TRANSFORMATION TUESDAY FEATURING SARAH

Sarah holds a very special place in our heart here at the studio, so it is only fitting that we desperately wanted her to be one of our Transformation Tuesday clients! Sarah started with us a mere eight weeks after having her first child. Sarah started with very basic abdominal exercises, due to the traumatic nature of the emergency c-section that she had recently undergone, however I remember being amazed by how quickly she gained core strength. Before long Sarah was performing advanced exercises with control and stability! Her lower back pain ceased, her hips loosened up and her posture improved dramatically. Sarah is a true testament to how much can be achieved with a steel resolve and a positive attitude. 

Sarah's workouts continued to advance as her technique continued to progress and her strength greatly increased. Did I mention that she was running every single 5 and 10 kilometre run she could sign up for?! There was no stopping this lady! Her physical transformation was also considerable. Sarah shed her post baby weight and greatly toned up and trimmed down. Then came August 2014, when she fell pregnant again. Sarah knew that her pre natal workouts would change, however she took it all in her stride and continued to work hard. As soon as humanly possible after the birth of her second baby Sarah was back in the studio and once again worked incredibly hard to return to her pre baby fitness and body, which she did in a short amount of time!

Then March 2016 hit and Sarah experienced severe pain with her knee, such pain that she required surgery. Sarah continued to come to Pilates, upping her consistent classes from two to three times a week for rehab and never once complaining about the restrictions her knee injury resulted in. Since having surgery on her knee in late May Sarah has bounced back (would you expect any less from this super determined woman?!) and is almost 100% back to her pre injury Pilates workouts! We don't think we could be prouder of you Sarah! 

Throughout the past three plus years we have seen Sarah go through so much and come out the other side much stronger. You are an absolute joy to teach Sarah as you are always keen to learn new exercises, to work just that little bit harder and to make every single class friendly and fun! To read more about Sarah's amazing Pilates journey, scroll down.

What made you try out Pilates back in early May 2013?

After a difficult delivery of my first child (which resulted in an emergency c-section) my obstetrician recommended commencing Pilates to assist with strengthening my core. I started looking around my local area, and Premium Pilates came up.

What has kept you so devoted to your Pilates practice?

Pilates is my time, it’s enjoyable, challenging and empowering. I notice when I miss my usual class, and feel quite out of sorts. The instructors continue to keep me motivated with their high energy, jokes and challenging exercises. Each class is different so you cannot get bored, and with a small class size everyone is friendly and encouraging. The fun and supportive environment is a real credit to Em and Chris.

Your body has gone through a LOT these past three years - two births, two pre and post natal periods, a knee injury and super tight hips (just to name a few!) How has your regular Pilates classes assisted your body through these challenges?

Everything can be modified, something for everyone.

Pilates has given me strength I never knew I had. Specifically my hips, core and glute strength has helped me with my other training. It supports my running and weight lifting activities which I enjoy.  It also elevates a lot of back pain and postural issues I have from carrying kids and completing desk work. The increase in flexibility is wonderful as well.

How do you feel your body, mind and life has changed since starting Pilates?

Improved mental clarity and endurance. If you can get through burners (a very tough Reformer exercise, named burners by Chris for an obvious reason; because they make your abdominals BURN!) you can get through lots of things. I find at the end of class, even though I am exhausted my energy has increased and I feel happy.  A pain free lifestyle is wonderful.

What is your favourite thing about your Pilates practice?

Completing exercises  I never thought I could do (Snake and Arabesque - which are super advanced and challenging Reformer exercises!)

Thanks so much for sharing your inspiring story Sarah! We love how much you love and value Pilates! Stay tuned for next Tuesday's Transformation story everyone!

Keen to transform your body and change your life like Sarah? Call us today on 0402 680 724, visit us online by clicking HERE or send us an email at inquiries@premiumpilatesstudio.com 

SIMPLE VEGETARIAN CHILLI

Disclaimer: this is a VERY mild chilli! If you want to crank up the heat, add more dried chilli, slice up a real chilli/s and/or add some cayenne pepper to the mix. I opted for a milder dish as my husband is very slowly coming around to chilli, however it can only be consumed in very mild quantities. If opting for a hotter version add a dollop or two per serve of natural yoghurt on top of the chilli. I love using potato instead of starchy white rice or tortillas. 

INGREDIENTS

Chilli

• 2 medium (500g) sebago potatoes, peeled & diced into 3cm pieces
• 2 medium (700g) sweet potatoes, peeled & diced into 3cm pieces
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 
• 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon - 1 teaspoon dried chilli flakes
• 1 large garlic clove, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 350g passata
• 1 x 400g tin red kidney beans, drained & rinsed
• 1 x 400g tin five bean mix, drained & rinsed

Salad

• 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1/2 continental cucumber, finely chopped
• 2 handfuls mixed lettuce, roughly chopped
• 1 medium avocado, diced into small pieces
• the juice of 1 lime 
• Optional- a few tablespoons of coriander, finely chopped

COOKING 

1. Bring a large saucepan half filled with cold water to the boil, covered. Add the two types of potato and cook, lid half on, for 10 minutes. Drain the cooked potato under cold water. Return the saucepan to the stove.

2. Meanwhile, prepare the salad by combining all the ingredients in a medium bowl and toss well. 

3. Stir the oil in the now empty potato saucepan, swirling to coat. Add the onion, chilli, garlic, spices and a pinch of ground black pepper & sea salt. Stir for 2 minutes or until very fragrant. 

