MIXED SALAD with POMEGRANATE and SUMAC DRESSING

An oldie but a goodie: I posted this recipe on November 24th last year, whilst in the middle of a violent Brisbane storm! It's a salad that I go back to time after time. 

Thank goodness for the Brisbane storms, as I had no choice but to hang up my renovators' hat this afternoon and come home and cook. We all have something in our lives that helps us relax, that rejuvenates us and makes us feel like US again. For some people it is sex, for some it is reading, for some it may even be playing Playstation (oh my Chris you fall straight into this category). For me my way to unwind is cooking (and exercise). But when you can’t run or walk outside or drive to your Pilates studio, cooking quickly becomes the best option. I have sorely missed blogging about my daily dishes over the past few months and I will try my hardest to continue with at least a few dishes a week as my life continues to spin in crazy circles. Hope you enjoy this vibrant salad as much as I truly enjoyed creating and eating it. 

INGREDIENTS

Salad

• 2 generous handfuls of mixed 4 leaf lettuce
• 1 large tomato, finely diced
• 1/2 heaped cup red cabbage, roughly shredded
• 1 x 400ml tin of brown lentils, washed & drained
• 1 medium ripe avocado, cut into small pieces
• 1/2 large pomegranate, little jewels removed and insides discarded 
• 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 lime, cut into quarters

Dressing

• 1 large garlic clove, finely chopped or 1 teaspoon crushed garlic granules
• 1 teaspoon sumac
• juice of 1/4 of a lemon 
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1-2 tablespoons water 
• sea salt 

COOKING / PREPARATION 

1. Combine the lettuce, tomato, cabbage, lentils, avocado and pomegranate in a large bowl and toss well to combine. 

2. To make the dressing combine all ingredients in a small screw-top jar and shake well. Depending on how runny you want your dressing you can chose to add either 1 or 2 tablespoons of water (I used two). 

3. Pour the dressing over the salad, sprinkle the parsley and squeeze lime juice over the vegetables. Toss well. 

Serves / 2 as a main / 4 as a side 

Total Preparation / Cooking time / 15 minutes 

x Emily 

ACTRESS EMMA ROBERTS TAKES PILATES VERY SERIOUSLY

Cheeky actress Emma Roberts loves to have a laugh whilst working out. The 23-year-old posted a hilarious photo of herself on social media just last week holding up a pair of Pilates balls to her breasts. Roberts wrote "obviously we take Pilates very seriously around here" under the photo. Funnily enough, the movie-star, who once said that her favourite workout was eating pizza, is actually a huge fan of Pilates! 

As you may have guessed, the American Horror Story actress is not a big lover of exercise. The pizza-loving niece of Julia Roberts admits that she had trouble in the past committing to an exercise regime, until she discovered Pilates. "My favourite workout is definitely Pilates. That's kind of the only thing I've tried and stuck with". Emma went on to reveal that before Pilates, she could not seem to master exercise of any sort! "Everything else... I'm not the most athletic person, so it's too difficult, so I stick to Pilates and try to do it three to four times a week."

The slim youngster loves to chow down on some unhealthy food, in moderation, of course. Just last week before her funny Pilates photo, Roberts shared a favourite indulgence of hers on social media; beignets, a pastry covered in powdered sugar found in New Orleans. Good thing she does Pilates three to four times a week so she can burn it off! 

Are you someone who really does not enjoy exercise but knows how good it is for you? Have you tried numerous fitness regimes and cannot find one you stick to? Come to Premium Pilates Studio for an exercise experience like no other! We offer Matwork (Floor Pilates), Total Barre Pilates and Reformer Pilates. Call 0402 680 724, visit us online at premiumpilatesstudio.com or email us at inquiries@premiumpilatesstudio.com today! 

The PPS team 

Images by http://www.dailymail.co.uk/ and http://image-cdn.zap2it.com/images. 

