body – Page 12 – Personal Euphoria: Pilates & Fitness Classes in CT

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

Cellulite

Who wants to admit they have cellulite? I certainly don’t (want to admit it that is). And is it bad that when I read I that 85% of postpubertal women have some level of cellulite I felt relief?

No, it’s not bad. It’s normal. Who wants to feel like the only person with something nobody likes and nobody wants? It’s like getting stuck with the hot potato. So, I have cellulite. I’m not proud of it or about to start shouting it from rooftops. (I’ll just post it on the Internet.) And while I’d love to be the 15% without it, I’m just glad to discover I’m not one of the few.

So if you have cellulite try to find some comfort in knowing that most of us do. You’re not the only one.

CelluliteMaggie Downie2017-09-12T19:32:12-04:00