistent action with the positive support of others.  

The Mind|Body Fitness Challenges consists of:   

4 workouts a week for 4 weeks -  2 Yoga classes & 2 Pilates classes (at minimum) weekly

The classes & studio set up was designed to get you optimal results when taking both Pilates & Yoga together.  The strength building & fat burn from Pilates increases when you take time to stretch & recover in Yoga.  The flexibility & breath development in Yoga will increase proper alignment & depth in your Pilates practice.  Following this routine, you'll end the month with amazing strength, awesome abs and lots of peace & appreciation for your body! 

Benefits of joining & completing the Mind|Body Fitness Challenge:

  • Half price membership for the month of April (yes, you read that right!)
  • A stronger, leaner body
  • More control over your breath & increased respiratory function
  • Increased muscle strength & tone
  • Improved stabilization of your spine & posture
  • Development of body awareness
  • Deeper sleep 
  • Management of stress & relaxation
  • Improved cardiovascular fitness & circulation
  • Increased mobility & release of joint tension

This is also a great time to bring a friend for FREE! All monthly members are welcome to bring a guest to any class they attend.  One FREE class per individual.  

Let us know if you're planning on joining us!  Make sure to invite your friends & grab a workout buddy for additional support.  We're here to help you achieve your goals & find your optimal Mind|Body strength.  Leave us a comment below telling us what you want to get out of the challenge.

See you on the mat!

Keeping Fitness Fun

/

Happy New Year everybody! This is the time of year that many of us reflect on where we've been and make resolutions about where we'd like 2016 to take us. Unfortunately, all too often we commit ourselves to making HUGE changes that are unrealistic and usually forgotten by the end of January.

When we created our concept for The Studio we envisioned a space where we not only focused on physical health but mental health as well.  Our goal is to achieve optimal Mind|Body Balance and to help our wonderful members do the same. This January instead of committing ourselves to a rigid diet or strict workout regimen that is often hard on the body and the mind, let's make a commitment to keep fitness enjoyable! Taking care of ourselves should never feel like a chore. 

In the spirit of keeping fitness fun, we have an awesome event planned to kick off 2016. This Friday, January 8th, we will be hosting our first ever Mind|Body Blacklight Party and could not be more excited!

Dust off your brightly colored clothing because everything at this event will be glow in the dark. Doors will open at 6:00 pm and our Mind|Body Remix class will begin at 6:30. We will be providing glow sticks and glow in the dark body paint to help you accessorize your outfit.  After we workout to some of our favorite songs, we will refresh ourselves with sangria and delicious snacks. It's going to be so much fun!

Tickets are still available and can be purchased for $25 by clicking the button below. Studio members can contact us to receive their special discounted tickets for $15. See you glow-getters Friday!

Give the Gift of Health

/

For us here at The Studio, it is hard to believe that 2015 is quickly coming to an end! As soon as the turkey has been carved and the last bite of pie has been savored, we find ourselves suddenly in the midst of the most wonderful time of the year.  While the holiday season can often induce us to tear out our hair on account of awkward family moments and last minute shopping, it also often brings to light all the little and not so little things we have to be thankful for. As we count our blessings at The Studio this year we find ourselves incredibly grateful for good health.

Practicing Yoga and Pilates leads to a wealth of health benefits such as lower blood pressure, stronger muscles, increased flexibility, reduced stress, anti-aging, and better sleep... just to name a few. As the years continue to fly by, it is important that we are proactively investing in our health. So, while you're scratching your head this year wondering what to get your loved ones, why not give the gift of health? We have made it simple and  effortless with gift cards to The Studio Mind|Body available in store & online. Just click the link below. And while you're at it, stop by for a class! I can assure you there's no better way to escape the in-laws and unwind.