FIVE NUTRITION MYTHS BUSTED

With so much new information being released each week about what is healthy and what is not, it is incredibly hard to keep up! What was a superfood last week is suddenly not as good for us as this new fangled product today. In a recent 'Eat this, Not that' magazine article they break down some very interesting nutrition myths. Have a read as some of these may surprise you! 

1. The yolk in eggs increases your cholesterol. 

I was super excited when I read this, as I am a huge fan of eating whole eggs, not just egg whites! Egg yolks contain dietary cholesterol, which has next to nothing to do with serum cholesterol, the cholesterol present in your blood. Over 30 recent egg studies could not find one link between egg consumption and heart disease and on top of that, a Saint Louis study revealed that consuming eggs for breakfast can actually lower your daily calorie intake! So eat your yolks people! 

2. The healthiest green vegetable is kale

I remember the massive hype that the green leafy vegetable caused a few years ago when it became super popular. It was hailed as one of the best superfood and I often saw Kale in print as the 'best green vegetable'. Now we all know not to believe everything we read. A 2014 university study rated vegetables and fruits according to their nutrient density, by testing their levels of 17 different nutrients that have been linked to boosting cardiovascular health. Surprisingly, Kale did not even make the top 10! Less surprisingly however was the fact that the top 16 were all leafy green vegetables. Spinach, romaine lettuce, parsley, chives and the greens atop beetroot were some of more nutritiously dense vegetables that beat out kale for the prime top spots. 

3. Low-fat foods are better for you than foods that have naturally occurring fat

What does the marketing term low-fat refer to in board rooms? Food filled with salt, cheap carbohydrates and lots of sugar. I grew up eating a lot of low-fat food in the 90's, as there was no education on what these products were actually made with. As a teenager, I greatly struggled with my weight, even though I was exercising up to 5 hours a day! Now I am my lowest and most healthy weight, with the help of eating lots of naturally fatty foods, including avocados, coconut oil, nuts, eggs, etc and no low-fat foods. 

4. Sea salt is healthier than regular salt

This myth surprised me! Regular old table salt is found in mines and contains around 2,300 milligrams of sodium per teaspoon. Sea salt is extracted from vaporised seawater, and it also contains approximately 2,300 milligrams of sodium. Avid supporters like to argue that sea salt contains different compounds to table salt including iron and magnesium, however these minerals are present in extremely minuscule amounts per average dose of salt. Iodine is also regularly added to table salt, which plays a big role in balancing your body's hormones, whilst sea salt contains basically no iodine. The bottom line here: cut down on salt full stop and save a few dollars by not purchasing expensive sea salt! 

5. The words "natural" and "healthy" don't carry much (and sometimes no) weight 

The food packaging words "natural" and "healthy" are considered "weasel words", as they have no legal or formal meaning. Whilst the Australian New Zealand Food Standards Code does monitor the use of specific health and nutrient content claims, it does nothing to control, manage and/or explain these looser terms. As these words are not regulated in the food standards code, these words then rely on their dictionary meanings, of which there are numerous interpretations! What to do: carefully read all the ingredients in a product that calls itself "natural" and/or "healthy". And always remember that the most healthy foods do not come out of a package! 

x The Premium Pilates Team 

Image by http://www.fitnessrepublic.com. 

VICTORIA SECRET MODEL BEHATI PRINSLOO GETS RUNWAY READY WITH PILATES

Behati Prinsloo is getting runway ready for the Victoria Secret 2014 fashion show with lots of Pilates, Yoga and no bread! The 25-year-old stunner has upped her exercise routine, which means more of her favourite exercise, Pilates, and less of one of her favourite foods, bread. 

"When it's (the annual Victoria Secret fashion show) a month away, I try to do something active every day and focus on nutrition. Right now, I'm trying to eliminate bread - that's always my big problem," Behati laughed to the American edition of OK! magazine.

Prinsloo's toned and taut physique has ensured her a major spot in the world famous fashion show for the past five years. The Namibian model works hard to maintain her enviable figure and is committed to her diverse exercise regime. 

