With this famous Pilates quote in mind, we are happy to officially introduce Fall Transformation program. The instructors at ABSolute Pilates have developed this tailored, one-on-one intensive program to give you detailed guidance and support in all aspects of your mind/body fitness. If you can commit to doing the work and attending all your sessions, then you will achieve your goals!

The program includes:

• a goal setting consultation in which you will meet with an instructor one-on-one to discuss your goals and evaluate the best way to achieve them;
• a take home plan of action that you will receive before your first session, which will provide a plan for your Pilates practice in as well as outside of the studio;
• and 30 private sessions scheduled over the course of no more than 15 weeks.

For more information on this special program that can help you reach your mind/body goals and transform your body, visit our website, contact Allison at the studio! There are a limited number of these available for purchase during November.

One Payment of $697 Save $203

Two Payments of $397 Save $106

Bonus E-book: Healthy Shopping for a Month of Health Eating ($27.95 value)

Bonus E-book: Integrative Nutrition: Feed Your Hunger for Health and Happiness ($34.95 value)

1. Hire an Instructor – have ads out and have had some good conversations but nothing set yet – Launched a teacher training program 3 registered teachers one firm commitment
2. Promote Pink Ribbon Pilates – this will be the focus in May so look for a weekend event - take two in October
3. Write Every Week – this is in progress and needs some work – check but who knew it would a teacher training program
4. Recreate Health Coaching programs – in progress – still going strong
5. Monthly Day off – sucess thanks to trips - still succeeding can I go for a year
6. 2 Monthly Newsletters – done just keep it up – failed at this June back on track in September we are going to reformat
7. Keep office hours – failed! It is now 9:15pm on a Sunday as I type this (do over next month) – work in progress
8. Figure something out with Yoga classes (attend/teach) – in thoughts of mine – first class today!
9. Sell clothing – done! Zohba and now I am beyond added in July
10. Take care of my food allergies – done! Ask me about this if you want more info! – Ok they are back going for more testing!

Lets hear what you have to do or have done!

Pilates is great for everybody at every age and fitness level. Practiced faithfully, Pilates yields numerous benefits. Increased lung capacity and circulation through deep, healthy breathing is a primary focus. Strength and flexibility, particularly of the abdomen and back muscles, and coordination, both muscular and mental, are key components in an effective Pilates program. Posture, balance, and core strength are all heartily increased. Bone density and joint health improve, and many experience positive body awareness for the first time. Pilates teaches balance and control of the body, and that capacity spills over into other areas of one’s life.

May 7th, 2011
11 am  to 3 pm
Free Mat Class at 11 am and 12 pm (24 hour sign up)
Food
Prizes
Discounts

The Spring Collection offers pilates beginners and long-time enthusiasts a number of new Zobha Performance pieces, including the Lizzie Tank, Naomi Tank, and the Ruched Capri. The collection also includes additions to Zobha Lounge, including the Asymmetrical Zip Hoodie and an expanded line of the Tencel pieces like the Annette Tunic.

Customer Testimonials

“I received my tops today. Love them all! They met all of my expectations and none of my fears. Excellent workmanship and quality. Well worth it. (And I’m pretty frugal so that’s a lot for me to say about relatively expensive tops). I’ve looked at these for months and am sooooo glad I finally made a purchase or three. Thanks for everything. I’ll be back!” – Sharon S.

“I absolutely love your tops and bottoms — movement is very easy and there is no bunching up or exposure.”
- Ramona,

“I love my new Grace tank. I feel beautiful in my classes and that is a great motivator!!” – Leslie S.

That is the answer for people that are coming to pilates at least twice a week. If you do not get to the studio that often or have blocked off enough time to do more than you daily cardio. I would take a look at a few of the ebooks and videos that are on the studio site. You can sign up for newsletter for a guide to great arms.

Check the resources page for:

6 Pilates exercises that will help with back pain.

Exercises You Can Do on the Road!

Another option is took for some good videos to supplement your workouts. I like to send people to videos and podcast from teacher training programs. These are as close to authentic pilates you are going to find on a tape. I like the podcasts from Balance Body an Pilates on Fifth. In the Pilates on Fifth archives you can find a 30 min mat class along with a lot of good single exercise podcasts that you put together to make a routine.

I do them every now and then that is good enough right?

I am not sure if am doing it right but I am doing it.

I can never figure out what the instructor is doing.

