Maggie Downie, Author at Personal Euphoria: Pilates & Fitness Classes in CT

About Maggie Downie

Thank you for giving your time to stop and read my blog. I hope it encourages you to keep moving. Move and the body will be happier. And when you're moving you can hike, run, swim in Jell-O, race over non-Newtonian fluids, travel the world or build igloos--if that's your thing. If not, you can watch me do it. This is just a spot to try and feel good about life.

I Tried A Chiropractor…And I Liked It

I went to the chiropractor for the first time. I’ve debated about going for years and since people always ask my opinion on chiropractors I thought it was something I should try. Although, I wouldn’t have tried it unmotivated. Really, though, the tale is rather uneventful.

I went to Gina Carucci in Rocky Hill because she came recommended from multiple people, both clients and colleagues. What finally pushed me there was some remnants of chostocondritus (see earlier blog…I pretty much whined about it all winter). While I’d made huge progress with time, ice, anti-inflammitories, Pilates and massage, there was still a general mild ache that wouldn’t go away. It was an ache I could have lived my whole life with but didn’t want to.

I went. She made some adjustments and I found instant relief. Now I will say, one thing that actually encouraged me to try chiropractic was a great sports medicine doctor (Dr. Czarnecki in Glastonbury). He had done what I imagine is something like an adjustment to me before and I’ve also had instant relief. Full disclosure: I love being poked, prodded, pulled and moved around.

I’m not sure it’s so instant for everyone. I think I was […]

I Tried A Chiropractor…And I Liked ItMaggie Downie2017-10-25T15:49:49-04:00

The Float

I’ve wanted to try a submersion tank for years, but I only just discovered there are some in Connecticut. A few weeks ago Matt and I were given a gift certificate to try Surrender to the Float in Guilford. I didn’t really know what to expect, but basically you strip (don’t worry you have your own private room), shower and then get into an oversized tub with four walls from the floor to the ceiling. Once in, you close the tank door and turn off the gentle lighting if you want.

You are suspended in very salty water set at body temperature in pitch black, and they suggest it feels like floating in space. You get an hour in the tank. It is meant to be relaxing and meditative. It was. I fell asleep. They claim you can’t drown in the salt, and I didn’t so anecdotally I support their theory.

Floating was definitely an interesting experience, but having been to the Dead Sea earlier this year, I was kind of disappointed. I’m a sinker. It’s hard for me to float, and when I sauntered into the Dead Sea I felt like a wine cork in water, more buoyant that I could […]

The FloatMaggie Downie2017-09-12T19:31:11-04:00

Reader’s Question: How Am I Supposed to Breathe & Keep My Abs Engaged?

I was emailed an important question the other day that I think a lot of people find confusing. The question is: If I’m supposed to keep my abdominal muscles engaged during Pilates or exercise, how do I do that and take a deep, full breath? Arguably, how do I breathe at all with my abs engaged?

The answer is you don’t. Not well anyway. When you breathe your abdominal muscles should move. They should not stay contracted, especially on a deep belly breath. Even on a lateral Pilates breathe it is not realistic to hold your abs in when you inhale.

Not sure you know what the lateral Pilates breath is? Check out this video before you continue reading:

So here are some tips to hopefully help you breathe, but remain connected with the abdominals (or take better advantage of how they should interact with your lungs and diaphragm):

On every inhale allow the abdominals to relax as you take in air. Use the exhale as a reminder and opportunity to reconnect with them. Very often, especially when you are new to Pilates you should hear an instructor cue you: “Inhale. Engage the abs, exhale and move.” That’s the order it should come. Our […]

Reader’s Question: How Am I Supposed to Breathe & Keep My Abs Engaged?Maggie Downie2017-10-25T15:49:49-04:00

Components of a Paleo Post-Workout Meal

The following post is a guest blog from my cousin, Laura Scaviola. Hope you enjoy the great tips, fabulous photos, and yummy recipes all thanks to Laura and her blog Mangia Paleo.

You know that feeling after you eat a giant bowl of pasta or a few slices of cheesy pizza? It makes you want to go lay down after eating, right? Well the paleo diet doesn’t allow that feeling. The diet suggests eating food (read: nutrition!) that our body truly needs to function. Look at it this way – eating should be to fuel your body. Your post-workout meal should be a response to the workout you just did. The paleo food pyramid is much different than the staple USDA food pyramid. The paleo food pyramid puts lean meat on the bottom, veggies after that, and fruit/fat in the smaller areas. It’s something helpful to keep in mind when thinking about portions.

Generally a balanced plate is important. A proper rule of thumb for a balanced paleo plate is this:

1. Lean protein

2. Starchy Veggies

3. Nutrient-dense greens

In that order.

PROTEIN, IT’S NICE TO MEAT YOU

Components of a Paleo Post-Workout MealMaggie Downie2017-09-12T19:31:12-04:00

PLANK STORY: The Competitive Spirit Starts Young

We met friends in the Poconos last weekend. Their seven-year-old daughter is a blast and abnormally easy going for a human being. But I saw a whole new side of her when we rode Go-Carts, an activity I haven’t done in years, but highly recommend. It’s so much fun. Evelyn had to ride with an adult, so for the first ride she picked Uncle Matt. We drove the course. Matt and Evelyn did well. On our second ride, she opted to go with me. I told her that if she wanted to win she should join Uncle Matt or her father. After a brief consideration she opted to stay with me.

Picture this one in hot pursuit of every single go-cart that zoomed passed us.

We get in the car. Keep in mind I’m changing from the single passenger to a double. Before the race starts they have you drive out of the shed and stop. I pull out behind the other doubles, but when I need to break, the pedal is so much farther away on the doublewide […]

PLANK STORY: The Competitive Spirit Starts YoungMaggie Downie2017-09-12T19:31:12-04:00

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