"Some girls do boxing, others do Zumba; it's really about what works for your body. I love Pilates and yoga, which are great for long, lean muscles, plus a little running and light weights." Behati also likes to swim, paddle board and surf when she gets the chance. 

Trim Behati admits that Pilates is her staple form of exercise. "I try to do Pilates all year round," she recently told a source. She also goes to the gym, where "a trainer kicks my butt when its needed". 

Prinsloo reveals that her husband, Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine, helps to keep her dedicated when it comes to exercise, as the couple frequently work out together. "He (Adam) motivates me a lot, and it's great to have him around before the show. We're both pretty active, so it makes our relationship a lot of fun." Behati says that she loves having a husband who understands the need for exercise and living a healthy lifestyle. 

Want to get beach ready like Behati? Keen to tone up those hard to reach areas? Call Premium Pilates Studio today on 0402 680 724, visit us online at premiumpilatesstudio.com or email us at inquiries@premiumpilatesstudio.com. We are here to help you achieve the best body that you possibly can from Pilates! 

from the PPS team 

SALT & PEPPER TURKEY QUINOA SALAD

Recipes come from the oddest places, if you keep your eyes and mind open. I was relaxing on the beach this Saturday after a brutal but rewarding week of work and renovating and stumbled upon this summery recipe. Where did I find it, you may ask? To answer this question you need to understand one thing about me. I hardly ever read gossip websites, I never watch reality tv shows (unless they are renovation or food related!) and I am about 5-10 years behind which celebrity is dating whom. That being said, when I am truly in need of relaxing, I buy a gossip magazine (usually Who or OK) and sit alone on the beach reading it cover to cover. Call it an indulgence, a guilty pleasure, whatever you wish. I cherish this time of escapism. And in this pages of Who's most recent addition was one recipe, which turned out to be delicious, packed with protein and healthy. 

Ingredients

Salad

• 1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained twice
• salt & pepper 
• 400g turkey fillets, cut into 2 even portions
• 1 tablespoons coconut oil 
• 2 large handfuls of kale, shredded 
• 1/4 large iceberg lettuce,  shredded
• 200g green beans, trimmed & cut into small pieces
• 1 pink lady apple, thinly sliced
• Optional - 1/2 cup fresh herbs, such as parsley, mint and/or coriander 

Dressing

• the jest & juice of 1 large lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large garlic clove, finely chopped or crushed
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon dried chilli flakes

Cooking 

1. In a saucepan cover the quinoa with 1 1/2 cups of water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes or until the water is almost all absorbed. Add the kale to the pan and cover, cooking for a further 2 minutes. Remove the quinoa & kale from the stove and rinse well with cold water, then drain and set aside. 

2. Whilst the quinoa is cooking, prepare the turkey by massaging a small amount of salt and pepper into each fillet. 

3. In a medium frypan heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the fillets and cook for 2 minutes each side, then add 1/3 cup of water, cover with a lid, turn the heat down to low and cook for 5 minutes. After this time, turn off the heat and keep covered for 5 minutes. 

4. Meanwhile, make the dressing by combining all ingredients in a small bowl and whisking well to combine. Season to taste and a splash of water at a time if the dressing seems too thick. 

5. Slice the cooked turkey into thin strips. Place the quinoa and kale in a large serving bowl, then top with the shredded lettuce, beans, apple slices and herbs, if using. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss well to combine. 

Serves / 4 

Total Preparation time / 10 minutes 

Total Cooking time / 25 minutes 

LUCY LUI STAYS TRIM WITH PILATES, MEDITATION & NAPPING

Stunning actress Lucy Lui has many layers: besides her versatile acting career, she is a passionate human-rights advocate, artist and author as well as being a raving fan of Pilates, meditation and regular naps! The fit 45-year-old opens up about her health and fitness secrets to the LA Times recently. 

