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Sunday, 17 July 2016

HEIDI KLUM PRACTISES PILATES in BED





If you are a famous model and entrepreneur in this crazy world you are bound to have a few quirks, are we right? German Heidi Klum happily admits that she has her share of idiosyncrasies, such as her full-on exercise regime, which includes Pilates' exercises in her bed! 

At 43 years of age and a mother of four, Klum is defying gravity with her super fit body and high energy levels. The model tends to get bored with exercise quite quickly, therefore she often chooses to shake up her workouts with some unconventional techniques! 


"I probably exercise more now than pre-kids," Heidi told Britain's InStyle magazine. "I didn't really work out that much before. I've always had a very good metabolism so I eat a lot, but very healthily. Sometimes I just do exercises when I'm lying in bed watching TV, like using a Pilates resistance ring to tone up my legs."
The Project Runway host is a big fan of running and hiking and likes to run and hike outside whenever she gets a chance, as she can give her three dogs a bit of exercise too! Klum has a home gym set up in her attic for convenience, so she can fit in a Pilates workout and / or run on a treadmill. 

In addition to her Pilates bedtime workouts and running, Klum eats very healthily. She starts every day with a fresh smoothie made from "every kind of fruit you can think of" as well as seeds and other superfoods. 

Want to try the 'Magic' Pilates resistance ring that Heidi keeps in her bedroom?! Come try a Mat, Barre, Stretch or Reformer class with us! Call 0402 680 724, visit us online by clicking here or email us at inquiries@premiumpilatesstudio.com today! 

x PPS team


https://www.sundayworld.com/style/fashion/heidi-klum-practises-pilates-in-bed, http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CmTFIPcWEAA3iVk.jpg:small, http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/23/article-2587517-1C84F16200000578-327_634x846.jpg, http://tomandlorenzo.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Heidi-Klum-Style-Double-Shot-Red-Carpet-Fashion-Marchesa-Atelier-Versace-Vanity-Fair-Party-Oscars-2016-Tom-Lorenzo-Site-2.jpg,http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/01/30/article-2549085-1B174EDF00000578-782_634x877.jpg. 

Sunday, 3 July 2016

PILATES for ANTI-AGING



Time and time again exercise has been proven as one of the most effective and inexpensive anti-aging tools. But what form of exercise is best for an aging body? Whilst any form of exercise will do some good for the older population, we strongly recommend Pilates. The creator of Pilates, Joseph Pilates, believed that a man 'is only as old as his spinal column feels'. He also strongly believed that his form of exercise and way of life could change how 'old' someone felt. 'Anyone who is stiff and out of shape at 30 is old, while someone who is supple and strong at 60 is still young", Pilates was famously quoted.


Here are just a few reasons why Pilates is so incredibly good for anti-aging and the older population:


  • Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise, which means that it does not put any additional stress on your joints.
  • The main focus of Pilates is to build core strength, which has a direct impact on your posture. If your core is activated and strong, your posture will in turn improve. 
  • Regular activation of the core muscles will result in less strain on the back and a strong spine. Stiffness and lack of fluid movement of the spine are often associated with aging. A strong core will protect the spine, which in turn will build bone density and strength, thus delaying the onset of osteoporosis and minimising lower back pain.
  • Strengthening your core muscles has a positive impact on flexbility. A more flexible body can delay the effects of aging. 
  • Pilates isolates and strengthens the little, but very important, stabilising muscles of the body, improves your fitness and has been proven to enhance your mental state. 
  • As a form of exercise, regular Pilates will release endorphins, which will in turn make you feel happier and younger. 
  • Pilates improves your coordination, body awareness, balance and breathing. 
  • Pilates can very easily be modified and tailored to everyones' individual level of fitness. This allows every client to work at their own pace, whilst also getting a personalised and challenging workout. 
  • And lastly, I have yet to meet one doctor or physiotherapist who does not recommend Pilates as a great form of exercise for all walks of life! 

