body – Page 11 – Personal Euphoria: Pilates & Fitness Classes in CT

Strength of Speed

I’m not sure that everything in life relates to this, but I have certainly found it to be the case since I’ve joined a Dragon Boat team. The faster we paddle, the slower we move. The problem is, we are moving fast, but not getting much strength behind each paddle. When we paddle slower we get more for our effort. Still, it’s hard to convince people to go slow. Our minds think the faster we move our bodies the quicker we will go.

More and more in life, I am finding this to be the case. When I try to rush through things, […]

Strength of SpeedMaggie Downie2017-09-12T19:32:10-04:00

Never Happy with Height

(This image is from the day I officially became the shortest in my family. I’m not positive of the year, but I’m going to guess my brother is 12 and I’m 22–give or take a year for both of us in either direction.)

Though I have 5’3″ on my license because I prefer odd numbers, I always believed I was 5’2″. When I stopped growing at 5’2″, I was bummed. It sounded really short. And I certainly didn’t like being the shortest Downie in my family, especially because I’m seven and ten years older than my younger siblings.

But even though 5’2″ didn’t seem tall, I never felt short, and, eventually, I grew to like that feeling–feeling taller than I was. I came to see the many benefits of being vertically challenged. If it rains, I get to stay drier longer than tall people, to name one.

So it came as a huge surprise about a year ago when I had a doctor’s visit and discovered I was 5’4″. I was stunned and happy because […]

Never Happy with HeightMaggie Downie2017-09-12T19:32:11-04:00

Pilates Proven

Researchers from the kinesiology and physical education department at McGill University in Montreal found that Pilates improves shoulder stability, strengthens the lower abdominals and improves posture.

Let’s hear it for Pilates!

Pilates ProvenMaggie Downie2017-09-12T19:32:11-04:00

Tips for Nap Time

Research has proven that getting a good night’s sleep is good for your mind and body. But a midday nap can be helpful too. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your nap:

1) Sleep for 20-30 minutes at most. Napping more could make you groggy.

2) A dark, cool, quiet place will help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

3) Having a regular nap time will help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer too.

Tips for Nap TimeMaggie Downie2017-09-12T19:32:12-04:00

Never Alone

You are never alone in what you feel in your body. Someone else has felt something similar. So always ask a close friend, your doctor, your sister, your instructor. Never feel that you have to be ashamed about what you are feeling in your body.

Never AloneMaggie Downie2017-09-12T19:32:12-04:00