In this recent interview Lucy Lui revealed that she has been a fan of Pilates for several years. "Pilates is great for posture. When you first do Pilates, you don't feel anything and don't know that anything is happening. As you continue, it really strengthens from the inside out. I like using a reformer [a Pilates exercise machine]... as the counterweight keeps me engaged." In addition to Pilates, the toned star likes to fit spinning and running into her weekly exercise routine. This mix of different types of exercise has given her a body that most woman half Lucy's age would envy! 

Lui likes to enjoy all foods in moderation and admits that she exercises to eat! "Give yourself treats occasionally, depending on how much you have exercised. If you cut things out of your diet altogether, you will want those foods more and end up bingeing." 

Another reason that Lucy Lui looks so incredibly good for her age is meditation. The movie star admits that she stumbled across meditation by accident. "Deepak Chopra wrote an introduction to an art book I wrote, and he asked me if I wanted to learn meditation from him. I said, "Absolutely." Since learning how to mediate three years ago, Lui has become a huge fan. " Meditation is very calming. Giving yourself time every morning and evening to sit and regroup is important." 

And lets not forget the frequent napping! "When I'm working, I get five to six hours (sleep). Not enough. At lunchtime, if I can I'll take a 10- to 15-minute nap. Sometimes it is not about falling asleep but having a rest and putting your feet up. I think having blood flow a different direction is a good thing for your body and brain." 

Want to improve your posture and lean out your body with Pilates like Lucy Lui? Call Premium Pilates Studio today on 0402 680 724, email inquiries@premiumpilatesstudio.com or visit us online at premiumpilatesstudio.com. We offer a wide range of Pilates classes, including Reformer, Matwork and Barre classes! 

From the PPS team! 

Images by skinnygossip.com, http://local14sf.com/, http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/. 

EM'S FAVOURITE GREEN SMOOTHIE

I love this smoothie and make it most days for myself and Chris. I often use frozen mango (when fresh mango is not in season) however I recently substituted this for pineapple which tastes just as nice. I like buying bananas in bulk, removing their skin and glad -wrapping them individually to use for smoothies, ice cream and other sweet treats. I use Hawaiian Coconut Energy sachets as it contains no sugar, is extremely low in calories and is full of calcium, minerals, potassium and electrotyles. You can buy this coconut water at Premium Pilates Studio or at alohahealth.com.au

Ingredients

• a large handful of washing baby or english spinach 
• 2cm knob of fresh ginger, grated 
• 1 stalk of celery, washed & chopped
• 1 kiwi fruit, skin removed 
• 1 mango, cut into small pieces or a handful of pineapple pieces
• 1 frozen banana
• 250ml no sugar coconut water 

Method

1. Combine all the ingredients into a blender and blend for a minute or until combined. Add more water if you want a thinner consistency. 

Serves / 2 

from the PPS team 

CHOC BANANA POPSICLES / ICE BLOCKS

I've tweaked this recipe several times over the past few weeks and feel that the below ingredient list is at its best. Half an avocado is a necessity, as it makes the mixture creamy and smooth. A frozen banana (or 2 small) is almost a must for creating the ice cream consistency. I like to use 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk and 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk for a delicious flavour, however any almond milk would do. My fiancee and I love these choc banana popsicles, as they taste like a guilt-free ice cream and have been cooling us down over the past few steamy days! 

Ingredients

• 1 large frozen banana or 2 small frozen bananas
• 2 heaped tablespoons cacao powder
• a generous pinch of sea salt
• 1/2 a medium avocado 
• 2 tablespoons organic maple syrup
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 cup water 
• 6 ice block / popsicle moulds

Method

1. Place all the ingredients in a good blender. Blend on a high setting until smooth and all ingredients are well combined. You may need to add more water if the mixture is too thick. 

2. Pour the mixture evenly into 6 ice block/ popsicle moulds and place in the freezer for a minimum of 3 hours. 

To eat- run the mould under hot water for a few seconds to loosen the popsicle. 