4. Add the passata, beans and 1 cup of water to the pan and bring to the boil. Once boiled, lower to a simmer and return the potato to pan. Leave to warm for one minute, then remove from the stove. 

Divide the chilli into four bowls and serve alongside the salad. Add a dollop of natural yoghurt or a tablespoon of reduced-fat grated cheese to each bowl if desired. 

Serves / 4 

Total Prep time / 15 minutes 

Total Cooking time / max 25 minutes 

x Premium Pilates Studio 

TRANSFORMATION TUESDAY - SPOTLIGHT ON ANDREA

Our first Transformation Tuesday story was such a hit that we knew we were onto a good thing! Today we focus on Andrea, a very enthusiastic and loveable client of ours that we have had the pleasure of teaching for over the past three and a half years. 

Andrea's Pilates transformation has been and will continue to be limitless. After Andrea's introductory class with us, Chris and I were both very unsure that she would come back (read below as to why!). However Andrea proved us both wrong by returning and since starting Pilates she has changed her lifestyle in drastic ways. 

Gone are the fast food fatty meals; these days Andrea is more likely to be found eating a healthy vegetarian meal. Andrea has removed all processed sugar from her diet and prefers to eat clean. Aside from dramatically improving her eating habits, Andrea's exercise regime has radically changed. For someone who used to consider 'walking from the couch to the fridge to the larder' as exercise, this woman has come a LONG way! Andrea currently attends between four and six Pilates classes a week (2-3 barre, 2 matwork, 1 stretch class). What an incredible fitness transformation! 

The physical transformation that Andrea has and continues to experience cannot be left unsaid. I would like to bring the focus away from kilograms lost and instead on the several dress sizes that Andrea has dropped over the past years. Nothing makes me happier than when Andrea walk's into the studio and tells me that she went dress shopping and was able to fit into a dress she never thought she could of! You do not often see a client continue to tone up and lean down after three years of the same exercise regime. I think Andrea's secret to success is that she is always intent on getting the technique of every exercise 100% right. She is never afraid to ask her instructor questions if she is not feeling a move in the correct muscle or to do extra repetitions if she feels like she hasn't grasped the technique fully. Sorry for spilling your secret Miss Andrea! Have a look below to read more about Andrea's amazing transformation, in her own words. 

What prompted you to start Pilates back in early 2013? 

January sales….. Yep the dreaded trying on of dresses that would not zip up at the back…. Quelle horreur!!! Obviously they were manufacturing off shore, surely that would explain why I could not fit into the clothes!

What was your exercise and eating regime before starting Pilates?

I will admit that I did have quite a high opinion of myself. I knew that I was a bit overweight but put it down to age, children leaving home, becoming a couch potato, and food, glorious food. All the foods that was not allowed in the house became the norm. Moving from the couch to fridge to the larder and a gentle stroll with the dog was the extent of my exercising regime, but I thought that was enough.

How did you feel after your first Pilates class?

I am sure that all beginners have heard about my intro class! Still in denial to the extent of my fitness, I pushed too hard and had a comeuppance (Andrea was a little sick after). Yep that was me. I felt the pain two days after the introductory class. I was been unable to lift my arms to drive the car, walk upstairs and just move without pain, pain, pain.

What has kept you so dedicated and motivated to continue Pilates for all these years?

Progress with me has been slow, however every time I master a Pilates move it is changed to be slightly harder and I have to strive to conquer the new and more challenging modification. Change in my body has been noticeable and every time that I think that I have peaked I see changes again. So the results speak for themselves. Am I as skinny as I was in my youth, where I went without food? No, but now I have a strong body that can carry me through my day without letting me down, and if I do say so myself my core is getting there. It has taken time, but life is a marathon, not a sprint.

How has Pilates improved your life?

 Self-esteem and courage. Sounds corny but I walk straighter, I sit without discomfort, I go shopping without dread, I can change more than one bed at a time without getting puffed. I have a brand new exercise wardrobe (I was too self-conscious to step into Lululemon and try clothes on before). I can look in the mirror and not hate myself.

The 'Red Rooster incident' has cured me of fast food (thank you Chris) (Co-owner and instructor Chris asked Andrea a few weeks after she had started Pilates what she was going to have for dinner. Andrea replied 'probably Red Rooster', to which Chris said; 'you are only allowed Red Rooster if you have skinless chicken breast!' Andrea was shocked and proceeded to ask; 'what about hot chips?' to which Chris answered very firmly; 'No!' We never heard Andrea mention eating fast food in front of us again!).

I am currently on a Paleo recharge, now I have detoxed sugar from my life and I feel even better than I have ever before. Would I have made all the changes to my lifestyle without Pilates? I think not. Pilates has totally revamped me and I could not be more grateful.

What advice would you give people who are just starting out at Pilates?

Just do it, as the saying goes. Try not to overdo it so that you keep coming back, because the difference will astound you and perseverance is the key to Pilates. Everyone should know that Pilates is not just stretching! It is a full body workout and you will hurt and you will sweat but it will be the beginning of a healthier version of you and you will not regret it. And finally to Chris and Emily who have gently guided me to bring out results that I thought were impossible. Thank You! Your vision has made my vision a reality!!!

It's all thanks to YOU and your hard work Andrea! Thank you so much for being a part of our Transformation Tuesday!

To find out more about our studio and how you can begin your own transformation, click here to visit premiumpilatesstudio.com, email inquiries@premiumpilatesstudio.com or call 0402 680 724.