Take some lessons from a trained instructor and sprinkle in videos as needed. Do it when traveling and when you can not get to the studio!

If pilates is more of a pain in your neck than it is in your abs or butt. Then you are doing it wrong! Let me explain: you should be holding your head in position that challenges your abdominals without causing pain in your neck. If you can not curl up without pain and strain you are not ready for a curl up and you need modifications. This is why it is important to communicate with your pilates instructor about how your body feels. It is also important find an instructor that is trained to give you modifications and customize your workout.

Towel Supported Curl Up

Try doing a curl with a dish towel behind you. Put it down under your shoulders, neck and head. The reach back and grab a  hold  of the top of  the towel and use it support your neck as you curl up. Your neck should remain relaxed and well supported. You should feel your upper abdominals engage.

Tips

When traveling make sure that you:
• Pack everything to make yourself comfortable. This can be done by using a neck pillow/pillow and wearing a wrap, which can double as a blanket, (airlines have removed blankets from shorter flights and some are even charging for blankets and pillows now).
• Give yourself some leg room. Place larger items in the overhead bins and place items that you will use, (like your iPod, book, eye drops, glasses), in the seatback pocket.
• Keep legs uncrossed and shoes loose to encourage good blood flow.
• Stay hydrated. Airplanes, in particular, are very dry and the food that they offer is usually very salty and the airlines never serve you enough water. Bring your own water, (which you can buy after passing through security or pack a bottle to fill), and avoid drinking caffeine and alcohol, which will only dehydrate you more. And, of course, bring your own healthy, like fruits, (fresh or dried), and nuts.

Exercises

While seated take the time to:
• Do simple neck stretches and shoulder rolls, a few times in each direction.
• Breathe! Link fingers together, in front of your chest and breathe in and out a few times.
• Bend forward, (and hold for a few seconds), then arch your back, (and hold for a few seconds).
• Flex your wrists, moving your hands up and down, a few times.
• Link your fingers behind your head and curl your chin towards your chest, stretching your neck and upper back, and breathe deeply. Repeat a few times.
• Rotate your ankles a few times in each direction.
• Place your feet on the floor and lift your heels, then lower heels and lift toes. Repeat a few times.
• Pull one knee in towards your chest and stretch, then alternate legs. Repeat a few times.
• Bring one ankle on to the other knee and gently press your knee down, for a good hip stretch. Repeat on the other side.
• Sit tall and then twist your torso, to look our one window. Unwind. Then sit tall and twist your torso to look out the opposite window. Unwind. Repeat a few times.
• And whenever possible take breaks to walk up and down the aisles or beg to get out of the car.

Enjoy these tips and moves and you are sure to have a pleasant journey.

December 1 – One Word. Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you? (Author: Gwen Bell)

“Growth” would be my word for this year. It does not feel sexy enough to describe the year.  I quit my job and worked on my dream business full time. I am happy as a clam most days and if I wine it because I think I can do more for people. The year was up, down and backwards but has all been about the growth for the studio. I need to implement and finish those side business and hire a pilates instructor. Next year “happiness” I want happiness in my life and business. Learning to trust in the studio and go along for the ride. I need to try not to use every muscle to please others.

December 2 – Writing. What do you do each day that doesn’t contribute to your writing — and can you eliminate it? (Author: Leo Babauta)

Facebook and Email…I am a slave to both and I need to spot. One hour a day for email and just stop. Facebook I just go on to look for a good reason to stop working! I am thinking resolution next year! I need to block out time for writing asap!

December 3 – Moment. Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors). (Author: Ali Edwards)

My cousins beautiful wedding. My cousin and I are both only children so we did spend some good times together as kids. I got to don a grey taffeta bridesmaids dress and kelly green heels(All in the name of Family). For me the real highlights were getting my Hubby and Mom on the dance floor. Seeing my Uncle and Cousin dance with my Grandma. She is 87 and still kicking. I am not one with lots of fiends and family, but few good ones that I have I love dearly! I do talk about them alot!

December 4 – Wonder. How did you cultivate a sense of wonder in your life this year? (Author: Jeffrey Davis)

I am very organized and planned but I never wrote a business plan of any kind in starting the studio. That might shock many of you but I did not. I just jumped in with both feet! I am working on Right Brained Business Plan.