Makes / 6 

Total Preparation time / 5 minutes 

Total Freezing time / minimum of 3 hours 

x The PPS team 

8 WAYS TO TONE WITHOUT SLAVING AWAY AT THE GYM

1. Keep Eating! 

One of the worst things you can do is to starve yourself and deprive your body of vital calories, as this will seriously slow down your metabolism. Your body needs fuel on a regular basis in order for your metabolism to keep working. Chris & I like to eat 5-6 smaller meals a day, instead of 3 big, heavy meals. As Chris says, 'it is always good to feel a little hungry'. And of course, your smaller meals must be healthy and high in nutrients! 

2. Never decrease your Protein intake

Often when you lose weight rapidly, you will lose muscle mass in the process. You may have reached your goal weight, however your body does not appear toned. By increasing the amount of protein you consume you will preserve your muscle mass as you lose weight. I love to eat 1 hardboiled egg a day as it is filled with protein and good fats and is a whole meal in itself! Eating a handful of nuts a day is also a very easy way to get some extra protein in. 

3. It's all about Interval Training

One of the many reasons that I love Pilates is because it is one of the best interval workouts, in my opinion. Every exercise can be sped up or slow down, resistance can be added to intensify the workout and different ranges of movement can be used to really isolate muscle groups. Cardiovascular exercise is great for fitness and heart health, however if your goal is to lose fat whilst sustaining muscle (and tone) switching to interval training will take you there. Try 20 minutes of sprinting for 30-40 metres, then walking for 30-40 metres, three times a week. And/or try our Reformer, Matwork or Total Barre classes! 

4. Drink, drink, drink! 

Drink....water!! Your muscles are made up of 70-80% water therefore dehydration results in muscle shrinkage. To boost the construction of new muscle tissue you must stay hydrated with water and good electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium) before, during and after your workouts. All the instructors at Premium Pilates love drinking Green Tea Hawaii, as it is filled with antioxidants and these good electrolytes. 

5. Pick your Carbs wisely

Yes, we certainly do advocate eating carbs!! Just make sure swap the starchy carbs (breads, pasta, heavy flours) for lower GI carbs, including vegetables, fruits and whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice and millet. Fill your body up with nuts, seeds and good fats, such as avocado and coconut. Your body needs these calories to build muscle, whilst fast tracking your metabolism to help you lose fat. 

7. Multitask your muscles

Something that I love to do in Total Barre Pilates is to have my clients do exercises that work different muscle groups simultaneously. For example, a lunge with a tricep extension or a leg lift with a bicep curl. Making your muscles multitask will result in a longer calorie burn without burning out one individual muscle too rapidly. Matwork and Reformer Pilates also use this technique of employing more than one muscle for each exercise, as you need to continually keep your core switched on whilst performing arm and leg movements. A greater amount of hormones are released by working more muscles at once which will trigger the burning of more calories during the day. 

8. Remind yourself that Nothing Good comes Easily 

Last, but definitely not least. Losing weight is damn hard! You must be completely committed to pushing your body by consisting increasing your resistance, weight, endurance, speed, number of reps, etc. Your body will not change unless you push yourself every single workout. Vary your exercises so your body does not get complacent and used to one particular workout. Remember to always perform every single exercise with body awareness, control and dedication. 

Good luck!!! If you want to know more about Premium Pilates studio, call 0402 680 724, email inquiries@premiumpilatesstudio.com or visit us online at premiumpilatesstudio.com. 

From the PPS team 

LONGTIME FITNESS FANATIC CINDY CRAWFORD LOVES PILATES

We did a blog post about model Cindy Crawford's uber toned physique several months ago and since then her age-defying figure won't stay out of the media! At 48-years-old, Crawford looks fitter, trimmer and more stunning than ever. Her secrets? Regular Pilates, Yoga and lots of sleep!

Being a longtime fitness fanatic, Crawford works out 3-4 times a week, combining Pilates, cardiovascular exercise, yoga, hiking, bike riding and weightlifting. Cindy likes to mix up her exercise routine often or she finds herself getting bored. One of the many reasons why Crawford loves Pilates is because it gives her an all over toning workout and isolates numerous muscle groups, which not every form of exercise does. 