However, it takes two to tango and we therefore also strongly recommend following a healthy eating plan incorporated with your regular Pilates classes. Clients often find that upon starting their Pilates journey they want to eat healthier as their body feels so much better! 


At Premium Pilates studio we are age friendly! Our clients range from as young as early teens and as old as early 70s. It is never too late to start Pilates. Call us today on 0402 680 724, visit us online at premiumpilatesstudio.com by clicking here or email us at inquiries@premiumpilatesstudio.com. 


http://www.examiner.com/article/pilates-and-yoga-for-anti-aging, images by http://www.omhealth.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/facialpilates1.jpg, 

Sunday, 13 March 2016

CAN PILATES MAKE YOU SMARTER?



Many of us know the extensive range of benefits that regular Pilates bestows on us; increased tone, improved strength, enhanced coordination & awareness, the rehabilitation of injuries and the ability to make us feel better about ourselves and boost our happiness. But did you know that Pilates can actually make you smarter?! Before you shake your heads and think to yourself 'what is this blonde talking about!', hear me out. 

A study performed at the University of Illinois revealed that exercise that focused on the mind-body connection, including Pilates and Yoga, actually improved the intellect of its participants. This U.S study was recently certified by a similar study and experiment that took place at Yanshan University in Quinhuangdao, China. The experiment involved five students who undertook Pilates classes for ten weeks. The study revealed that each of the five participants' 'Alpha' brain power improved throughout the ten weeks. 

What is 'Alpha' brain power, you might be thinking. Before discussing the Alpha state of the brain, lets discuss the stages of brain activity. Your brain is in a Beta state (an active state) when you are performing your daily activities, i.e you are awake and doing chores, working, etc. Your brain is in a Theta state when you are asleep or dreaming. The Alpha state of the brain is a bridge between the active and dream states; for example, when you have rested your head down to sleep but you are not yet in the dreaming state. In this Alpha state, your brain works at lighting speed. Your body is in a relaxed state and your level of concentration is at its highest. Hence much research has been done to develop one's ability to stay in the Alpha state without lapsing into the Beta or Theta state. The research done at the University of Illinois and in China demonstrates that consistent involvement in mindful exercise, specifically Pilates & Yoga, will improve your Alpha state and brain power. 

Alpha power is 'a measure of the brain wave frequency mostly related to the hippocampus portion of the brain area responsible for memory and learning'. Increased Alpha power in the brain has been associated with enhanced memory and cognitive functions.

So how does Pilates achieve this increased brain power? Pilates focuses on several key principles, including working from your centre (your core) and controlling your movement & breath, among others. These foundations of Pilates all involve an immense mind-body connection. Connecting your breath to your movement patterns whilst engaging the correct tiny little muscles is something that requires great mindfulness and concentration. Pilates breathing assists to provide oxygen rich blood to flow to the brain at an increased state, which in turn boosts the freeing of hormones, including serotonin and dopamine, into the brain, which enhances your mood and creativity. 

Pilates also has the rare ability to relax oneself whilst completely engaging the mind and body. Separate studies have demonstrated that turning off your internal thoughts to focus entirely on a workout can assist the brain in neurogenesis, which is the natural process of creating new brain cells. In addition, Pilates has been shown to decrease stress and improve sleep, which can also help the brain to function at a great level. 

Ever done a Pilates workout before your workday? Do you notice how invigorated and awake you feel after the session? Ever been to a Pilates class after a long, tiring day? Remember how awful you felt prior to doing the workout and how much more alert you felt once you completed it? You owe it to your body and your brain to give Pilates a go! Whats the worst that can happen? You achieve a better body and a smarter brain! 

Call Premium Pilates Studio today on 0402 680 724, email us at inquiries@premiumpilatesstudio.com or visit us online at premiumpilatesstudio.com today

http://www.dailynewsservice.co.uk/can-pilates-make-smarter/, http://www.yourinnerworld.net/meditation/how-to-develop-alpha-mind-power/