December 5 – Let Go. What (or whom) did you let go of this year? Why? (Author: Alice Bradley)

I let go of needing to be in control of everyday and enjoying the ride. I have had a job job since college that had set hours working at a desk for someone else for the last 5 years. I worked in health education so I was often off work at by 5am and out of work by 3 pm. Not anymore! I let go of having set schedule and making time for myself when it was available. If I eat lunch at 3pm fine, workout at 10am fine, cook dinner at 7am ok (hard to brown meat still). It will workout and no will notice if I have not vacuumed the steps this week(except for my Grandma so better do that before Saturday…the day with greatest chance she will be at my house).

December 6 – Make. What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use? Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it? (Author: Gretchen Rubin)

The last thing I made was dinner. I used lot of fresh veggies and organic chicken. I want to make time to make jewelry and write. I made half of pink Byzantine bracelet in November and and half of write brain business plan….New goal finshish both by the end of the year! I need to do a better job blocking out my day. I could just set a firm end to my  workday and then use the next two hours for fun activities.

December 7 – Community Prompt: Community. Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011? (Author: Cali Harris)

I found community in two local business women’s networking groups and at my studio with a group of clients working on getting healthy and staying health. I would love to see the clients of my studio come together more and have a stronger community. I might need to do more online…I used to be active on pilates-pros.com but got out of the habit.

December 8 – Beautifully Different. Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different – you’ll find they’re what make you beautiful. (Author: Karen Walrond)

This is the hardest one so far. Not sure how to answer this…I never thought of myself as different. I am some who tries to hard to make other people happy. This year I have worked hard to control this…might be good or bad. I am a caring and helpful person that makes sure each person I teach or talk to walks away from there session felling better than when they arrived.

December 9 – Party Prompt: Party. What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans. (Author: Shauna Reid)

Two amazing weddings in July rocked my world. It might or might not a surprise to see me talk about weddings because of my bridal beaut camp or the fact that we went to 12 this year (yep not a typo 12 weddings one year)! I should have blogged more about it. We got to attend the wedding of a friend of mine from elementary school who is now also a friend of my husbands. We grew up the same neighborhood as kids. The night was a music and food packed affair in Greenwich, CT. This was one of those weddings that was super sweet in so many ways: the bride and groom  wrote there own vows, there was ice sculpture/seafood food bar that was to die for, and the music and dancing was great! The had I think like 11 piece band and it was like the black eyed pies were there. Yeppers Andy was out on the dance floor a gain! He is sucker for the Run DMC version of Walk this Way and Small Town Girl Note to self download and play around the house to get husband to dance! Plus the wedding was black tie so I got done my fave long black dress that has a cool paisley patter on the bottom and I love a man in penguin suit very dapper! For more on the other wedding back to Dec 3rd.

December 10 – Wisdom Wisdom. What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out? (Author: Susannah Conway)

The answer to this one anyone who knows me should know. I quit my job in January of 2010 in light of the worst recession since the year I was born. I am happy with decision everyday. I was working in a job that a well trained monkey could have done for a world renowned non profit that is great to its constituents and awful to it employees. I get to work people now that need me and that I can help on the road to health and strength.

December 11 – 11 Things What are 11 things your life doesn’t need in 2011? How will you go about eliminating them? How will getting rid of these 11 things change your life? (Author: Sam Davidson)

Ok here we go…in no particular order

1. Caffeine (need to get it out of my system) plan: try more tee and teechino
2. Obsessing about getting in Cardio plan: back to yoga
3. Lack of Down Time plan: no internet after 9:30 the rule used to be 10
4. Rushing plan: leave myself time to get from place to place and schedule relaxation on weekend
5. Lack of Creativity plan: book in to calendar arts and craft time and dates
6. Lack of quality time with Hubby (last week we tied with working 52 hours) plan: when he is home try not to work
7. Being to Super Sensitive plan: let things go and do not take it personally (read 4 agreements)
8. Forgetting to keep in touch with friends plan: Girls weeks need to be planed
9. Eating fast and furious plan: put food brakes in my teaching calendar
10. Worrying about Other People more than Me plan: Learn to say no and understand that I can not make everyone happy
11. No Being Happy plan: R and R, not wanting more (read happiness project)

December 12 – Body Integration This year, when did you feel the most integrated with your body? Did you have a moment where there wasn’t mind and body, but simply a cohesive YOU, alive and present? (Author: Patrick Reynolds)

The first half of training for a half marathon. I got back in to the grove of running and loved getting out for regular runs. It felt great from February until mid May. I then got lost in the time commitment of training. It took me back to a not so great feeling of running being scheduled being torment.