Besides her frequent Pilates sessions, the taut model credits not smoking, lots of sleep, taking good care of her skin and being happy to her youthful looks. "I eat right and I exercise and I drink lots of water...I try to get enough sleep. True beauty is the energy you give out and that comes through being happy". 

Want to find a workout that gives you an all over toning workout? Want to work muscles that you never knew existing? Call Premium Pilates Studio today on 0402 680 724, visit us at premiumpilatesstudio.com or email us at inquiries@premiumpilatesstudio.com! We offer a variety of Pilates classes including Pilates Matwork, Pilates Barre, Reformer Pilates and Yoga! 

Images by http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41XZKDE6B8L.jpg, http://static.squarespace.com/static/517b8d64e4b0f470ac8b4ecc/t/5228fe20e4b0f0efb2cb20b6/1378418230483/Cindy_Cover_w_spine_worm.jpg, http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2014/pets/wof/140224/cindy-crawford-435.jpg.

ACTIVATED OATS

There is a new craze sweeping the health food industry: Activated Oats. You may wonder why plain old oats are not considered good enough to eat anymore. The reason: grains and therefore raw oats contain phytic acid, which is difficult for our digestive systems to break down. As many people around the world have sensitive digestive systems, consuming grains or nuts, beans or seeds without first soaking (or activating them) can cause digestive distress. And we all know that our overall health begins and ends with our gut health. Simply cooking your oats will reduce the amount of phytic acid to some degree, however soaking/activating the oats in warm water and an acidic ingredient is a much more effective way to break down and negate this acid. Soaking raw oats between 8-24 hours is advised to improve their health benefits. 

Ingredients


Activated oats

• 3 cups raw oats
• 9 cups warm water (or enough to cover the oats with room for the oats to swell)
• 3 tablespoons acidic medium (white or apple cider vinegar, yogurt, lemon juice)
• pinch of sea salt 

Toppings

• 2 heaped teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 1/3 cups unsweetened almond milk
• fresh or dried fruit such as sultanas or apple 

Method

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and stir to combine. Cover tightly with glad wrap and soak for 8-24 hours (the longer you can soak the oats for the better!). 

2. Drain the oats in a colander and rinse very well with cold water. 

3. Combine the oats with the cinnamon and milk and stir well to combine. Keep in the fridge and serve chilled with fresh or dried fruit. 

Makes / enough for 5 servings of 3/4 cup

x Emily 

BLAKE LIVELY'S DAILY PREGNANCY PILATES' CLASSES

Expecting actress Blake Lively has been doing daily sessions of Pilates and Yoga since she found out she was pregnant! The 27-year-old movie star announced on her website, somewhat cryptically, that she and husband actor Ryan Reynolds are with child in early October. The online post shows the photo above of Lively holding her baby bump against a sunset backdrop. Since this date Blake has posted more photos of her growing stomach, therefore there is definitely a bun in the oven for this young star! 

The toned actress wants to stay fit and healthy during her first pregnancy, hence the daily Pilates and Yoga classes. Lively is eager for her pregnancy to go as smoothly as possible, therefore she is also very aware of her eating and is prohibiting all processed food, tells a magazine source. 

Blake is no stranger to exercise, as she constantly works out before and during filming for her gruelling physical roles. The toned star worked out five times a week during circuit training when she was filming the movie 'Green Lantern'. These circuits focused primarily on her core, arms and legs. In addition, Lively was a fan of Plyometrics pre-pregnancy, as this tough exercise routine kept her legs super toned. Plyometrics involves jumping, lunges and squats and dynamical explosive bursts of these exercises (such as squat jumps). 

It appears that Blake has ceased her usual cardio intense exercise for low-impact Pilates and Yoga, which we think is a very wise choice and will get her through her first pregnancy very smoothly! 

