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.

Sigh of Relief

This morning I had to have blood drawn. I don’t enjoy this process. I went to the normal lab I love, but the woman I know and like wasn’t there. It was 7:30am. I’d been fasting so in my rule book I had reason to be crabby, but I wasn’t. This new woman behind the counter was. She took my paperwork and sighed with utter exasperation, as if my passing her the paper was putting her over the edge.

“Sorry, it’s been a long day, “she said. I replied, “It’s rough when it’s long before 9am.” But I really didn’t mind. It was unprofessional, but I appreciate people have bad days and it’s not the end of the world. I’m also really into breathing, and I know that sigh when you let all the air out audibly is good. So I naively presume she’s feeling better. She had a good sigh. The world must be back to normal.

Nope. She continues sighing as she fills out my forms. I hope with each sigh that before she gets in the back room with me and a needle she’ll let out all her frustration.

She calls me into the room. And I give my usual […]

Sigh of ReliefMaggie Downie2017-09-12T19:31:14-04:00

Fun with FitBit

I got my FitBit on.

I’ve had a FitBit for years. When I first got it, it inspired me to move more, I think. (Maybe there is a previous blog that would reveal the answer.) I haven’t worn it for years, but then my little sister got me back into it by inspiring me with competition. She must know me.

You can now download and app and invite friends to compete in challenges to move more. This is sort of my dream in life. The competition aspect changes the way I operate. I’ve thrown in an extra walk around the block. I’ve even caught myself pacing while chatting to get extra steps.

Most importantly, I’ve learned I’m not as active as I think. I consider myself pretty active. I teach Pilates, after all. I’m up and down off the mat, pulling and adjusting springs. I feel like in my classes I’m always moving. But after teaching three back-to-back classes Ill only earn 600-800 steps. That’s not great. And it’s brought my attention to how much I sit. Since half my job involves running the business, I’m at the computer […]

Fun with FitBitMaggie Downie2017-10-25T14:26:32-04:00

The Manchester Road Race

I ran the Manchester Road Race for the first time. I’d planned to dress up as a turkey, which seemed fitting, but when I got there I soon realized that what my costume provided in warmth, it lacked in creativity. My favorite costume was a group of guys who dressed up as different Robin Williams characters—Aladdin, Mork, Mrs. Doubtfire and Patch Adams. There were considerably better turkeys too.

The Easter Bunny & a Turkey run the Manchester Road Race

Matt, my beau, went as the Easter Bunny. The crowds loved him. People stopped him for a photo-op, a high-five and even a shot. If I ever lost him, it wasn’t long before I’d hear from the crowd a roar of excited children and adults explode with, “The EASTER BUNNY!” I only had one crowd member react to my tailored turkey. I was right behind Matt when a little girl excitedly let out the reaction of the day, “The Easter Bunny, “ she proclaimed eyes wide and full or wonder, “And a turkey.” It wasn’t said with disgust as much as utter disappointment […]

The Manchester Road RaceMaggie Downie2017-09-12T19:31:14-04:00

Turkey Trot: A Great Exercise to Reduce Neck Pain

One of my favorite exercises (because I think it feels great) is the Turkey Trot. This is a perfect time of year to do it. To top it off, everyone looks super cool when doing it. Well, maybe not, but it’s good for you.

In our world of TV’s, PC’s books, and cooking at a counter where you have to look down so you don’t chop your fingers off, our heads tend to be forward and down. This exercise is really helpful with giving the back of the neck muscles a little relief while helping to strengthen them and ultimately reduce neck pain. If you are prone to neck pain, try it. It’s simple and it just might provide a little relief. And, it’s one you can do anywhere (your car, the gas pump, the office, while watching TV—the possibilities are endless).

Check out this video to learn more, but here are some tips to remember:

Try not to tuck your chin
Think of moving from your ears
Be gentle. You don’t have to force the motion firmly

Turkey Trot: A Great Exercise to Reduce Neck PainMaggie Downie2017-09-12T19:31:14-04:00

Seventy-Five & Moving

Last week I was in Paris with a very close family friend celebrating her 75^th birthday. I’d joked before leaving that I was going on a senior citizen’s cruise. It wasn’t technically, but it was a Viking River Cruise. I’d been on one a few years ago and was the youngest by about 40 years. Plus, they advertise on PBS. I watch PBS, but prior to Downton Abbey, who predominately watched PBS? They are seeking seniors.

When I arrived I realized I was in the same boat, literally. I don’t mind that age group. People kept telling me I must be bored. First of all, I’m rarely bored. And second, just because you’re older than me doesn’t mean you bore me. Every year we should all be filled with more fascinating stories and life experiences. Seniors should be more interesting. I like people. The people on that ship did not bore me.

Ann hikes to Rich the Lion Hearted’s castle

My friend Ann is 75, and she pushed herself to climb a steep hill to get up to Richard the Lion Hearted’s castle. She wanted to […]

Seventy-Five & MovingMaggie Downie2017-10-25T16:07:07-04:00

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