December 13 – Action When it comes to aspirations, it’s not about ideas. It’s about making ideas happen. What’s your next step? (Author: Scott Belsky)

Make bridal beaut camp a reality is my aspiration.  I am going to use social media to promote it! I am going to start a newsletter and get the project going. Check it out at bridalbeautcamp.com

December 14 – Appreciate What’s the one thing you have come to appreciate most in the past year? How do you express gratitude for it? (Author: Victoria Klein)

Good friends and family…I am glad to have them in my life they supported me in starting the studio. I am thankful everyday for them and I thank them for all that they do. I am going give all a good christmas buy doing something special for them. What that will be is still up in the air.

December 15 – 5 Minutes Imagine you will completely lose your memory of 2010 in five minutes. Set an alarm for five minutes and capture the things you most want to remember about 2010. (Author: Patti Digh)

1. Quitting my big kid office job for my dream of business ownership
2. Our annual non holiday party
3. Moving the pilates studio to the basement for more space (yah for group classes)
4. Learning how to market my studio
5. Hiking two 14,000 foot peaks with my husband in September
6. Two great weddings in July
7. Learning the importance of rest in December (50 hour plus work weeks not good for the body or soul)
8. Learning the importance of taking care of you body in a timely manner (boo hamstring tear)
9. Realized the importance of keeping in touch with good girl friends thanks to bachelorette party weekend
10. Making sure I plan at least one day off a week…lazy Sundays
11. Running a half marathon for the first time in 5 years
12. Purchasing my third reformer for trio sessions
13. Spending time with my family
14. Hosting my 2nd annual Thanksgiving
15. Trying to love or just like Christmas with our first Tree

December 16 – Friendship How has a friend changed you or your perspective on the world this year? Was this change gradual, or a sudden burst? (Author: Martha Mihalick)

I learned this year that you have to put in effort to maintain friends. You need to pick of the phone or type out an email. If you have not seen someone for months you can still pick up conversation where you left off and that feels so good. Here is to better communication in 2011.

December 17 – Lesson Learned What was the best thing you learned about yourself this past year? And how will you apply that lesson going forward? (Author: Tara Weaver)

I learned that I need to let go. I am working on it. I was letting myself get personally offended when a client quit. This is not ok or I would be on the verge of nervous breakdown all the time. I was getting crazy if I did not teach more then 35 hours a week. The slow makes up for the busy. I just need to breath and enjoy the ride. I am learning to let go each and every day still!

December 18 – Try What do you want to try next year? Is there something you wanted to try in 2010? What happened when you did / didn’t go for it? (Author: Kaileen Elise)

I want to try learn something new every week. It could be a new pilates exercise, for the bridal program, about food allergies, or a new recipe. I did not have anything in particular that I wanted to try this year. I did try to do some extreme sports. I ran a half marathon and hiked to 14,000 foot peeks. I will be keep fitness simple next year. I hope me hamstring enjoys this change (if only it would get onboard)

December 19 – Healing. What healed you this year? Was it sudden, or a drip-by-drip evolution? How would you like to be healed in 2011? (Author: Leonie Allan)

I headed my passion for working with people. I was getting cynical and burnt out in my old job and now with teaching pilates full time I am passionate about my work again. I need to heal my body in 2011 in 2010 it was about other people and getting my studio moving forward. This year it needs to be a balance of helping people and taking care of myself. The end of the year is not a good testimonial of what I should do next year.

December 20 – Beyond Avoidance What should you have done this year but didn’t because you were too scared, worried, unsure, busy or otherwise deterred from doing? (Bonus: Will you do it?) (Author: Jake Nickell)

I should have taken more time off and learned to say no. I figured out at one point early this year I worked 86 straight days (this was during the time when I should have left my full time job). I was getting punchy and beat up. I am learning to take time off. I am doing it in 2011. I have week long vacation in February, girls weekend in March, and long weekend in March. In March my husband I vowed to book our vacation for the summer. This year we are going in July my slowest month with the studio. We are going to do something despited the idea of two destination weddings looming in our future. The fall is filled with holidays so that should help but who knows. I need to find an instructor to help teach who knows if that will happen.