Premium Pilates Studio currently has a record number of pregnant clients!! Pregnant and not sure which exercise regime will help you pre, post and during delivery? Try Premium Pilates today! Our reformer classes have a maximum of four clients to one instructor, therefore you will experience a tailor-made prenatal Pilates class every session! Call Premium Pilates today on 0402 680 724, email inquiries@premiumpilatesstudio.com or visit us online at premiumpilatesstudio.com. 

From the PPS team! 

Images by http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/, http://celebgawking.files.wordpress.com, http://i0.wp.com and http://www.pink255.com. 

MEET ONE of the WORLD'S OLDEST PILATES DEVOTEE - 90 YEARS OLD!

editorial image

Pilates is often glamourised as being exclusively for the young and trendy, however 90-year-old Pilates regular Celia Pemberton is breaking this mould! Celia, who practises Pilates at Drummondance Studios in Fleckney in the UK, is the oldest client in her Pilates class and quite possibly one of the world's oldest Pilates devotees! 

Pemberton has been doing Pilates on a regular basis for the past eight years, after a medical professional recommended she take up the exercise regime due to suffering from osteoporosis. Celia raves about the positive impact Pilates has had on her overall health and fitness; "it’s (Pilates is) marvellous for mobility and general strengthening". The Pilates enthusiast told a local paper that the whole idea of this exercise routine was to "not be thumping up and down" with movements and that each Pilates movement is "measured" and controlled. 

In addition to the health and wellness benefits Celia experiences from attending Pilates classes she also loves the wide variety of participants that Pilates attracts.  Each class has a "tremendous range of ages – from yummy mummies up to me. I’m the oldest person by many years," Celia says with pride. Ms Pemberton admits that she has tried to keep fit her entire life and that she also loves to garden and walk. 

Celia was extremely touched and overwhelmed last week when her Pilates class surprised her with a 90th birthday celebration that included cakes, flowers and movie vouchers (see photo above)! Celia's Pilates instructor Louise wanted to celebrate Celia's great milestone in turning 90 as she thinks that Celia is "amazing." "She’s very nimble and is able to do what everyone else does in class!" 

Have you been considering trying out Pilates but concerned you may be over the hill for this type of exercise? Think again!! Pilates is for everyone, for all ages and body types. It is an excellent form of exercise for the elderly, as it involves working your muscles and keeping yourself moving. Call Premium Pilates Studio today on 0402 680 724, email us at inquiries@premiumpilatesstudio.com or visit us online at premiumpilatesstudio.com. We would love to hear from you! 

x The Premium Pilates team 

Images by http://www.harboroughmail.co.uk/news/mail-news and http://experiencepilates.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/never-too-old.png

BLUEBERRY & ALMOND MILK ICE BLOCKS

Since spring hit Brisbane, I have been experimenting with creating homemade ice blocks. Theres something about an ice block that makes me think 'treat'. This recipe initially had 2 layers; the first layer was the blueberry & almond milk and the 2nd layer frozen banana, ice cubes and vanilla extract. I actually found that the blueberry flavour was nicer and more refreshing than the banana, hence why I settled on pure blueberry. I highly recommend that you invest in some ice block moulds (they usually come in a package of 6) for summer, as there are infinite ice block and ice cream flavours you can make! I have personally tried my hand at banana, mango, watermelon and now blueberry. Watch this space for more healthy ice block / ice cream recipes...I feel a raspberry ice cream coming soon! 

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cup frozen blueberries
• 1 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup 

Method

1. Place the ingredients in a blender and blend until the mixture is soft and combined. Carefully pour the mixture into 6 ice block moulds, filling each mould to the top. 

2. Place in the freezer for a minimum of 45 minutes- to 1 hour to freeze. Remove from the freezer a few minutes prior to eating them or run the ice block moulds until hot water to loosen them from their moulds. 

Makes / 6 
Total Preparation time / 5 minutes, plus freezing time 

x the Premium Pilates team