December 21 – Future Self. Imagine yourself five years from now. What advice would you give your current self for the year ahead? (Bonus: Write a note to yourself 10 years ago. What would you tell your younger self?) (Author: Jenny Blake)

Let it be! Just enjoy the ride work as hard as you can and enjoy every minute.

10 years ago what would a tell myself my senior year in high school. Do want you heart tells you to do and do not run for challenges. Do not worry about disappointing others they will understand. That would have save me a lot of heart of ache and time.

December 22 – Travel How did you travel in 2010? How and/or where would you like to travel next year? (Author: Tara Hunt)

I got to a crazy number of weddings this year still one more to go. They took us up and down the east coast. I did get to a pilates workshop and I want do something like that next year again. I went on nice vacation with Andy to Colorado. I want to get out of the country with him next year (Italy).

December 23 – New Name Let’s meet again, for the first time. If you could introduce yourself to strangers by another name for just one day, what would it be and why? (Author: Becca Wilcott)

I am not sure if I have answer to this one. I got to change my name for good 3 years ago and it was traumatic. I was not ready for a married name and I am not sure I still am. It might be fun to have a unique name like Soda, Seven, or Reno.

December 24 Prompt – Everything’s OK What was the best moment that could serve as proof that everything is going to be alright? And how will you incorporate that discovery into the year ahead? (Author: Kate Inglis)

My father lost his best friend this past August. The man was quite a character. He passed away having a procedure that my father has had three times. This does not sound like the everything is going to be OK story but it is. I had lunch with my father that day and the conversation we had reminded me that was going to be Ok and they you can never take life for granted. It reminded me to live for the moments and take time to be with family. I am going to try better at this next year.

December 25 – Photo – a present to yourself Sift through all the photos of you from the past year. Choose one that best captures you; either who you are, or who you strive to be. Find the shot of you that is worth a thousand words. Share the image, who shot it, where, and what it best reveals about you.

Again some indecision I have two…can not decide. One made my christmas card and the other made the desk in living room. The Colorado shot was the second day of my vacation with Andy and I took the picture with a self timer. We had hiked for about 7 miles to get to this lake that is in Rocky Mt National Park. I love the air and the challenge of a good hike.  The other was taken by Andy at my cousins wedding. It Is my three generations picture. I was on the dance floor with my Mom and my Grandma. It is one of those moments that does not happen the last time was three years ago and I have the matching shot. I am family girl as much as like to be a loner and though skinned.

December 26 – Soul Food What did you eat this year that you will never forget? What went into your mouth & touched your soul? (Author: Elise Marie Collins)

I am a bit of a foodie. I can think of a long list of things that were amazing but the best part of the year was healing my tommie by finding out my food allergies. They did cut somewhat in to my love of Asian food but I am learn what I can eat. I am thinking on the list is a Buffalo Burger with Gorgonzola Cheese in Vail on vacation. My birthday dinner of Formaggio and Seafood Ravioli at Vissagios.

December 27 – Ordinary Joy Our most profound joy is often experienced during ordinary moments. What was one of your most joyful ordinary moments this year? (Author: Brené Brown)

This is a easy one. My first day with out a official desk job March 1st home running my studio full time!

December 28 – Achieve What’s the thing you most want to achieve next year? How do you imagine you’ll feel when you get it? Free? Happy? Complete? Blissful? Write that feeling down. Then, brainstorm 10 things you can do, or 10 new thoughts you can think, in order to experience that feeling today. (Author: Tara Sophia Mohr)

I want to make the other two branches of my business successful as the studio. It will make my life more free and happy, which will leads to many blissful moments.

1. Marketing
2. Finishing Websites
3. Finishing the products
4. Joint Ventures
5. Find Testimonials
6. Regular Newsletters
7. Local Marketing
8. Article Writing
9. Be Positive
10. Roll with the Process

December 29 – Defining Moment Describe a defining moment or series of events that has affected your life this year. (Author: Kathryn Fitzmaurice)

Transitioning to working in my pilate studio full time.

December 30 – Gift. This month, gifts and gift-giving can seem inescapable. What’s the most memorable gift, tangible or emotional, you received this year? (Author: Holly Root)

My husband telling me we are going to book a trip to Italy this summer!

December 31 – Core Story What central story is at the core of you, and how do you share it with the world? (Bonus: Consider your reflections from this month. Look through them to discover a thread you may not have noticed until today.) (Author: Molly O’Neill)

I love my family, I need to take more time off to be with them and recharge. I love working for myself but I need to make some changes in my business!